Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Fernando to this day I still think of you my friend. I can see your friendly smile just as if I just spoke to you. Someone who would be willing to do anything for anyone at anytime. It was truly an honor to know you and to be able to cal you a friend. I shall never forget your willingness to help one in need. You are a true devil doc."
Brett Myers of Kittery Maine

"Fernando may God grant you and your family eternal peace, I will see you on the other side Hermano!"
Steven of San Diego

"Sigo sin decirte adiós, carnalito. Estarás en mí. Para siempre."
Ricardo Gutiérrez of San Diego

"You were a good friend, a wonderful human being. I often think of you brother !"
Lee of SD

"29 May 2012,

Mendez, yesterday (Memorial Day) you and some of my other fallen friends were on my mind all day I miss you the most we went trough two duty stations together and then met up again in San Diego while you were going trough BUDS I wish you would have graduated from there you would have had a blast doing what they do seals are crazy LOL well anyways I really missed you I considered you one of my best friends even though I never told you but I think you knew that anyways I'm still doing this thing and just re-enlisted for six more years that will take me out to my 19th year whenever I'm in San Diego I go to Mount Soledad and say a little prayer for you and your family.... I have not seen them since a corpsman ball where your mom was the guest speaker I was so wasted I don't even remember what I said to her and your brother I just remember stopping them before they left the venue anyways just wanted to stop by and tell you that you will not be forgotten and I miss you its been eight long years......"
Andrew Luque of Everett, Washington

"To any family member of Fernando - I was a friend and fellow corpsman with Fernando. I have something important I would like to share with the family. Please contact me, summerofsam99@gmail.com"
Sam G of Irvine, CA

"Fernando,
You were one of my best friends when we served together on UNITAS 41-00, if it wasn't for you I don't know how I would have made it through that year. We had alot of great times and I never met anyone that was braver, kinder, and funnier than you. All my family and friends in Cincinnati still talk about you and miss you. The girls still talk about you and miss your famous pick up line "you smell good". it was corny but it worked every time. Miss you bro"
HM3(FMF) Jimmy Campbell of Cincinnati, Ohio

"Fernando,
You were one of my best friends when we served together on UNITAS 41-00, if it wasn't for you I don't know how I would have made it through that year. We had alot of great times and I never met anyone that was braver, kinder, and funnier than you. All my family and friends in Cincinnati still talk about you and miss you. The girls still talk about you and miss your famous pick up line "you smell good". it was corny but it worked every time. Miss you bro"
HM3(FMF) Jimmy Campbell of Cincinnati, Ohio

"Hey man,
Its been 6 years now and feels like forever. I still remember you helping me check in to my first command and move into our new barracks and then helping me pack up when I deployed. I'm turning 30 next year and my wife and I have a little girl on the way. Thanks for being the best role model, corpsman, and roomate ever. Rest easy bro"
HM3 M (veteran) of Dekalb, IL

"What up Mendez, it's Urena. You have been a daily influence in my life and I thank you for that. Happy 2010 Easter man. I know your family and friends are thinking about you today man. Miss you man."
HM3(FMF) Urena, Victor of Moreno Valley, Ca

"You have always been a true test to what a "Doc" was and is. I dreamed to be able to fill your shoes for one day. Now you guard the gates of heaven for the rest of us. I miss you and your always in my thoughts"
Hm3 Doc Fox Company of Washington

"I will never forget the long hours we studied at my house getting ready for our FMF boards and then when we got our pins. We served in Bravo Company, 2nd Medical Bn, 2nd FSSG. You are and will always be with my thoughts. You upheld the Navy Code of Honor, Courage and Commitment to the highest level. To his family thank you for letting Fernando be a part of our lives and it was all to short. He is missed and will never be forgotten."
Jerrel Bush of Dublin, Ga

"Damn bro, I can't believe it's already been 5 years. All the time we spent together in San Diego will always hold a fond place in my heart. You are a great man, a warm heart and an honored soul. Thank you for everything you did for me, us, and our country. I love you homie, and I know you're resting in peace knowing you saved so many, and enriched so many lives."
PS1(FMF/SW/AW) Jeremy Johnson of San Diego, CA

"April 16, 2009
To the family of Petty Officer 3rd Class Fernando A. Mendez-Aceves:
Fernando 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

"I remember when we both first checked into 2/4 almost 5 years ago. You were a Third Class and I was a little HA. I will also never forget the day you have fallen and the way I felt that day. I looked up to you and Sailors like you made me proud to be a Corpsman. Thank you for everything you have done and the sacrifices you have made for our country. OOOrah and rest in peace bro!!"
HM2 (FMF) Cahill, Jason of Lemoore, CA

"I remember when we both first checked into 2/4 almost 5 years ago. You were a Third Class and I was a little HA. I will also never forget the day you have fallen and the way I felt that day. I looked up to you and Sailors like you made me proud to be a Corpsman. Thank you for everything you have done and the sacrifices you have made for our country. OOOrah and rest in peace bro!!"
HM2 (FMF) Cahill, Jason of Lemoore, CA

"I was Fernando squad leader at Bravo Company. I could tell from day one that Fernando was a very special and unique individual. I remember company run we were on and that nobody was enjoying until Fernando did a dive into this mud puddle. It sounds crazy but everyone got motivate and we finished the run. Fernando was that guy who would put the whole company on his back with out blinking an eye. I miss you bro!!!!!! Rest in Peace."
J. Patterson aka Uncle Pat of Concord, NC

"My only hope is to somehow live up to the things you have done. Ooh Rah Doc. Corpsman up!"
HA Lopez of California

"I miss you bro. Sometimes I still can't believe that you are no longer with us
. My heart breaks when I think ot you. I remember the times when you would run with a ruck sack on your back to join special forces. I still see you face and your smile. I miss you. I will never forget you my friend. May god bless you and end this senseless war."
Daniel of NJ

"Fernando,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other men from Echo Company who were also killed in that ambush for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Doc!"

"You trully followed the Divine Physician.......Jesus the Christ. His commands are a challenge but only those who perservere to the end.........thank you for your service and for our freedom. "They shall shine like stars in the firmament of Heaven.....forever"."
A. A R of DENVER, COLORADO

"Thanks Mendez for your friendship
"un amigo no es aquel que te enseña lo malo, si no aquel que te enseña a luchar por lo que quieres"
Me da mucho pesar tu perdida, pero tu vida fue de mucho impacto para muchas personas dentro y fuera del servicio militar... Lograste impactar con tu perseverancia, "get ready for war" " hurry up" " don't be a dirt bag", Apreciamos tu esfuerzo,
Dios te bendiga"
Hm3 Lavaire of Springfield, MO

"I never had the pleasure to meet you in person but have heard about you through Nakyta. Thank you for your service and for your courage. It takes a brave soul to give their life for others freedom. Am sure you are greatly missed by your family and friends."
Brooke of Vancouver, Canada

"Dearest Sandra, you and yours have made me a better person. Know that you and your dear Fernando will live in my heart always.

Semper Fidelis-"
Jaki of Texas, USA

"What's up fool. Guess what, I am green side again. I am not a mapper anymore. Atleast I am not in division. Fool, Barger said he was going to check up on me, but he has never called. I am sure he is busy as f***. The limelight has gone away now. You know you are the one responsable for all the fame I had for 05-06. I still ask myself everyday why they gave me the Sailor of the Year honor, but in all reality I know it was you that gave it to me. Thanks for keeping my life in check, if it wasn't for you, I would probably be in and out of trouble. My music * is barely starting too. I will keep you informed on that. Check out my stuff at myspace.com/noncombatants"
HM3 Urena, Victor of Camp Pendleton

"The moment I knew for sure that it was in fact ROCKY, I could not believe it. I saw the pictures and I cried. I knew him while we were all stationed at Camp Lejeune. I got to know him through, now HM1 Noble as they were room mates while a part of Bravo company. I always looked up to Rocky for the shape that he was in and the determination he had to the corps and for his desire to become a Navy Seal. I will always have his accent in my mind as I think of him. He is a hero, no matter what anyone says. In my mind I have a picture of how his Marines circled around his lifeless body and I can only imagine how they felt loosing a friend and brother. You will always be missed but not forgotten my friend. We love you and will never forget you. May god have mercy on your soul. Semper Fi!"
Honorably Discharged HM3(SW/FMF) Darosett Anthony of Gig Harbor, Washington

"The Mt.Soledad Memorial Association, in coordinated efforts with American Legion Post 275 of La Jolla, California, is conducting a Honor Ceremony on August 26th,2006 to recognize the dedicated service of HM3 Fernando Mendoza-Aceves and the other 20 Marines that paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Post 275 has sponsored the manufacture of 2 granite plaques to be placed at the Mt.Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, CA.

We are very saddened by this tragedy; our Memorial will honor these brave Marines and the memory and tribute will be forever on our walls.
For additional information and photos of our memorial please log onto www.soledadmemorial.com
We would be deeply appreciative if ALL interested in attending the ceremony could call Joanie at 858-459-2314 (e-mail:Joaniem7225@soledadmemorial.com) or Steve Marrietti at 858-705-2214.
THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!"
Joanie Miyashiro-Brennan of San Diego, CA/USA

"Primo,
Honramos y respetamos el destino que escogiste, con determinación y coraje. Gracias por despedirte de nosotros una navidad antes de partir a Irak. Estarás presente siempre con nosotros. Tío Enrique, Tía Sandra, Rodrigo, Quique y Kenny, unido en la tristeza de no ver Fer les mando un abrazo, lo recordaré siempre con orgullo."
Tu primo Memo Aguilar-Mendez of Mexico, D.F.

"Fernando,
It still hurts to think back to that day. I remember when you first came to 2/4 and then they told me that you were going to work for me in echo. I had no idea who you where. You were so quite and you kept to yourself. Your discipline and devotion to your duty amazed me then and still does. There were many hard times, but not once did you ever question or fight the orders given. If anything you took them with open arms and made the best out of every situation. Thank you for all you have given and taught me. To the family, he is always here with us. Mrs Mendez thank you for blessing us with your son he is truly missed by all of 2/4 especially those of echo company."
HM3 Adam Clayton Senior Line Corpsman Echo 2/4 may03- nov04 of Camp Pendleton, Ca

"To the family of Fernando A. Mendez-Aceves, Iam 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. Prayfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. IF your need prayer or someone to talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington, Ga.30016 phone 770-787-1015. YOur friend in Jesus Christ."
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga. U S A

"FOR FERNANDO,

YOU ARE MISSED NOT ONLY BY YOUR FAMILY, BUT THE CORPAMAN OF 2/4 WHO SERVED WITH YOU AT COMBAT OUTPOST IN IRAQ, AND IN THE COMPANY! I WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR COURAGE! I SAY A PRAYER FOR YOUR FAMILY EVERY NIGHT. THEY WILL ALSO NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. THERE IS A STATUE, AND MEMORIAL IN 2/4 BAS AT PENDLETON, AS LONG AS I AM AROUND IT WILL STAND AS A TRIBUTE TO YOU, AND YOUR FAMILIES DEDICATION!!! YOUR MOTHER LOVED IT WHEN I SHOWED IT TO HER!!!!!! YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN FERNANDO, AND I LOVE YOU BROTHER!!!!!! DONT WORRY I CHECK UP ON URENA EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, HE IS DOING GOOD!!! WATCH OVER US SAINT FERNANDO, AS WE CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER OUR MARINES!!!!!???? WITH LOVE HM3 BARGER - DOCBARGER@SBCGLOBAL.NET"
HM3 KEVIN S BARGER OF 2/4, AND 5TH MARINES of CAMP PENDLETON, CA

"Mi Fernando; es increible lo que esta sucediendo, es increible y doloroso el saber que jamás te volvere a ver, te extraño tanto y te necesito; jamás olvidare el día que te conocí ni el último que pasamos juntos, recuerdo esa mirada profunda que me hacia sentir tan feliz y esos grandes consejos que me dabas cuando realmente los necesitaba, se lo mucho que amabas a tu abuelita porque era en tu vida una guía y el consuelo de muchas cosas que solo tu sabias, tambien se lo mucho que te preocupaba Kenny pero creeme eres realmente el ejemplo con el cual él vivirá y seguira y tu mamá que te puedo decir se que de igual forma la amabas como a tus hermanos, yo, yo solo fui una persona que se subio a tu tren porque tú le diste esa gran oportunidad lo cual te agradezco infinitamente. Dios nos dará la oportunidad de encontrarnos nuevamente porque algún día me dijiste NUNCA DIGAS NUNCA y así lo haré. Descansa en Paz. TE AMO Y EXTRAÑO!!"
Miroslava Gonzalez of México, D.F.

"I was horrified to know that the person I had written to had died. I sent a package with items they neededand got a response about 6 months later. I sent my third letter and got it back. I learned his fate Chrismas Day. Christmas will never be the same again. Fernando was, is, and will always be my hero."
Nakyta De La Fuente of Mojave, CA USA

"My deepest condolences to Fernando's family. He set the example that the rest tried to follow, may he always be in our memories and I will never forget the way he made everything around him better.

The clouds that gather round the setting sun, Do take a sober colouring from an eye, That hath kept watch o’er man’s mortality."
HM3 Nolte of Naples, Italy

"HM3, words could not express my gratitude. I only pray that I live my life in a way that honors you and all who stood beside you. My thoughts and prayers will always be with your family."
HM3 A.T. Long of Camp Pendleton, CA

""What are you doing here?" he asked. -"I was waiting for you", she replied, and handed him a blue notebook full of blank pages.

"Write: A Warrior of The Light values a child's eyes because they are able to look at the world without bitterness. When he wants to find out if the person beside him is worthy of his trust, he tries to see him as a child would".

"What is a Warrior of the Light"?

"You already know that," she replied. "He is someone capable of understanding the miracle of life, of fighting to the last for something he believes in -and of hearing the bells that the waves set ringing on the seabed".

He had never thought of himself as a Warrior of the Light.

She seemed to read his thoughts. "Everyone is capable of this things. And, though no one thinks of himself as a Warrior of the Light, we all are."

He looked at the blank pages in the notebook. -"Write about the Warrior", she said.""
Doc Mendez mom of Chula Vista, CA

"Fernando....I miss you so much. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I know that you are always with me. You were such a special person and you will take pride in knowing that Kenny is going to be just like you. I will forever honor the request to watch over your family. You will always be in my heart. Love you and miss you."
Shelley Acosta of San Diego, CA

"Your absence has left such and empty space in our lives, but in our hearts you have filled love and appreciation for the person you were and stood for...There will always be a pleasant memory of you..Rest in peace Shipmate."
HM2 (FMF) Peralessanchez of NMCSD, CA

"Shipmate, I didn't know you, but I can assure you I won't forget you.
With Honor, Courage, & Commitment"
HM3 Jeff Wiener of Bahrain

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer 3rd Class Fernando A. Mendezaceves,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"Petty Officer Mendezaceves, goodbye sailor and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"I did not know him that well but I wish I had. I always rememeber him smiling at all times even through those toughest of times. I was saddened to hear of his death becuase of the loss I know his family would feel upon knowing of his death. I pray for HM3 Mendez's family and I hope that can recover from his loss. God only knows why he passed when he did. But we must trust God my only comfort for me is putting my life in his hands everytime I leave the gates and to be ready for whatever happens.
Rest in peace HM3 Mendez 2/4.
Rest in peace HM2 Johnson 3/5."
HM3 Mejia of 2/4 Iraq

"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."
Bob Jaeger, HMC (FMF) USN Ret. of Sterling, VA

"To the muscle man, it was an honor working side by side with you here at the Naval Medical Center San Diego. I was blessed by your kindness in so many ways.
May the good Lord comfort your family always.
Your memory will always be in our hearts. Thank you very much for your ultimate sacrifice"
HM2 Grasiela Villasenor Campbell of NMC San Diego, CA

"Fernando you will never be forgotten
you were a great friend and a great inspiration to all that crossed your path tu siempre me ensenaste que avia tiempo para jugar y tambien tiempo para tomar las cosas con mas seriedad bueno te quiero deicir que me aguardes un lugar en donde estas pero no muy pronto pero nos volveremos a ver en el futuro

tu amigo Andres Luque"
HM3 (SW/FMF) Luque Andrew of Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton CA

"It was so hard to say good-bye to you Fernando because you were more than a friend you were like a brother to me and I'll always remember the fun we had hanging out and talking about things.You were always there when I needed a friend to give me advice or help me out when something was wrong. Your family has my deepest sympathy and I truly feel that u are up in heaven watching over your family and all of us who deeply cared about and loved you very much. I miss u very much because you were truly a "brother" to me and no one could ever take your place. Sincerely"
Christopher D. Hunt HM3 aka "Cuba" of San Diego Ca

"The heart of my family will always have a space for Petty Officer Mendez. His memory serves as an example of Honor, Courage, and Commitment beyond service. He will be missed by all who were inspired by his motivatation. I have never met a man like him. I will truly remember a gentle man who brought smiles to my son's face. I will remember a man who would rather escort a beetle outside from an in house gathering to protect it's life. It was a blessing to know you, if I ever get the chance to meet someone like you again I will treat him with the respect I would give to you. God Bless your family and friends who lost you."
HM2 Percell L. Demery

"We remember Fernando during the two years we spent in Puerto Rico. The nicest person on this earth. For us he was like our own son. We spent hours talking about so many subjects, he was very concerned about people.
Dear Fernado, you will always be in our hearts.
We pray for your mother and brothers.
Que la paix soit avec toi au paradis."
Philippe, Armelle, Pierre-Antoine and Ludivine GUITARD of Prague, Czech Republic

"I want to thank all and every one of you for your condolences and memories of my son, HM3 Mendez-Aceves Fernando Alejandro.

As his oldest brother said during the Mass celebrated at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, that 6th of April Fernando was ".....lion and lamb....". He fought like a lion, yet he chose to protect and reach out for yet one more of his wounded fellow Marines instead of taking cover, even though he was already wounded himself. That was his offering of love and sacrifice. That was the time when the lamb manifest itself.

I do miss my baby, my child, he who would leave his GI Joe toys by my bedside to 'protect' me when he was sent to bed(never mind that the next day I needed a small surgery to remove the little things from my face and hair).

Not only did you guys lost a partying buddy; those of you who knew us in Camp LeJeune and in San Diego know that so did I.

Kenneth, his youngest brother lost his 'good brother Fernando', as he always referred to him, as well as his PE mentor. Still, Kenito goes out jogging and when he feels tired he pushes himself to run as far as Fer would always encourage him or push him to go "...to see if I could, perhaps, find him there..." he told me last time...

Every time I think of him, I bow my head in respect and tell him:

"My son, I acknowledge and honor your sacrifice".

He never expected to be recognized or acknowledged for what he did to help others, he just decided that something had to be done, went out there, and did it.

My Father the Lord loves me much, for he accepted my dearest, whom I placed in his care."
Sandra Aceves of San Diego, CA.

"Fernando, what can I say man. You really are one of the greatest people I know. I'm thankful for the time that I got to know you while at Bravo Surgical Company and on UNITAS. The loss of your friendship has touched my family to the bone. To his mother all I can say is thank you. "Rocky" was more than a friend to me he was a brother. I will remember the many nights spent drinking and just talking among my most charished moments."
HM2(FMF) Jason K. Noble of San Diego, CA

"TO Sandra, Kenneth and the entire MendezAceves Family. THANK YOU for blessing so many of us with the privilege of knowing Fernando, affectionately known to some as "Rocky". His character was obviously influened by the love of his mother and family. He gave his heart to his friends and anyone he felt was in need. His charisma attracted friendships whereever he went. While here at Lejeune and while deployed with the Marines of 1/2, he won the hearts and respect of his platoon and the ENTIRE Company of Marines. He also deeply touched the lives of many Marines and Sailors of Chile during our stay in 2000. My relatives from Chile pass along thier thoughts and prayers on behalf of the entire Chilean Marines and Sailors of "Camp Miller".
To ROCKY, you made being a leader easy. You were not only one of the finest Corpsman I ever had, but one of the finest Characters of MEN I have ever known and I feel privileged and proud to call you MY FRIEND!
You will be missed, but Never forgotten as your picture and and Memorial plaque will remain on the wall at FMSS for future "Docs" to give thanks.
THANK YOU ROCKY!"
HM1(FMF/SW) C. R. Acord of FMSS, Camp Lejeune, NC

"It's extremely difficult to say good-bye my friend, especially when you're more than my best friend; when you're my brother. I'm so proud of you Fer! But I know that you're really not that far away. You'll always be in my thoughts and prayers. I love you man! ORALE!!!!! Always watch down on us from above. Algun dia nos volveremos a ver...estoy seguro de ello!"
Wilfredo Lopez de Victoria Colon (Freddy) of Ponce, Puerto Rico

"god bless you hm3 and thank you for being out there. my prayers are with you and your family."
HM3(FMF) NEVAREZ, R.J. (OIF) of camp pendleton

"Honor, Courage, Commitment, and also Pride. These are the things that every sailor must live or die by. God bless all who wear the cloth. RIP SHIPMATE"
IC2 (SW) Cawthon of Great Lakes

"I only knew Fernando a short time, and I thank God for giving me that gift. I will keep him in my thoughts always."
Rita of San Diego, CA

"To the Mendezaceves family: I had the great pleasure to serving with your son in Bravo Company, Camp Lejeune and remember him clearly. He was a sweet soul with the heart of a saint and the determination of a cougar after prey. He knew what he wanted out of life and he lived! Although now in heaven, I believe he lives on and is still serving his country as he now looks down over those he left behind. May God be with you during this time and always. Know that you do not suffer this loss alone."
LTJG Melissa Strahan ( former HM2 (FMF) Falany) of Great Lakes, IL

"My heart goes out to the family of HM3 Mendez. PO Mendez was one of the kindest, most sincere, honest and real people i've ever had the pleasure of knowing and serving with. My heart pains with the news of his loss. I pray God's blessings and support for his family. PO Mendez was the kind of guy everyone wanted to be like and the kind of friend everyone wanted to have. My life has benefited from knowing him. God Bless you Mendez. Semper Fi."
Nesive Bell (HM3) of Paterson, NJ/ USA

"Mendez was one of the most kind-hearted people I have ever met. I remember many things about him. Like his tattoo of the rosary on his arm that he got while he was on UNITAS. Or like the night before he went to BUDS how we (Enani, Egan, Lyons, Nguyen, Mendez, and me) stayed up all night drinking with him. Some poeple were messing with Nguyen (Nguyen was definitly the light weight) but right next to him was Mendez protecting him like a lion. It was that night that we all became brothers in the truest sense of the word. Mendez was a great friend to me and words cannot describe the hole I feel inside of me now that hes gone. He was a great Corpsman and a great friend. I am proud of him and I would want him serving next to me anywhere in the world. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to his marines, his country, and his God. He is not Forgotten. SEMPER FIDELIS."
HM3 Silvers of Camp Lejeune, NC

""For HM3(FMF) Fernando A. Mendez-Aceves
Whose funeral was today at Naval Medical Center San Diego 19APR04. Killed in action in Iraq. Awarded the Purple Heart this day. I never met you
, but I am proud of you.
I met a name today,
I did not know.
He was our brother.""
HM2 Alfred Souza of San Diego Ca.

"HM3 Mendez you will always be in my heart and my prayers. You will never be forgotten."
HN Novosyolova of san diego, CA

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

HM3 Mendezaceves was the kind of Corpsman that other Corpsmen wanted to be. He was and is a shining example of the very best of the United States Hospital Corps, and he died in the most noble way a Corpsman can, caring for a wounded Marine. He died being a Doc. The United States, the Navy, and the Marine Corps are the poorer for his passing.

Semper Fidelis, HM3! I'll see you at the final muster."
HM2 Patrick M. Bryant DAV of Grand Prairie, TX

"I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU MENDEZ.AS LONG AS I KEEP YOUR MEMORY ALIVE YOU WILL NEVER DIE. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER.I STILL REMEMBER THE TIME I TAUGHT YOU HOW TO SWIM. WE HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME. I'M NOT SAYING "GOOD-BYE" BUT I WILL SAY "SEE YOU LATER""
CARLOS HERRERA of BROOKLYN,NEW YORK

"No words can express how I am feeling at his loss. He was a great man. I remember him always being very helpful to anyone. I was always jealous of Bravo Surgical Company, because they had such a nice tight knit group of Brothers, and Mendez was right in the mix of everything, helping out. I have a picture of him in my mind, training for BUDS, running around French Creek with his Alice Pak on and his boots and shorts. I would give anything to see him running past the gym. God bless you and keep you near, and I pray he will make you an Angel to watch over all corpsman serving in combat."
HM2(FMF) Laura Nadzam of Kansas City, Missouri

"I would like to express my heartfelt sorry to Mendezaceves family. HM3 Mendezaceves was one of us. He wore the Corpsman insignia with pride and gave the ultimate sacrifice, protecting our brothers in arms, United States Marines."
HM1 (FMF) JON C. AUTHIER of CAMP LEJEUNE, NC

"I WOULD LIKE TO PAY MY CONDOLENCES TO FERNANDO FAMILY AND OTHER FRIENDS. HE AND I WORKED TOGETHER IN CAMP LEJEUNE AND HE WAS LIKE NO OTHER INDIVIDUAL YOU WILL EVER FIND. HE LOVED HIS JOB AND HE IS GOING TO BE MISSED. HE WAS OUR BROTHER IN ARMS AND NOW HE WILL WATCH OVER US AS OUR JOURNEY AGAINST TERRIOR CONTINUES. TO HIS MOM AND DAD YOUR SON WAS A VERY GOOD MAN AND I AM SORRY THAT HE WAS TAKEN, BUT HIS MEMORY WILL ALWAYS BE IN THE HEART OF THE MEN THAT WAS ABLE TO SERVER WITH HIM."
DAVID A. NEASE of CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, USA

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the MendezAceves family. Your brothers in Bravo Company, 2d Med Bn will not forget you. Rest In Peace, brother."
HM1(FMF/SW) Steve McAdoo of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Fernando would do anything for a friend without hesitation...I know that's what he did for his Marines. Now he's sitting with the Lord still doing anything he can for his friends. We love you and miss you bro."
HM3(FMF) Randy Reeve USN of NAB Little Creek, VA

"My prayers and condolences go out to you. May God comfort and be with you. Words can never express what you are going through. He will be remembered for his great contribution to fight for freedom. He will always be a part of one of the greatest history and traditions that exists in our military. His story will always be told throughout.
"Doc" Mendez...Thank you shipmate, sailor...friend."
HM3 Jose Barrera USN of Camp Lejuene, NC

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

"To Fernando's Family:
There aren't words to express the grief we all feel for your loss. May God bless you and watch over you."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"A la familia de Fernando Mendezaceves

De parte de la familia Blanco-Caldas, le extendemos nuestras mas sinceras condolencias. Compartimos la misma pérdida y el mismo dolor. Nuestras oraciones están con ustedes y le damos gracias por el sacrificio y valor de su hijo.

De parte de la familia del Capt. Ernesto Manuel Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

"Thank you Fernando Mendezaceves, 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 Petty Officer 3rd Class Fernando Mendezaceves:
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 Fernando 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 Petty Officer 3rd Class Fernando Mendezaceves:
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 Fernando, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia