Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It's been so long, but it still feels like your with us. I think about you a lot, and even more now that we are finally getting the memorial finished. It is hard to believe it's been 20 years since we last spoke or saw each other last. It doesn't seem that long, but it still hurts knowing your gone. Rest easy old friend."
FR of Richeyville, PA

"I served with you and will remember you for always… your sacrifice will never be forgotten in my eyes, and will be known in the eyes of my children!! RIP soldier !!"
Jeremy A Popielarcheck Army 28th ID of Tampa fl

"I was fortunate enough to serve with you at C/CO 3/187. Me and Borrett paid you and your parents a visit in the summer of 2004. They took us in and we were amazed with the hospitality they showed us. It's been over 11 years now, I am married with a young daughter. I speak of you often, and they will know how much of a great man that you were and that we are all free because of your sacrifice. Love you and miss you brother."
Vinny Piscopio of Warwick, RI

"I have only met you a couple times Minucci. My brother Jason would bring you home on leave with him. You were a great friend to him. Thank you for that and you will never be forgotten."
Rob Moore of Blanchard, PA

"Sgt. Minucci,
I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Airborne All The Way!"

"Thinking of you always Ellie. Joe we will never forget. The Santiago family"
Marsha of palm Beach Gardens,Fl

"Sgt. You are remembered."
B.A. of Jacksonville North Carolina

"It is Memorial Day and I am thinking about you Joe. You are in heaven with Jacob in Gods Army now. Bless you both."
Dorine

"nucci, nicknamed our "rat face killa!", with all love and deepest affection from the 99-02 days w/ the 3/187 Inf. nucc, i mourn you still brother. you stayed with me the weekend before leaving to transfer to italy and i'll never forget that. you were a brother in the truest sense. all our trips to nashville with fraga and gilmer remind me of the great times. your death reminds me of the horrible cost of war. afghanistan an experience made easier with your dry witt and encouragement. i'm sorry i lost our class a uniforms' when i moved, i know your family wanted them badly. coming to see you soon, clint allen 910-734-9072"
Clint Allen of Lumberton, NC USA

"Joe, I know your out there somewhere. I miss you. I wear your name daily, im still here in the ROCK Battalion, leading Rock RECON, I wish you were here. You are my Hero. I will toast for you tonight at the Rock Ball. Rock Recon, Chosen Few!"
Bobby King of Camp Ederle, Italy

"Just stopping bye this web site like I always do to let you know that I love and miss you brother. I still think and talk about you all the time. I still struggle with you not being here with us anymore but I know that you are still a big part of my life and that you still impact it, and for this I am grateful. To your family I wish everybody good times and good memories during the upcoming holidays. Thanks Joey for everything. TTYL."
Terry Workman

"Joe,

8 Years have gone by, and I still remember that bus ride like it was yesterday. Thank you for your sacrifice. I look forward to the day that we meet again, and I can say thank you. I keep my Bronze Star on the wall as a reminder of the two heros I served with. May you rest in peace and God Bless your family"
John Nystrom of Stuttgart, Germany

"Joe,

Thinking of you and Jake today. Eight years have past, but the sounds, sights, smell, and dry air of that late November day are as fresh in my heart as if it was an hour ago. Rest in peace for you have more than earned it."
John of Germany

"Dear Ellie, I am thinking of you and your Joe. May you feel Joe's living light in your heart this Christmas and everyday. Love and Blessings"
Dorine

"Honoring your memory like so many others today. You impacted so many people and you will never be forgotten, your legend lives on Joey. 11/13/2010"
NR of WPB, FL

"13 NOV 10: Seven years since we met and I will never forget."
John of Germany

"Hey Joe it.s crazy knowing someone like you would not be here today, But Who would have thought, in this day and age, my Brothers in Arms falling. You where always a good dude when I knew you. This is your day, You will never be forgotten as long as I am here. I will be drinking some for you tonight!! R.I.P. 3/187 Charlie Company"
Sgt. Toney of VENTURA, CA

"To the family of:Joseph Minucci
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 JOE WHATS SUP MAN??? IT IS THE 4TH OF JULY, JUST STOPPING BY TO SHOW MY RESPECT.... I WILL BE THINKING OF YOU MAN FOR EVER... R.I.P. SGT TONEY SCOUTS OUT!!!!!"
ALLAN TONEY of VENTURA, CA

"TO THE Minucci FAMILY I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR THE HONOR OF LETTING ME SERVE WITH SUCH A GOOD MAN ON AND OFF THE FIELD OF BATTLE. H E WAS ALWAYS HAVING FUN AND DRINKING AND WOULD GET ANYONES BACK NO MATTER WHAT. I SERVED WITH HIM IN FT CAMPBELL 3/187 RAKKASANS REMEMBER THE AK-47 GOOD TIMES MAN, ME AND BOBBY WILL NEVER FORGET YOU BROTHER IN ARMS, REST IN PEACE!!!!"
ALLAN TONEY of VENTURA, CA

"WHATS SUP JOSEPH, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I AM STARTING A THING ON MYSPACE CALLED " LESS TALK SQUAD" IT IS IN YOU AND MY OTHER BROTHER IN ARMS HONOR. IT IS VETS AND PEOPLE THAT WANT THE USA TO BE FREE AND FREE OF GANGS, DRUGS, AND B.S I AM SICK AND TIRED OF PEOPLE OUT THERE LIVING LIKE YOU HAVEN'T DIED, IT MAKES ME SICK, I CARRY ON THE VOICE OF ANGER, FREEDOM, PRIDE, FOR YOU AS YOU WOULD HAVE FOR ME LIKE I SAID BEFORE YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN... INFANTRY FOREVER.... LOVE YOU MAN.. I AM GLAD THIS PAGE WAS MADE UP IT HAS HELPED ME ALOT... BUT THE PAIN AND TEARS WILL ALWAYS RUN FOR YOU BROTHER.....""
ALLAN TONEY of VENTURA, CA

"Honoring your memory on this Memorial Day 2010. Please watch over Workman and all of our other troops carrying out their missions for our great country. 5/31/10"
NR of WPB, FL

"Joseph,

As Memorial Day comes upon us, I think back to that Novermber day, just short of seven years pass. I met you and Fletcher in your darkest hours. I did everything medically possible to keep you with us as you layed on the ground nest to that bus. But God had other plans for you and Fletcher, and you two were to be called home. I do know this, that God's presense was with you and Fletcher as I treated you both. I asked God for help that day, just to give me a chance and He did.

The Bronze Star that I got for my actions that day hangs on the wall of my home office. There is not a day that goes by that I don't look at it and think of you and Fletcher and wonder why?
May you rest in peace and walk with God in His Eternal Kingdom. My thoughts and prayers go to your family and may God confort them with His love."
John Nystrom of Stuttgartt, Germany

"Just wanted to let you know that you was my best friend growing up and that i think about you everyday. Your brother gave me your purple heart after your death and i proudly display it along side my little memorial to you at my house. I will make sure to always tell stories of our childhood and adult lives to all I know and my children one day. I have taken your purple heart with me to my deployment to Iraq and it is now with me in Afghanistan. I truely believe that you are the reason I have been able to survive all the situations I have gotten into with the enemy. I continue to think of you and ask for your cover as I try to complete my mission here in Afghanistan. I just hope that one day everyone will come together and finish our tribute to you and finish raising the money to get your name on the Richeyville Monument. I love and miss you brother."
Terry Workman of Afghanistan

"Joe,
Joe, though I never knew you, I am forever indebted to you for the sacrifice you laid down at the expense of all others like myself. To you and your family, may God bless. I pray for you. And I can never put in words the thanks you are due.A true hero."
Thomas of National City, CA. USA

"SGT. JOSEPH MINUCCI ll, I NEVER MEET YOU PERSONALLY. I AM A MINUCCI CAUSE MY LATE MOM WAS A MINUCCI. I AM WRITING THIS MESSAGE TO YOU THINKING THAT GOD MAY HAVE A WAY OF HAVING YOU SEEING IT. I HAVE HEARD ABOUT YOU A FEW YEARS AGO THROUGH YOUR UNCLE REV. BROTHER FRANK MINUCCI. YOU LEFT THIS WORLD TOO SOON, BUT YOU LEFT IT MAKING A DIFFERENCE. YOU PUT YOUR WHOLE LIFE ON THE LINE FOR THE PEOPLE, YOU DIED WITH HONOR, AND FOR A CAUSE, AS THE LORD JESUS ALSO DIED ON THE CROSS FOR THE PEOPLE. MAY THE LORD HAVE YOU BY HIS SIDE AS A FELLOW HERO. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE, YOU PAID A BIG PRICE FOR YOUR COUNTRY, YOUR LIFE I PRAY YOU ARE AT PEACE SGT. JOSEPH MINUCCI. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER AND YOUR SOUL BE AT PEACE. RICHARD S. TAKASCH "BUDDY""
RICHARD S. TAKASCH of ISELIN, NJ (USA)

"JOEY , LOVE & PRAYERS ,YOUR A TRUE HERO AND AN HONOR TO THE MINUCCI NAME . LORD BRING PEACE TO YOUR MOMMA AND FAMILY . IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME DOWN HERE AND THOUGH YOUR WITH OUR GOOD LORD , YOU ARE DEARLY MISSED BY MANY I'M SURE . SO MERRY CHRISTMAS SARGE , AND I'LL BE DROPPING IN ON YOU NOW THEN , I PUT YOUR PICTURE UP IN MY OFFICE I'M A CHAPLAIN AND ORDAINED .I WAS IN DURING NAM . LOSING A MINUCCI TO THIS WAR MADE IT PERSONAL TO ME AND TO US MINUCCI,S OUT HERE .LORD KEEP YOU JOE ...AND KNOW THAT YOUR REMEMBERED. USA ARMY SPEC 4 FRANK R. MINUCCI AND THE MINUCCI FAMILY IN , WHITING ,NJ & STATEN ISLAND , NY ."
REV. FRANK MINUCCI of WHITING, NJ, USA

"11/13/2009
It has been 6 years. Not a day goes by Joey that I do not think of what you did for everyone at home. We will never forget and will continue to honor your memory."
NR of WPB, FL

"Joe,

Time is suppose to heal all wounds, but some never heal. I met you and Jake for only the moment in time while you were in my care. However, you will be with me the rest of my life. When my own boys are old enough, I will tell them of real heroes. The ones who lay down their lives' for their fellow man. Rest in peace and know you are never forgotten."
John of Katterbach, Germany

"hey bro just wanted to let you know. our little Joey pointed at your pictuer the other day and said, uncle Joe. then he said, love you."
Buddah of Fredericktown, PA

"November 15, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Joseph Minucci, II:
Joseph 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

"well joe 5 years have come and gone. Some say it gets easier as time passes... I say they lie. It only becomes easier to forget. I will never forget all the times we lived, loved, and fought. and you better be there when I get to the other side. Untill then, try to stay out of trouble. love u man"
Buddah of Fredericktown

"In my thoughts and prayers 5 years later. Gone but never forgotten. 11/13/2008"
NR of West Palm Beach, Fl

"I was a SGT in the Scout Platoon that was escorting SGT Minucci's bus. I was behind it when it got hit. My MK19 gunner got the triggermen. Our medic worked on SGT Minucci and PFC Fletcher. It has been 5 years since that November day and I still see Joe passing me on a stretcher. I will never forget you Brother."
SSG Pershell of Ft. Richardson, AK

"In our thoughts and prayers this memorial day Joey. Thank you for all you have done. 5/26/08"
NR of WPB, Fl

"i do think of you often......i'm proud of you. i don't know what i should say, but that i wish you are at peace . it's not the same without you."

"thanks to all of you who continue to remember and honor joe's memory. i love you joe and through the years you will be remembered and loved by all who have known you
mom"

"It has been four years and it feels like yesterday. You are in my thoughts everyday, but especially today. You will never be forgotten and I will carry our short, but live-changing encounter in my heart to my grave. I have a drawer full of black braclets, but yours and Jake Fletchers are the only ones I wear. May you rest in peace and I hope there is someway for your to know there are many people who will never forget you."
John Aklan of Katterbach, Germany

"Thinking of you on this Veteran's Day Joey and all of those who have served our great country. Thank you for all you have done. 11/11/07"
NR of West Palm Beach, Fl

"SGT Minucci, I knew you way back when you were a new soldier at Fort Campbell, Kentucky at Choppin Charlie, 3/187. I am still serving here at Fort Benning, Georgia, and I am active with the Patriot Guard Riders. I am riding future missions in your honor. My family and I will never forget your dedication, nor your sacrifice. Your impact is not only felt by thoes who have had the honor or knowing you, but also by the millions of greatful Americans who are strangers. A True American hero."
SSG Steve Tofanelli of Fort Benning, Georgia and Fort Mitchell, Alabama

"There are few words that sufficiently articulate the impact you've made on me, personally. I, like Mark below me, now where your name on a bracelet that reminds me every moment of your bravery. I got to speak to you for a brief moment when we first met on that sad day, and I cried by your bedside in the end. I will never regret those moments. My prayers will go with your family everyday."
Sandy of Texas

"SGT Minucci, It's been almost four years since those early morning hours of 13 Nov, but you have been with me every day since I held your hand and prayed as you moved on to a better place. I wear your name on my wrist as a reminder and a bond. You will always be my brother and I want you to know that I did everything I could to keep you with us. I needed to tell you that. I have continually prayed for you and your family. You paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country, my family, and me. To everyone you are truly a hero."
CPT Mark Stipsits of St. Louis, MO

"hey joe you nephew was born on 8/27/07,His name is Joseph Avery Minucci after his cool uncle. I can only hope he will grow to be half the man you are. Wish you could have been a part of his life, so many things he will miss. but he will know you count on it. I will tell him your story and your memory will live on with him"
Buddah of Fredericktown Pa

"Joe, on this Memorial Day I would like to honor your dedication to this country...NEVER FORGET. SGT Kimenski"
New York State Police Trooper Daniel P. KImenski of New York

"I miss you Joe. I will never forget you and will soldier on in memory of you."
Terry Workman of Richeyville, PA

"Not much anyone can say Joey. We all miss you each and every day. I can't ever help but wonder what life would be like with you still here. But I have come to peace that you perished doing what you believed in and that is what has made me "follow my dreams". I can never thank you enough for my freedom and now my happiness."
NR of West Palm Beach, Fl

"Happy new year bro, just isn't the same with out you. 1/1/2007 01:26"
buddah of fredericktown

"Three years... I miss you bro. I'll see you on the other side!"
Buddah of Fredericktown PA

"Three years has past since that fateful day. You are still in my thoughts and not forgotten. 13 Novemebr 2006"
-John of Dothan, AL

""A beautiful day out today. It is only beautiful because an American Soldier gave the last full measure of devotion to keep it that way. The flag raised at half-mast in your honor. Thinking of you on this Memorial Day Joe."
J. Aklan of Dothan, AL

"Joe, you were a great person and thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation."
New York State Police Trooper Daniel P. Kimenski of Syracuse, New York

"Thank you for your sacrifice."
Francesca of Vicenza, Italy

"Thank you,
Thank you, You are a true hero, and will never be forggton!

SPC KLOPP
1-508th inf"

"Joe,
You were a good troop and a solid leader. RIP"
Dan Gronke

"Beloved Minucci Family,
No amount of gratitude can bring back your son, but our country grieves with you and knowingly or unknowingly walks and sleeps freely because of the sacrifice your family endures.
It is my privelege and honor to have been given the assignment to participate in creating an art piece honoring the fallen soldiers of this war. Your son's photo is one of three that I am attempting to create. I hope to do him justice.
I send you my love and prayers for peace.

With love"
Jeannine Jourdan of San Anselmo, CA USA

"I have met him once but he was really cool. I am writing a report about him for school. So thank you Joe for keeping me safe. Thank you for letting me know that I can walk down the street safe. THANK YOU!"
Courtney of Washington Pennsylvania

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these guys as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace Joseph, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest"
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"Minucci you were a great soldier and than a great leader who i had the pleasure of working with at Ft. Campbell. May you rest in peace."
SGT Dennis Archambault of HHC 2/2 INF 1st ID,Camp Normandy Iraq

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

"Joey was one of my best friends growing up. He was definitly a great person and I miss him deeply. Life isnt the same without Joey, but I know He died doing what he wanted and was proud. IM proud of my friend and always will be. I know when I die , Joey will be at the crossroads waiting for me.
Your Friend,
"Dirty""
Fred Roberts of Richeyville PA

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

"I don't have much to say. You were one of the better people I had as a team leader, but you had to move on as we all do. Take care, you are remembered."
Spc William Mears of C Co 3/187 IN / Fort Campbell, KY

"OUR special chosen words since day one of finding this site last year...have always been......REST IN PEACE BRAVE SOLDIERS/MARINES/WARRIORS We love you and MAY GOD BLESS you each. Your loved ones are in a beautiful place called Heaven now....When you look up to the sky at night and see the brightest star...it's your hero..shining down on you..The Taylors United States Marine Corps, North Carolina"

"Thank you Joseph Minucci II, 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

"I had never met Joe before the afternoon of 13 Nov 03. I was the medic who flew into Samarra to where the vehicle he was riding in was hit. My time spent in this war is often spent seeing wounded soldiers as that is my profession. However, I was somehow bonded to Joe and his fellow soldier Jacob who I flew back to Tikrit for emergency surgery. Both of these men came to Iraq to make the world a safer place to live in. They did their jobs. Joe Paid the ultimate price for the blanket of freedom in which we Americans and many others world wide often take for granted. I will never, no matter how much time passes, forget the day I met Joe and his bravery. The perfect stranger before that unfortunate day will now be the hero I tell my children about.

To the family of Joe: You have my deepest sympathy. I cannot bring him back, nor can anyone, but know that Joe will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, including the flight medic who never really knew him but now regards him as a hero."
John Aklan of 57th Med Co. (AA), Tikrit, Iraq

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Joseph Minucci II:
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 Joseph 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 Sgt. Joseph Minucci II:
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 Joseph, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia