Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Spc. David P. Mahlenbrock

20, of Maple Shade, New Jersey.
Mahlenbrock died in Kirkuk, Iraq, when he was clearing a route and an improvised explosive device detonated. He was assigned to the 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Died on December 3, 2004.

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"David it’s been a long time brother! We went through Basic and AIT together. I think of you often. I learned of your sacrifice in Kuwait just a week or two after it happened. We were preparing to make our push into Iraq. I was stationed on FOB warrior, I ran into SPC Martinez and he confirmed what I heard in Kuwait. You and your sacrifice will never be forgotten!!! I think of your wife of such a short time and your daughter who has had to grow up not personally knowing her father often. I have three daughters of my own one of which is only three months younger than kadcnce. I wear a memorial bracelet in your memory and do my best to take care of my family and live a good life as I feel you would if you were still here. While you can’t be here to share life with us I will share it with you in spirit. Rest in peace my brother for one day we will all be together again!!!"
SSG McDougall John L. of Lewiston, ID

"David, just want you to know that I have always remember you. I always reflect on the sacrifice that you have made, you will never be forgotten by me."
SFC Glover of FT Riley, KS (From Waianae,Hi)

"Missing you bro. Only a few more days and it will have been eight years since you left us. I will always remember the friend you were to me. REST IN PEACE BROTHER"
SSG Roach of FOB Shank Afghanistan

"Just dropping a line to let you know you and your family are not forgotten, you never will be."
SFC Schilling of Camp Liberty, Baghdad, Iraq

"Remembering you this 4th of July weekend.... you are not forgotten. RIP."

"That day in December is still so vivid in my mind. Thoughts go through my mind, what could I have done to prevent this. Gone in body you live with me in spirit. I miss your silly jokes, but most of all I miss your friendship and your willing to give to others. I love you brother."
Chris Harry of Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

"I remember the day you died. I will never forget it. I remember the rush to get to you, I remember the Dust Off landing and my partner Eggs going to help your comrade. I remember Ells and myself running to where you lay, and the knowledge that there was nothing we could do for you.

I remember ridding in the back with your body, looking for all the world like you were just taking a nap, and I remember the Chaplin praying over you. I remember how utterly helpless I felt. I will carry you with me, a memory of a man whom I never knew, that I wish I could have saved.

Spc Michael Bailey
Combat Medic.
C Co 225 FSB (Ambulance Platoon)"
Michael Bailey of Morgantown, WV

"Remembering you- you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace- you are missed. 12/7/2010"

"Dave I miss you everyday. Thank you for everything you have given. Love you."
maranda of nj

"I had the honor to serve with SPC Mahlenbrock and other 25ID soldiers during my tour in Iraq@FOB McHenry. True professionals and I also shed tears that day as the C-130 left Kirkuk with SPC Mahlenbrock on board."
CMSgt William Walton EOD Chief of Wenatchee, WA

"hey man, been thinking about you a lot here lately, I still have that letter and the Rank that you gave me. I always take it with me wherever i go. you have been an inspiration to me, and i always strive to achieve more knowing that have faith in me, and that youre always looking out for me.I have to go now but ill talk to you later"
SGT Roach of COB Speicher/Iraq

"David not a day goes by that i dont remember you especially on dec 3rd.I remember when you first arrived in hawaii and then the 65th.The events of dec 3,2004 replay over and over in my head.I will never forget seeing youre flag draped casket being loaded onto the C-130.I stood there at attention fighting back tears."
SSGT. Harvey Bubier of Canaan, Maine

"david its me again bro , still in my thoughts missing the times we had on the old fob always coming in to 1st squads hooch and you cleaning somthing anything. i see lt cheng wrote you and many others in our platoon. i dry everytime i hear in color by jamey johnson i think of you how young we were .. lol poor roach spent his 18th bd in iraq, lol and oh how proud you were about melissa and your baby. it looks like we all gone off on our own ways. yesterday war today were home tommorrrow is drill school time goes by so fast. i remember you talking to me that day i got hit in the truck lying out on the msr in iraq. youll always be in my thoughts. and for your daughter and wife if they evr need anything let me know ill be there for you always bro."
dsg remily

"March 6, 2009, David Mahlenbrock was the epitome of a good soldier; disciplined, hard worker, did everything that was asked of him and more. His genuine character and quiet demeanor is forever burned my memory. I hope his wife and daughter are doing well and I want to let them know it was an honor to serve with the finest gentleman, and to walk alongside the footsteps of a giant among men.
platoon leader of SPC David P. Mahlenbrock from May 2003 to May 2004"
James Cheng of Chicago, IL

"December 7, 2008
To the family of Spc. David P. Mahlenbrock:
David 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

"It is Veteran's Day 2008, and there are services all over the place in honor of our brave service men and women. I am the sister of Army SPC Bryant Jacobs, who was injured in the same accident that took David's life. We still think about this often, and always have David in our thoughts. Our best to all who have been affected by this tragedy, still so many years later. 4 years is coming upon us quickly, and not a day goes by..."
Jennica Jacobs of Sandy, UT USA

"I didn't know David personally, though i saw him often on FOB Mchenry. I do remember waiting in line for the phone and internet and hearing him talk about his family back home and how proud he was. That wasn't long before his fateful day. I still think of the day he was taken when we were told he was hit on route clearance. I hope his family knows how proud we were to serve with him and that we are forever grateful for his sacrifice. Rest in Peace."
SFC Schilling of FT. Hood, TX

"Four and a half years after you gave your life so that we could be free, I have not forgotten the sacrifice you made, and the sacrifices all who knew you have made with your loss.

May Kadence live with pride in the life you led and the way you graced the lives of those you loved. May all who knew you find peace in knowing how proudly and selflessly you served.

Perhaps a fitting tribute in our beloved hometown can be made in the near future. I'll work on it, my good fellow. I promise."
David's Freshman Homeroom Teacher of Maple Shade, NJ

"Dahvid!!
So I decided to google your name today. Ive done it about a 1000 times before. Found this site. People out there in the world, The whole world Dave, they care about you. Did you ever think you could "touch" the whole world. I knew you could. You will always be my personal Hero, as well as everyone who knew you. God Bless Kadence may she grow up in your shadow. God Bless your wife, I am sorry for her loss. I will NEVER forget you. See you in my dreams :) No words are large enough to fill the vacancy you have left. Thank you for being Brave."
Margo of Maple Shade

"Today is 3 years since you were taken. You are rememberd with gratitude. I hope your wife and daughter are getting by. I knwo they miss you dearly."

"brock the time is coming near , almost three years have passed. i still cry at the thought of your memory, i miss you man i hope your daughter grows to know how great you were . remember my son born just a week after her ... im srry we didnt get the chance to raise them togehther like we said... rest in peace bro.i will remember you always .."
sgt remily brian of al anbar province , iraq, raider bgde 3rd ID tf cottonbalers

"You are forever in my heart man. Your family is in my prayers, May i live up to the high standards you constantly displayed. You were always the one i could look to for a helping hand, or just to talk to. Miss you bro."
SGT Roach Allen of Hawaii/Schofield Bks.

"Your birthday was 2 days ago and American Soldier was in my mind all day. You're a true hero Dave..."
Karen of Maple Shade, NJ, USA!

"SPC Mahlenbrock was an outstanding Soldier. He was looked up to by his peers and counted on by his superiors. I was the MAD DOG PSG and am blessed to have served with such an inspirational young man."
SFC Douglas Marsh of FOB Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq

"Happy Valentines Day Handsome face. I love you more today than yesterday and I will love you more tomorrow than today. I miss you so much. I wish you were here to hold me and kiss my eyes goodnight, not so much because it's valentines day but just because I need it, I need to be held by you. I just need you, you are the one who always told me everything was going to be ok, now who's supposed to tell me everything is going to be ok if your not here, will everything be ok? My goal now is keep Kadence safe and as happy as she can be, my life is now over without you in it, I don't feel as if I can be happy without you, so i will go on for our daughter until the day I get to be on your arms again. I will stay here for her and for you. I love you, I just hope I make you proud. Goodnight Sweethoney"
Mrs. David Mahlenbrock of Hudson, nc

"Hey Dave, I been thinkin about ya lately and wondering how Melissa & Baby Kadence are doing. I never really got close to them and now I wish I had just to know that they were doing ok. I remember when I got into all that trouble in HS with my mom and you kept telling me that I would find a good guy and things would be perfect. Well I have and I wish you were still here to meet him and give me your "approval" like everyone else has. I miss you! I know we really didnt keep in touch after HS but when we did it ment the world to me. Keep watching down on us!!! Miss You!"
B of NJ

"Hello, I was a member of the mortuary team who recovered David, I had been in Iraq already for 4 months and was used to my job. It was different with him, when we had to take off his personal belongings to send back to his family we found that letter, the flag, and his note of how proud he was to serve his country. I also saw pictures of his wife and new baby. I was deeply saddened and that day changed me forever. When we went to put him on the aircraft to send him back to his beloved ones I remember it clear as day. The runway was filled with American Soldiers on one knee bowing their heads. I remember tears coming to my eyes and to all the grown men on their knees, it was the most honorable moment ever. At this moment I get shaken up thinking about it. I prayed that God would be with his family in that time of need. I didn't know him personally, but I will always remember him and the sacrifice he made for our country and his family. God Bless his family"
Jess of Germany

"I spend alot of time with our injured soldiers at Walter Reed and Bethesda. I know about David from a buddy of his. I think of him often and will continue to pray for his family. I will never forget the sacrifice he has made. David and so many others inspire me to continue to help our military families any way I can.
Merry Christmas. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
Kathy of Maryland

"Its been over two years now since that horrible day, a day I will never forget. The sick feeling I got when our vehicle was hit and the even sicker feeling I got when I came too and realized what had happened. I miss you Dave and your company, I only hope that your daughter grows up knowing how great of a man you were, proud of what you were and of what you were doing."
Todd Gillitzer of FOB Warhorse, Iraq

"we miss you dave.. me and andy got tattoos for you so you're with us forever, and i'm taking good care of handy i promise."
john fields of maple shade, nj

"12/3/2006 Remembering David and wishing his loved ones strength to carry on. I did not know him, but was touched deeply by what I have read about him. I am so sorry for your loss."
of nj

"To Mrs. Mahlenbrock
Again I offer my sympathy to you. I dont know if you have seen but on legacy.com there are some other messages left to you as well regarding your beloved David. I pray you find some comfort from your pain."
nj

""well its almost been two years and there's not a day that goes bye i dont think about dave. i was sitting right across from him when it happened. i didnt find out until about three or four weeks later that we had lost him. to all of the family i am very sorry for your loss. dave was a great person and i was proud to have him in my squad and as a friend."
spc bryant jacobs of sandy, utah

"Handsome face, i love you so much! I miss you so much...i think it is all so unfair but then i have to remind myself that you died doing what you loved, defending your country. I will continue to try to raise kadence the way i hope will make you proud. There is not one day that goes by that i wish you would call, or maybe come home and drag red dirt into the house, god would i love to see your stained red footprints at the doorstep. It seems like it still hasn't hit me yet, i don't care how much time has gone by i don't think it ever will. I still think your going to call. If there is something that happens that i want to tell you i just think, i will tell him when he calls...and then that is when it hits me...your not calling. i miss you baby.it is so hard living without you. it was supposed to be me and you baby. me and you. kadence has had her 1st birthday, her 1st steps, her first words and your not here for any of it. it just doesn't seem right,ya know? did you know that everytime kadence sees your picture she says daddy? i love you sweethoney. we both do."
Mrs. David Mahlenbrock of Hudson, NC

"Hello, I am Mrs. David Mahlenbrock. I just wanted to thank each and every person who took the time to write a message. Through your messages i got the chance to see truely how many people care about me, my daughter and my hero. I also got to read some stories about dave that brought a smile to my face. Reading the memories and the prayers have helped me through some hard times, so thank you."
Mrs. David Mahlenbrock of Hudson, NC

"I was there that day. I was one of the medics that came from Gains Mills. I saw how your loss touched your friends. I remember the horror I felt as I helped search for your NVGs. I rode in the back with you, and I prayed that you would find peace. Your face has stuck with me, and made me a better medic, reminded me the price of failure. Wherever I go I remember. May God ease your burdens."
Spc Bailey of Schoefield Barraks HI

"I miss u sooo much!"
Danielle Bajkowsky of Maple Shade, NJ

"I miss u sooo much!"
Danielle Bajkowsky of Maple Shade, NJ

"In your honor and with gratitude to you, David Paul Mahlenbrock, I’ve planted a daffodil in your name, as have others across the United States as part of Project LIVE ON, a not-for-profit program founded to memorialize each U. S. military who has died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thousands of beautiful daffodils across the country will come up each Spring, and, like your Spirit, will LIVE ON...and ON. Blessings to you, the family, as you grieve, and heal. For details, contact projectliveon@aol.com. Jan. 23, 2006."
Gretchen Forbes of the northcentral mountains of Pennsylvania

"I was in 1st plattoon and Brock was in 2nd.I heard the radio come to life on december 3,2004.One of our humvees was hit by an IED on a route recon.We lost one soldier.A sapper brother.Ill never forget that moment.Watching his flag draped casket being loaded onto the C-130 was the hardest thing ive ever done.Over a year has gone by and im in the reserves now.But ill never forget you brock.My sapper brother."
Harvey Bubier Sgt. USAR of Ft. mitchell ,Ky

"I have planted a daffodil for you Dave, along with 49 more bulbs to represent other soldiers who have been killed in Iraq. Your flower will be seen every year and sacrifice remembered. Projectliveon@aol.com"
Ruth Anderson of Mountain View , California

"I can remember seeing this last year and I was just so touched by this tragedy. I do not know any of you, but the comments about David have really left an impression on me. I think of him and his family frequently and hope they are dealing with the pain ok. At least they should know they are not alone."
sheila of west windsor, nj usa

"I cant believe it has almost been a year since I was listening to the radio in our TOC that morning and discovered that we lost one of our own that day. Brock, you are not forgotton and will always live in our hearts. BUSHMASTERS FOR LIFE!!!"
Nicholas Molina A.K.A SGT MOLINA of Fort Hood, Texas

"To the family of:David P. Mahlenbrock 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. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"I continually think of David's wife and their baby daughter and the sacrifice they have all made as he served our nation. I am proud to have known David and can only hope that all of us live such a legacy as David left. He will never be forgotten. May God be with us (I served with SPC Mahlenbrock and the 65th EN BN, followed his convoy after it was hit with the IED straight to the airfield where David was flown home with honors, and led the Memorial Ceremony for him downrange in Iraq)."
CH (CPT) Clint Black of Schofield Barracks, HI

"I SERVED IN IRAQ WITH DAVID FOR ALMOST A YEAR HE WAS AN AMAZING SOLDIER AND PERSON. I WISHED I HAD THE CHANCE TO KNOW HIM BETTER. HE WILL BE THE STANDARD I WILL ALWAYS HOLD MY SOLDIERS TO."
SSG RAMIREZ, MOISES of SCHOFIELD BARRACKS,HI

"I think about David on a daily basis. It is because of his sacrfice in the name of freedom and Melissa and Kadence's loss that we should all work to not let his memory fade from our prayers."
CPT Matthew W Bryant of Bonney Lake, WA

"I want to thank Dave for his sacrifice for me, his fellow commrades and his country. I was in dave's squad in 65th engineers. No one could ask for a better soldier or a better friend. Dave will never be forgotten. Melissa, Cadence and to all of Dave's family members. I am sorry for your loss. I wear a band on my arm at all times to honor you husband, son, brother and friend."
Christopher W Harry of Wahiawa, Hawaii.

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

"Dave was an amazing man. He had a smile for every frown I had. Dave was my brothers best friend growing up so that made him my brother too. He had the kindest heart and never had a bad word to really say about anyone. Dave you will forever be in our hearts and minds, I love you."
Maranda Brennan of Maple Shade NJ USA!

"Dear Family, He will not be forgotten. May the Lord Jesus Christ comfort you. Please know that there are Americans out here that care."
Russ & Nancy Dillon of Coldwater MI

"The story of David's life and death has truly touched my heart. He was a true American hero. May God give peace and comfort to his wife, baby, father and brothers."
Melody Bauer of Nixa, MO

"i knew brock he was a excellent soldier. you ask how i knew him ?? i shaved with him ate with him and used the same showers. brock was a very good guy one of the best he knew his stuff and did his job .. all i can say is brock i love you man i hate it bro i hate it all sorry i had to leave in october and couldnt of been there i love you man may you rest soundfully a hell keep our platoon safe watch over them and guide them .your battle"
spc remily brian e of schofield barracks hi

"To David's wife, baby daughter and the rest of his family.

I hope that one day you will be able to come to terms with your loss. The sacrifice was great. David is a hero. I hope there is some comfort in knowing this. America will be forever grateful for David's contribution to the war on terrorism."
Dawn Borden of Richmond Hill, Ga

"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

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

"To the family of David Mahlenbrock:

I would like to offer my condolences to you for the loss of your loved one. He was a hero in every way. God has a way of breaking us down only to pick us up and make us stronger. I know the pain that you are feeling because I have experienced it with the death of my husband, Spc. Simeon Hunte. The days are hard and the nights are long, but you must keep your chin up. May God bless you all and guide you through these tough times."
Tara Hunte of Willingboro, N.J.

"Thank you David Mahlenbrock, 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 Spc. David Mahlenbrock:
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 David 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 Spc. David Mahlenbrock:
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 David, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on