Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To the Parents of fallen Marine Lance Corporal Jacob Lugo:
My name is Douglas Day. We have met only once briefly but I'm sure you do not remember me. I am an old friend of Paul Roberts, Jacob's father-in-law.
Accompanied by my daughter, Army Corporal Megan Bonner Day, I attended Jacob's funeral shortly before her first deployment to Iraq. She did two tours of duty during the course of the war, completed her time of military service, and opted out of the Army summer of 2010. While she was serving her first tour, I went through, as a typical father who protects his daughter, what became a daily inner turmoil the likes of which I had never exprienced. My stepson, Barry Turner, spent five years as a contract long-haul driver for a sub-contractor of Halliburton. So I watched my wife, his mother, go through the same thing.
As fate would have it to our great relief, Barry's step-sister, Megan, rode convey protection on some of the convoys in which he drove, up and down that long dangerous highway running along the Iraqi border with Iran. They were stationed to the same compound and watched out for each other, much to our extreme relief.
Megan later married an Army Sergeant, Jason Rudall, who is still serving his country there, presently on his fourth tour of duty, this time as a platoon leader in Afghanistan. Please pray for his safe return and of all those still there.
Now that the Iraq War is over and our mission of rebuilding completed, I realised how much it has changed each of our lives and drawn us all closer together as a family. Though it is of small consequence, I know that as a parent I was completely unprepared psychologically to have a child serving overseas in a war zone, with no way to contact them yourself, with no way of knowing if they were safe or not. It was by far the most stressfull and mentally difficult experience as a parent I have ever had.
This is why I wanted to write this. To tell you that given what I personally experienced as a parent and it's insignifcance in comparison to your tragedy, I cannot imagine the depth of your loss or the effort it has taken just to go on with your lives.
But through you, your son has done so much more than give his life in the cause of freedom serving his country overseas. That sacrifice alone is the mark of individual greatness. But that sacrifice coupled with the ongoing endurance of the Lugo family has been a mighty example to this family, and assuredly to other military families, of the strength and dignity and character I believe to be inherent in the basic and most precious unit in all our lives, the American family.
After the passage of these years, a promise given but left undone decades ago by American leaders fighting another war that ended in such utter futility, has finally been fulfilled by American leaders now: to win this war and finish it as it should be, avoiding the debacle of another Vietnam.
So in closing, and I know of no other way to stress this enough, let me offer the deepest thanks from the Day Family to the Lugo family: for your sacrifice; for your steadfastness; for your unity; for your faith; and with that appreciation goes our continued sincerest symathies, always and forever, in the memory of your beloved son, Jacob.

From all of us whose lives you've touched,

Sincerely,

Douglas M. Day & Leigh Anne Day;
Aaron Day,Jackie Day,Eileen Day, & Megan Day;
Barry Turner,Brianne Turner,& Brittany Turner;

(and 8 grandchildren)"
Douglas Day of Rockwall, TX

"To the family of:Jacob R. Lugo
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga""

"To the family of Lugo i was their at the funeral when the service was over i gave another marine a marine flag to give to his wife as she was getting into the car i am a marine vet with the Marine Corps League Det#731 and during my spare time i made some Gold Star Pillows for the fallen heros and i would love to give his wife a pillow to let her know we did not forget what her husband done for this country my email address is(socool371@yahoo.com)"
Antony King of Fort Worth.Texas U.S.A

"Dear, Jacob Lugo

Though we never met in life face to face, though we never heard of each other till now,your heroism and bravery is the very sole thing that keeps the people of America safe and secure through the darkest of time.
No amount of words can express my deepest of gratitude towards all of the fallen heroes in this campaign, I wish your wife and family the best as my deepest condolences.
Semper Fi

I'd Like to share to you one of my personal favorite quotes, that i hold near and true:

"We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm."- George Orwell"
Anonymous of Leander,Texas United States of America

"our lives are different now... we are husbands and fathers... students and businessmen... bums and party animals... our todays may be different but our forevers remain the same. forever we will be honored to have known you... forever we will note this date in our mind... forever your memory will be held high and your honor unable to be tarnished... my todays are sometimes rough but my forevers carry me trhough every time... on any given today it may be hard not to frown but knowing that you will live on in us forever is an honor and burden that pride and respect will not let me frown through life with. we are living our lives today because you gave yours forever. thank you lugo for watching us all down here. . . thank you for being you"
cpl komora

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Jacob R. Lugo:
Jacob gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"On this memorial day, and throughout the year, you are remembered with honor. I am proud to have served with you. Semper Fi."
Former 3/7 Marine of Lancaster, OH.

"To the family, friends, and all other servicemen and women,

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Not one day goes by that I don't think of the military and what each and every person involved with the war is going through. We the civilians in this country should never forget or take for granted what you all do for this country. Mr. and Mrs. Lugo, thank you for raising such a great young man and for your selflessness.

Sincerely,
Eric Raul Lugo"
Eric R Lugo of Austin, Texas, United States

"Hey Jacob,
thinking about you you were an amazing brother, son, and most of all Marine! we thank you for your service to our country god bless you! love you always"
jessica banks of lewisville,texas

"Hey Lugo,

I remember our time at rss lewisville and all the poolee functions we went to together. Everyday you keep me going and when I was in Iraq man you were the only thing that I thought about everytime i went on patrol. You'll never be forgotten. You live inside all of us that knew you. You were like a brother to me man. Rest In Peace Lugo. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family man. To Mr and Mrs. Lugo your son helped me get through some tough times i was having in school. He helped me when I was about to fail my senior year. He was a great guy"
Lance Corporal Derek Baringer of Lewisville, Texas USA

"It is an honor to post here to honor a fallen Marine and hero such as Lance Corporal Jacob Lugo. Our middle son Jonathan returns to Iraq with the 1st Calvary United States Army next month, and he played middle school football with Jacob, while Stephen played soccer with Jacob's brother Aaron, so I had the privilege of knowing him as just a little guy along with his brother Aaron. Prayers for his wife, family, friends, and those who carry on. Jacob, we'll see and thank you again in Heaven! God Bless you Marine, as we are assured of in His Word."
Mark and Dana Dillenberg, Stephen, Jon, and entire Family of Argyle, Texas

"lugo,
its been two years now but your memory lives on and you live on through your brothers in arms the pain of this tragic date will never soften but as much as that pain doesnt soften neither shall your memory fade or the hope and joy you brought to your bretheren dwindle it was a complete honor to serve alongside you and i bring your memorry everywhere i go"
CPL Kyle Komora of baghdad

"Jake, my best friend, brother in arms! thank you for keeping me safe, i love you and miss you."
Cpl Perkins of Flower Mound TX

"I went to Middle school with Jacob and Lori was my best friend..i was supposed to stand by lori as a bridesmaid in their wedding ceremony..as i sat in the church for Jacobs funeral i leaned over to my mother and said "this was supposed to be a wedding.." I don't even know what to say other than my heart goes out to Lori and Jacob and their families.. He died for his country...and for that we should all be proud"
Asheley of Plano, Texas

"Thank you Jacob for all that you did. I only knew you for a short time but you have forever changed my life. I pray the Lugo and Shelton family often."
Meredith McKie of Plano, TX

"To the family of Jacob R. Lugo:
The day your son died was the day my son celebrated his 2nd birthday. I just want to say thank you for a young man that would fight for his country and give his life in order for my son to celebrate his birthday. Our family lost our marine Lance Corporal Aaron C. Austin on April 26, 2004 so we feel your pain and we are praying for your family. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice Jacob"
Jesika of Lovington New Mexico

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Jacob R. Lugo,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca

"Corporal Lugo, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Jacob, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To Jacob's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To Jacob's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. For the family/friends: May time provide happy loving memories in place of present sorrows. Look to the sky for in the infinite meadows of Heaven the bright shining stars bloom....the forget-me-nots of angels. God bless you and thank you."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"To the family of Jacob,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Jacob is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"Thank you Jacob Lugo, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Jacob Lugo:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Jacob for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Jacob Lugo:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Jacob, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia