Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I know it's been a long time since Jude passed but I was just thinking about him as I saw something on TV about a fallen soldier. I learned of his passing on TV right after his accident. I was devastated! I worked at Mather AFB in the 1980's and Jude worked in the Base Commander's office. I met Jude while I worked for the Base Exchange. He was the sweetest young man I had ever met. He was always happy and smiling. He wasn't married yet but he was so in love! He always looked forward to going home to see his girlfriend and family. We talked off and on after I left for another job but eventually lost touch. I'm so happy to know that he married and had a family. I will never forget him. He was like my little brother. God bless his family"
Dianna Carder of Roseville, Ca

"6 long years and still I think of Jude everyday."
C. Lee Peterson of Mascoutah 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

"My name is Flora Salada-Varga. Jude and I had a class together during our senior year. I remembered him being very quiet and shy. I just found out of his passing from Beth Sanchez via our yearbook from VHS posted on Facebook. My deep condolences to Jude's family and loved ones. Jude, thank you for your service to our country."
Flora Salada-Varga of Holland, MI USA

"February 3, 2009
To the family of Master Sgt. Jude C. Mariano:
Jude 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 had not heard from Jude for quite some time and decided to do a “people search” and just found out what happened. I served with Jude in Korea (1997) and we were best friends. He always bragged that he could beat me at Ping Pong and Bench Pressing, which he usually did. He was very proud of his Wife and Children and talked about them every day. To the Mariano Family, “I am very sorry for your loss. Jude was a great person!”"
Jim Secor of Bellevue, NE

"I'm so sorry for the loss of Comrade Jude C. Mariano. A true American hero who made ultimate sacrice for our country.

Manny A. Cajuguiran
SMSgt (USAF, Retired)
O'Fallon IL"
Manny Cajuguiran of O'Fallon IL

"I just wanted to say thank you for your service defending our freedom. My husband was part of the 615th, so losing one of our own is hard. Thank you so much and God bless."
Wife to a former 615th of Hickam AFB, CA

"Jude,
As I sit here in Baghdad, Iraq, looking at the fallen heroes since this war began. I can’t help but remember the last time we saw each other back in December 2003. My family sat behind your beautiful family during midnight mass at St. Vincent’s Ferrer, Vallejo. I still remember that moment when I confided with you about my discontent with the number of deployments we had to put ourselves and families through. With your signature smile, you turned to me and said “I know what you mean; I’m deploying after New Years. But it's ok, It will be a short four months.” We bid each other good luck just before the mass began. I still can’t believe that was three and a half years ago. The morning I read about your accident in the newspaper is still vivid in my mind. It’s different when it’s someone you know and respected. It lingers, especially when friends still talk about how good a person you were. You left a lasting impression with your comrades; I can’t even imagine the void your family experienced with your passing. May you Rest in PEACE my friend. May your memories remain in our hearts and minds as bright as your smile we all now miss."
FDG of American Canyon Ca

"Rest in peace . You are with God, Brave Warrior. Your sacrifice, honor and duty to your country will not be forgotten."
ray of March ARB, CA

"Not a day goes by that I do not think of the time I spent with Jude. My thoughts and prayer are with you."
C. Lee Peterson of Mascoutah IL

"Hey Jude! Just I remembered when Jennifer and I would visit the family on occasions and some weekends of fun. It has been a year and eleven months from today since you have given your life for this contry. And so far it has been hard for me to believe that you are not around. I remembered many moments with you especially when we both drove to Muir beach when we found out that my Dad was swept off the rocky beach shore, we both drove there at night and began searching for him. That was 18 years ago, I knew then how special you are and I would be so proud to have you as a brother in-law. I still am proud than ever before. Manay and I are getting along much better, thank you for your blessings.

Take care Jude... we all miss you so much."
Ariez and Jennifer Morco of Vallejo, CA/Solano

"My name is Hope Arnold, I was stationed with Jude while in Qatar. I was also involved in the accident. Jude I just want to say THANK YOU!
Thank you for being such a role model, while when were over there. No matter what, you always had a smile on your face. Jude was a wonderful person, who was always talking about his family and how much he loved them. What a great honor for me to have been able to have served with him!"
Hope Arnold of Medway OH

"Hey uncle Jude...... we really miss you alot..... i am kinda really worried because me and ate jaclyn we use to be really close but not anymore...i guess because she have a boyfriend and that she got modling now..... i whant to be close again..... and when we went to your house for a party of ate jaclyn and a.j graduation party we where talking which where me, ate shan, kuya edmond, ate amy, and ate jaclyn that when her friends come she will just ditch us.... so couple of minutes we here a doorbell and so here comes ate jaclyns friend domonick and brittney and they just ran upstairs and close the door..... and she just left us.... and so later on ate amy, ate shan, kuya edmond, and we went upstairs and so we where like talking to domonick brittney and ate jaclyn and so later on ate jaclyn said can i talk to my my friend frist allown and so we all went outside and then ate jaclyn went out and said your scarying my friends..... and ate amy said to us that how can we scare her friends..... to me i say o my gosh how can we...... where nice....we just wanted to get to know them..... i don't know you should talk to her... and i am worried that boy Josh ate jaclyn new boyfriend i don't know if there still togather or not... we didn't been speaking to each other... last time i talk to he was on sunday i think.... so yeah i think you should talk to her in her dream!!!!! i am so worried about her Uncle Jude.....
so again WE MISS YOU....and also that WE LOVE.... and MY YOU REST IN PEACE....THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
~~~<3<3<3~~~=)"
mia duya of American Canyon,CA

"Toothe family of Jude C. Mariano, 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 pray with you or need to talk to someone 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. Your friend in Jesus Christ."
Polly Ballew of Covington ga Ga..

"To the family and friends of Master Sgt. Jude C. Mariano,

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 use our link and register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Wife of an Air Force veteran and MCQ Member"
Kim Woodard of Richmond, VA

"I offer my deepest condolence to the Mariano Family."
SrA Feliciano of March ARB, CA

"To the Family of Master Sergeant Mariano,
Please accept our most sincere and heartfelt condolences on the loss of a true American hero, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. You are all heroes in our eyes."
The Dutra Family (Air Force Parents) of Pleasanton, CA

"We lost touch since we shut down Norton AFB CA and to find you in the front of San Jose Mercury News as a fallen hero was not the best way of finding you again. I have informed all our friends from Norton and they send their prayers. Rest in peace my friend."
Jon, TSgt, USAF of Travis AFB CA

"Dearest Kuya Jude,
We miss you so much and want to let you know we are keeping in touch with the family. Our prayer are always with you, Ani, Jaclyn, AJ, and Justin. I know you're watching over the family and pray that we will be able to visit soon. We're very honored to know you and have your picture up in the house with the family :).
Dearest Ate Ani, Jaclyn, AJ, and Justin,
Our prayers and hearts go out to you this holiday season and always. We just want you to know that Jude ALWAYS spoke highly of all of you and never missed a moment thinking of all of you. We miss you very much and will be in touch soon. Our love, hugs, kisses, and prayers always! Your family in Okinawa..."
All our love, William, Vida, Kyeli, & Diana Price of Okinawa Japan

""A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.""
Joseph Campbell

""May you rest in Peace and my condolences go out to all of the Mariano Family""
SrA G. Hernandez of Keesler AFB, MS

"Hi, its my first time here. I consider you as one of my heroes. I bet everyone does. I miss you, i still cant believe it for some reason. May you rest in peace. We all miss you. We will NEVER forget you. You will always be in my heart."
Nicole (Jaclyn's friend) of Vallejo, CA

"Jude and I went to school together. At the time most kids dont really understand what type of people they are surrounded by. I know I didnt. Yesterday I heard that Jude Mariano had died serving his country. The name stood out. I knew that person. I went to look at some class pictures and found that Jude had left his autograph in my 1978 Vallejo Jr. High yearbook. Jude and i were friends not buddies but friends. I remember fealing at ease around Jude, he had a cool way about him as though he understood the people around him. I wish I could have known Jude better, but now that I look back I can better understand what type of person Jude really was. I feel a loss only having known Jude in my school years. I truely offer my condolences for those that knew him well."
Patrick Walsh of Vallejo, Ca.

"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

"hi daddy....i havent visited here in awhile.....i miss you so much! ate amy and kuya andrew left already to arizona.....they're like my brother and sister...i hope i wont loose them too...i love you daddy"
Jacaletan (ur daughter) of Vallejo California

"Hi Mr. Mariano. I just wanted to say that I really appreciate what you have done to protect our country. I consider you one of my heroes, even if I've only met you once. Thank you for everything, and rest in peace."
Janelle (Jaclyn's friend) of American Canyon

"I'll post again because I never put my name. I miss you Kuya Jude."
Sami Morco of Fairfield, CA, USA

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

"Uncle Jude Wow!!! There were so many people again for you this time it was for the 40 days. I know you probably were there during the time, so you saw all the cars parked in front of our yard right? So many. Did you see the dance that Andrew, Amy, Mia, Edmond, and me did for you? Well we all hoped you liked it. And of course Jaclyns performance for you was very nice plus the surprise she did of "Hey Jude". Well I know that I'm writing these even weeks after the 40 days. I just didn't have time to do awhile ago. Well everything is fine here. I hope your enjoying yourself up there and don't worry for us here cause we're taking care or Auntie Ani, Jaclyn, Aj, and Justin. We just watched Scooby Doo 2 the other day with them. Well take care Uncle Jude and We'll all see you again.Love Ya Uncle Jude"
Shan (niece) of American Canyon

"" Uncle Jude I know that you are in a better place.My you rest in peace.I hope that all of your family and friends are going to see you soon in heaven and we could be there with you Uncle Jude."We always love you"."
Michelle(Mia)Duya of American Canyon, Ca,USA

"BTW Jude, your brothers Gilbert, Gerry, Sis Gina and lotsa friends finished your home improvement project to a professional job perfection. Am sorry I couldn't participate but I did fix up your pc's man and maybe, up there, you can influence somebody to stop clogging your firewall protected system w/ spam!"
"Uncle Don" to Jude & Ani (his wife) of fairfield, california

"HeyJude! How should I address this email to you now that you are w/ our Creator? Miss you so much man, tears fall every time I work on another slideshow version of your life and times to show our friends & relatives how truly a rare & beautiful individual you have been & how fortunate we have all been to have known you in your brief tenure on earth. We all love you."
don morco of fairfield, california

"Hey baby brother..there isn't a day that goes by when I don't think of you and I have tears in my eyes knowing that we won't see your beautiful smile and handsome face anymore. I am so proud of you and everything you've accomplished. You are our "Hero". We will always be here for Ani and the kids. Your legacy will live on through your kids. I love you and miss you so much. You're always in my heart.
I love you always. Your loving sister..Ating Gina"
Gina Mariano Duya of American Canyon, CA

"Hey Jude, I miss you. We may not be blood related, but you're a true brother to me. I miss our joking ways, but know that we care. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family. I will try my best to be a good god-mother to Jaclyn; she's very special and I know that you and Ani are very proud of her and the boys. I will always remember that I was there when you first met Ani and responsible for you two getting together. Proud of myself there, and you always knew it. I will do my best to be there for your family.
I keep hearing the song "Fire and Rain" and the part "I always thought that I'd see you again". I can't believe that we've loss you; but you're heaven's gain. I love you, thank you and now rest in peace my friend. from your best man...."

"Uncle Jude!!! we miss you so very much!!! we know that you are in a better place now, but always know that we are thinking of you always and that you will remain in our hearts and mind always...we (kuya andrew and I) miss your awsome-ality!!! may your soul rest in eternal peace. i guess there are no ways to describe how awsome you are...i guess your indescribable...once again, we love you very much uncle jude!!!"
amy mariano of american canyon, US, CA

"My husband spoke fondly and often of Jude and the contributions he was making in Qatar. May God bless you all in your time of sorrow."
Ms. Keith Baron of Ohio

"To the family and friends of MSgt Jude Mariano, May God bless and watch over you in your time of loss. I had the privilage of serving with Jude and getting the chance to know him. He spoke constantly of his love and appreciation for his family. God bless."
Senior Airman Angelica Reyna-Mix of Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar

""Uncle Jude we all now that you are in a better place.My you rest in peace. My God take care of you and we are going to see you soon".
We always love you
"Uncle Jude""
Michelle(Mia)Duya of American Canyon,United State,CA

"Daddy I miss you so much and I will always love you! I think of you every single day and sometimes I hope you will show up or pick me up from school. Its really hard to think at school and I cry all the time for you. I want to see you really bad and everyone else does to. PLease can you show up or give me a sign?! I love you my daddio!"
Jaclyn (your daughter)/ laguu of Vallejo, CA/United States

"Uncle Jude we all know your in a better place. May you rest in Peace and May God take Care of you. Love you Uncle Jude."
Maria Mariano /niece of American Canyon, Ca, U.S.

"Rest in peace Uncle Jude, we love you."
Niece of Jude C. Mariano of Virginia Beach, VA

"May God be with your family in their time of need."
MSgt Webster of Vandenberg AFB, CA

"May you rest in peace Kuya Jude."
A relative of Jude C. Mariano of California

"May his soul rest in eternal peace.
With sincerest condolences."
Rennel Atienza of Benicia, CA

"Please excuse our typo, we meant no disrespect to Jude."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"TO THE FAMILY OF JUDE MARIANO- I KNEW AND WORKED WITH YOUR SON ABOUT 22 YEARS AGO BEFORE HE JOINED THE MILITARY- I WORKED WITH HIM AT SIZZLER FAMILY STEAK HOUSE IN VALLEJO,CA- I WAS SADDENED BY THE DEATH OF YOUR SON-I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM!!- I REMEMBER HIS SMILE AND HIS LAUGH-HE TRULY WAS A GOOD PERSON- I NEVER,EVER, HEARD HIM SAY A BAD WORD ON ANYONE-TRULY A GOOD MAN- JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I AM PRAYING FOR HIM AND YOUR FAMILY"
ED MEDINA 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, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi B from Montana "

"Rest in Peace Brave One. May God Bless your family"
The Taylors USMC of NC

"To Jude's Family:
There are no words that can express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you and your family as Joshua watches over you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Jude Mariano, 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 Master Sgt. Jude Mariano:
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 Jude 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 Master Sgt. Jude Mariano:
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 Jude, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia