Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Happy Memorial Day, Bob.

I'd like to share a story about you. When I was 17, we went up to New York to celebrate New Year's with your mom and her new husband. We went and saw Cast Away at the theater and it was totally empty. I had a great time. When we got back to PA, I found all of my belongings out on the porch of my foster home. I'd been kicked out for not giving them the correct telephone number for where we were staying. Without a question, complaint, or hesitation, you helped me load everything into your van and get it stored.

When I found a new place shortly after, you were the friend that helped me move. You picked me up for school every morning even though you didn't have to. I made you late so damn many times.

I miss sleepovers at your house and swimming and playing Magic the Gathering and losing to your brother on the tool table.

Most of all I remember your positivity and your selflessness. You always had a smile on your face, even when we were teenagers and most of us were going through that "the world sucks" phase of our lives. You were always there for anyone who needed a hand, and you never asked for anything in return.

It's been almost 20 years since you left us, and I still miss you."
Andrew Kelly of Portland, OR, United States

"Even though I didn't know you without men and women like you we would have nothing. RIP Hero may you forever live on in our hearts. A prayer for you..

Sailors pray,
For fair winds and a following sea

The smell of salt in the air,
The feel of their skin as it's touched by the spray

An albatross soaring above,
Dolphins in the ship's wake at play

To witness a work of art that only God can create,
The sunset at the end of day

At night a million stars in the sky,
Safe anchorage in an islands lee

When the time comes to die as for all it must,
To awake in Sailors Heaven where nothing ever rusts

And always there would be,
Fair winds and a following sea"
ChristianC. of Sacramento, CA USA

"I Miss You"
S.C. of Perkasie, Pa

"Thinking of you especially today....how you loved this football weather....missing your laughs, yor smile, your hugs and kisses.Love you forever. Mom"
Paula Zwillinger of Lagrangeville, NY

"RIP Robert Mininger... I had the pleasure of meeting your mother Paula when she was unfortunately given the GOLD STAR Plague in honor of such a brave young man and HERO...her son that gave the ultimate sacrifice w his life. May you continue to give her strength to get by each day for she misses you so... Thank You MARINE! ORAH!"
Sylvia Padron Blue Star Mom of NY, NY

"BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 8189 ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY"

"Tom, Paula, or Greg,
Thinking of Bob especially this weekend. I have a favor to ask, could you please provide the location of his resting place at Arlington. Jess is being promoted this Wednesday at Women's memorial at arlington and we would like to pay our respects. Your neighbors from Sellersville. Deb and Phil"
Phil Bargione of Sellersville PA

"Hey Buddy, its that time of year again and still thinking of ya. My dad did the the Ride for Hero's the other day, he puts your picture on his bike ever year for that ride, just know you are not forgotten my friend. And thanks for watching my back over the last year and keeping safe.... Miss you Bobby"
Spc. Gregory M. Nyce of Perkasie, PA

"To the family of:Robert T. Mininger
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""

"To the family of LCpl Mininger,
I am so sorry for your loss."
Stefan Bladh of Stockholm, Sweden

"Dear Son,
It's now 6 years of missing you, not hearing your voice, not getting your hugs, your kisses, and not seeing you in a multitude of ways. Now I only get to see you in my dreams, but they say dreams do come true, and I look forward to that day. I hope you are looking down at us. Today at Arlington the hearing of Taps and the 21 Gun Salute brought me right back to your day at Arlington. I miss you now and every day, but I know you are with me.
Loving you forever,
Mom"
Paula Zwillinger of Lagrangeville, NY

"Dear Bob, I can't believe its been almost 6 years since you've been gone. I think about you and your family so very often. I thank you on this day for your ultimate sacrifice in protecting our freedom and for that I am eternally grateful. I know Ryan misses you dearly and I don't think he will ever "get over" losing his dearest friend. You were a great friend to him as he was to you and a friendship like that you never forget. We wish you could be here with us now as we all miss you but we also know we will see you again one day. Until then, know that you are loved and missed every day and never ever forgotten."
Mrs. Groff of Telford, PA

"Bobby, my old friend as Memorial day and June 6th get closer i think of you alot more, this is year tho is harder for me, as im in afghanistan picking up where you left off. i cant believe its been 6 years it feels like yesterday, i remember us being kids and playing football and being at church, man how times change, not a day goes by i dont thank you for all you have done buddy, miss ya and thank you"
Spc. Gregory M. Nyce of Perkasie, Pa / Afghanistan

"Dear cousin,
Thank you for all that you did and the sacrfice you made.
Love your cousin"
zach

"As Veteran's Day approaches I will remember Bobby and the sacrifice he made. God bless him and the others who bravely fought for our freedom."
Ceil Krajewski of Perkasie, PA

"Robert, it has been over 5 years now, and I miss you every day. I am alive today because of you friend, I will never forget that. Every time I touch the scar from the day that only injuried me, and killed you, I think of you. I was told today that I am going to have another little baby boy. I want you to know that he will proudly carry your name, as I will continue to live my life in thanks to you. God bless your family, and the life you never got to live."
Nolan Ruby of Sioux Falls

"Dear Son,
It is now the 5th anniversary of missing you. Where does the time go? Loosing you is the day my world changed forever. As I sit at Arlington with you I cherish every minute that we are together. Know that you are in my heart every minute. Till the day we are together.....I love you eternity.
Mom"
Paula Zwillinger of Lagrangeville, NY, USA

"Dear Son,
Your 4th anniversary has past and it still seems like yesterday. Some moments are harder than others. Sitting there with you for hours on end, in the quiet stillness of Arlington, I could feel peace. You are here with us and your memory lives on - for you will never be forgotten. You are alive in my heart and mind. My heart cries for the shattered dreams that we no longer have, but I dream of the day they will all come true again, seeing you.
Love Forever,
Mom"
Paula Zwillinger of Lagrangeville, NY USA

"To the family of LCpl Mininger
I know this is the 4th anniversary of your son's death, but I just wanted to send a message to you all and remind you that he has not been forgotten. I brought him home to you for the last time and although I have retired from the Marine Corps, I will always keep the memory of your son and your family with me."
MGySgt Terri J Thomas of Tampa, FL

"June 6, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Robert T. Mininger:
Robert 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

"Robert,
I was watching the HBO documentary "Section 60" and learned about you. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones-especially your mother, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
Fellow Marine and former member of 8th Marines '85-'89"

"Dear Paula: I was one of the Nurses who cared for your Son in Baghdad, and I met you briefly in Washington D.C. I wanted to let you know that your family will always be in my prayers, just as your son will always be in my heart. His was well loved, and will always be remembered for his bravery and amazing strength."
CPT Rachel Greve of Greenville, SC

"Dear Paula,
My Name is Haley and i was attending grasse the time of ur sons memorial i just want to say good luck to u and i still keep u in my prays"
Haley of Sellersville Pa

"Dear Bob,
I came to see you today with your mom. Today was the toughest day of my life. I want you to know your fellow Marines will never forget you or your family, because we are all family. Your mom is an inspiration to me. She is the strongest person I've ever met. It is an honor for me to know her. I look forward to meeting you when God calls me home too.
Semper Fi Brother"
Jane Collins of Cleveland, OH

"Dear Son,
It has now been 2 years since we lost you, and again, there is a void that will never be filled. My heart still bleeds and at times I don't think it will ever get better. Days go by - some are just better than others - but you are always in my thoughts. I hope you are looking down and smiling for the work in your name. I love you dearly and will continue to honor you forever.
Eternal Love - Mom"
Paula of New York

"Paula and Family -

I just want you to know that I'm thinking of Bob today on the anniversary of his death. My family is so grateful for his service and sacrifice. I know that your hearts still hurt and wish that I could say something to ease that pain, but there are no words that can do that. Just know that you are in our prayers and that we will never forget him.

Sincerely,
Janet Norwood
Gold Star Mother of
Sgt Byron W. Norwood, USMC
KIA Fallujah, Iraq
13 November 2004"
Janet of Pflugerville, TX

"To the family of Lance Corporal Robert T. Mininger; you may not remember me, I remember you all very well. I was the Marine that had the honor of bringing your son home to you for the last time. I have never forgotten any of you nor will I ever forget your son. I thank you again for your son and the things he brought to the Marine Corps. I wear a bracelet of fallen heroes on my arm with your son’s information as a daily reminder of his heroism."
MGySgt T. Thomas of Cincinnati, OH

"Dear Mrs. Paula Zwillinger,
I have learned about your loss just yesterday when watching ‘Bagdad ER’, an incredibly well filmed documentary... I live in Europe and it was difficult to get a hold of the documentary, it's just nowhere to find.. When I finally saw it I just... I just had no words to express my sorrow and great sympathy for Robert’s parents. My heart goes out to you Paula, Robert’s father and his brother Gregory for your loss... He was such a strong boy, he fought so hard. As I watched the documentary I cried so hard for Robert....I couldn’t stop crying when I learned had he finally succumbed to his wounds… I can only imagine what you are going through. I’m really sorry. Be strong you all... you have world’s greatest sympathy. I’m in the Reserve myself and my husband is in active duty and I strongly identify with the loss of life of the US soldiers. May Robert’s life and death hasten the peace in this cruel war… please be safe, Gregory and take care of your mom. Deepest sympathy from Europe, we are honoring you. Natasha Peters."
Natasha Peters of Breda, the Netherlands

"Dear Son,
A year has now passed since you are gone and I find myself wondering, daydreaming what your life is like. Greg has joined the Reserves and I feel like he is now tighter than ever with you - "Brothers by Blood, now Brothers by Corps." Watch over him and protect him from harm with all of your other Marine Angels. Look down on us as we weep and steer us in a positive direction. I keep your memory so alive that it seems like you will walk thru my door. I hope and pray that you are looking down and smiling of the work in your name. I miss you so much, life is just not the same. You are forever in our hearts.
Love eternally - Mom"
Paula Zwillinger of New York

"May your brave soul and heart rest in peace. We will NEVER forget you
J and T
USMC
Sister of a Fallen Marine now on guard duty at the gates of heaven..."

"Bob:
As we approach one year since your death it still doesnt seem real. Not a day goes by that we dont miss you, love you and remember you. You were gods gift to your father and mother and to Greg. You touched all of our lives so deeply and we are all grateful for those memories. You are a true hero that fought for what you believed in and did it with determination and passion. We continue to be so proud of you. We are truly blessed to have had in you are lives even if it was for a short time. Those memories and your laughter will help us in tough times. You are in our hearts forever, always loved and never forgotten. Rest in peace. Love forever, Aunt Janet"
Janet Vaitis of Lansdale, PA

"**Dear Mrs.Paula Zwillinger,
If you receive this message. Please contact us. tnt4kps@yahoo.com
Your son is not forgotten...not ever. He's the brightest start shining down from heaven every night, an angel, and he's alongside my brother, a Marine.
God Bless you and your family
Sister of a Fallen Marine..."

""And when he gets to Heaven,
St. Peter he will tell,
One more Marine reporting sir,
I've served my time in Hell."

God Bless you marine,
I can't wait to meet you one day and shake the hand of an american hero.

"Marines die, But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means YOU live forever.""
Jason of Walnut Creek, Calfornia

"Dear Paula, today is May 19, 2006 and only a few days ago I learned of the loss of your son. I was cooking dinner and had the news on and heard your story of the HBO Special to be aired. I hope that you have been able to find some peace in knowing that your son was cared for during his fight. I sat down and thought what a blessing. I am a proud Marine Mom too and I know alittle of what you are going through. There was an evening in April 2003 that I thought I had lost my son too...but through the help of a ABC Correspondent that came across his group in IRAQ he took all their names, family emails, took a group photo and emailed all the families to let them know the guys were all right. I though to myself that I never want to experience that again...but I do every time I hear a story of how a Marine has died. I cry with you...I feel for you and your family. My son Bobby is the only son I have and because of your strengh I know that I can get through this time in our lives. I read all the wonderful thing about your son on the Fallen Heroes Memorial site and you should be a very proud Mom. Thank you for the unselfishness you have showed through this time. Your son is a true American Hero"
Vicki Olivas of Kennewick, Washington USA

"I was in Mininger's SOI class. My condolences to family and friends."
Michael Cole of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Dear Son,
It is now 5 months that you are gone, and not a day goes by that I don't think of you and where would you be today and years from now. I try to take steps forward but at times feel like I can't as I miss you so much. I look to the stars at night to see you and hope that you are looking down at us here. I am forever proud of you as my son....help me find the strength to move forward in a positive way, that you would be proud of also. You are forever in my heart....my hero, my son.
Eternally......Mom"
Paula Zwillinger of Lagrangeville, NY

"Lance Corporal Robert T. Mininger is an example of a REAL AMERICAN HERO. He lost his life protecting us from the evils of this world. May God bless Bob's family and friends and all the American hero's still fighting and sacrificing for us.
We will NEVER forget!"
Ed and Susan Berger of Hilltwon, Pa.

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

"To the Mininger Family, I wish to offer my deepest condolences to you. Your Robert is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. You raised a fine young Marine. Our prayers are with you all. May God Bless you all and God Bless Robert."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"I have just read on the Arlington website About this WORLD HERO, Robert (Bob)T Mininger. All of my family would like to send our deepest sorrow to his FAMILY & FRIENDS.
You will be better people for knowing him. SLEEP IN PEACE BRAVE SOLDIER,YOUR COUNTRY & THE UK ARE PROUD OF YOU."
Jon of Wales Great Britain

"Perhaps they are not the stars,
but rather openings in Heaven
where the love of our lost ones
pours through and shines down upon us
to let us know they are happy

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts "
Sandra Moudy

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Robert T. Mininger,

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

"To the Family, friends of L.Cpl. Mininger;
I wish to express our heart felt sorrow in the loss of such a fine young patriot. I know, or beleive that I know your pain. Our Son, Jonathan, was KIA at the same site. From the details we've received, it seems apparent that they died together, 6th of June, 2005.
It is with a great honor, that I know that the family, and friends of L.Cpl. Mininger may see these few words. Warrior heroes they both were, in the finest tradition of all our brave, young women and men of our armed forces.

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."
President Ronald Reagan, 1985

"let us cross over the river, and rest beneath the shade of trees"
Lt. Gen. Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson,1863

"To fallen soldiers let us sing,
Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing,
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the Lord

No more weeping,
No more fight,
No friends bleeding through the night,
Just Devine embrace,
Eternal light,
In the Mansions of the Lord

Where no mothers cry
And no children weep,
We shall stand and guard,
Though the angels sleep,
Oh,through the ages let us keep
The Mansions of the Lord
U.S. Military Academy Glee Club

My prayer, may our Lord bless the family, friends of L.Cpl. Mininger during this ordeal. May the Lord continue to stand over, guide and protect our brave troops. May God forever bless our Great Nation, Amen.
Sincerely,
Garry and Donna Smith
and family"
Garry Smith of Eva, Ala.

"Bob, You truely are my hero. You dared to do what some people dont even dare to dream of. You made life seem so much enjoyable. There is not one memory of you, that I have, where you werent smiling. You are loved by so many people; your family and friends. I am so honored to have met you and have known you. You have done a great thing for your country and it will NEVER be forgotten. The truth is you will always live on, by the people that you have touched through out your life.
We all miss you and Love you!"
Ashley Garner of Perkasie, Pa U.S.A.!

"Bobby, you were a great friend and a true hero. I will always remember the good times we had. Not a day goes by where i dont start breaking down and cry because even though i havent seen you in a while i miss you and cant bear the idea of you getting killed. I cant look at a camaro without thinking of you. "Only the good die young." You definately were too young to go and truely were a good person who always put others before yourself. When i think about you the 2 memories that always jump in my head first are when you called on your way to boot camp and said "Im almost there!!" and when we went to visit sam before he left for Iraq.. just about that whole plane ride you spent reading a book on becoming a marine.. you were so excited to be joining the marines, and so proud of it. And for those who knew you know that if someone could have told you, you would lose your life for saving others over there, you would still go for it. You are and will always be remembered as a hero. And remember, your brother looks up to you more than anyone else in this world... watch over him, he needs you. You're in a better place now, no more war.. only peace. I hope you enjoy the rest of your life up there, we are all heartbroken at our loss, and will think about you everyday until we meet up with you.
~remember the good times~"
Rachael Schultz of Perkasie, PA

"On behalf of the Kingsbauer Family of Sellersville, PA, Bobby will be greatly missed. My sister graduated with him in 2002. Our family sends our condolences to the family and his girlfriend Erica. God Bless."
Stephanie Kingsbauer of Sellersville, PA

"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 Mininger Family,
Our Family, Our City, Our Country grieves with you. We are so saddened by your loss. Your Marine 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 Marine...Semper Fi!.."
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN 6/9/05

"We will miss Bobby immensely..he was part of our family..even if we are now 3000 miles apart..once a neighbor..always a neighbor..he will live in our hearts..and the memories we made together will never be forgotten..our thanks for his service to our country..we love you..god bless."
Annie L. & Family of Mesa, AZ (formerly Sellersville, PA)

"My thoughts and prayers go out to Bob's entire family. He was very good friends with my younger sister and brought joy to our house whenever he visited. He was definitely a hero to us all! May God bless."
Anthony Dagostino of Hoboken, NJ (frmly Perkasie, PA)

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time."
Rhoades Family of Horn Lake, MS

"OUR FAMILY DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE LOST OF YOUR SON. HE HAS NOT GIVEN HIS LIFE IN VAIN. ROBERT WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMEBERED! ROBERT WAS MUCH MORE THEN A PERSON, HE WAS A SOLDIER AND A HERO! AN HIS SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY IS GREATLY; APPRECIATE BY OUR FAMILY. SINCE 911, ROBERT WAS A MAJOR PART TO FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM. THAT HAS MADE AMERICA MUCH SAFER FOR US ALL. AN HE HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. AN THOSE HEARTS HE HAS TOUCHED WILL REMEMBER HIM! WE LOST OUR SON LAST MAY. AN WHILE EITHER OF OUR SON'S KNEW ONE ANOTHER. BOTH VERY MUCH BROTHER'S SERVING OUR GREAT COUNTRY. WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER AND EACH OTHER'S UNIT. OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH ROBERT AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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

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