Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Tyler ...I miss u ..sorry I took so long to post..u are the reason I joined...love u. Man ..u are the example I want to be..."
gutierrez...damian

"I sit in disbelief that its now going on 8 years if i am correct. Thank you to all who have written something here. Tyler is missed dearly and we think about him often. I felt today was a day i could write here and thank all of you. God Bless."
Dave-Tylers Dad of Evans

"Tyler, Your family misses you dearly. Your sacrifice for our country is also your parent's sacrifice. There is no greater love than to give your life for another. Thank you for your love of country and for our freedom. All our love, your cousins Kevin, Chris, and Dan"
Chris Bass of Greeley, CO

"PFC MacKenzie, it has been 6 years since you died for this country. I still remember driving out to the site to help secure it after we got the call. Just wanted to let you and your family know I've never forgotten, once a Bulldog always a Bulldog! First Strike brother!"
SFC Fuller, Leslie W. of Ft. Campbell, KY

"A long time has passed since you gave your life for our country Tyler. I still remember where I was the day I heard the news about your death, the memory is still vivid. You are truly a hero in my mind, and there has hardly been a day since your passing where I haven't thought about you or your family. Semper Fi, and we will meet again one day in that big barracks in the sky."
Drew Jorgensen, Cpl USMC of Loveland, CO

"Warriors live on in our hearts forever! You must have been one of the best. Josh and Alysha were friends here at Fort Bragg. Josh and I were on the same APA Pool team. We met one Memorial Day weekend at The Firehouse Pub. Alysha was expecting Colton and they had just got stationed at Fort Bragg. The NASCAR Coca Cola 600 was that weekend in Charlotte, NC. Not knowing Josh was a racefan the conversation hit NASCAR. Josh had never been to a race. Some friends of mine and I go to that race every year. We still had tickets, so I invited Josh and Alysha to join us and I am so happy they did. It was just a bunch of Soldiers having a great time at the Red Barn Campground and Lowes Motor Speedway. I still go to that race every year. But now, It means so much more to me as I honor you, Ben and Josh "Warriors" Tyler, God bless you and your family, thank you from the bottom of my heart. SFC William E. Rasool, USA (ret)"
Bill Rasool of Fayetteville, NC/USA

"Tyler- so many feelings are going threw my head right now. 5 years ago today was the last time I seen you & my husband Spc Joshua Munger. Know your not forgotten && we love you."
Wife of SPC Joshua Munger ...Alysha Munger of Missouri

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"November 2, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Tyler R. MacKenzie:
Tyler 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

"To the family of:Tyler R. MacKenzie 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"

"Tyler, Ben, Josh ... I agree it is very empty.. but like the boys We need to be here for Each Other... I am only a call away."
Tanya of momwithwings1963@yahoo.com

"Almost three years and the emptiness is still there. Missing a world where you, Joshua,Benjamin and Ben's good friend Andrew are still a part of things."
Ben's Momma

"HUGS.....! Mungers momnlaw"
Tanya Bush

"Two years passed, and still the sting of the loss of your life remains. You will never be forgotten Tyler, even though I did not personally know you my sons did go to school with you and my heart breaks for your loved ones left behind."
Teresa Young of Evans, CO

"It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us the freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves under the flag,
And whose coffin is draped in the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

©Copyright by Charles M. Province.
America has been built on the blood of
Heros and Brave Men of Honor.
Thank you for your service, bravery, and commitment
to duty. Thank you for my freedom.
Rest well in Gods loving embrace brave
soldier. You are remembered by a
grateful nation."
William Darby Taylor Jr. of Bonita Springs Florida

"The news of Tylers death came to me while I was serving in Afghanistan and it really hit home. I went to school with tyler and played junior high football with him but more importantly he was a fellow brother in arms and thats what really counts. My thoughts and prayers are with tylers family! "Airborne All The Way""
Cpl. Chance W Harlow of 82nd Airborne Division Fort Bragg NC

"THINKING OF YOU ON THIS DAY AND ALWAYS. WITH LOVE ."
TERRY TAMMY SMITH of HENDERSONVILLE,TN

"Thinking of you its been a short year.
11-02-06"
T Bush

"9-11-06
Thinking of you ! Colton and Tanya"

"Mr. MacKenzie,
Just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you, not just today but every day. The Bush Family Steve,Tanya,Austin,Alysha & Colton Munger 6-18-06"

"To the family of Tyler Mackenzie,

I'm sorry I haven'y written sooner to tell you how sorry I am about Tyler's loss. I wish I had the opportunity to meet Tyler. From the things I have read he was a Fine and Honorable young man. I think of Tyler, Joshua and my Benjamin every day and wish with all my heart that this has all been a huge mistake. Know that I will always remember Tyler and Honor his dedication to this nation every day. Tyler, Joshua and Benjamin will always be with us as long as we remember them. I hope that you are doing as well as can be expected in coming to terms with Tyler's loss. As Ben would say," This is a Craptastic situation." I guess we have no choice but to go forwards and live our lives in their memory. I think of you always.

Peace be with you"
Lenore Smith of Hudson, Wisconsin

"To the family of Tyler Mackenzie,

I'm sorry I haven'y written sooner to tell you how sorry I am about Tyler's loss. I wish I had the opportunity to meet Tyler. From the things I have read he was a Fine and Honorable young man. I think of Tyler, Joshua and my Benjamin every day and wish with all my heart that this has all been a huge mistake. Know that I will always remember Tyler and Honor his dedication to this nation every day. Tyler, Joshua and Benjamin will always be with us as long as we remember them. I hope that you are doing as well as can be expected in coming to terms with Tyler's loss. As Ben would say," This is a Craptastic situation." I guess we have no choice but to go forwards and live our lives in their memory. I think of you always.

Peace be with you,"

"Tyler, Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie,
As I watch the Flags FLY SO FREE... I know that its because of our young son's. I only wish Freedom was with out such Heart Filled Pain. As we go into this Memorial Day just know that EVERY DAY IS A MEMORIAL DAY the thought of all of you never goes away.
God Bless, Mom-Tanya Steve Austin Alysha Colton "Munger-Bush""
"Munger-Bush" of Centerview MO

"Mr and Mrs. MacKenzie and Family, well its been a tough one where has six long months gone? I just want you to know that I am thinking of you.
This weekend its going to be alittle tough. Please know that you all are in my THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND COLTONS TO. He loves to say his PRAYERS and talk about HIS DADDY AND HIS DADDYS FRIENDS AND THERE FAMILYS. From one mom to another Mrs. MacKenzie its going to be a tough weekend for both of us I am thinking of you and GOD WILL GIVE US THE POWER TO GO ON I KNOW HE WILL. With Motherly Love Im here for you! Tanya Bush"
Tanya of Centerview,Mo. USA

"To Tyler, I have spent a lot of sleepless nights wondering what actually happened on that November afternoon. It has been six months now and I still have no answers. You were part of something real special and I will always remember you. You may have fallen on the battlefield, but your memory will never fall from my heart."
Sgt Cory C Collins of Ft Campbell, Ky

"To the family of Tyler, I am Josh's "ma"n law. I want to say how nice it would be to speak with you all when you are ready. I have ask Cpt. Candrian several times how you all are doing. I am not sure how to get ahold of you. My daughter got to visit with Sgt. Collins the fourth person who as you know was with our boy's WOW the hurt he must have. I hope to get to see him this next time when i go to Campbell, I often take Items to send to the boys of there units. We need to pray for him, as he continues to heal and I know our three boys are by his side. ALL FOUR OF THEM ARE HERO'S ONLY IN DIFFRENT WAYS!! I think of you all every day and wonder how you are, when i get down and cant get up the thought of what our Soldiers are still going thru pulls me up and that is the way Josh would have wanted it. I am sorry that we have to talk or meet under terms like this I wish things were diffrent, I do need to hear from you tho and most of all I WANT TO HUG YOU OH SO TIGHT, I KNOW IT WOULD HELP ME HEAL! and I PRAY YOU HEAL!I think we are planning to go to Washington to the service are you going? LV TO YOU ALL EMAIL-- momwithwings1963@yahoo.com"
Tanya Bush of Centerview,Mo. USA

"To Tyler's Family, I am so sorry for your loss, what a great man you raised. The tributes on this site are beautiful. Tyler, you sir are a true American Hero. Thank you Tyler for all you have done in Iraq and in your life. May God Bless you Tyler and God Bless your family."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"I remember reading about your son in the newspaper. He seemed like an amazing person. And I just wanted to express my graditud to you for everything he did."
Tyra of Cheyenne, Wyoming

"The Next Room
Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped
away into the next room. I am I, and you are you.
What ever we were to each other, that
we still are. Call me by my old familiar name,
speak to me in the easy way which you
always used. Put no difference in your tone,
wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes
we enjoyed together. Pray, smile, think of me,
pray for me. Let my name be the household word
that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect,
without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means
all that it ever meant, It is the same as it ever was;
there is unbroken continuity, Why should I be
out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere
very near, just round the corner. All is well.
~by: Canon Henry Scott Holland~

Gone – but not forgotten.
Thank you for sharing your loved one with us,
and for the sacrifice made by you and your family on our behalf.
Proud mom of Lcpl Alex. Currently serving in Iraq"
Patricia of Bishop, CA

"I am the grandmother of Benjamin A. Smith, who also was killed along with Tyler and Josh Munger that terrible day. I am so sorry you must carry the heavy burden of his loss. All three of these young men were obviously well liked, beloved by their families and fine examples of courage and strength. I will keep you and Tyler in my prayers and pray that God gives you the strength to come to terms with this grievous loss. Thank you, Tyler, for your sacrifice."
Brenda Quandt of Lincoln Park, MI

"To the family of Tyler R. MacKenzie:

My deepest sympathy is with you all. Knowing the sacrifice your soldier has made. I Played football in highschool with Tyler, and was enthusiastic about his decision to join the army, however upon the news i recieved several months ago, it made me think of why it couldn't have been me, because coming from a fellow brother in arms, the sacrifice Tyler made is the most prestigios act any one person could make. Again our thoughts and prayers are with Tyler, and family, and he will not be forgotten...SEMPER FI"
SGT. Nicholas Tucker. USMC of Camp Pendleton, CA

"Tyler, you will never be forgotten. You will remain in our hearts and minds forever. You gave the ultimate sacrifice for your country, your family, and your fellow brothers in arms. I will never forget you."
PFC Brent Wingfield of Yusafiyah, Iraq

"Tyler was great man and a soldier. I had opportunity to meet him and his father just before I left for Iraq. Tyler was so excited to be joining the Army. He kept in touch with me in Iraq and kept me up to date on his progress in the Army. I salute you for your sacrifice Tyler and my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family

2lt Daniel L Bergman
10th Special Forces Group (Airborne)"
Dan Bergman of Broomfield CO

"To the family of Pfc. Tyler Mackenzie and to all that knew,loved,and honor him: I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Spc. Joshua Munger was my nephew and I just want you to know that we share the same UNIMAGINABLE pain and loss. We not only lost someone that we loved deeper than words can explain but we lost HEROES that died so that we may all remain free. They were "simply asked" and they gave more than others could ever imagine.
Thank you,Tyler for your strength,your bravery,and your contribution to our FREEDOM. It is true, freedom doesn't come free and SOME GIVE ALL. You were a special, dedicated soldier that will forever be remembered for who you were and for being the hero you were. Thank you, Tyler from the bottom of my heart, for all you did and for being there with our Josh til the end. I pray about the day we will meet and I am able to embrace and thank you. God now has another GREAT soldier who has completed his time in HELL-so retire your boots and guns, no one will ask anything or anymore from you-YOU GAVE ALL!

To your family, I pray for each of you every day. I pray that when you close your eyes at night but your mind,heart and soul won't let you rest, that God will bring you some peace if just long enough for the pain to ease. I once heard that "the pleasures of ones we love can sometimes only last for a moment, but the pain of the loss of ones we love, last a lifetime." I now know this is true. I will forever keep Josh and Tyler in my heart. Live with your memories and live for the day you will see him again. Bless you and Bless your HERO. He is a hero to me and I honor him and your family. If you ever need anything or just want to "share" please feel FREE to contact us. "Free"-dom is what our loved ones gave us. God Bless You!!"
"Josh's Aunt Tammy" Hitt of Higginsville, MO

"Tyler, This is SPC Joshua Mungers wife. You were a very brave solider. I am so proud of all you all and as all you all know my husband was the driver of the HMMV that Tyler was in and I give Mackenzies family my love and if you all ever need anything do not forget about me just remember that our HUSBANDS & SONS are heros and always will be"
Alysha Munger of Centerview MO

"I was on the PSD of the unit Tyler Replaced (1st BN, 108th Armor, Georgia Army National Guard), and was able to meet him while we trained them on the area they were to operate. I had several conversations with him about home, among other things. He talked about his families restoration business, and of Colorado. It hurt me deeply to find out the names of the men that died that day. We only worked for three weeks or so with the men of the 502nd, but our PSD teams like brothers by the time we left Mahmudiyah. We were able to scrounge up some Hummvees and make the trip back to Mahmudiyah for the memorial. It was a fitting ceremony for the boys. They are sorely missed by many, and will always be in our hearts and minds. From the men of the 108th Armor, I salute them. Godspeed."
Spc. Jonathan Blake Silvers of Al Hillah, Iraq

"Tyler, you will never be forgotten by me and my wife. We will remember all of the good times we had with you. And I will always remember how excited you were when you wanted to join the army and help others. I will always remember you as Monkey, since that is you nickname. We have been having a lot of tears about what happened, and I hope your family is doing okay. We have them in our prayers."
Jason and Jennifer Wagner of Franklin, WI

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

"TYLER MY TEARS ARE WITH YOU TODAY AND YOUR FAMILY. FOR THE MOST PART THOSE TEARS ARE WITH MY SON. HE ALWAYS TAUGHT ME; THAT I NEVER HAD TO WORRY FOR HIM. THAT HE HAD HIS MILITARY FAMILY OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS WATCHING HIS BACK. AS HE DID OF YOU. DAD WE MAY NEVER KNOWN OUR ENTIRE FAMILY. BUT, WE ALWAYS PROTECT ONE ANOTHER. AN IT IS TRUE! MORE SO THAT YOU ARE SOMEONE'S SOMEONE AND YOU ARE SOMEONE TO THE WAHL FAMILY. OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU TYLER AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN! YOU ARE A HERO; AN MUCH MORE TO ALL THOSE THAT KNEW AND LOVED YOU! GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To the family and friends of PFC Tyler MacKenzie,
I was among the group of Airmen who rendered a final salute to PFC MacKenzie as he was placed aboard a C-130 for the trip home. It was my honor and privelige to pay my respects to a fellow Coloradoan and brother in arms. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time."
David Long, Colorado ANG of Baghdad, Iraq

"Thank you Tyler MacKenzie, 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 Pfc. Tyler MacKenzie:
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 Tyler 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 Pfc. Tyler MacKenzie:
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 Tyler, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia