Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"So many hearts you touched, so many great memories you helped make, just the great person you were...you will forever be missed...love ya and miss you Milly
Vanilly....the Kettle River Cowboy...aawww...S.A.:)"
Sherry Woodard of Baltimore,MD

"Thought I would leave my email to talk to anyone if they were interested. firedogsdc@hotmail.com"
SGT Steve Cooper (U.S.Army) of West Richland, WA USA

"Not sure if anyone is still checking these but wanted to let you know that I was in Camp Victory that fateful day and was at the scene as one of the firefighters that responded. I hope that the family has loved and respected his memory as this is one of the memories from my time spent overseas away from my family. I have looked up Matt's name several times and was unsure what to say or who to reach out to, but time has passed and I hope this message is received with big hearts. I do not want to bring up the pain of his passing, just wanted to let you know that even though I did not know Matt, he is in my memory forever."
SGT Steve Cooper of West Richland, WA USA

"Matt it's been 7 years since you passed on to heaven. I think of you so often and today is one of those days.. I just lost my other nephew also named Matthew (Hood). He was a year older than you when you died. He lost control of his car early this morning and passed on a few hrs later. If you see him tell him I love him. I love and miss you too very much. I talk to you sometimes in my prayers.. I hope you can hear them... I'll never forget you. Love, Aunt Sherry"
Sherry Adelsgruber Shepherd of Pigeon Forge, TN US

"I love u matt best big cousin ive ever had miss u alot."
Kyle milczark of cloquet mn

"To the family of:Matthew G.Milczark
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""

"Hey Brother, just thinking about you this morning. Wish it all could of ended better with all of us returning together, miss our talks and debates over best hockey movie of all time. Catch ya on the flip side."
Cpl. Patrick LeBlanc of Greensboro NC

"Matt, I think about you just about everyday. you were like my big brother.. i miss you so much, and ill never forge the times you were at my house. i love you."
Cassie of Kettle River

"Hey brother, its 8-10-09 grew close in boot camp together, we will see each other again someday, r.I.p."
t

"Hey brother, its 8-10-09 grew close in boot camp together, we will see each other again someday, r.I.p."
t

"Matthew today is March 8th 2009. I can not believe that is has been 5 yrs since you left us. I just want you to know that you are not forgotten. We miss you very much. We will meet again. Love you Lots!!!!"
Your cousin, Jen of Moose Lake, MN

"February 27, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Matthew G. Milczark:
Matthew 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

"hey cuz, its been along time since we seen each other an soon we will meet again, i wish you could have seen my son i tell him stories about you all the time about what crazy nights we had, and weekends together, and the trips we took, i miss you so much and iam sorry for not being there enough after graduation, take care my friend, my only brother, my cuz ill see you this fall like i always do, fly with the eagles.And keep looking out for each other i know you saved my life one night ago i thank you for that."
Ryan Milczark of mn,

"Hey brother. It's been along time now, but I just want you to know that I still love and miss you. I'll never forget the friendship we shared. Until I see you again. Rest in Peace.

Your Friend and Brother in Arms,
Lcpl Cory Maxwell"
Cory Maxwell of Arlington,Texas

"You are not forgotten Matt. Semper Fi cousin."
Billy of Duluth, MN

"You are such a great hero to all of us matt, thank you very much! you will NEVER be forgotten, we love you!!!"
Kara Chupurdia of Moose Lake Minnesota

"To the Milczark family
It says time heals all wounds, I hope as time goes by you find solice in knowing matt had many friends and will always be missed by the moose lake community. take care"
steve T of Moose Lake ,Mn

"to my friend, my hunting buddy, my fishing partner, my drinking buddy and the man who taught me how to live, nad my brother in arms, i miss you lots and i will visit you when i get home"
PFC Giersdorf of FT. Lewis

"Matt
I only got to call you step-cousin for a few years before your life was cut short. It is individuals like you that make me proud to be an American. You are always welcome in our family, I miss you very much."
Nathaniel Lehn of Hutchinson, MN

"I didnt know you well Matt but I will miss you"
Tricia of Rutledge, MN

"Matt,
It was serving with outstanding young Americans such as you that gave the greatest meaning to my Marine Corps years. Permit me the honor of standing watch with you when I too report to Saint Peter. As a fellow Minnesotan and 1stMarDiv grunt, I look forward to your company as we together guard Heaven's scenes. God bless you, Marine. Semper Fi,"
Kevin Murphy (major, USMC, retired) of Woodinville, WA

"We miss you, Milly... but not as much as we will always love you."
Jessica of Willow River

"Dear Family of Matthew G. Milczark,
I work for the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and received a brochure on the Fallen Heroes Memorial at our National Convention two weeks ago. I was saddened as I checked out the site this morning to see a soldier from my hometown area. My name is Brenda Hamlin Kelley and I grew up in Moose Lake. My heart goes out to you. Thank you for Matthew's service and God be with you."
Brenda Hamlin Kelley of Lenexa, KS

"Matt, we miss you very much and think about you everyday. Luckily enough we have a video of you when you were last home, and many pictures to remember you by; Your gorgeous smile, the way you walked, talked and laughed. We know your doing alright because we feel that you have sent us many signs telling us that you are o.k. Such as seeing the pigeon's on the silow, eagles flying around the hunting shack, and the buck your dad shot this last hunting season. It's been a rough road for all of us, but hopefully it will eventually smooth out. We all LOVE YOU and MISS YOU very much!"
Your Proud Family, Dad, Linda, Luke, Gabe, Kristina, Lindsay, Hunter, Lance, and Derek of Kettle River, Moose Lake, and Fridley MN, and Hillsbrough NC/ USA

"Matthew,
We love you and miss you. You will ALWAYS be our HERO!!"
Love, Aunt Sherry, Jeremy, Amy, and Mark of Grantville, GA

"To the family of Matthew G. Milczark:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"To: MILLY THE ONE AND ONLY COWBOY FROM KETTLE RIVER. I MISS U SO MUCH, CAN'T WAIT TO SEE U AGAIN. I LOVE YA"
JENNY GAMST of MOOSE LAKE, MN

"To my Milly Vanilly! I just wanted to write you a little note and tell you that I love you and miss you.... my loco SA. You will always be in my heart, my Kettle River Cowboy, and I can't wait to see you again!"
Sherry Isaacson of Moose Lake, MN

"Matthew it is March 8th and a year has pasted since we received the horrible news that you where no longer with us..... I want you to know we all Miss You Very Much..... You are still my HERO and always will be.... I LOVE YOU........ You will never be forgotten......"
Your cousin Jennifer of Kettle River

"its one year since your death,, and your not forgotten,, my your family find peace,, your a hero,"
sandy of saudi

"Dear Matt, my 6-year old daughter has and wears a hero bracelet in your honor and memory. We talk of you often. I am a USAF Reservist and served time in Iraq and Afghanistan and understand the sacrifice you made while serving your country. Thank you."
Chris Swartz and daughter Sara of Apple Valley, MN

"Matt We Love You Very Much and will Always Remember You and we're very proud of you! We will never Forget YOU!!!!!"
Natalie Booker and Friends of Willow River, Minnesota

"I did not know Matt that well, but i do know he touched so many lives. i do give you my deepest sympathy."
Tricia Bueltel of Rutledge, MN

"To The Family of Matthew,

Rest assured that Matthew will be missed by many in civilian life as well as by his brothers and sisters in the Corps.

For Matthew,
Semper Fi Bro, on your walks within the the gates of heaven I am sure that you'll bump into my brothers form 3/1. Tell them that I think of them often and still wonder what may of been.

Semper FI, I'll see you there"
C.M. Diaz of Overland Park, KS

"Matthew I want you to know that I think about you every day.... You will always be my hero... I love you and miss you very much.... Thank you for being such a wonderful cousin.... I will never forget you and the fun times we had when we where kids.... Until we meet again...."
Jennifer of Kettle River

"We had so many good times through boot camp an soi, you were the platoon high shooter and an all around good guy. if there was one marine i would want to have my back it was you, sorry we couldent go whitetail hunting like we talked about. i will never forget the times we had. its because of you and Langhorst that i will be volonteering to go to iraq with a deploying unit, semper fi"
Lcpl Loomis of Chino Hills

"I didn't know Matthew but he is greatly missed, I lost my brother-in law in November 2003.We love you and you are deeply missed."
Antoinette Brooks of Stone Mountain, Georgia

"Matt you were the best friend anyone could ask for!! you were the best!! WE miss you and love you very much!! See you soon!"
Love, Erica Ketchum and Dale Sandberg of Moose Lake MN

"You're my hero Milly. You were everything a good friend could ask for. See you in heaven buddy. Semper Fi."
Mike Haglund of Moose Lake/St. Cloud, MN

"Matt, you will always be with me, you were my brother. You are a hero, thank you for that. I love you so much, and always will. Rest In Peace, Matthew."
Nikki Haglund of Moose Lake, MN

"18 years ago the world was blessed with you matthew, you parents never could have known you would have made and such a big impact on the world, you have done more then become a young man, and a Marine, you have become a hero. My future husband has just left July 19th to become a marine, I wish him the best of luck and hope he lives to tell the tale, but I also hope he makes as big of an impact on people as you have done as a Marine. From what I know you have truly earned your eagle globe and anchore. Thank you for being you
Semper Fidelis.... OORAH, it's a Marine thing."
Brittany of Washington

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"TO THE BEST STEP-BROTHER IN THE WORLD... MATT I WILL LOVE YOU FOR EVER. YOU ARE MY HERO AND I MISS YOU SO MUCH."
DEREK WOOD of FRIDLEY MINNESOTA

"Dear Matt,
today is Sunday the day before memorial day! Matt there is not a day that goes by that we don't think of you. You are one of a kind... and we sure do miss you each and everyday. may God bless you matt!!! We love you!!
Scott, Lisa, Justin Berglund JacobJordan, and baby Elisabeth."
Lisa Drewlo of Moose Lake

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

"Dear Matt!
You were such a great and funny guy, and not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Can't wait to see you again on the other side.
~Always"
Anne LaFrinier of Morris/Moose Lake, MN

"Thank you Matt for all the good times and memories. I think about you every day, as do many people. We will never forget the way you touched each of our lives and we will never forget the ultimate sacrifice you have made for us. Until we meet again..."
Greta Giersdorf of Moose Lake, MN

"MILLY I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. THE KETTLE RIVER COWBOY!"
Jenny Gamst of Moose Lake MN

"To the family of Matthew G. Milczark I as well as my family are saddened to hear the news of Matthews unfortunate passing. I am the sister of P.F.C Munoz, Wilmer A. the Marine who's family he used to stay with in California. Even though we only knew Matthew for a couple of months he quickly became a part of our family, he will be greatly missed and he will never be forgotten for he is in our hearts and he will always be. In closing all I can say is I am glad to have had the opportunity to know him and he will always be remembered as the hero that we all know he was."
Irene Mojica of North Hills, CA. U.S.A

""RIP Marine! You will never be forgotten, by your family, your friends, and even your extended Marine Corps Family. I deceided to leave the Marines in 98' but even to this day when I hear that a Marine has past away to guard the gates of heaven, it's hard not to keep from weeping. I want to send my regards to you in your time of great loss. SEMPER FI!""
Rick Rugless (rughopper@hotmail.com) of St Paul, MN

"To the family and friends of PFC Matthew G. Milczark,

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

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. 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. Please register so we can send you
our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Member Of Marine Comfort Quilt group, and Proud Marine Mom"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"Thank You Matthew, for the sacrifice you made for your country. May the Lord Bless you and your family and give them Peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
Witkowski Family of Kettle River, Mn

"Matthew I want you to know that I am so very proud of you and you will always be my hero. I will miss you!!!!!"
Love, Your cousin Jennifer of Kettle River, MN

"Made it through boot camp with you, buddy, sorry that our paths must end here, see you on the other side, devil dog"
Poffenberger of Coronado,CA

"I will never forget the way that Matt had the ability to make me smile no matter what, along with the hug that made everything ok. He will never be forgotten and will always have a place in my heart. And someday get his chance."
Katie Elmquist of UW-Superior

"You will always be remembered and your memory will go one forever."
The Laine Family of K.R. Minnesota

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

"My prayers are with you. My heart breaks for you, Michael, and the other lost men and women."
Elaine Pasquini of Novato, CA

"God's blessing to the family and friends of Matthew.
My prayers are with you."
Candy of Poynette, WI

"God Bless You Michael and your family that is left without our smile. May GOD hold them in his arms and carry them through this terrible loss"
The Taylors USMC of NC

"TO Matthew's family,
Your son is a hero for dying for his country. He did something that most people lack the courage to do. He will always be a hero."
mark reif of winchester, VA USA

"God Bless you Matt for having the courage and inspiration to follow your dreams and be there to protect those that needed protection. You are the true american hero, thank you for keeping us safe while we sleep. May god bless you and your family once more...."
Wallace Family of Topeka, KS

"We will always remember the good times we shared, Matt. We'll never forget what a wonderful person you were and how grateful we were to have you in our lives. Forever in our hearts, Rest in peace, Matt"
Lindi Moser and Rachel Skelton of UMD

"To Matthew's Family:
There are no words that can express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you and your family as Matthew watches over you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

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