Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I was with you on that day. We were about to head back to Camp Fallujah. We had a moment before stepping off were we came together. I’ll never forget because we didn’t like each other before. I replay that day over and over but I’ll never forget what we shared in that moment.
I look to visit you where you lay. I just gotta figure logistics and find a guide."
Corey Ferrell of Kansas

"Hey Raul Mercado. Its been a long time my friend and fellow Marine. Do you remember me? I was your 1st Sgt (temporarily) at 2ndMaint.Bn in Camp Lejeune, NC. Thank you for your sacrifice. Today is January of 2021 and I still feel the power of who you are. Do you remember when you got into a little scuffle with other Marines and I stepped in to try and calm the boys down? You were full of fire but quite the gentleman. May you rest in peace..To the his family and friends, all I can say is please celebrate his life and know we love and pray for you all. Oorah!"
H. Valentin (hugovalentin2411@gmail.com). If anyone has any photos of this tour. please send them to my email. thank you do much. of Waterbury, CT

"As your company CO I pressed our capabilities out and you were always jumping in to go support fellow Marines, I think of you always as you will always be a great Marine. Semper Fi! CWO5 Cooper (ret)"
Dusty Cooper of Camp Lejeune NC

"I still haven't forgotten about you, Devil Dog. You've made it impossible to be forgotten. You are hardcore, motivated, and proud Marine. It still hurts to realize that you are not with us. However, I still carry what I've learned from you to be a better person today. For that, I thank you, brother. May your legacy carry on. Semper Fi."
Angel Martinez of Los Angeles, CA

"To the family of:Raul Mercado
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""

"I love u Mercado"
vanessa of parris island, sc

"It's been about 5 years since my cousin Raul Mercado has passed away..and it still somehow feels like yesterday. I miss him but at the same time I admire him for what he did. He was an amazing person and loved dearly by our entire family. He is never forgotten. He will always remain alive in my heart. I love and miss you Raul."
Deana Mercado of San Diego, CA, United States

"Raul,
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Your sacrifice and inspiration both live dear to my heart. I remember the day I first met you to the last time I spoke to you while you were in training. You inspire me every day to become a better person, and give thanks for all that I have. So many people did not understand your reasoning to serve, but they knew that your passion was something no one could talk you out of. I can't believe so many years have gone by, but I hope you realize that your spirit, love, passion, kindness, and loyalty live on through the hearts of so many. Because of you SO MANY people have gained strength in your name. I love you very much."
Lisa Luna of Duarte, CA

"To Raul Mercado and Family,
Five years ago we deployed to Iraq together. I returned heart broken and scared for life. There's not a day goes by that I don't think about you or when one of my Marines brings a moment of memories of you while we're at working. Even though we had our head butting moments you still new how to make us all smile. I just wish I could of sorry before you left to guard heaven gates. know on this Memorial day your the one that still remain in our hearts. god speed to you and your family. Semper Fidelis."
Miriam Harris of San Diego, CA

"I was one of the three Marines with LCpl Mercado when it the IED hit in Al-Karma. The four of us were in the same platoon, and I remember prior to leaving our mission to return to Camp Fallujah, him and I having a real brief argument on who was taking the lead hum-vee back to camp. Him or I, and I remember him having such a fight in him, accompanied with the tenacity of a bull-dog. I will always keep his memory in my mind."
Corey Ferrell of Colorado Springs, Colorado

"Wish I had known you better. There is not a day that goes by that I dont think about you and what happened that day. All I can say is I'm sorry."
LCpl Richard Robinson (Ret.) of Lakewood, Colorado

"Raul whats up man, to this day I still think about what happened. I miss you a lot and I know your at peace now but it's hard to let go. Your an HONORABLE Marine and I thank you for everything you did. You are not forgotten, and to his mother, sisster, and family may god bless you.
Your friend and fellow brother"
(Cpl) Juan Lopez of Sacramento, CA

"Thinking of you always. Semper Fi."
SSgt B. of Aberdeen, Maryland

"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

"Its been three years now cuz, that u left us I never really got to know u well, but the times we were together I had a lot of fun. R.I.P CUZ"
Sergio "PuAZ" of Hollister, CA

"January 4, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Raul Mercado:
Raul 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

"Countless times I wonder why I sent you out that day and it hurts. Then I remember you were the best Marine we had. You showed me how to be a better man on numerous occasions, because I could never be the caliber of MARINE you were. We miss you."
Sgt. John Wiskus of Omaha, NE

"LCpl. Mercardo, you were my husband's best friend (Cpl. Brian Neighbarger). Not a day goes by that he doesn't think of you. He misses you so much and wishes at times it were him that died in your place. From my perspective, thank you for serving your country and giving your life to defend freedom. You served and died with honor Marine, we need more men like you. Thank You!"
Jamie Neighbarger of Utica, OH, United States of America

"I was the security commander of Lcpl. Mercado's convoy. I can't tell you all how sorry I am for what happened. He gave his life as a hero and a patriot. Not a day goes by that I don't remember what he did for his country; a true symbol of what all people should emulate. I couldn't be more honored than to have served with this Marine."
(Sgt.) Sean Catto

"Two years have passed Raul, but you still remain alive in my heart and always will. Thank you again for showing us how to become better people. I miss you very much, and I am so proud of all that you did for me and all the rest of this country. I love you."
Alondra Diaz of Monrovia, CA

"Mercado, I miss ya kid! It's been 2 years now and we all still miss you! You will live on in our hearts forever! To your loved ones, He was the best Marine you could have asked for and he has made all of you proud!"
Sgt Caudillo of Dallas, TX

"i will never forget you raul. you were my friend during boot camp and mct.even when we were in school..you have influenced the way i am now in the Marine Corp and ill never forget you.."
Cpl Santoyo of yuma,az

"Raul was my son's buddy and friend. We will never forget him or his family. My heart is with you.

A Very Proud Marine Mom"
Christine of TN

"Raul,
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.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"I will never forget the sacrifice you made for our country. Your smile still lights up my classroom and your quiet confidence still inspires me to reach out to students who may be more thoughtful and less boisterous. You told me before you left how much you believed in what you were doing. I will never forget those words. Your spirit lives on my friend. You will be missed here on Earth, but we will meet again.

To the Mercado family, my sense of loss is miniscule compared to your own. I am so sorry for you all, and for what you have sacrificed as well. Raul will never be forgotten."
Paul Dols of La Crescenta, CA

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

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