Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Dear gentian,

I have not known you personally, and i dont even live in the united states(yet). Im also an immigrant from albania. And you are a hero, your story has had me really thinking of you, im sad i have not met you personally but your story has touched my heart. An albanian warrior like your tradition.

Full of love, for you are know in gods kingdom."
Florian Rama of The netherlands

"Memorial Day 2015, Gentian I will always remember you my brother in arms!
- Respekt per familjen e heroit! Do ta kujtojme se bashku gjithmone!"
1LT Dautaj of CT

"My Dearest Gention;,,,I miss you everyday my friend my Hero,,I fly my flag in honor of you and all others that serve Our Country,, I have so many memories of you and us as friends,,,Like the 1st time we went bowling it was ur 1st time ever bowling,,that was one of the best nights ever it was so funny watching you before you left for your new mission,,and the postcards you sent me along with with the pics of all your travels with the USMC,,when you walked across the stage to get your Dilpolma in your Dress Blues,,or you translateing for me to astrit dad which by the way ended up working out really well for awhile but already know that cause your my guarding angel and you know all now,,I miss you everyday my friend and I will never forget you,,you are truly my American Hero,,,"
Leanna of Warren , Michigan

"Today we honor those who fought for the very freedoms you gave your life for. I am proud to have known you, although for a brief time while on deployment in '03 aboard the USS Nashville. You will never be forgotten."
Bryan Whitley of Hemet, Ca.

"As this thanksgiving is comming again, we keep you in our hearts and minds forever,our brother, friend and HERO"
Arianit ILJAZI of Englewood, CO/USA

"To the family of:Gentian Marku
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""

"Gentian, you brought great credit upon your adopted country, your service, and your unit as well as yourself and your family for making the ultimate sacrifice. I myself have served two tours in Kosovo and have made several friends among local kosovo albanians. I have always found them to be nice respectful people. As a member of the US Army, it brings me much pride to know that those who adopt this great nation as their new home have the courage and conviction to put on that uniform to defend Her values and cultures. Not many can do it, and the fact that you did, and unfortunately died for your new home speaks a lot to your fortitude. May your memory never fade away but be an inspiration to those who choose to live in a society free from oppression and fear."
Chris of Yazoo City, Ms

"Hey Genti!
Veteran's Day is here and you are not forgoten.I remember when you got back from Albania and said that you were proud to be there and doing something for both your countries.I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sakrifica jote kurre nuk do te harrohet.
Fli ne krahet e Zotit!"
Redi of Ohio

"hey gentian i met a new marine but im scared i dont want to loose him like i lost u be there for me guide me please i couldnt be happy with you but i want to try again i will always love u bieney"
bieney of brownsville texas

"hey how r you i bet your great living in peace. everyday i wake up gentian your in mind untill i go to sleep. i see the news and first thing i think is you. i miss u so much. i know your with me but thats not enough for me gentian. i love and i will untill the day i die and im holding your hand again. love u always and forever."
bieney banda of brownsville texas u.s.a

"Gentian you're an Eagle from the land of the Eagles; you're just flying somewhere else; the eternal Eagles from the land of Eagles just fly away. Albania and USA are forever gratefull for your sacrifice in the service of FREEDOM. You live because the FREEDOM, ALBANIA & USA live and will live forever, revived form the blod of Eagles like you. Stay tight now in the everlasitng & warm arms of LORD JESUS. See you soon bro..."
Arianit ILJAZI of Denver, CO, USA

"i miss you every day. you know sometimes i wonder what would of happened if you wouldnt of gone.would we be married by now would we have kids something we know we wanted really bad. you were everything to me and you still are gentian. i will always love you my love you are a true american hero you will live in my heart for the rest of my life"
bieney b of brownsville texas usa

"Gentian, Christi past in parize. I am an American born Albanian. My family and I morned your death. You are a true American and Albanian hero. You will never be forgoten and will always be remembered as the brave hero you will always be.Thank you for what you have done for all of us and say hello to my brother and son in heaven."
Mark C. of Auburn Hills, Michigan

"I dashur Genti
Sakrifica jote kurre nuk do te harrohet!
Ti je heroi yne! Zoti Jezus bekofte familjen tende dhe fli ne paqe vella!

Dear Genti
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten!
You are our hero! Lord Jesus bless your family and RIP brother!"
Altin of Edmonton, AB, Canada

"November 18, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Gentian Marku:
Gentian 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

"Marku was one of the best Marines I have ever had the honor of serving with. He was a Marine with compassion and deep devotion to his brothers in arms and he will be deeply missed. I sincerely hope that the courage and honor he diplayed will help to comfort those who knew and loved him."
HM2 Berry former 1/8 B Co corpsman of San Diego Ca.

"TO all of the families that lost a Loved One my Prayers, I have always been taught that as long as you remember them then they will live on. From a Former Marine A Co 1/8 3 PLT"
Harry Good of NC USA

"kure isha femij e kam njoft gentjanin, gjithmon ka qen djali mire te urte dhe te mencum. edhe sepse ka vdic do to rri ne zemrat tona pergjithmon! kure sdo te harrohet sepse ka humb jeten per t'na ndimuar neve. zot ju dhasht kivet per humbjen e djalit!"
ela beqi of mi

"Gentian,
I would 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. I saw the CNN documentary about your unit-Bravo 1/8 in Fallujah and how you-a native from Albania came to the United States and enlisted in the USMC. You proved that you were more of a citizen than a lot of other Americans-that says more about your character and the type of man you were than anything else. I served in the USMC during the 80's and fortunately it was peacetime but I feel honored to be able to say that I was a member of an organization that has brave men like you and your fellow Bravo Company Marines in it.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
Fellow Marine;former member of Bravo 1/8 '85-'89"

"Familia Marku, mbasi e degjova kete laim per Gentin e Dardanis',- doia tiu jepia ngushellimet e sinqerta per humbjen e djale Trimit. Ne te nijten kohe uroj te beheni te forte se ne vime nga vendi i Shkipes, nenes ILLIRY.
Zoti iu bekone."
Jud of To, Canada

"...until we meet again, brother in arms..."
SSgt K of from Warren, Mi

"Genti, may you rest in peace. I think my parents are on their way to see yours right now. I wish I could go. We all miss you. I saw the paper yesterday, your picture was on it. And I've been thinking about you ever since. God bless you, Genti."
E of Clinton Twp., MI

"G.... i learned of your death many many moons ago. i always wanted to join the USMC even since before i met you. we were in the Warren Police Explorers together. i miss you my friend, you death brought upon me the courage to join and become your brother. i remember the day you and chuck left.. it saddens me that this has happend.. and only now i learn of this place to leave one final message..

OHH RAHH Devil dog.. see you soon..
you are a hero among heros.. as i leave for combat.. i hope to do you proud!

Semper Fi brother.."
Lcpl Joshua Janes of Pensacola Fl

"may you rest in peace my brother, you are my hero, god bless Albania and America, We all owe our freedoms to men like you."
"Q" of Detroit Michigan USA

"E dashur familja Marku,
ju humbet djalin tuaj te mrekullueshem, por ai do te mbetet pergjithmone ne zemrat e te gjithe shqiptareve kudo qe ndodhen ne bote dhe ne s'do ta harrojme asnjehere Gentianin. Ai eshte nje hero i Shqiperise!"
Arbi Shtembari of student, France.

"E nderuara familje Marku
ne emer te kosoves ju falenderoj qe keni rritur nje djale trim si genti."
Shpetim Mehmeti of Prishtine, Kosove

"Dear Marku Family
It is sad to see such a young person like Gent loosing his life the way he did. Still we are greatful and proud for the amazing work that Gent did throughtout his time in the USA. One thing for sure is that we will never forget Gent and we will always be proud of him. Rest In Peace Gent.Krishti edhe Zoja e forcoft familjen tende gjat gjithe jetes te tynve."
Ilir geraj of London Kakarriq

"Dear Marku Family,
Please know our thoughts and prayers will be with you always. Jeff never mentioned Gentian in his letters or calls but we know they were and always will be friends. I am so sorry we lost these two great young men. They are certainly our Heroes. They will remain forever in our hearts.
Love,
Scott, Patti and Cory Holmes
Family of LCpl Jeffery Holmes who died with Gentian 11/25/04 in Fallujah"
Patti Holmes of White River Jct, Vt - USA

"god bless my fellow Marine."
cl opl ps of tybee island georgia

"god bless my fellow Marine."
cpl. Coupal ps of tybee island georgia

"To all Albanian Freepers...
We are thankful for your support & proud to have you as members of the Coalition of the Willing.

You are truly Europe's finest !!"
John of California

"Familye Marku,
Desculpe, kam haruar shume fjale Shqip; Une isha Attasheu Ustarak ne ShBa ne Tirane ne 2002-3. Famenderit Shume por dyali tuai Gentian.
I met your son when 26 MEU came to Albania in 2003. Please accept my condolences; and if I may, as a former Marine myself, my compliments on what a fine Marine and man your son was. I am forwarding a photo of your son that I took at a reception at Ambassador Jeffrey's Residence during the visit. Your son carried out the additional duties of interpreting for the MEU Commander (and others) with professional aplomb and was (again) a very impressive man and Marine. Both the USA and Republika Shqiptare can be proud of him.
One of my sons is now in the service of our country and the other is apparently talking to recruiters this week."
Robert Gale, CDR (Ret) of US Forces overseas

"Gentian, your sacrifice has not been in vain. I pray for you and for those you left behind. Zoti tė bekoftė trim!"
Andi of Gainesville, Florida

"Gentian! I never got to know you but i heard people telling stories about you. You were a great man. Great men are never forgotten. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY. Rest In Peace Brother"
Genti of Florida

"To The family of CPl Marku. On the day that Marku so bravely gave his life, I was involved in the same firefight. I did not know him but I was in the situation where I had to carry him out of the fight. Since that Thanksgiving day, Not a day goes by that I dont think about him and his courageous sacrifice. I wish deeply that I would have known him. Cpl Marku was a very brave man and although him and I never talked, I respect him as much as I do any other man in the world."

"hey there marku! you were always such a good friend to me every time i needed to talk about dave. i almost felt like you were one of my girl friends because of how we would talk about our relationships. it was so awesome having someone like you you were truly a great friend. dave was always so greatful for you and always talked so highly of you, now i truly know why. Thanks for watching out for my dave, eventhough he didnt come home I know you did your best watching over him, you always did. See you Soon...Take care of Houck for me:)"
Nicole Macomber of ft bragg nc

"Gentian and I graduated together. I will remember him for the being the fun loving guy who always had a good sense of humor. Gentian, thanks for being there! Class and lunch wouldn't have been the same without you. You were a good friend. I learned that one's life may start in different places, yet paths cross, and you don't know where life will take you or what the day will bring. But always remember to laugh. That's what I learned from you."
Michael Kozlowski of Ann Arbor, MI

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

"I did not know Gentian Marku but As a school poject i began to paint a picture of him as a memorial. Even though I have never seen him in person and do not know him i feel drawn to him. I give my condolences to is family and give them my sincerest regrets for their loss. I have never lost anyone to a war before but I know that he died for the country he served and their was great honor in that. He will not be forgotten. I will always remember that Gentian Marku and many others died for our country and will forever be remembered."
Chelsea Shimer of Baltimore,MD

"Gentian Marku was the best there was. There are no words to describe the horrible void his death has left in the ones who loved him. He was so easy to love - his blue eyes always sparkled, he was enthusiastic in everything he did. I never saw him angry in all the years I knew him. He was so funny and so nice to everybody he encountered. He knew he was in danger, yet he never wanted to worry his family and friends. He did not deserve to suffer and die the way he did. He was only 22 and he had so many plans for the future. He should be remembered for his bravery and the ultimate sacrifice he willingly made. I know I am not the only one who misses him and loves him, and if there is any justice in the world, he is in a beautiful and peaceful place, waiting for us to see him again."

"I met Marku while we were on float on the 26 MEU. He was a great Marine and a great person. He was always making jokes. I will always remember when we were in Albania and he got to go visit his family. I know he has gone on to a better place and reached the peace he played the ultimate sacrifice for.

Cpl Plemmons R.E."
Robert Plemmons of Alpharetta, GA

"Last night I learned of your death, and I am so sad. I want to thank you so much for fighting for our country. We were friends once a few years back, and you were always so nice and kind. I look back and remember of you talking about how you wanted to be a police officer. I am proud of you and I know that one day I will see you again in heaven. We love you and miss you very much."
Denise of Warren, MI USA

"Thank you Gentian!You were brave to join the Marines, then enter into Iraq. You helped me so much we we went to Woods Tower High together. You were there for me when I had questions about the Military, and helped me join. You the best person that help seve our country. Thanks so much. We miss you alot. you were a wonderful person. you were my besft friend.."
Tracie Kolakowski of Warren Mich

"Per familijen E Gentian Markut. Zotu U llasht shendush. Gentian And I met on Board the USS Nashville LPD 13. We had alot in common being the fact we were both from Albanian. I Miss him alot. I was looking forward into reuniting with him after coming back from the sandbox. He was like a brother to me and I still and will never get over the fact he is gone. To Marku: I hope you doing good up their you will be missed and loved ! God bless you and your familly.. Your buddy Shkelzen Syla CSSN USN"
Shkelzen Syla of Noroflk, Virginia

"Thank You Gentian. May you now know the peace that you so rightly deserve after sacrificing everything for us. God will keep you safe now. My heart aches with you family."
Melissa Macchi, cousin of PFC Mark Barbret, killed 10/14/04 of Roseville, MI

"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

"Thank you Gentian for the gift of freedom that you so proudly defended for us all. From a grateful American family"
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"To the family and friends of Corporal Gentian Marku,

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 our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

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

"Thank you Gentian Marku, 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 Cpl. Gentian Marku:
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 Gentian 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 Cpl. Gentian Marku:
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 Gentian, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia