Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Omar E Lopez this is my email yesenia22@yahoo.com"
Yesenia Zaragoza of Santa Ana, California

"Today June 3rd is the worst day of the year for me and my family. It's been 16 years and it still feels like just yesterday we were there watching you being covered by piles and piles of dirt. That was the first time I saw my dad cry ever! he was crying because he knew that he's son was gone forever. Yes you are not my brother or he's son by blood but you are by love. Who would of ever guessed you would go from my friend to my best friend to my older brother. Till this day dad still can't talk about you. He has not gone back to Santa ana because he is not ready to not see you there waiting for him. It's sad to read that El Boliviano is with you now but then I guess you 2 are just having fun and you are not alone and Lopez if you read this and your El Peruano contact me we would love to keep in touch with you and maybe reminisce all the time you guys were with us. Thank you for all the support I think I can speak for the Zaragoza family when I say that we are proud of him. But as I speak for myself I'm in pain, I'm always in pain and I hurt everyday because he is not with me. I lost so much the day he left my best friend, my laughing buddy, my confidant, my older brother. My life changed that day and a piece of my heart left with him. My holidays are horrible because my family is incomplete. Maybe it's selfish of me but I don't want to and can't let him go. I miss him every second of every minute of every hour of every day. I love you Kitty. My Gato my angel my fallen marine 💛"
Yesenia Zaragoza of Santa Ana, California

"Mendo, It's been 11 years since you left us. I know you have reunited with Rodriguez "El Boliviano" Everywhere I have lived, My flag with your artwork on it proudly hangs on my wall. Unfortunately your name is no where on it. You will always be my little brother, My "ChihuaWog" lol. fun times and great memories. You are truly missed . See you and the rest of our brothers at Fiddlers Green some day. God Bless you and Semper Fi."
OMAR E LOPEZ, Former Sergeant USMC T 5/11 Gun 6, OIF 2003 of Murrieta, CA

"I wish you were still here with us. In the meanwhile, make a little room for us 0811's in Fiddlers Green. GOD BLESS AND SEMPER FI!!!!!!!"
Alfredo Maldonado Jr 0811 SGT USMC of CHICAGO, IL

"Hey gatito..its been 6yrs and it seems like yesterday that you were here with us, I have so much memories of us, the late nights we used to spend together at my garage, me waiting for you afterschool, you were and still are my first love theres no day that goes by that I dont think of you only memories and a lil cross that I gave you when u joined the marines thanj god I got it back, I miss you so much and Bianca well shes 7yrs already she is growing so fast..REST IN PEACE MI GATITO K TU FLAKA SIEMPRE TE RECUERDA...CANT WAIT FOR THE DAY WE CAN REUNITE ON THE OTHER SIDE!!!"
Maria gutierrez of Westminster

"Mendoza you are an honorable American, I did not know you but you inspired me to keep going on and protect my loved ones. "I joined the Marines to protect you" -Antonio Mendoza.... R.I.P. Antonio Mendoza"
Francisco Quezada of Santa Ana, CA

"Hey man, I had a drink with u today at the memorial they have in town. I will always remember you and hopefully every year I can I will share a drink with you on this day. My condolances to your family. I thank you all for your sacrifices. God bless bro"
Ryan Downard USMC T BTRY of pocatello, idaho

"I knew Cpl Mendoza when he was still in the DEP. I met him while I was on recruiters assistance after my re-entry into the Corps. I used to pick him up for pool functions and then drop him off back at his home. He was a very motivated poolee and from what I understand, an outstanding Marine. He was always picking my brain on what the fleet and active duty Marine Corps life was about. I remember talking to him when he was still at Ft Sill and he was hoping to get stationed at Pendleton. I was very sad to hear he had passed. Sometimes I look at the passenger seat in that same car I still drive and I see him sitting there. I also come from 11th Marines and his name is praised and toasted to often by myself and other former Marines. Most of those Marines have never met him and yet they still know of him and praise his memory. I will always keep your memory alive brother. Semper Fidelis Warrior.

Sgt R.A. Aragon III
Echo Battery 2/11
USMC (Former)"
R. Aragon of Fullerton, CA/Parker, CO

"happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!"
y.m of california

"Mendoza,

I can never forget that one bright sunny day in twenty nine palms...you..and rodriguez were sitting down and all of the sudden i heard spanish music playing...DLG..i came over and you welcome me to sit down and listen to the music. I remember all those nights in Iraq, when we were in our hooches and you used to talk to me about your ambitions and your newly born daughter. I remember that i was the only one that would cut your hair because you didnt want that "sleek black hair" of yours cut off bad. I remember all of your motivational speechs...I will always and forever remember you till the day I leave earth. Mendoza, you were and still are an insperation to me.

you will never be forgotten"
Sgt. Martinez, Randolph of San Francisco, CA

"Mendoza",

The time that I got to know you was short, but special... I remember when you volunteered to leave Tango Btry in order to deploy with us (Sierra Btry). I'll never forget the life and spirit you brought to our Battery in such a short period of time. I have two very specific memories with you that I hold very near and dear to my heart. The first memory is in regards to the countless amount of times that you would walk by me as a LCPL and yell at the top of your lungs "ERRRRRR CPL. Hubby!!!" After the first time you yelled that, I knew you were going to be a leader with Sierra Btry... *you were promoted to CPL a short time later*

Antonio, you were the life of the group and a true leader.... Inspirational on so many different levels... Thank you for you leadership!

The second memory I have with you is when I carried you to your final resting spot. Thus far, it's been the hardest thing that I've ever had to do. Antonio, I know you're in heaven making people smile and feel good just as you did when you first came into my life.

"Rest Marine"
Jake Hubby of Marysville, WA, USA

"hey tony its me jesse i know you can hear me. I still cant understand why this happened i will never forget the day i last saw you at the savon on edinger and main you told me you where leaving n all i could just say was be carefull. I at times sit and jus think why we get the best taken from us. i will never forget the classes i had with you remember 7th period with Mr. Tena i remember those green eyes lookin at me like wut u doin foolio. All these years people say life goes on but to me i hold on to the days we hung out. Everytime i drive by that vacant savon i always think of you. Its not how hard you are but how much heart you have and you had lots of heart. i will never forget you and love you man i will see you when i get there."
jesse(bizzy)rivera of santa ana ca. us

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I LOVE YOU BABE AND I MISS YOU SOO MUCH"
griselda of oceanside ca

"June 3, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Antonio Mendoza:
Antonio 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

"another year without you baby i know your in a better place looking after us. I miss you so much there is no day that i dont think of you.you will always be in my mind and my heart i will always love you baby."
griselda of oceanside ca

"Cpl Mendoza will never be forgotten and will always be honored. My condolences go out to Cpl Mendoza's family and friends. I was blessed to have known him."
Cpl Pioquinto 5/11 1st MARDIV of Deming, NM

"I MISS YOU. YOU WILL BE ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS. LOVE YOU"
YESENIA M. of CALIFORNIA

"MENDO!! Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Damn man, I miss you a lot. I never told you this, but you were like my little brother. From the time that you joined Gun 6 "serephim" back in Kuwait 2003 just before we kicked off OIF to the time that left Tango to work the range, It was truly an honor to have served with you. The flag that you did the caligraphy on is hanging on my wall with our gun crews picture next to it. When you passed away A part of me died. There are no words to describe the loss of a true friend."
Omar Lopez, former Sgt. U.S.M.C. 5/11 all batteries of From Camp Pendleton, to Houston Texas.

"HEY BABY I MISS YOU SO MUCH MY LIFE CHANGE COMPLETLY SINCE YOU LEFT YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY HEART. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU"
Griselda of OCEANSIDE CA

"We miss you so much i still remember the last time i saw you and you told me that you were going of to war and that if you didn't come back April that meant you were dead. I still have those words stuck inside my head well we all know that you are in a better place know eventhough we miss you so much....We are never going to forget you......."
Me of Los angeles

"To the family of:Antonio Mendoza 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 ARE MISSED HOMIE"
SARGEANT HERNANDEZ JUAN USMC of RIVERSIDE CA

"Happy Belated Birthday...Another year that passed us by.. enjoy and we miss u lots..."
Jonathan, nessy, isaiah of Santa Ana, Orange County,ca

"Cpl Mendoza I did not know you that well but from what I knew your are an outstanding person and marine you will be missed"
Lcpl White of Camp Pendleton CA

"TIO TOŅO,
WE MISS YOU SO MUCH....
YOUR ALWAYS IN YOUR PRAYERS
AND IN OUR HEARTS."
LOVE ALWAYS YOUR FAVORITE NIECE JESSICA GARCIA of PERRIS, CALIFORNIA

"Even though you're gone bro, you'll never be forgotten. You were my best friend and the best marine I ever knew. I miss you bro."
Cpl Ronald Rodriguez "El Boliviano" of Camp Pendleton, Ca

"Happy Belated Birthday (July 11, 2006)Hope that where ever you may find yourself you had a blast on your birthday. Remember that we all miss you so much and oh yeah Stephanie misses you too. You will NEVER be forgotten. the Lopez Family"
Jonathan, Vanessa , Isaiah Lopez of Santa Ana

"Hey Anthony we can still remember the last time you visit us here on Birch Street. When you were showing Jonathan how you can carry him even though he was heavier than you. And run with him too. These are the memories we will keep with us forever. Thank you for what you did. We appreciate you for every smile you put on our faces. This is not a goodbye but a see you later. Dont forget that everyone looks up to you for the man you proved you were. Thank you again for serving our country to have us friends and family live the way we do. Because Of YOU! Thank You.
Love You always,"
Jonathan, Vanessa , Isaiah Lopez of Santa Ana

"Dear Kitty
Here I am still thinking of you, asking myself " why you had to leave"? and your family and loves ones. Even though I knew you when I was 9 years old, am so glad I met you, you were like the perfect person I ever met in life, who was always with a smile in your face, especailly when the last time I saw you, you were so excitied to see me!!!!, but what hurted me the most is that I never knew that would be the last time I would see you. When I heard the news when that you were gone, those words were the last thing I ever wanted ever never wanted to hear. So here I am, writing to you, even though I never got to say good-bye, so am here to show you I havent forgotten about you, and I never will, so all what I want to say is that I love you, I miss you, and I'll be always be thinking of you.

Always
-Buttcheeks"
Maribel Hernandez of Santa Ana, Ca

"I served with Cpl Mendoza in T BTRY 5/11. He was an Outstanding Marine. I'll never forget him. We worked hard, we played hard, RIP little brother."
Sgt Gregory Stoup of Camp Pendleton Ca.

"My thoughts go out to all who knew him,

I didn't know him but, i knew a girl who knew him my best friend did. So just knw "CAT" U WILL B MISSED"
ROSA of santa ana

"To the family
I knew him he was like a brother to me the time he spent at my grama he great. When i found out I was destroy but, things happen i know he is in a better place. I MISS HIM ALOT I HOPE HE KNOWS ALOT OF PEOPLE WILL MISS HIM I WILL REALLY LOVE HIM LIKE A BRO. MY RELATIVES and me will miss him alot!"
yesenia of santa ana

"We will MISS YOU Anthony. I will never forget your smile. I hope your watching over me. One day we will cross paths. Can't wait to see you. We will always love you Cat."
Your Kitty of Santa Ana, CA

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

"To the Mendoza Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You have raised a fine young Marine who is now a true American Hero. Antonio will always be remembered and honored. I read the nice tributes about him and know that he is safe with God right now. We are praying for all of you. May God Bless you all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to you both right now. It has been a tough couple of months but it was nice to get to know you in the 2 south waiting room. Know that our saddened hearts are with you as we all struggle to get thru each day without our boys. (Lcp John T. Schmidt, III)"
Barb and Eric Jimenez of Brookfield, CT

"its sad to find out by my mom that you had gone from us "papichulo" as you referred to yourself. Your tremendous enthusiasm and spark will be extremely missed both by my cousin's family, whose son you baptised right before you left, & by my wife and I, and the entire cervantes family. thank you for everything and it was a pleasure to meet you on your very last celebration on U.S. soil. your tremendous attitude towards life is surely a gift lost to the world.. you will be missed homie."
Emi Cervantes of Santa Ana, CA

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"RIP Devil Dog....

J and T USMC"

"To The Mendoza Family,
Our Family, Our City, Our Country grieves with you. We are so saddened by your loss. Your Soldier is OUR HERO! We will never forget him or the others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You and your Brave Soldier.."
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN 6/9/05

"6/8/05 Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Antonio's family and friends. We understand your tremendous sadness, yet a great sense of pride. Antonio is a true hero and will go down in history as a great man who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation. May God give you strength to endure this most horrific painful loss.
John 15:13 Greater love than this no one has, that one lay down his life for his friends"
Webster and Ruth Reed (father and stepmom of Jonathan Ray Reed who died in Baghdad on 1/28/05) of Krotz Springs, Louisiana

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

"TO THE MENDOZA FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH ANTONIO. HE WILL NOT HAVE GIVEN HIS LIFE IN VAIN. NOR WILL HE EVER BE FORGOTTEN EVER! THANK YOU ANTONIO FOR SERVING OUR GREAT COUNTRY."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To the family and friends of Corporal Antonio Mendoza,

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 use our link and 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

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