Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"My best friend in boot camp i have your pics,miss you brother,wish i could show these pics to ur fam,man i miss you bro i think bout you alot,like everyday please contact me at 708-574-9430"
oliveras of chicago

"Rest in peace, PFC Menchaca. You were a true warrior."
Dan of Germantown, Maryland, USA

"Chaca, brother you are not forgotten. Just wanted you to know that..I'll always remember the day from hell. Rest my brother, rest."
SFC Fuller, Leslie W. of Ft. Campbell, KY

"American Legion Post 182, Little Elm, TX, is searching for a family member of PFC Menchaca in order to present a plaque commemorating his sacrifice. Please call Lee Cary, 972-345-4279 if you are related to PFC Menchaca,or know someone who is. Thanks."
Lee Cary of Little Elm, TX, USA

"you and thomas tucker will NEVER be forgotten, a brother 101st grunt."
jeff webster of san diego ca.

"Dear Menchaca Family, You all are in our prayers everyday.KRISTIAN WILL NOT EVER BE FORGOTTEN BY US.IN CHRIST,"
Pam Danny Reid of Saginaw,Tx.

"June 16, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Kristian Menchaca:
Kristian 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

"Thinking of PFC Menchaca and his family as I frequently do.
I will never forget what you all sacrificed for our country nearly 3 years ago.
Forever in your debt,"
Lynda

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!!!"
Dara Knight of Somewhere Out There

"TO THE FAMILY OF KRISTIAN
I MET KRISTIAN IN SCHOOL IN SAN MARCOS HE WAS THE BEST FRIEND I EVER HAD AND THE FUNNIEST PERSON I EVER MET. I ONLY NEW HIM FOR A SHORT TIME BUT WE BECAME THE BEST OF FRIENDS. WE WERE SUPPOSED TO GO TO THE ARMY TOGETHER BUT HE GRADUATED FIRST . WHEN I HAD MY SON I NAMED HIM AFTER HIM (KRISTIAN) I TRIED TO FIND HIM SO I COULD GIVE HIM THE NEWS.I WAS NEVER ABLE TO. I MISS YOU KRISTIAN AND I KNOW YOUR LOOKING DOWN ON ME AND MY FAMILY I PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IMISS YOU. I STILL CANT FLIP A COIN LOVE YOU MAN

I HAVE PICTURES OF US IN SCHOOL
BUT I DONT HAVE AN ADDRESS YOU CAN CALL ME 2103035667"
FRANCISCO RAMIREZ of SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

"Dearest Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. We, in Alabama, will run in Kristian's memory in connection with the national run, Run For The Fallen on August 24.
May you receive God's grace daily.
Elizabeth Medaris"
elizabeth medaris of florence, al

"Dearest Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. We, in Alabama, will run in Kristian's memory in connections with the national run, Run For The Fallen on August 24.
May yu receive GOd's grace daily.
Elizabeth Medaris"
elizabeth medaris of florence, al

"To the family of:Kristian Menchaca 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"

"Dear Kristian,
You, Tucker and Babineau are never far from my thoughts and as the two year anniversary of your murder is about to come up, you are all in my thoughts. I wish it hadn't happened. Thank you for your sacrifices you made. I do not take what you did for granted. Rest in peace, and be assured, you are in a better place than the rest of here on earth."
Dara Knight of Somewhere Out There

"Kristian Menchaca, the entire ALTA staff and students remember you this November. You are our first and hopefully the last of our students to be lost in Iraq. We have not forgotten you."
Jose Hernandez of Houston, Texas

"It has been one year now that you were lost to us all. My family and I think of you often. You and your family are in our prayers. You will never be forgotten, PFC. Menchaca."
Michelle of Minnesota

"Menchaca family,
On this Memorial Day 2007, with a thankful and still heavy heart, I remember all those who have given their lives for their country. I am especially remembering Kristian this day and will probably do so every Memorial day hereafter. When I read about Kristian last year, I was at work and wept openly because he could have easily been my brother and in a way he was. Please remember familia Menchaca that we wept with you, we hurt with you, and now we remember with you.

Dios bendiga a la familia Menchaca and all families whose soldier will not come home.

We will not forget you Kristian."
Ana of Seattle ,Washington, USA

"Thank you

What else can a civilian say to you? I am living in a country that has given me the opportunity to make my own choices. Not all my choices have been right but I wouldn't have known unless given the opportunity.

Thank you for your sacrifice. It was received with a trembling humility. Thank you.

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:7-8)

Thank you for preserving our freedom. I close this in the knowledge that we will all meet one day. Thank you!

Forever Grateful
Peter Funchion"
Peter Funchion of Massachusetts

"We didn't know you, but we love you. Thank you for your sacrifice. Sacrificio eos scimus... Salve atque vale."
Steve of Houston, TX USA

"We miss you, keep being strong Aunt!! thank you to all who showed support to our family, i cant beleive its almost gone be a year."
Mary Liendo of Brownsville, Texas

"I prayed for your safe release from the terrorist but I knew...... And I was very sad and sickened. I prayed anyway. Then when I heard, I cried and cried and cried for weeks. I said prayers for you and I know that you are at peace and in a lot better place than we are. I am proud that you served your country so selflessly, happily, heroically, and with great honor and dignity. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you, and Privates Tucker and Babineau. I will never forget you three, even though I didn't know you. Rest in Peace, Private Menchaca."
DeeAnne Tharpton of Kansas City, MO

"It says(THE GREATEST GIFT IS TO GIVE UP ONES LIFE FOR ANOTHER) I did not know this young man "but I do know that he is with the the Lord Jesus Christ.I'm very sad for all the pain he went threw, just like Jesus did. For the Family of Kristian, be happy for Kristian, He is in a better place now with the true Maker of this world and is and will be in peace forever. John 3:16"
JAMES SAMARIPA of RENO,NV

"It says(THE GREATEST GIFT IS TO GIVE UP ONES LIFE FOR ANOTHER) I did not know this young man "but I do know that he is with the the Lord Jesus Christ.I'm very sad for all the pain he went threw, just like Jesus did. For the Family of Kristian, be happy for Kristian, He is in a better place now with the true Maker of this world and is and will be in peace forever. John 3:16"
JAMES SAMARIPA of RENO,NV

"I knew Kris when he was working at Pilot in Houston TX. He had this smile that lit up that place everytime I went to purchase gas. We became great friends who hung out and watched movies. He was a funny guy who could always put a smile on my face. He will forever be in my heart. I miss him so much. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. They did a good job at raising a good man who became a great soldier. He will always be my hero. Thank you Kris for all the good times. We'll see each other again....one day. Take care of my brother-in-law Tomas Sotelo, Jr. He's up there with you. He passed away in Iraq too. This world will never be the same without you both. God Bless You. Thank You."
Fallon De La Garza of Houston, TX

"I am a christian fellow from Brasil. I am a pastor of four square church. I so sorry about your loved one that fallen on Iraq. God bless you, dear family. Jesus is the life that winn the death. Trust God.Im my prays I ask to God to give to you: peace and comfort in the Christ´s love.
Thank you for the fight for hte freedom. God bless the loving memory of Kristian Menchaca."
Jeferson Turbay Braga of Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil.

"Dearest Mother , June 20th, 2006

I do not know you, but we have a common bond, we both are mothers of sons.

I want you to know that the moment I heard of your son’s capture, I prayed for him. As the days wore on without word of his welfare, I didn’t forget him. I prayed for him many times. A prayer for him was the last thing to pass across my lips before bed on June 19th. Clasped hand in hand my husband and I asked for your son’s release and mercy towards him while in the hands of a merciless enemy. I woke to the news your son was in the hands of his Creator.

Today, June 20th, I’m grieving for you. I have wept all morning thinking on your loss. I am so very sorry. I have no words of comfort. I doubt there are any. I am in agony for you and yet my own heartrending pain doubtlessly would not scratch the surface of the burden you carry.

Your son is a hero: a real hero. Young men are often pedestaled “heroes” by our culture simply because they can toss a ball through a hoop or jump over a bar. A true hero is a man who exhibits exceptional courage while facing danger and the enemy. A hero doesn’t run from, but rather runs toward the threat. A hero, if required, will give his all to see his enemy defeated. Your son is that hero. He will be so noted in history books read hundreds of years from today.

I grieve with you. I thank you for raising your son to be a man. I salute and credit your soldier for the rest, rising from manhood into a hero.

My the Lord give you His peace which passes all understanding,
Titus 2:13, The Holy Bible"
Jennifer Bollinger of Nampa, Idaho

"May god bless you and your family in this painful time, I'm forever grateful because your son is a HERO and
fought for our freedom. The angels above are looking out for him now.

A Veteran."
Ingrid Esser of Fort Walton Beach,FL.

"May God bless the Menchaca family in their time of loss. "Vengeance is mine" saith the Lord."
Zee of Germany

"I just want you to know that I feel the pain you are going through. My brother SPC Jonathan Kephart was killed in Baghdad 2 years ago, and there is not a day that goes by that we do not grieve his loss. We knwo that he joined many others who had gone before him, and is waiting with open arms for those who will come behind them. We know that they have died as heroes, and we look forward to the day when we will all be reunited again. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time!
JamesandAnna@aol.com
Lovingly,"
Anna Rose of Burns Harbor, IN

"To the wife and family of Kristian Menchaca: Our prayers were with you the moment we heard that your Hero was missing...we prayed for his safe return and then for you as he journeyed to Heaven. May you know that Heaven holds so many of our Heroes and they will never be forgotten. May God bless you and bring you peace. We pray that this mission will finally be over and our soldiers all return home, until then, we pray for the service men and women that must deploy to protect and serve our country. Our soldier, from Texas also, was lost in March 2004. Tracy Laramore is loved and missed. Kristian Menchaca is loved and missed.
Please honor him by supporting the other service members and pray for them."
S. Brown of Killeen, Texas

"I keep searching but there are no words, I truly feel your pain. My grandson Jeremiah was killed the day before your Kristian and I have been told they traveled back from Iraq together. I truly grieve with you and your family. Words do not come easy, but tears do. I pray for you and all the other grieving families that we will find peace and comfort again some day. They were so brave. They are truly heroes.""
Ruth Warnock, Jeremiah's nana of Ramona, CA

"May God grant you the strength to face the journey ahead. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Michele Carter
Sister of CPL Gary Walters
KIA in Baghdad on April 24, 2005"

"Kristian Menchaca, you are a true hero. Thank you. You will never be forgotten!! May God help your loved ones through this terrible time. Our thoughts and prayers are with those you have left behind. May you now be at peace, you are with many of America's finest."
Briana of Woodbury,ct

"To the family of Kristian Menchaca, my prayers and thoughts are with you. My heart is broken for another young life taken. My best friend was killed in Iraq in 1-05 and I know the pain. Pfc Menchaca is a hero, and died defending human rights."
ANM of Houston, TX

"To the family of PFC Menchaca, we send you loving and caring thoughts, we know the pain you have and understand the anguish you feel. We have prayed since we heard and wanted you to know. We lost LCpl Juston Thacker in Afghanistan 6/24/04, when he and 2 others were sent out in the mountains. There they encountered the enemy setting IEDs. Three men no match for several and two were killed and one crictically wounded. So we understand the pain and extend our heartfelt wishes for healing for you. May our Lord heal those deep pains. Know that Kristian was a true American Hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice. He bought our freedom as have the others who have given so much. God bless. we may be contacted at justontthacker@sunlitsurf.com. Please feel free to let us know if we can help. Proud grandparents of LCplJuston Thacker USMC"
Tom & Dixie Sisk of Princeton, WV

"To the wife and family of PFC Menchaca,
You do not know me, nor did I know your Kristian. I am an army spouse, stationed in Missouri. From the moment I heard about the soldiers missing, I began praying for them and your family. I cannot imagine the grief that you are feeling at this time. I hope that you take some comfort in the thought that you now have an angel watching over you. We lost a very dear friend in April 2003. I hope that you can some how find peace in this time of loss. Kristian gained a whole additional family the day he signed his contract to enter the Army. We feel his loss along with you. Many hugs and prayers!! God Speed Kristian. You died a hero. May you rest in peace!"
Lynette Gallagher of Fort Leonard Wood, MO

"I may not have known you, but when I heard about what had happened to you & PFC Thomas Tucker, I had a knotted stomach.

The image of your smilling face, made me so sad to know that you are no longer with us. Thank you for serving & Thank you for protecting us, may your soul rest in peace Hero. Prayers to your wife & family.

First Strike & Hooah"
Joy of Melbourne, Australia currently in California

"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.
Our nations HERO, Kristian will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you and will remain with you.
HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! "

"Rest in peace my hero...defender of our homeland. May the Lord give strength and consolation to your loved ones and let them know that your death has not been in vain. Descansa en paz mi heroe!"
Ive Ammoune of Houston, TX

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