20, of Fort Worth, Texas.
Martinez died in Tamin, Iraq, as a result of enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Hovey, Korea. Died on March 20, 2005.
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"This is Francisco’s sister, next year will mark 20 years without my brother, and I hope everyone knows that their messages here and on other forums are read constantly by my family and I. The support and prayers have meant the world. It’s so beautiful to see messages from 10 years after his passing and so on, thank you all for keeping my brother’s legacy alive. Thank you all for sharing your stories and memories of him, I read them with fondness knowing that my brother was able to be a positive force in other’s lives. I can only hope to do the same. He is still protecting us all in spirit."
Monica Martinez of Fort Worth, TX.
"RIP SPC Martinez. I can't believe that more than 10 years has passed already. Every Memorial Day I make sure I take the time to honor your memory. 20 March 2005 is a day I will NEVER FORGET and always replay in my mind how we could have prevented what happened."
MSG John Worley of Al Udied, Qatar
"Hey buddy,
I've always thought of you and that game we never finished. I wish you would have come back man, I'm so sorry. I remember when your parents came to Carson to welcome us home it killed me that I never stood up and hugged them and told them I was waiting for you to finish that game. Maybe I felt scared, shamed, or guilty I don't know brother. Your sacrifice angered me to a whole new level because rolling in Ramadi we were always angry, but the day you left flipped a switch. We didn't have a ton of history other than serving in the same company, but weeks before that day we began kicking it in the MWR. It was nice to escape the ugliness outside the wire with a fellow Manchu and feel human for a bit. I miss you brother and if your family ever comes across this I just wanted to tell them they raised a great man who isn't forgetten. Ten years later I thank my brother, a Manchu, Martinez and his family for their sacrifice."
SGT Raul Silva of Riverside, CA
"its been 10 years man...i miss you bro..."
Cornelius Cowart of Fort Bliss TX
"Dear Francisco,
I ran for you today as part of Wear Blue: Run to Remember in Dupont, WA. I was handed your name on a slip of paper as I approached the starting point for the weekly 5k memorial run. I read your name aloud in a circle of runners before we set off into the cold, driving rain and recited it to myself as I made my way along the course. I've read what I could find on your life and time in Iraq and am truly humbled by the courage you must have had to leave your friends and family at such a young age. I'm saddened to know your last moments were so frightening and filled with pain, but I know God was there with you at the very last to welcome you home. This world is not an easy place to live and I will pray for your family and loved ones every day. Rest in peace, Francisco. All my love."
Juliette of Olympia, WA
"Thank you for your sacrfice Francisco, God bless you and your family this Veterans Day.
"MANCHUS""
SFC Kevin Kirchoffer of Fort Worth, Tx
"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,750 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Mothers of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA
"March 16, 2009
To the family of Spc. Francisco G. Martinez:
Francisco 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
"although I never knew Frankie very well we as one of my brother's best friends and He stayed at our house for hours upon hours hanging out with my brother even though we eren;t that close losing him was a great heartache to our family. Rest in peace"
Bryce Partlow of Santo, Tx
"... years later and I can still see him laughing! This young man touched so many in so many ways... the world is a lesser place with him..."
1SG Chad D Wood of Lacey, Washington
"I am the father of walter ludka and chatted and gooffed around with francisco on the webcam when my son and he were in korea. Thank you for your sacrafice may you find eternal peace.
walter a ludka"
walter ludka of Antwerp, Belgium
"To the family of:Francisco G. Martinez 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"
"I never had to the chance to meet Frankie. I've heard so much about him through close friends. He is a true hero in my mind. Rest In Peace Brother!"
PV2 Joshua A. Phillips of Santo, TX
"Dear Family of Francisco g. Martinez..my name is kristin and my brother and sister attended Eastern Hills highschool with your son.. they werent what you would call best friends..but if you were to explian their relationship it would be just as simple as friends.. i heard alot about your son though his dreams of what he wanted to become in the future and how good he was at it... i read about francisco in the paper and was surpirised that a young man with so much to offer was taken away.. frankie was truly a hero and i keep two pictures of him in my room to remember his heriosm ..and bless him everyday!! frankie is my hero today and everyday he remains a stimulater for my thoughts and your family is always in my prayers!! God Bless!!"
kristin lloyd of Fort worth Texas
"I gave you a hug, said "see you later" and told you to be safe. "Don't worry" you said and gave me that smile. Goodbye Frank ..."
Spc. Walter Ludka of Ft. Sill, OK
"My brother Sgt. Cory R Mracek served in Korea with Matinez who was also killed in Iraq. I just want to say that I am very proud of your son and what he did for his country. He is an American Hero and he will not be forgotten. God Bless all of you."
Stacy Fry of Chadron, NE
"Undoubtedly, I want to pay my respects to a fallen soldiers of 2ID and a hometown hero of Fort Worth, Texas. To the Martinez family (and his brothers at arms) I am sorry for your loss. I salute you SPC Martinez!"
Angela Turman of Fort Worth, Texas
"TO FRANCISCO'S LOVED ONES, I'M SORRY FOR YOUR LOST BUT I DO KNOW THAT HE'S A HERO AND I THANK HIM FOR GIVING HIS LIFE UP JUST FOR US TO LIVE AND HAVE A FUTURE. THANK YOU FRANCISCO OUR ANGEL."
Cybill Samarripas of Fort Worth, Texas
"Specialist Martinez, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas
"To the family of SPC. Francisco G.Martinez I read the story printed about Francisco in the paper and it brought tears to my eyes. Not along ago did a friend of mine lose a loved one in iraq and it just brought back so many memories about that day. I told myself that i would not read the paper anyomre cus it seems to me everyday someone dies over there.. but then i thought if i don't read the paper then that means one less person would know that they gave their lives for this what we have today..so now i do read the articles again but the difference is i read and pray...and remember...we should always remeber NEVER FORGET AND NEVER GIVE UP...GOD BLESS OUR MEN AND WOMEN..."
Sonia of Jville , NC
"I just wanted to let your family know, that your are all in my prayers. I am also stationed in Iraq, in Camp Victory. I grew up in South Fort Worth, so Francisco is family to me also. My wife who is staying with her mother in El Paso, read the article in the Army Times about his death, to me in a phone call. I never knew that he was also from Fort Worth. I just found out today. I know that I speak for all my family, in Fort Worth, and El Paso when I say that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss."
Juan Avila juan.avila1@us.army.mil of Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq
"I just wanted to let your family know, that your are all in my prayers. I am also stationed in Iraq, in Camp Victory. I grew up in South Fort Worth, so Francisco is family to me also. My wife who is staying with her mother in El Paso, read the article in the Army Times about his death, to me in a phone call. I never knew that he was also from Fort Worth. I just found out today. I know that I speak for all my family, in Fort Worth, and El Paso when I say that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss."
Juan Avila juan.avila1@us.army.mil of Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq
"to the family and firend of francisco g martinez i am sorry for you loss and I will keep you all in my prayers"
rosario of hockley tx
"I have ordered a hero bracelet and have had it mailed to your PO Box. Please let me know when you receive it. I hope that you will feel the pride and honor that I feel as I wear mine. Thank you for your ultimate gift! May God Bless! My email address is kristimann28@yahoo.com"
Kristi Mann of Mineral Wells, Texas USA
"god bless you and your family. My soldier is fighting in iraq right now and i pray everyday for his and all the other mens safety. My heart goes out to your family, at a time like this i cant even imagine how you feel. stay strong and god bless."
catrina of canton,ohio
"god bless you all"
cristy of lansing mi/usa
"To Francisco's Family:
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
"To the Martinez Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I just lost my only brother, Daniel Torres, on February 4, 2005, he was 23 years old. I know the pain and loss your family is feeling. God will give us all the strength to get through this storm. Have faith in God and know that he will never let us down and will never disappointe us. God Bless Francisco and the Martinez Family."
Cristina Torres of Ft. Worth, TX ct_710@hotmail.com
"God Bless and Thank you! May you rest in peace with your brothers and sisters in arms."
Mark and Melanie O'Brien of Fort Polk, LA
"I am so sorry for your loss..your family is in my prayers!!!"
michelle J. US Navy reserves of Houston,Texas
"God's Blessings,and healing love be with you in your time of grief. Our troops have done so much and given so much to help those who need them. Be proud of that."
Lori and Heather of Pennsylvania
"THANK YOU"
JUDY of TEXAS
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Francisco G. Martinez. There are no words that can help take away the pain and sorrow, just know you all are in our thoughts"
Mark Capper of Melbourne, Australia
"Thank you and God Bless you for what you did for us and others. I am so proud tho I didn't know you.
Love and prayers to the family"
Cindy Quarles of Arlington, Texas-USA
"To the family of Francisco Martinez
I'm deeply saddened by the lost of your loved one. May He Rest in Peace. I read the story about the reporter in Iraq that was with your son when he whispered his last words. This story has touched me in a way that I can't explain with words. I was at work and I couldn't help but cry. And, as I'm writing this, I'm still crying. He will never be forgotten. I wish I was close to his hometown to go to his funerals. May God Bless his family. Remember that he died loving what he did and now he's in a more PEACEFUL world with GOD. Love,"
Christine B. christinebeaulieu_@hotmail.com
"Francisco was one of my soldiers in Korea and a very dear friend also. He touched the hearts of my people and was one of the best soldiers in my platoon. If you look under SGT Mracek, Cory in here you will see a picture that frank had sent in and some very nice words he wrote to him. He told SGT Mracek that one day they will meet again. SGT Mracek died 27 Jan 05. I honor both of my soldiers and their families for their heroism and to the families for raising such wonderful sons.
SFC Kevin Kirchoffer
1-9 "MANCHUS" Platoon Sergeant
"KEEP UP THE FIRE"
kevin.m.kirchoffer@us.army.mil"
Kevin Kirchoffer of Ft. Hood, Texas
"I did not know frank long before i knew what great of a person he was.I had the pleasure of taking a few classes with him including speech where we heard and got to know frank's soul through his poems and songs. He was talented in every way. Frank was the one person who you could count on to just make a bad day turn into laughter. It's what he did. who he was. Frank lived and loved to live. Anyone who knew him could tell you so. I had the pleasure of hanging out with Frank on one particular weekend in 2003. I remember his amazing vocals to the incubus song "are you in". Frank loved to be with his friends and we loved having him around. I wish i could have known him better, but i'm glad i got to know him at all. Frank left an impact on my life and i'm sure all others he came in contact with. He's loved and appriciated more than he'll ever know. Just think of all those people who will never know a Frank Martinez, what an empty life they'll be living. I miss you frank. I'm so sorry this happened to you. There are few people who enjoy their life and are proud of it. Why do they always seem to be the ones who don't get to enjoy it to it's fullest."
brandi garcia of ft.worth, tx
"To Francisco's Family and Friends:
On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your Francisco's bravery and sacrifice as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' sons. Our sons are truly heroes!
Sincerely,
Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern"
82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"
"to the martinez family from the wahl family. We are deeply sadden by the lost of francisco. he is a hero! an one that all americans should be thankful for. i know that i am. i appreciate francisco serving along sidemy son. although, neither knew one another. both are brothers in the military spirit. watching over one anothers back. our heart and prays are with francisco and your family. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY
"to the martinez family from the wahl family. We are deeply sadden by the lost of francisco. he is a hero! an one that all americans should be thankful for. i know that i am. i appreciate francisco serving along sidemy son. although, neither knew one another. both are brothers in the military spirit. watching over one anothers back. our heart and prays are with francisco and your family. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY
"To the family of Francisco. Our family honors your hero. His Bravery, Valor and courage will always be remembered. We are grateful for his loyal service and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
All of our prayers are with you.
God Bless Francisco and his family."
Jennifer and SSG Larry Mays and family of Massillon, Ohio
"My email address is kristimann28@yahoo.com."
Kristi Mann of Mineral Wells, Texas USA
"Mr and Mrs Martinez and family,
Please accept our dearest condolences in the death of your son and loved one. I know how hard it is to loose someone in the War in Iraq. We too have lost someone but I know that they died in HONOR and they are HEROS to Americans. May God Bless you and your family during this time. I would like to have a Hero Bracelet made and sent to you honoring Francisco. If you would allow me to do so please email me privitaley so I may get the information needed or send you my telephone number. Thank you for your sacrafice ensuring the freedom of our future. May God Bless you!
Kristi Mann"
Kristi Mann of Mineral Wells, Texas 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, Francisco, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "
"Thank you Francisco Martinez, 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. Francisco Martinez:
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 Francisco 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. Francisco Martinez:
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 Francisco, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia