Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"i miss you brother i wish you still here you always in my mind hope you taking care of grandpa up there, i felt so lonely without you bro i love you brother hope had fun in heaven i see you later"
Renae Bellanger of Cass Lake MN

"I miss you Brother"
Daniel Roman (Lowtide) of Clearwater Florida

"《Dwayne》
Still have our notebook; we had some great times and ideas.
Miss them evening bus rides home. Always a gentleman... when you asked me to wear and keep your ring safe; I seen the trust and respect we had. Ten yrs have gone by i still miss you. Keep that smile, for we will meet again. 1♡"
R of Cass Lake, MN

"Its been a long time since you have been gone. I still think about you and have your letters you sent me from overseas. I miss you always."
Amber of Pennsylvania

"he stay a my home 4 day with son chris hartzell"
pat hartzell of jamestown ny

"I was on the Cass Lake American Legion Honor Gaurd at your service and was without a vehicle. We conducted 2 services that day. First Miles Adkins then attended yours at the Cass Lake High School. So many people turned out from many states. American Indian Veterans were in strong numbers. We went back to the legion and were supposed to grab a quick sandwich before we regrouped at your gravesite. Well it was about a -20 degree windy day and I am sorry to say the entire Honor Gaurd excluding myself opted not to take the bus (my only mode of getting there) out to the cemetary as it was "too Cold." I have agonized over this disregard for your ultimate sacrafice for years and I want you to know, You are not forgotten!"
David Villier Sr of Cass Lake, MN.

"Dwayne, it's been so long and I still find myself thinking about you from time to time. I hadn't spoke to you for years before you left this world but please know that I have much respect for you. We may not ever have been the greatest of friends and I even feel sometimes we didn't really get along much. You didn't agree with some things I did and I didn't agree with some things you did but I truly appreciate you fighting for our Country and I know how good of a friend you were. Reading all of these posts shows just that. I know you are in a peaceful place and thank you for all you have done in this world."
Anonymous of MN

"To the family of:Dwayne J. McFarlane
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""

"My heart still hurts when I think about you, there are so many things that if done differently would have changed everything. I still have that damned WRX I bought back in '03, can't seem to get rid of it because every time I look in the back seat I say to myself "Dwayne used to sit there". Well, still thinking about you, Jan 9th will always be your day."
Alex Meek of Grand Junction, Colorado

"Dwayne Lee Bellanger,you wanted to change your name to after you got done with your service to your country. your H.S. ring had D.L.B. initials for your future. We always miss and love you, still hurts not having you with us, but we know your still here in our hearts. yes, we didn't make you but you were are son. Thank you for referring to us as your MA&DAD. WE met some of your army buddies CHRIS,and Josh,Plus your Sargent all came over to Cass Lake Mn to pay their respects. You Be proud to have such friends. The TATOOS they
Have in Honor of their friendship with you is heart warming. So little time in your life but you overcame your fears and in your 3RD tour in Iraq face it like a MAN. We know you didn't wanted this way but you when't wanted to be anyone else. We LOVE YOU ALWAYS!"
BELLANGER of CASS LAKE ,MN

"Miss you dude. Sucks you aren't here to live out your dreams. Your memory will always remain."
J of Cass Lake, MN

"”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 1,660 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!
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 God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Mac, not a day goes by that I don't remeber all the great times we had together.
The good die young."
N Kolivas of Keene, NH

"Miss you Dwayne...The last time I saw you, you said you hoped you'd never see me again - at least until we were in better places in our lives because we deserved more than where we were. You're right, when I see you again, nothing will compare to where we are. Miss you millions..."
AJ

"Still missing you bro."
J.o.

"January 4, 2009
To the family of Spc. Dwayne J. McFarlane, Jr.:
Dwayne 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

"Hey Mac...I was pretty torn up when I heard what happened to you...and now I'm finally coming to terms with what really happened....those cowards couldn't even take you out like real men....they took you out with an IED....I always knew you as the quiet one....you didn't complain when we had to do BS....you always took it like a man......you're an inspiration to me and I'll always remember you to the day I die...rest in peace brother...De Oppresso Liber...God Bless"
Yoder of NC

"I still think about the last time I saw you...You told me that you hoped you'd never see me again and I was surprised. But you told me it was because you knew we both deserved better than where we were and you were right. I'm getting out of here in a month, I hope you are proud. And we will be in the best place when we see each other again. Miss you Dwayne..."
me

"Two years today Mac, and i still can't believe it"
Jonathan Ortiz of P-Park, FL

"I didnt personally know dwayne but Im the girlfriend of one of his best friends in the army...alex meek. and ive heard so many good stories about him and what a great person he was. I just thought id leave a message saying that he was a great soldier, friend, and human being and will be missed terribly. Peace to your family"
Emily, Aquino of Buffalo, New York

"Mac, I found out about you in the parking lot of Wal Mart in Watertown, a couple of months after you were killed. K nearly lost it right there. That night I tracked down your Uncle and then I went and visited them up in MN. I've got a picture of you with your Uncle in his living room sitting up on a shelf. I saw you the day before you redeployed for the last time and I told you to stay safe. If only you had gone on leave when you were supposed too, you might still be here. The littlest thing reminds me of you. You took it to the infantry and got second at soldier of the month in Iraq the first time. I told your Uncle thatand he was proud. Your my inspiration when I'm at Kent State arguing with the war protesters. Your Uncle showed me your eagle feather while I was at your house, with the tip painted red, he explained that it used to be done in blood but now it was done with paint. That made me think of all the crazy stories you used to tell the team about you in the sweat lodge. Mis you Mac I'm always thinking of you."
Doug of Cuyahoga Falls, OH

"Dwayne,
Hey buddy, it's Alex Meek. I just got back from my second tour in Iraq and I just wanted to let you know how much I miss you. I bought a memorial bracelet and had your name put on it, I wear it everyday. You are with me everyday and I like to think that everything that I do you are there with me, that we share every moment wether good or bad. I miss you and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you in some way or another. I know that someday we will see each other again and until then I will continue to live and celebrate your short but so important life. Until then, Alex"
Alex Meek of Fort Drum, New York

"I miss him so much, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. I love him so much..."
Anonymous of Minnesota

"Dwayne,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

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

"yo mac man miss ya wish you were here to see my son and my family and how much i grew up man. i still rember the day that you got pissed at the game and threw the xbox controller at the floor and broke your tv man you didnt even care it was pretty funny man we will remember the good things about you wish you were still here with us man always with me nice knowing you again miss ya"
mike bower of fort drum ny

"~* dWaYnE *~
I miss you a lot & even tho I didn't get to see you very much, those times that came far and few between were very special. You left such an impression on everyone around you & you really were ~*outstanding*~ =) You always wanted what was best for everyone & you strived to achieve your dreams and encouraged those around you to do the same. Please watch over everyone, I miss you...

until they all come home..."
me

"SPC McFarlane, I've struggled with leaving a message. I will never forget that day. I will never forget you."
anonymous

"To Mac's Family,

I served with Dwayne at Ft. Drum, NY for two years.. I left Ft. Drum to move to Ft. Benning, GA right before the deployment. I kept in touch with Mac through email for several months before the emails just stopped comming.. To his family I would say be proud of the man you raised. Dwayne was a great friend in the good times as well as the bad.. He was a model soldier that many of his peers looked to for guidence on how to perform as a soldier.. Also I would like to appologize for not doing this sooner.. I myself have been in Iraq since early January '05 and have just found out about your loss.. Again, I'm sorry for your loss but I know he is in a better place and I will see him again eventually.."
Spc. Joshua C. Price of Ft. Benning, GA

"To "Mac" and Family,
I still can't believe that you are gone, it never really hit me until I typed your name into Google and found this page. It doesn't seem like that long ago when we were at the Casino trying to buy you beers, or going to Herkimer or trying to break land speed records in my car. Well I have been re-called to the army and I am on my way back in a few weeks, so If I find 'em, I'll get 'em, thanks for always being there mac."
Alex Meek of Fort Drum, NY

"Mac
I might have posted before, but i just needed to do it again. I will always remember pv2 mcfarlane, my roomate and best friend. Me slicing my wrist on your knife, Ottawa, NTC, Iraq 2003. and on a lighter side you always said you wouldn't make it past SPC . Only you would laugh at that.But i even know you would make a great CSM. And you promised to carry my legacy through the army. I Know you would appriciate everything i have said. I miss you Mac. I would have been right next to you probably. I'm proud of you and i will never forget you. My kids and my grandkids will never forget you. and I will never forgive the people who got you killed and you and me know who did that (prior conversation)....F*ck this sh*t ...i will see you in heaven my brother
Sorry i couldn't celebrate your 21st b-day on may 7th i lost my cash card bro. I got the everclear in my fridge and i'm buying the cream soda this weekend."
Jonathan "Dirt" Ortiz of Pinellas Park FL

"McFarlane family, i fought with your loved one, he was as good as a soldier and friend as it gets. he was a true hero who knew what he was fighting for, and why. I will never forget you SPC. McFarlane, and i thank you for being a true friend and helping me mature in our mos."
PFC Adair of Ft. Bliss, TX USA

"To the family of Dwayne McFarlane,Jr.:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"I am so sorry for your loss. My son was killed in Iraq on April 6, 2004 so I understand the pain you are going through. My prayers are with you and your family on the loss of Dwayne. May God surround you with his blessings, comfort and love."
Alberta Todacheene of Keams Canyon, AZ

"Mac,

I wrote things and deleted them. But the only messege that was the same in all of them was that im gonna miss you man, you were hell of a soldier and even better of a friend. And it may seem the wrong time to be saying this, you out of all people would understand but "F*ck This Sh*t" I'll miss ya bro."
Jon "Dirt" Ortiz of Pinellas Park

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

"Thank you Dwayne for taking the fight to those cowards who wish to destroy America. Your brave actions have made us all safer and we are deeply grateful to you. You are a hero who answered his country's call and we will remember you each day we raise our flag in our front yard. God Bless you brave soldier and may He grant your loved ones peace at this time. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"To Dwayne'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 and friends of Dwayne J. McFarlane, Jr.,
Please know that so many grieve with you. As for my family, we will never take for granted the freedom your loved one has so unselfishly provided. Our thoughts, tears and prayers are with you."
The Filbert Family of Lexington, SC

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