Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I known victor since junior high and high school. I remember we join the jrotc in high school. Always was a soldier. You will never be forgotten."
Capi fernandez of Bronx, NY.

"I will never forget Victor. He was my best friend. We were stationed together in Ft. Bragg. He was truly a man of honor, courage, integrity and selflessness. I remember our last coversation as it was just yesterday. I was asking was he going to be okay going to Iraq and he replied, Terri, I really want to go. It is my duty. I will die for this country this is what I live for. After I ETS out a few months later when I was back home in Alabama I recieved several calls from Ft. Bragg telling me that Martinez was killed in action. I was distraught and to this day still can't believe my best friend, my battle, and my confidant is gone. Who is going to be my voice reason when I need one? I'm still grieving because I refuse to let go. To the family I hope and that GOD continues to bless and comfort you. Know that Victor was loved and cherished by those in Ft. Bragg."
Spc. Terri Wilson of Birmingham, Al

"I was deployed during this period with 264th CSB. I remember when this tragic event happened. R.I.P to SPC Martinez and my prayers scincerely goes out to his family."
Roy Clarke of Atlanta, GA

"To the family of:Victor A. 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""

"Hi,

My name is Brian Steiner and I am a reporter from Columbia University.
As part of a 9/11 commemoration project, we are writing profiles on
soldiers who have died in the wars since 9/11. We believe that these
men and women have stories that have not been told, which deserve to
be told. I am writing to you to ask you if you knew Victor Martinez,
one such solder who sadly died during the war. If you do, I would
love to talk to you about him so I can get a sense of what he was like as a man and learn about him. I greatly appreciate your time and consideration. One note, my editor wants this story by next thursday, Sept. 1, so the sooner you may be able to contact me the better. You can contact me by email at bms2163@columbia.edu. Thank you so much
for your consideration.

Sincerely,


Brian Steiner"
Brian Steiner of New York, New York

"Its Going on five years since you left this earth. But know that everyday you have been in my heart and in my thoughts. i have always felt you close. You have been a brother to me since we were kids. From playing baseball together up to us going on vacation to P.R. Your are a true soldier. And you was a soldier before the Army and you are still our Soldier in heaven Garding your family and protecting us all. We all miss you. & Love You."
William B. Aviles of Bronx, N.Y. USA

"It's been six years to the day. I think about you everyday. I know you're in heaven watching and protecting our family. You are the shining light in the darkest night. You are my cousin. You are my hero. I miss you so much."
Michael of Queens

"Some of us know the truth"

"Hello - I would like to know if he was station in the Philippines years ago?

Cha.martinez@gmail.com"
Charline of Canada

"thanks to the one's that care or at least show it. he was a great kid a great friend a great man and a wonderful cousin. i loved him and still do with all my heart. he was the best to have happened to me and till this day i miss him more then every."
Katie of North Carolina

"”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 PSpec. Adriana N. Salem
rojectcompassion@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"
Kenna - Project Compassion of Manti, Utah USA

"December 7, 2008
To the family of Spc. Victor A. Martinez:
Victor 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

"To the Family of SPC.Victor Martinez,
I am proud to say that it was a honor for me to have met him when we left for Iraq that year and till this day I carry your son's spirit inside of me. Victor was more than a solider, he was my friend. My blessing goes out to your family in your lost, but know that each time i put my uniform on i care him in my heart. My 92F Brother for life."
Sgt. Thomas Wilson of Hunter airfield/savannah, GA USA

"My brother sorry for taking four years to leave you this message. I still dont know what to say, for those you dont know me I'm SPC Alcazar. Martinez and my self left New York together on a flight to Boot camp and then on a bus to AIT and after on another flight to Korea and we were roommates in Korea. He was my little brother. Someday we will meet again I miss you Bro and I still have that sweater you gave me."
SPC Alcazar of NY, USA

"To the family and friends,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a loved on is the hardest thing in life. I am writing to not only express my sorrow for you but to let you know about a memorial I am working on. I am creating a quilt to honor the fallen soldiers from the New York City Area. Each soldier will have a panel created. I am inviting the friends and families to get involved. If you are interested or would like some more information please contact me at nycfallensoldiers@yahoo.com"
Esther Kabalkin of Staten Island, NY

"This message is to inform the Victor Martinez family that a flag is flying in his honor at the First Baptist Church of Orlando, Florida. Yesterday a prayer for he and family was given in his honor. His flag currently is flying on the church lawn and will be until July 4th, 2007. God Bless the Martinez family and America
barb@haine.org"
Barbara L. Haine of Royal Palm Beach, FL

"To SPC Victor Martinez's Family

I met you telephonically via my sister, who asked me to talk to you about the Army. Then I met your son, a wonderful young man. Who was full of life and admiration for his family. He was so proud to serve this country.
It has taken me two years to write this message, and it's still extremely difficult for me to write this. No words can ever replace your sorrow, or longing to have him at home. Just know that he exemplified the Army Values, values that he truly learned at home. Victor Que Dios te tenga en su Gloria, hoy, manana, y siempre. From a family friend Liz"
SFC (RET) Elizbeth Marcano of Fayetteville, NC

"To the family of Victor A Martinez,
I am a military wife. My husband carries the same name of your soldier. He is currently also in Iraq, serving in the army. My thoughts are with your family. I can only imagine your grief and loss, as I listen each day for news of the safety of my husband. Your Victor Martinez, was a hero. Do not let anyone convince you otherwise. Keep his memory alive! Be proud! Soon all our soldiers will be home and your sacrifice will be honored. I will remember you in my prayers. God bless you and keep you."
Debbie Martinez of Monrovia, CA

"To Families and Friends of Spc Martinez. It was a pleasure to serve with such a person who had such great qualities. Very respectful, never complained; when asked to do anything he was willing. On 12 Dec 04 after returning from R&R, we had our last conversation, as I was going to the Laundry, I saw him outside by a connex; I was quite startled, because even though I knew it was him, he looked so different. He had a glow, his face was so lighted, free of all worries, a certain peacefulnes was upon him. I had to say his name in a question, rather than the usual. He talked about coming home on leave, he couldn't wait, finishing his degree in Criminal Justice. He walked me to the facility and back, assisting me with my heavy bags of laundry. This memory of him is embeded in my mind, he is truly missed by his family here at Fort bragg. Rest in Peace my child, your contribution to this war was not in vain."
SSG May of Fort Bragg, NC

"spc martinez we left fort bragg together boarded the plane together as a company served together in iraq i remember that day in the dessert when we talked about your aspirations in life, Martinez i would like you to know that i admired your spirit when you were asked to do something you never fret always willing may god bless you sadly missed"
SGT GLENDA BELLAMY of FORT BRAGG/FAYETTEVILLE NC

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

"I am painting a portrait of victor for Faces of the Fallen: never to be forgotten and i wanted to let his family know i am very sorry for their loss. I really respect your son and your family."
Emily of Syracuse, NY

"Thank you Victor for defending the freedoms we all cherish. You are a hero to my family and we are deeply grateful for your service. God Bless you brave soldier and may He bring peace to your loved ones at this time. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"Victor Martinez We Love You
In 1966 I was a young Marine, a young solider like Victor. Young boys were dying everyday then, as they are today. We became men over night. When Victor asked me what I thought about his decision to join the Army, I told him not to go. Victor had his own goals in life, and his mind was made up. After nine eleven, he was on his way to serve his country. He too became a man over night. He told me,"I Have a Job to Do". Victor came from good families. His mother Gisela, stepdad Charles, sister Arlene and brother Charlie and all of us worried everyday. Gisela and Charles gave him a beautiful life. None of us ever dreamed this would happen to our family. Our family is strong, and the strength we get comes from our unity and love. War is a terrible thing, and I am sure this tragedy will not be the end of days like this for many more families of young soldiers. Our family will never be the same again without Victor. Victor was a loving and caring son,brother,grandson,nephew and cousin and a good solider. Victor Martinez, a young soldier from the Bronx will not ride on a Fire Engine today. Somewhere today he is riding on a Chariot all the way to Heaven to be with God and He will watch over all of us forever. I ask you all please pray for Victor and our family, and pray that this war will be over soon.

VICTOR MARTINEZ WE LOVE YOU AND WE WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU.
YOU ARE INDEED OUR HERO"
Ron D'Agostino and Fam of Whitestone, NY

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

"To my good friend Victor I only knew you for a short time but in the little time we knew eachother I was blessed to have great memories that I will hold dear heart forever.You were a greatman, great friend and most of all you loved your family with all of your heart and soul. I will always remember that smile you kept on you face and I will always remember the good times we all had, it's not the same with out you bro. To Victor's family may God bless all of you the way I'am blessed to have known him."
jay of bx

"Although I have never met you, I feel that I have through shared memories of you. I know that you were such a great person and made affected so many lives. I thank you for serving our country and being such a hero to not only the people around you, but being a hero to our country. Everyone should know what a great person you truely were.. I send my love out to you all..."
Alyssa Viviani of Nanuet. NY

"Son, If You knew the pain of losing you
we would do anything to have you with us
But you dwell in the House Of The Lord
now. We will never ever forget you. You
are the bravest man I have ever Known.
Your Mom and Arlene and I will miss you.
But we await to be united again someday.
We will love you and remember you forever. Mom Dad Arlene"
charles of Bronx,NY

"God Bless! Our heart and prays are with Victor and your family. From another fallen soldier family to yours. We shared the same tears. An you are in my prays always."
leonard wahl of Valley Stream Long Island

""My Soldier"

I know, I know...."Stop crying Mami, I'm okay" -Victor didn't get to finish what we started (a beautiful-respectful relationship)and that pains me. I always told you how PROUD I am of you and BRAVE you truly are on earth as you are in heaven...I KNOW we will meet again and because of that I feel so protected, guided and motivated by you...I want to make you proud and I WILL...Bless your Mother's sweet soul and the rest of your loving family...and your "Bro4life" Charlie Jr. He has truly been my strength thru this pain of losing you...Te Amor Papi y Quidate!

Love Always,
Your PR Mami :)"
Celia Acevedo of Sloatsburg, NY

"Vic,
What can I say bro? Although you are no longer with us in the physical, you will always be in our meta-physical. I want you to know that your legacy will live on through me and I will do my best to achieve your dreams through me. You my brother will be surely missed. Hermanos por Siempre...Love u."
Charlie Jr. of Bronx, NY

"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

"Victor,

You were, and now truly are a shining star. You are a proud, intelligent, brave man. Funny and witty, and you brought joy to everyone's life that knew you.

I know that you will be back with us, a guardian angel, stronger and wiser, to watch over us and guide us.

If you could only hear the kind words so many of my friends who never knew expressed for you and the family, but I'm sure you do...I will send your Momi and Papi the beautiful words and thoughts of my closest friends, so they can feel comforted knowing so many people are praying for them... Gisella, Alejandro, & Charles, Charles Jr., Arlene, we are going to make sure there is some type of memorial in Victor's honor here in NYC, and in all the other fallen soldiers honor, so that he is not just a blip on the radar screen. Hasta la Victoria siempre!! You're there son...Love Always - Victoria"
Victoria Scrocca of NY, NY

"~VICTOR MARTINEZ~
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDIVIDED DEVOTION TO YOUR COUNTRY. WE LOVE YOU 4 EVER!"
Jeanette Guadalupe of WHITESTONE, NY

"I only had the pleasure of serving with Victor for a short time, but the world is not nearly as bright without him. God bless him and his family"
Travis Duggan of Des Moines, Iowa

"God bless you and your family for all that you have sacrificed."
Stacey of Levittown

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this season and the seasons ahead, We are so sorry for your loss, May peace be soon to come your way."
Jalaine& David of Elmont NY

"May the Love and support you need be suplied to you and your family in your hours of need."
Jim Jewett of Secaucus, NJ USA

"To The Martinez Family
With our deepest sympathy for your loss.
We are proud of all our soldiers no matter where they will be..God BLESS"
Mr Mrs Anthony Maffei of Levittown, NY/Nassau Cty

"To The Martinez Family... Our hearts go out to you as you face this devastating loss. May loving memories of your son bring comfort."
Kathleen and Kimberly Huemmer of Freeport, NY

"To the Martinez and Perez families;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to you. Victor will be missed by everyone who knew him. He will always be remembered for his courage. May god give you strength and support during this difficult time. We love you."
Drew & Christina D'Agostino of Levittown, New York

"TO THE MARTINEZ FAMILY,
MAY GOD BLESS YOU DURING YOUR TIME OF GRIEF. KNOW THAT VICTOR IS A HERO. FOR HIS DECISION TO FIGHT FOR HIS COUNTRY ILLUSTRATES WHAT KIND OF MAN YOU RAISED; A BRAVE ONE."
PFC APONTE of THE BRONX/ FT. BRAGG, NC

"To the friends and family of Victor A. Martinez,
I know there are no words powerful enough to ease the pain of a loved ones loss, but I want to send my condolences as best I can. I lost my husband to the war in Iraq in June and it hurts me so much to see other people have to go through this. Your loved one will always be remembered for his strength and bravery."
Sarah Linden of Portland Oregon

"Thank you Victor 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. Victor 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 Victor 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. Victor 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 Victor, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia