Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Today is Veterans' Day 2014, and on this day I express my heartfelt gratitude and honor the memory of two veterans I've personally known in my life, my uncle, former US Navy CPO Jennings Jack Bennett, wounded by German Navy fire in the Atlantic during World War II and recipient of the Silver Star and Purple Heart for gallantry in combat, and my former student, Pablo Manzano, whose life was lost eleven years ago in Iraq while he honorably served his nation. Both were very young when they made their sacrifices in two very different wars. Both deserve the gratitude of this nation and the honor bestowed on those who selflessly serve. Thank you, Pablo, for your service. I wish there had been no war to sacrifice your precious life in!"
Mr. Jerry Kuehn of Rogers, North Dakota, USA

"I've been thinking of you today brother. I remember getting whooped up on in basketball, and how we made plans to watch Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels because you knew I was a huge Snatch fan, and you thought Two Smoking was better. You will never be forgotten."
Jason Major of Cincinnati, Ohio

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

Sappers Up!"

"Today, December 15, 2011, is the last day of America's War in Iraq, and we are thinking of you, Pablo, and of your family and all that you have given up. On behalf of myself and of the United States of America, we thank you for your service, your blood sacrifice, and most of all the honor with which you lived your short life. You are the human face we will forever see when we hear of the American blood spilled on the sands of Iraq. May your sacrifice not be in vain, and may it bring peace and security to the children of America and Iraq."
Jerry Kuehn of Rogers, North Dakota, USA

"To Pablo's family and friends,
My wife Carmelle and I were Pablo's English teachers at Southwest High School. We were emotionally devastated when we learned of his untimely death back in 2003 and have kept his memory alive because he impressed us a person of immense integrity, compassion, and decency. When the War in Iraq mercifully comes to an end and the very last American soldier departs that distant soil where so many have sacrificed their blood, their youth, and their innocence, we will be thinking of Pablo and honoring the 19 years that his life touched all of ours."
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Kuehn of Rogers, North Dakota

"To Pablo's family and friends,
I did not know your soldier but wanted to send my thoughts of extreeme thanks and gratitude for doing what they did. My name it Kelly (Tyrrell) Zitelman and my younger brother PFC Scott Tyrrell also died "from injuries sustained in Iraq during a non-combat related incident" in 2003. He was near an amunitions hold when it exploded on Nov. 14th and died from his injuries on Nov. 20th at Brooks Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX.
It has been just over 6 years for us...and I just wanted you to know that yours, as well as mine have not been forgotten. I want to thank you for the sacrifice that, not only your soldier, but all of you also gave! I hope that you are able to keep Pablo's memory alive but have also learned to live with the pain of him being gone. Please know that I will be thinking of all of you and that if any of you ever need to talk with someone "that truely understands"...you can reach me at zitelmanzoo@yahoo.com
Kelly :)"
Kelly (sister to a fellow fallen soldier) of Dixon, IL

"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"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I never knew this man. I never knew his family. I never knew anything about him. But yet there is something about the spirit of a soldier, the courage of one of many, yet so significant to the rest of the world... one can't help but shed a tear at the thought of one so young, lost so soon. I am 15 years old. Pablo was only 4 years older than me when he died, and he died on my birthday, August 25. My truest, deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones."
Anonymous of Elk Grove, California

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Pablo Manzano:
Pablo 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

"Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting Pablo; but I knew his sister, Carmen. I went to school with her at USD. She always spoke of her brother and was very proud of him. Although we never met, he is still remains in my prayers."
Anna C. Vazquez of Imperial Beach, CA

"WELL AM SO SAD FOR WHAT HAPPEN TO PABLO MANZANO HE WAS ONE OF THE NICES PERSONS WE LOVE HIM AND HE ARE ALWAYS GONNA HAVE HIM IN OUR HEART WE LOVE YOU ALOT"

"I remember fighting with him on math class and making fun of him for being so tall and stubborn and never bringing his book to class. Pablo, you were caring and funny and an amazing guy. We will remember you."
Diana Marquez of Berkeley, CA

"Pablo, Armando and I miss you a lot. I remember the many times my brother and I, along with other friends, used to go over to your house to watch wrestling and order pizza. Afterwards we would play basketball. You were one of my brother's best friends. You were always there to help Armando when I wasn't able to. For that, I thank you. Watch over him as he goes into combat. You were a great friend and WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I send my deepest condolences to your family."
Sgt. Adalberto Ponce of Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo

"PABLITO WAS MY COUSIN. I AM 8 YEARS OLD, BUT I REMEMBER SPENDING SOME NIGHTS OVER AT HIS HOUSE WE USE TO PLAY FIGHTS. I WAS 6 WHEN HE DIED. I FELT VERY SAD WHEN I HEARD HE DIED.
HE PLAYED WITH ME LIKE HE WAS MY BROTHER. HE IS MY HERO! I MISS HIM A LOT. I WISH HE WAS STILL ALIVE SO I COULD PLAY WITH HIM LIKE WE USE TO."
EMILIANO MANZANO of IMPERIAL CA/ IMPERIAL

"Pablito was my nephew. He had a very big loving heart. He will always be my son's role model and our HERO. We love him and miss him. He was very precious to my family and will always be in our heart. Your Tia Meche"
Mercedes Manzano of El Centro Ca /Imperial

"I will never forget the day they called me to tell me my brother had died. My worst nightmare had come true. As I drove home that day I remembered the last time I had talked to him, he called me to my cell phone. I sat in the parking lot of a store trying to hold back my tears, he asked me how I was doing and I just said come home already. I knew he could hear it in my voice how much I missed him. I also told him that I wanted him to know that we loved him and miss him so much and that we were all waiting for him to come home. I could hear him still on the phone saying everything was going to be okay and for us not to worry about him. We talked a few minutes longer and then the phone line disconnected. I will never forget that day. I hate this...I hate not having my brother. I have nobody now, my only brother was taken away from me. I miss him so much. He was such a great person ...but now all that is gone. Almost two years have gone by and that part of my heart will always be missing. Love you and miss you so much Pablo. Love Your Sister."
Carmen Manzano of Heber, Ca

"I miss you. I'll never forget you. There will never another person as great as you. Thanks for being one of my best friends."
Claudia Pacheco of El Centro, CA

"To the family of Pablo Manzano, I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero defending freedom.May you know 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 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

"I miss you Pablo things just aren't the same with out you. From Mc Kinley to Kennedy then to Southwest you're like a brother that I will never forget. I love you and I miss you but one day we will be together again. Thanks."
Janina Sandoval of El Centro, CA

"I am Bianca manzano and I had the great pleasure of being pablos cousin. I remember most days with him such as the play wrestling that took place in my grandmas front lawn. I believe every great word you say about him because I experienced a piece of each one. I was 13 whe he past away and now that I am 15 I cherish him greatly since he is my hero but more like my brother."
Bianca Manzano of Mecca, CA

"I had the privelage of being Pablos first team leader when he got to Germany. What a great kid. He was sharp, he was funny, he was motivated, and he was everything you could hope for in a new private. I also happened to be one of the first soldiers to find Pablo after he was shot. My now brother-in-law was the other. We tried harder than you can imagine to save Pablo, but he pretty much died with his head in my lap. Every day since then, I've had to deal with the fact that I couldn't save him, even though the two of us tried like mad to. I want to apologize to Mr & Mrs Manzano for not being able to save their son. I know we did what we could, what our training said to do, but he still died right in front of me. I wrote his parents a letter right afterwards and I wanted to tell them how sorry I was and beg them for forgivness because of how we failed, but I couldn't. I am so sorry. I see it in my head everyday and hear my brother yelling "Holy *! It's Manzano!" right along with it. I might have physically washed his blood of me, but I still feel that it's on there. God Bless you Pablo. I know your in a better place. Everytime I hear Shakria on the radio or TV, I always think of you. Rest in Peace Sapper."
SGT Chris Egan of FT. Drum, NY

"HI MY NAME IS MEGAN LAMB AND I ALSO RECIVED A FALLEN HEROS BRACLET WITH PABLO'S NAME ON IT I WILL WEAR THIS BRACLET DAY IN AND DAY OUT TO REMIND ME THAT THIS YOUNG MAN DIED IN ORDER FOR EVERYONE ELSE IN THIS COUNTRY TO BE FREE. I ALSO JUST WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW HOW SORRY I AM FOR THE LOSE OF YOUR LOVED ONE AND THAT I WILL PRAY FOR FAMILY EVERYDAY THAT I LOOK AT MY BRACLET AND SEE HIS NAME. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT KIND OF PERSON PABLO WAS YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT CUTE_N_CUDLEY326@YAHOO.COM. YOU'LL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART ALONG WITH YOUR LOVED ONE."
megan lamb of ALBANY,GA USA

"To the family of Pablo, My name is Carrie and I live in Sacramento, California. I am wearing a hero bracelet, that came with Pablo's name on it. I will wear his name proudly on my wrist to honor him, a hero in my eyes and yours no doubt. Please feel free to contact me, I'd love to hear about the young man Pablo was and maybe see a picture of him, so I can put a face with the name. May God bless the family and friends of Pfc Pablo Manzano. Sincerely, Carrie Hardacre (carriebearie8@comcast.net)"
Carrie Hardacre of Orangevale, California, USA

"I feel very much your loss,I think all wars are useless.My thoughts and prayers are with you."
Maria of Portugal

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..8/25/04

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 Soldier!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"Im sorry you had to go so young. we tryed the best we could. see u some day"

"Im miss you man, I needed you throu those last month. Im very sorry for not honoring you at your funeral. I wish you were still here, Germany isnt anything with out you. I love your parents and your sister. I miss you bro and will alway.love ya, see ya in heaven bro."
SPC. Ponch of Heber Ca . usa

"Im miss you man, I needed you throu those last month. Im very sorry for not honoring you at your funeral. I wish you were still here, Germany isnt anything with out you. I love your parents and your sister. I miss you bro and will alway.love ya, see ya in the afterlife."
ponch of heber ca Cali

"To Pablo who came from the Imperial Valley just like I did from Imperial. I never saw him in Iraq but I saw a lot of good men fall and by God's grace I'm back in the states with my family so that I can remember those who fell. My prayers are with Pablo and his family.

CPL Franco D Lopez (Imperial)
flopez21@yahoo.com"
Franco D Lopez of Fallbrook, CA

"Descanse en paz. A ti, a todos los que regalais vuestra vida. Dios os entienda y acoja en su seno."
Pablo Manzano of SPAIN

"Hey Pablo. Though it's been a long while, I will always remember you; especially that time you kicked me in fourth grade and now this great sacrifice you have unselfishly made. To his family: rest assured, your son has proven his bravory and his cause will never be forgotten. For the most noble of causes, your son gave his freedom so that others may some day have the same blessings we are so lucky to have."
LCpl Lizarraga, Elizabeth of Kaneohe Bay, HI/USA

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

"I cannot even begin to describe the loss of a great person such as Pablo. I met him my freshman year in english class. He sat behind me, always with his friendly smile and although we didn't share another class together thereafter, he was always so kind. Your laughter will never be forgotten. The summer before I started college I took a roll of film to the local WalMart and ran into Pablo and a buddy of his. I had one last picture before I could turn in my finished roll, so we took a picture together and I kept it in my dorm room all year long. That was the last time I saw him. A week before he started boot camp. I miss you. My greatest condolences to his family. You will never be forgotten."
Ilian Priscilla Lopez of Brawley, CA (currently in Santa Barbara,CA)

"To Pvt. Manzano's Family:
Though we are strangers, we want you to know how sorry we are your Pablo was taken from you. There is no doubt his thoughts were of you as he served with the Army in Iraq. We will never forget. You are in our hearts. (1/27/04)"
Carol & Larry Miller of Tampa, Florida

"Thank you Pablo Manzano, 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

"My most remembered moments of Pablito are walking to the Manzano house after school and watching Fresh Prince...hearing Pablito singing along and dancing around (back in the day, of course). Big Pablo, Carmen, Carmelita, and Pablito, you are always in my thoughts and prayers."
Janina Miranda (Lizarraga) of Phoenix, AZ

"I was recently going through some old pictures, and found one of Pablo with his great big smile. I had the priveledge of meeting Pablo in high school and had a few classes with him. I will never forget the fun times we had in math together or the times I was lucky enough to spend with Pablo. He was a great person and he will never be forgotten. God Bless him and his family."
Jackie Gomez of Hometown:El Centro, CA

"I did not know Pablo personally, nor had I ever had the chance to talk to him. However, I have heard many great things about Pablo from my good friend, Tracie Krum. I wish I could have had the pleasure of meeting you Pablo, and seeing that smile I've heard so much about. You are truly missed, and will never be forgotten."
Taryn Pollack of Irvine, CA, USA

"I had the greatest honor of being friends with Pablo. We had a lot of good time together in fact he was my chem partner in high school. He was always there for you when you needed someone and I can honestly say that I never heard one negative thing come out of his mouth. I thank God everyday that I got to know such a wonderful person. I miss you Pablo and I love you, Thank you for everything!!"
Stacie Krum of El Centro Ca,

"I had the privilege of going to high school with Pablo and I can honestly say that he was one of the nicest persons who walked the face of the Earth. When I think of Pablo I think of that unmistakable smile and how it spread; he had the ability to make people smile and more importantly laugh. We miss you Pablo, and we will never forget you."
Tracie Krum of Irvine , CA

"Me and Pablo attended junior high together and were the best of friends. We were like brothers. He was always there for me in my time of need and was the one of the only people I kept in contact with after I moved from the city. He's given me so many things in life due to our friendship and i'll always remember him for being the nicest person I had ever met. We all have lost a great person who will never be forgetten, I love you Pablo and i'll always miss you, until we meet again brother. Goodbye"
Robert Hernandez of Brawley, California USA

"Te Queremos "Pablo""
Isaac Leal of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico

"I had the extreme honor of serving alongside Private First Class Pablo Manzano. He was a member of 2nd platoon as was I before and during the war. I remember most his smile that never seemed to quite and his determination that saw us through the best and the worst of the war. It saddens me to great ends to lose such a soldier, brother. The feelings of sympathy and sorrow for the Manzano family are greater still. You have all lost a brother, son, nephew, uncle. The nation has lost a soldier, one of the best. I know that the next time I face the dangers of the battle field, I need but look into the skys and feel comforted, for he is always watching over his comrades. BULLDOGS ROCK THE HOUSE!"
Joseph M. Winans III Sgt. U. S. Army B Co 54th EN BN of Bamberg, Germany

"Pablo Manzano was a good friend of mine as well as my English partner in high school. I can say without a doubt that he was the nicest young man I've ever had the privelage of knowing. Whenever he walked into a room he lit it up with what seemed to be a never fading smile on his face. I miss him dearly and will always have a special place for him in my heart. I miss you and love you Pablo."
Veronica Marcuson of El Centro, CA

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Pablo Manzano:
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 Pablo 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. Pablo Manzano:
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 Pablo, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia