Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Miss you bro. I think of you all year every year. Our friendship was short but we were like family. You were always hooo ah......."
Joel Doubek of Spokane, WA

"Thinking of you today Donnie! It's hard to believe 10 years is approaching. I can't help but wonder where you'd be today. You will always have a special place in my heart."
Ashley Campbell (Polk) of Spokane, WA

"I was a Member of the 156 SIG BN A couple of the guys and drove directly from our Field Sites to the funeral home. We also stood Vigil in the Main room. I met SGT Ben Lewis in 1993. I was at the funeral home at 0900, I stayed until about 1000, I APOLOGIZE but it was just TOO MUCH for me, I LOST IT!! I had to leave, please forgive me, I just couldn't stick around. My Father was KIA in Pleiku Vietnam, 20 May 1967. May is just NOT a very good month for me. i would just want to wish my fallen brothers and everyone else PEACE!! And TRANQUILITY from this day and every day that follows!! PEACE BROS and SIS'S!! Yours Truly, SGT Btuce R. Borowski/Later ya'all, once again, PEACE!! OUT!!!!"
SGT Bruce R, Borowski of Belleville, Mi. 48111

"Don, It's taken me almost 8 years to do this. I think of you everyday. It was my honor to serve with you. May you be at piece with our Heavenly Father. May your family be at piece knowing you are a true hero and a great man."
SSG Howard of Walla Walla, Wa

"i was there that day, i will always miss him. I was just thinking about him, and suddenly could feel the heat and taste the dirt in the air. and the adrenaline kicked in again out of nowhere. i miss ya buddy. a true soldier. found your name in this video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpD8iqkvZ4

1st infantry division OIF memorial video."
Flounder. of North Dakota

"Thanks for your service. We are all indebted to you."
Brandon of Newport Beach, Ca

"I pray for all the military people and their famalies my husband served in vietnam. Praying that god will surround all ofyou wih with his bright lite and protect you. Always jim chris"
chris of detroitmichiganwayne

"I pray for all the military people and their famalies my husband served in vietnam. Praying that god will surround all ofyou wih with his bright lite and protect you. Always jim chris"
chris of detroitmichiganwayne

"I pray for all the military people and their famalies my husband served in vietnam. Praying that god will surround all ofyou wih with his bright lite and protect you. Always jim chris"
chris of detroitmichiganwayne

"”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

"It was a honor to serve with him. SCOUTS OUT."
Sado of Everett, WA

""Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers is an organization dedicated to remembering our fallen heroes. This group has sent out over 2,900 prayer shawls to families of fallen soldiers since October of 2007. We hope to contact all the families. There are over 235 knitting groups throughout the country knitting these shawls. If you or a member of your family would like to receive a prayer shawl, please contact me at barbconway@comcast.net or by phone at 774 487-8618.
Sincerely,
Barbara"
Barbara Conway of Cape Cod MA

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Spc. Donald R. McCune:
Donald 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 Darcy & family, I can't say that I knew Donnie, but I can tell you that his sacrifice changed me forever. I think of you all often and please know that I my prayers are with you. I hope you will be forever comforted by his courage and service to keep our country safe."
Linda Hall (Vogelsong) of Fort Wayne, IN

"SPC McCune,
Yourself and SPC Hobbs are what makes America great! It has taken me awhile but I want to express my heartfelt thanks to a young soldier that volunteered to go on that patrol with our Scout Platoon. I will never ever forget one of the first patrols that you went out with me. You had everything covered even the kids that were throwing rocks at us, although that didn't make you too happy! LOL! Love you brother!
Scouts Out!"
SPC Jason Huss of Grand Ledge, Michigan

"Dear Donald, I thought of you all last night 8/5/07. I can not explain my feelings with words. I remember seeing you that night in the hospital as you went off to surgery and remembering training with you before Iraq and sitting in the back of the hummer with you on the 50 cal. We had a bet on when the next attack would take place at the city counsel meeting that Thursday but you didnt make it. We all missed you in the command section. You were 100% soldier and I will always be proud to have served with you. You will always be remembered - I will never forget. Your friend and comrade. Sgt Godbout- Medic"
Joe of Hollister, Ca

"Hey Donnie. I just wanted to wish my "little cuz" a happy birthday. You'd have been 23 today (6/04/07)....wish I could tell you this in person. I'll miss you always."
Kevin Watson of Fort Wayne, IN (kjwatson@aol.com)

"I just wish I would have wrote thoughts about Donnie and his family sooner, but I feel at a loss for words for such a brave soldier as one that gives the ultimate sacrifice as Donnie has. I'm writing from FOB Speicher Iraq and wish I could have spent time with Donnie more in the years I knew him and his Mother Darcy. I was blessed in Jan. 07 by a letter and a mission from Darcy to travel with a flag that was flown for Donnie at FOB Anaconda and mailed to her. Darcy wanted the flag to travel and I can say that it did, my job is convoy security and I like Donnie am a turret gunner. The miles traveled and FOB's visited are to many to mention here but I can tell you that I have been pushed and pulled down in the turret on many occasions and know that Donnie's hand was always there to protect me. After my 7th IED blast I was finally granted time home to visit loved ones, and to hand deliver the flag that was at my feet for five months to Darcy. I think of Donnie often here and when ever I open up with the .50cal I know he guides my rounds home, he keeps me safe and for that I will be forever greatful for having such a wonderful friend, brave soldier, and guardian angel in the turret with me. Thank You Darcy for trusting me with such a mission and for a wonderful son to watch over me. There is a special place in heaven for soldiers who give there life to save others and my friend Donald is there, The place is next to the one where Mothers go for giving the ultimate sacrifice...there sons in the name of Freedom."
Sgt. Eric Spalding of FOB Speicher /Tikrit, Iraq

"Spc.McCune&Parents &s/o We did our duty well.Some give alot,But your Son gave all.I salute all of you this Memorial Day.A BROTHER IN ARMS,OIF3 HOOAHH!!"
C. Fern of San Jose Ca.

"Don,
Here's to me and you hitting Nick's dad's van. Had some good times. Miss ya buddy"
Patrick Sims of Nappanee, IN

"A few days before the IED strike, I sat on the leather couch in the hallway to the TF Tacoma TOC with McCune. We sat and compared letters from home. He had one from his sister that he was reading. I never walked by that couch without expecting to see him there."
SGT Karen Sokol of Afghanistan

"i was in the command section of task force tacoma with donnie boy. i remember the morning he went out on that patrol. we had just bought a coffee maker, and all enjoy some flavored coffee together. i tried to tell him not to go out on the extra patrol. but he was truly a soldier, and told me not to worry.

as we came back in from the patrol, we heard frantic calls for a medivac, and they gave the battle roster number over the radio. we found out it was him. we quickly headed to the scene, and helped secure the area. i sat at my 50 cal on the colonels guntruck. all i got to see was the helicopter come in and then leave over the tall plants, that were blocking my view. he was my friend, and i miss him. i still have the american flag patch that he was wearing that day. i scrubbed it up, and carry it in my wallet. if anyone knows where his parents address is, id like to send it to them. flounder672@yahoo"
Spc Dennis Dwelle of mandan, North Dakota

"I was in Don's Reserve unit, 1st Battalion, 339th Infantry Regt. out of Fraser, MI. I got the word of Don's passing while on active duty at Ft. Benning Ga along with the numerous reservists from the unit at Benning. Don was motivated and took soldiering seriously. I am proud to say I knew him as a person and a soldier. My prayers go out to his family."
Gary Stead Jr of Alma, MI

"So much time has passed now and his face is fading but not the memories. Donnie hasn't been forgotten and never will. Darcy, I hope you and the family are doing well. My thoughts and prayers are still with you."
Ashley of Maple Valley, WA

"To the family of Donald R. McCune, Let me start off by intoducing myself. My name is Courtney vonRonn, and I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure he was a wonderful person to be around. My heart gose out to you in this time ove greff. For I am still greeving myself. My brother Prv KENNETH vonRonn was killed almost a year ago, and it is not easy taking a loss like mine or yours. I am deepl sorry."
courtney vonronn of walker valley n.y

"To the family of:Donald R. McCune 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. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"Today is the one year anniversary of the IED attack that took Donnie from us. There has hardly been a day from that to this, that he has not been in my thoughts and prayers. Donnie embodied what so many of us in the military strive to achieve: bravery, selfless service, sacrifice, a sense of duty, and responsibility. I was the officer in charge of that patrol a year ago, and Donnie had volunteered to go on the mission as my gunner. As I have shared with his mother, Darcy, Donnie died doing what he loved. He was a soldier in every sense of the word. I could not be more proud or honored than to have served with men such as Donnie, and I miss him dearly. To his family, God bless you and thank you for your son. To his friends, I share your loss and wish you to remember him as I do: brave, dedicated, quick-witted, and loyal. And to Donnie, God speed and I will proudly stand beside you again someday, brother."
CPT Tim Ozmer of Ft. Lewis, WA

"You will never be forgotten, not by me or by those who served along side of you. It was a pleasure and an honor to be a small part of your team while we were there in Anaconda together. Life there as we knew it changed so much after you left us. Thanks for your smile and your laughter you shared with all of us. Just know you gave everything and it has meant so much to all of us that you kept giving straight through to the end. You have a true hero's heart and will always be remembered that way."
SPC Hobbs 81st BDE of Seattle, WA

"His family and friends will always remember him for his greatness, we who served with him in Task Force Tacoma will always remember his dedication to our mission in Iraq, his honor to his country, and his love and loyalty for his fellow soldier......I will never forget you Donnie"
SGT Kevin Scott of Phelan, CA

"I served with Donnie in TF Tacoma, I have left Iraq now and am at home, I have so many things that I want to forget about during my time over there, I had daily contact with Donnie, I was the Personnel NCO, I mostly gave him his mail, the guys would always give me a hard time because I would say "hey, you have mail." He would get all excited and it would end up being for McCombs. Donnie would just tease me as SPC McCombs still does. I was like the mother to all of the soldiers in TF, (my own son only being 15). I felt a horrible loss only a mother could understand. Please know that your son was very funny and a great soldier, I am very proud to have known him and to have served with him. He will always be in my heart."
SGT Wanda Rhodes of Everett, WA, USA

"Your son is a true HERO. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. His sacrifice will not be forgotten."
Charlotte Barbret-Cupol of Roseville, MI

"Darcy- You're still in our thoughts and prayers. We'll never forget Donnie's sacrafice. Thank you for raising a son who was brave enough to fight for all of us."
Laura Zech of S. Lyon, MI

"In memory of Donnie.....I Will for ever and always miss you. You were the man in my heart from the day I met you. You made me proud. You were a True American Soldier. I love you very much. Your family and I will stick together to keep your memory alive. We all miss you. You were the greatest Man I could have of ever asked for in my life. I am glad we made our Relationship grow. 143 Donnie. For ever and always Your Girl."
Angie Morales of Westland, MI

"I want to thank everyone who has posted for my son. Donnie was a great person and as many of you have said, he died doing what he loved. We as a family can never show how much all your care and concern for us means. If anyone feels the need to contact me directly I can be reached by e-mail at doolittle8967@yahoo.com. Thank you again. He is greatly missed by us all."
Darcy Monier Lewis-Proud Military Wife and Mom of Ann Arbor, MI

"he dide for are freedom he dide for us he dide for all those that dide on september 11 th he and all the other solgers will always be remimberd they wer put into the word for this and taken out for it they are the troo herose the herose of herose they are loved and always will be God bless america and america bless God"
ted of jaxinvil

"To Darcy, Don, Ben, Cassie, Dawn, Josh, Jason, Christofer, and all of Donnie's family and friends. I can't express how much this loss has affected me. Everyday I think of Donnie and I miss him terribly. It has been a month since his passing, and still the pain is as sharp as when it first happened. I know that he died fighting for my freedom, and I thank him for that with all of my heart, but it doesn't comfort me. I would give anything to bring him back to all those who have loved and lost him. He will never be forgotten for who he was: a good person, a person who stood up for what he believed in, and a true hero and friend. He was always there when he was needed, and even when he wasn't. Thank you Donnie for giving up everything for freedom. You were the true definition of a soldier: dedicated, willing, and ready to die to protect the ones you loved. May you rest in peace, and may you never be forgotten.
To the family: my prayers, love, and thoughts are always on and with you."
anonymous of ann arbor

"Donnie will always be remembered at World Market, store #085, for his sweet humor, practical jokes, and adorable smile. Thanks for all you sacrificed Donnie. You are a true hero and will be missed."
Lauren Gregory of Ann Arbor, MI

"to Don:
You were a wonderful companion, friend, son and soldier. You are well appreciated for everything you did. I miss you so much but realize you died doing what you loved. You are my hero. Thank you babe. I love you, always!"
Ashley Polk of Puyallup, WA

"To the McCune family may God Bless you and look after you always. He's my hero."
SFC(R) Curtis Carey of Ridgeland,Ms. Madison

"To the family of Spc. Donald McCune, i know how it feels to have a loved ones life cut short my friend pfc greg huxley's life was cut short on april 5th 2003 he was 19. nobody knows the sacrifices these young men and women make for there country but i am honored to live in a country that so many have gave there lifes to defend agian my condolences are with you"
steven rice of rome,ny, usa

"To the family of Spc. Donald McCune, I know its so hard to lose someone you love, and though words can't take away the sadness you feel, I want to tell you how much we care about you and all that you're going through. Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers, and if you need to talk to someone who understands, I'm here.

Sincerely, Shirley Schmunk,
Mother of Spc. Jeremiah Schmunk KIA 7/9/04
Wa. Natl'Guard, 161 Inf."
Shirley Schmunk of Richland, WA. 99352

"To the family of Spc. Donald McCune, I know its so hard to lose someone you love, and though words can't take away the sadness you feel, I want to tell you how much we care about you and all that you're going through. Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers, and if you need to talk to someone who understands, I'm here.

Sincerely, Shirley Schmunk,
Mother of Spc. Jeremiah Schmunk
Wa. Natl'Guard, 161 Inf."
Shirley Schmunk of Richland, WA. 99352

"From sea to shining sea your loss is our loss. Our daughter, a co-worker of Donalds, informed us of his passing. Please know that Donald is in our prayers and that he is flourishing in a new found freedom. God bless."
The Gregorys of Foster City, Ca.

"My deepest sympathy. Donald's sacrafice will never be forgotten.
We are sharing in your pain."
Connie Walker-Girlfriend of Sgt Craig S. Frank KIA 7/17/04 of Wyandotte, MI

"god bless you for laying your life on the line to protect ours here at home. ann arbor huron and the rest of the country thanks you"
mark moran of ann arbor MI

"On behalf of the family of SPC Shawn Davies. Our thought and prayers our with the family and friends of Donald. He will never be forgotten. May God be with you."
Toni Peters of Cleveland, Oh

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

"God Bless Donald for laying down his life for our country. Our prayers are with the family."
The Crochet Family of of Chauvin, Louisiana

"""To the family and friends of Donald ~
Our deepest condolences go out to all
in your time of sadness.

Donald will forever remain in your hearts. His spirit lives on.

God bless Donald ~ A true
American Hero"""
Alloway ~ Redrow Family of Pine Hill, NJ

"To Donald'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 soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"Don came from a family I love and hold dear. Their loss breaks my heart. Too young. Too soon. May God comfort your parents, aunts, uncles and cousins in this terrible time."
Jeanne McCallum of Parsons KS

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude.
May G-d provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten.
A grateful citizen and a Proud Marine Mom"
Lily of Wakefield MA

"To Donald'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 family of Donald McCune;

Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also lost a precious life in the battle for freedom. Donald is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave his country. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time."
The McClain family---azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

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