Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Robert,
I would just 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."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"Robert, It has been nine years now since you have been gone. I think about you everyday and the times we shared together before you left. I was really happy and excited to spend the rest of my life with you and will always treasure our last night together and the sweet words you whispered in my ear. You were an amazing man and not a day goes by that my heart still breaks a little bit. But I know you are in Gods hands now and at peace. Moving on was the hardest thing I think I ever had to do, but eventually I did it. But I want you to know that you will always and forever hold a piece of my heart. I love you still to this day and will for the rest of my life. With each day that passes I pray that I never forget who you are. I thank you and I love you. Tell my dad hi for me."
Melissa Ruse of Peru, IN USA

"Bob,
Serenity is 10 this year its hard believe. She asks about you alot now and I take her to see your grave when I go home. I try to tell her as many stories as I can about you. I know you are protecting her from Heaven and laughing about the crazy things she says. I wish I had more pictures to show her. Well we miss you and love you and think of you every night when she says her prayers. xoxo"
T. Rader of Palm Springs CA

"To Roberts family, I hope by now that your lose is easier to handle. Just wanted to let you know that Robert will not be forgotten. Yesterday I was at a veterans breakfast and my husband bought me a bracelet. Couldn't believe he lived in Kokomo my mom is in Tipton. Any I will wear Roberts name for a life time, exactley what he gave. never forgotten."
Neita Jo Dodge of Joliet, IL

"”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 the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,000 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!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
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 of Manti, Utah USA

"June 24, 2008
To the family of Pvt. Robert L. McKinley:
Robert 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

"Hi Robbie:

I will never forget your last night in this country- June 8 2003. I turned 21 at midnight (June 9) and you were so sweet and stayed sober so I could drink on my 21st. I will never forget the conversation we had in the booth- you were so nervous to go to Iraq, and I'm sorry I didn't get to return the favor of being your DD when you got back like I promised.

I am very proud of you and hope that you are doing good in Heaven. Drink a Coors Light for me. :-)

Tina"
Tina of Parrish, FL

"Robert was newly assigned to my unit so I realy didn't have a chance to get to know him well. The few days we had to talk to eachother were mostly filled with what he had to do in a fire fight to survive. I am sorry I didn't get to know him better. The only thing I know is that the man had the heart of a lion. He would not give up on anything no mater how bad it hurt or how bad it sucked. He was a man. I think about you every day and wish we had more time."
Johnathan Dix of Aco. 1/327 of Morrison, CO USA

"To the family of:Robert L. McKinley 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"

"You will be missed by many but most of all your daughter who you never had the chance to meet so I hope you are watching and guarding her from heaven Thank you for protecting our country."
Teila of Palm Springs CA

"Robert,
I hope you know that you will always be the love of my life. Life has been hard since you have been gone, but I am proud to say Thank you for serving our counrty and risking your life for ours. I'll miss you and love you always!!!"
Melissa Ruse of Peru, IN USA

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"I went through Basic Training at Ft. Benning with Pvt. McKinley. We were in the same platoon and I remember him as a kind, humorous, and motivated soldier who loved his country. McKinley, I am proud to have known you, I salute you and I thank you for your sacrifice.

Army leads the way, hooah!"
Spc. Chris Obenshain of Roanoke, VA

"Thank you so much."
Trish of Benton, TN

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

"Private McKinley, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my soldier."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Thank you Robert McKinley, 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

"My name is Elisha Pahnke, wife of fallen soldier PFC Shawn Pahnke. you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you want someone to talk to that "knows", feel free to e-mail me. depahnke@lightbound.com"
Elisha of Shelbyville, IN

"To the family and friends of Pvt. Robert McKinley:
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 Robert 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 Pvt. Robert McKinley:
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 Robert, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia