Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"PEACE"
Lou of Wilmington, MA

"Never forgotten. Semper Fidelis.

Colonel Steven P. Manber (USMCR Ret.)

Cmd Element, S2, Task Force Scorpion"
Steven P. Manber of Oceanside, CA

"We remember."
Sonya Shiflet of Philadelphia, PA

"Had our 25th high school reunion just this past week, and you are still missed. Your service will not be forgotten."
Derek Jackson of Methuen, MA

"I am Greg MacDonald's father. For the past 8 years I have worked with a woman who draws portraits of our fallen heroes from Massachusetts. Her web site is Operations Home Ties;her name is Gina Johnson. Last year I had the privilege of speaking on Memorial Day in Wilmington.MA. Next year I will give the same speech in Burlington,MA on Memorial Day. The speech honors Greg and his service to the Marine.
It would be wonderful to see any of his fellow Marines
on Memorial Day 2017. (agmacdonald@comcast.net)
as always Sempre Fi"
arthur macdonald of United States

"My 'mom's heart' bursts with love to find that people still remember Greg after 13 years...there isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of him -- thank you"
Diana MacDonald of Burlington, MA

"I served with Mac in Iraq and think of him often. He was smart, kind, and full of grit and determination. I want his family to know that he is still missed even today - I tell my daughters about Greg, I wish they could have known him."
Matthew Boulay of Salem, Oregon

"To Diana and Arthur and the rest of Greg's family- Our family has not forgotten Gregory--Mac--a young man who served in my oldest son's unit, though in another platoon. What a remarkable guy he must have been. Those quilt squares from the Bravo Co. families were stitched with tears and
love 13 years ago, and we continue to hold in our hearts all who knew him and surely miss him.
Sending a hug and wishes for continued strength on this Memorial Day 2016.
The mother of (now) SSgt Matthew Schelberg
Baltimore"
Ellen Hoitsma of Baltimore, MD

"Not a day goes by that i dont think of you brother. Semoer Fidelis"
Dave Wallace of Baltimore, Md

"13 years later Mac and we continue to honor and remember you, we will always remember you. God Bless you brother. Semper Fi."
Bruce Bell of Edgewater, MD

"Dec.25,2015
Its Christmas morning. Sipping coffee and looking out the window. Semper Fi."
David Musto of Dresden Maine.

"You are not forgotten Mac and I will remember that QRF day as long as I live."
Sgt. Boehmer of Boston, MA

"Its Thanksgiving 2015.
I mentioned you two days ago in conversation with some friends from the fox hill area.all acknowledged your sacrifice.
In hopes you Family has a truly great Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
David Musto"
David Musto of Dresden Maine.

"Tomorrow is memorial day."
David Musto of Dresden Maine.

"Its Christmas Eve .24 Dec. 2014.
Your sacrifice for our country will not be forgotten.
Semper Fi."
David Musto of Dresden Maine.

"TODAY is the Marines Birthday .
Tomorow is Veterans Day.
Never forget.
your sacrifices are remembered .
Ooohhrraa. Semper Fi."
Dave Musto of Maine

"I will never forget you Mac! I am honored and humbled to have served with you! Semper Fidelis Brother!"
SgtMaj MIke Lane USMC (RET) of New Bern, NC USA

"Semper Fi Brother"
Keith Mitchell of Haymarket Va

"Semper Fi Mac, it was an honor to serve with you. We will never forget you!"
Bruce Bell of Edgewater, MD

"You are remembered for your service and sacrifice. Your family is always in our prayers."
dave.g of wellesley ma

"SEMPER FI Greg,"
David Musto of Maine

"You are not forgotten, Gregory. May you and your family find peace in knowing that your service and sacrifice are appreciated. Semper Fi."
Dave Gentes of Wellesley, MA

"Gregory,
I would just like to say thank you for your for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. After reading all the messages left here for you all I can say is that I wish that I had had the honor of serving with you when I was in the USMC.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"Semper Fi, MAC."
Roman J. Fontana of Cpl. 4th LAR

"It's Memorial Day, Mac. You're not forgotten. You never will be."
CWO2 Dave Gallerizzo USMCR (Ret) of Washington, DC

"Always thinking about you, especially on Nov 10th & 11th every year, miss you.

Semper Fi"
Richard Bowers of Sterling, VA

"Its Thanksgiving afternoon. Almost noon. Most are thinking about Dinner.....May your family have a great Thanksgiving."
David Musto of Dresden Maine

"You are not forgotten. We approach the Corps' 236 birthday with prayer for you and your family."
Dave G of Wellesley, MA

"my name is gregory eric mc donald. thank you from all the macks sons of donald"
gregory e mcdonald of cola.s.c

"Thinking of you today Mac. You would be proud of the legacy you have left and great things you motivated from your brothers."
Roman J. Fontana - Bravo 98-06 of Grand Island, NY

"Semper-Fi Bravo company 4th LAR OIF 3rd plt 2000-2004"
SGT Mitchell of Haymarket, Va

"Mac, I love ya man, we spent many years breaking stuff on our pigs and razing Kenyi about jazz! The times I spent hanging out at your place in D.C. were great times too! But I do remember that day responding to that ambush call over the net and I recall seeing everyone's faces when we heard that you had left us. We were devistated... There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of that. I will always remember you bud. Give 'em hell up in heaven brother!"
Dave Wallace of Bel Air, Maryland

"To gregs family,. I always knew him as Mac, and almost 8 years later I still think of this great marine. He was the type of guy anyone could talk too, and I had many long conversations with him at home and in Iraq. His wisdom helped us all. Everyone who knew him loved him because he was one of the friendliest marines I ever had the honor of serving with. He gave his all in protecting the country he loved, and I will never forget his sacrifice! I'll see you in heaven Mac."
Cpl O'Hara of Baltimore Md,

"Thank you all for remembering Greg! Yes, it has been over seven years-his family counts each month and each year. We honor him on his birthday, October 4th, not on the day of his death.
We would be more than happy to contact anyone who remembered him. We live in Burlington MA and are in the phone book.
Arthur and Diana MacDonald"
Diana MacDonald of Burlington, MA

"I served with MacDonald in Iraq, it has been 7 years since I was with him, Since then I have transferred to New England where just recently your son was honored by the Marines and Sailors in the Boston, MA area during a memorial ceremony. I have had the honor of speaking to my Marines several times about the Honor, Courage, and Commitment displayed daily by your son. Not a day goes by that he is not remembered. I miss him dearly and pray that someday far from now I will see him again. He will forever be in my heart. God Bless you and your family for raising a Man that all Marines should strive to be more like.
Semper Fidelis

SSgt Snyder
SNCOIC RS PTS, RSS CM"
Staff Sergeant Snyder B.R. of Augusta Maine

"I didn't know Lcpl MacDonald and served 6 years with B Co 4th LAR. God bless this Marine and his family for their loss. Semper Fi Marine! and thank you for being there when you were called upon."
SGT Cromwell (2nd Plt Scouts) of Gettysburg, PA

"you came to rescue me in my ambush and you gave your your life. thank you my brother. semper fi. oorah! and thank you to your family."
SGT Marijanovic Ante I 4th LAR H&S Co. of Long Beach CA

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,000 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Gregory - you will forever be in my heart and mind; a brave, noble and dedicated American, Marine and brother in arms to us all. God bless you and your family!

Semper Fi"
Major Bruce Bell, USMC (ret.) of Annapolis, Md

"Rest easy brother! We still miss you and think about you all the time. I hope your family is well."
Divers of Fairfax VA

"Greg,

Six years later your story is still shared at Bravo. As we prepare to deploy once again, you will be with us in memory and spirit. Semper Fi."
Sgt. Richards of Baltimore, MD

"Just thinking of you and your families sacrifices.Thank you."
David Musto of Dresden Maine

"God bless you Corporal Macdonald. You will be missed."
Sergeant Kyle C. Bibel of Costa Mesa CA

"One of the smartest Marines I had the honor to service with. I will miss our political conversations. Rest in peace Corpal MacDonald."
Corpal Palmerino of Baltimore, MD.

"Will be truly missed. Your in my prayer Corpal MacDonald"
Sergeant Lee of Woodstock, MD./ Howard County

"Remember the words in the Marine Hymn. If the Army and the Navy Ever gaze on Heaven's scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded By United States Marines.
I'm sure you are there on guard duty
Gone but not forgotten.
Semper Fi Marine."
Bulldog Det. 113 Marine Corps League of Hagerstown,MD.

"You are missed and always remembered. Semper Fi."
Cpl Richards of Baltimore, MD

"We still remember. We will always remember. Always."
Sonya Shiflet of Philadelphia, PA

"To Greg's family,
I served with your son in Iraq. We were in different platoons but I knew him fairly well. We all knew him, he tutored us in arabic before we got to Iraq. I want you to know that many of us in the unit think about him frequently and wonder how we can best support you. He was a good guy, a great guy, and many of us still grieve his death. God bless you and please know that we think of you often."
Matthew Boulay of Salem, OR

"Greg,

I still remember that day like it was yesterday. Four and a half years later we were still telling stories about you this last tour. There's always gonna be somebody at the unit to pass your story on. You were a good friend and an awesome Marine.

Semper Fi,"
Sgt. Cunningham of Delaware

"February 8, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Gregory E. MacDonald:
Gregory 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

"I wasn't in Iraq w/MacDonald, but we were in the same unit for a few years. I considered him one of my better friends, and always valued his conversation. He was very smart and friendly to everyone. It is a terrible tragedy that he passed when he did. He was a wonderful person and he made the world a better place with his presence.
Semper Fi, Mac."
B co 4th LAR Marine of east coast, US

"This is Greg's mom. I thank all who remember him. There is not a day that goes by when there is not a reminder of Greg. I consistently check the Web to see if there are any new messages about Greg - and I am overwhemed with the responses that I see.
I thought that after 4 and 1/2 years, it was time for me to respond.
I thank you all. Gregory was a special son -- I keep gettinig affirmed in that belief."
Diana MacDonald of Burlington, MA

"Greg and Family .
I am originaly from Burlington Ma. I went to school with Greg from Fox Hill up till High School.I will not forget what you have done for this country , Nor wil I let those around me. You and your family have made the ultimate sacrifice for Freedom.

Freedom does come to some at a price, while others just enjoy its benefits.

Sincerly David Musto
USN Seabee operator 91-00"
David Musto of Maine /Dresden

"Im sorry Mac, im sorry."
lcpl etcher of na

"To the family and friends of Gregory E. MacDonald; I am participating in an action this weekend in Washington, DC to honor and bring attention to those who have lost their lives in Iraq. I have chosen to represent Gregory. If you would like to supply me with a picture of him for a sign that would be appreciated. I can be contacted at DebbieTolson@AOL.COM
I am sorry for your loss, Gregory was a very fine young man with much to contribute to the world."
Debbie Tolson of Potomac, Maryland

"I did not know Gregory MacDonald personally. I was with 4th LAR Delta company assigned to HQ in support of the battalion. I was tasked one day with inspecting the belongings of a fallen Marine. I got a fellow Marine to help me inspect the gear to ensure it was appropriate to send home (no ordance or otherwise). I did the task and sent the material on to the next step. All this with a deep understanding from that point of what I had truly gotten myself into. I thought the whole process was over until one day I got a message that there were boxes in my area unaccounted for. First let me give you a view of the area (base in kuwait on Iraqi border)...nothing for miles! The Corp was storing equipment there for future missions that we had and there was really nothing much else on that base except for gear and a few Marines. When shipments came it was a pretty detailed process. So for cargo to be on the deck with no one knowing how it got there is a pretty amazine thing within itself. So I went to check it out and it was the same gear of the fallen Marine that I shipped out about 2 or 3 weeks prior from Iraq! I think someone screwed up on the process and was scared to own up in fear of getting in trouble. So I made sure the contents went through the final steps. I hope it arrived and was some comfort!

Sgt. Bowie 4th LAR Recon OIF 2003"
Bowie of Glen Burnie, MD

"LCpl, I never knew you. I did know Sgt Stroh when he and I were CPLs in Bco4thLAR - no doubt you would have been in my platoon. The other day I heard audio of an LAV - the whine and drone of the Diesel still to this day brings back found memories. I know in your last moments you were most likely with your fire team in your pig doing what we all enjoy doing - being a Marine. When it is my time to go I too hope that as I close my eyes for the last time the last thought I have is of being a Marine. Semper Fidelis LCpl...Semper Fidelis"
Bill Mahoney of Grafton, MA

"Although it's been nearly four years since LCpl MacDonald's passing, please know that we continue to remember Mac, his family and loved ones, and their ultimate sacrifice. Mac's life mattered, and it made a difference in this world. Peace to all . . . ."
Sonya Shiflet of Philadelphia, PA

"Gregory,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"Just wanted loved ones of Gregory to know that since March 19, 2006, when my church held a prayer vigil on the third anniversary of the war, I have been praying for you. (It just occurred to me yesterday that I might be able to send you this message via the Internet.)We put big yellow ribbons, with names on cards attached, on the church fence honoring all those who died. We also had baskets with cards naming fallen soldiers so that people could take one and pray for their family and friends. As we approach another anniversary, sadly, we continue placing ribbons on the fence and taking cards to pray over. Hope it's some small comfort to know that Gregory and others are not forgotten."
Betty Costa of New York, NY

"Thinking of you on this Veteran's Day. RIP, Greg. Thank you for your service."
Mike Espejo of Burlington, MA

"Although Greg and I were not that close in High School, I remember him as being a man of character, strength and conviction. He stood up for those who did or could not stand up for themselves. He and his family have made the ultimate sacrifice and for that we can never thank you enough! Rest in Peace, Greg. I wish had known you better......"
Scott Gasper of Westford, Ma

"I was lucky enough to serve with Mac in Iraq. He was a outstanding Marine. He is forever in the hearts and minds of the Marines of Bravo Company 4th LAR Bn.
SEMPER FI"
Mike Pickett of Sykesville, MD

"To the family of Cpl.Gregory E. MacDonald I am so sorry for the loss of your love one He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus.If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with you please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church Rev. John B. Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga.30016 phone 770-787-1015"
Polly Ballew of Covington Ga. U S A

"To the Family and Friends of a Brave Soldier. I have around my wrist is a bracelet that honors a fallen soldier named: Gregory E MacDonald. I am honored to wear his name and carry it with me each and everyday. God Bless! -Heather Thanks to herobracelet.org"
Heather H of Hendersonville TN

"I go to the Virginia military Institute and I am trainning to become a Marine officer. I am from Montgomery County MD and i bought a KIA bracelet in LCPL MacDonald's name. I only wish I could have known him."
Greg Porter of Rockville, MD/ United States

"Greg, A faithful patriot, Marine and friend. I write this nearly a year to the anniversary of your death yet it seems like yesterday. I know the day that you left us you were watching. I still think to this day, "If only we ran faster.", "If only we found you sooner." I feel guilty because I could not do more. I know you kept us safe and ensured our safe homecoming. For that I thank you. I am in no way a religious man, but looking back on everything that weve been through, I know that you were there watching us, and continued to do so until we came home. For that, I thank you. Greg, We all miss you. Sgt. Walt Fasci"
W. Fasci of Fairfax, VA

"Gregory, I always love you all in my life. I always miss you and never forgetten of you all the times. Love, Your Brother Mark"
Mark G. MacDonald of Washington, DC

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Marine!! Semper Fi! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"To the family of Gregory MacDonald,
I am so sorry for your loss in your family. I know how it feels to lose someone you love. If I lost my brother named Gregory too I would be heartbroken. Well Gregory sounds like a hardworker and kind person. He well be missed"
7th grade student of Barker Middle

"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, Gregory, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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

"To the family of Greg MacDonald,
I recently heard of Greg's death in the Belmont Alumni news magazine and am so terribly sorry for your loss. If it is any comfort, I would like to tell you about the young man I knew in the Philosophy department in undergraduate school. Greg, at the time, could best be described as a sweet, sweet young man who approached learning with earnestness and passion that was driven solely by curiosity and an intense desire to know rather than political or personal agenda - that, among philosophers, is bravery. Among the students he distinguished himself as a fair and ethical man and, moreover, a kind and generous person. I can only imagine that he approached his life in the Marines with the same unfailing dedication and intensity. While I might have mistaken Greg for shy initially, I soon knew him to be an eager, humorous, and loyal friend. I would not presume that any words could ever be of comfort to you, but feel that Greg's sweet nature deserves to be remembered and want you to know that, in my heart (and I'm sure in many others) it will be."
Lori Davies Barfield of Rome, GA

"Thank you Gregory MacDonald, 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

"All gave some, some gave all. Semper Fi."
Sgt. Michael, A Co, 4ht Lar of Los Angeles, CA

"This message is for the family of Lcpl MacDonald. I served in the same platoon as MacDonald for many years. He was a good Marine that we could always count on. He never complained no matter how hard it got and was one of the hardest working Marines I ever knew. I knew Lcpl MacDonald well and I even gave him a ride home to his apartment in D.C. a couple of times after training in Frederick. I live in Faifax, VA so it was convenient for me to drop him off in D.C.. He was the nicest guy and I could always count on him for a good conversation about politics or what was going on in the World. MacDonald was loved by everyone in 1st Platoon Bravo Company, 4th Lar BN. He will be sadly missed. I served in B Co. 4th Lar BN from September 1993 to October 2001."
Philip Stroh (Fomerly Sgt Stroh) of Fairfax, VA / USA

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Gregory MacDonald:
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 Gregory 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. Gregory MacDonald:
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 Gregory, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia