Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I took you out and about Germany your first night, all you could talk about was your girlfriend. You excelled into a team and squad well. God Bless Buddy."
Terance Zwadzich of Elkhorn, WI. USA

"I miss u so much 😭.I think about u every day.I wish I could meet u.I will never forget u"
Cadence Missildine/niece of Florida

"God bless our fallen cousin."
Debbie Jackson Weir (Missildine) of Luverne Al.

"Jody,
I just seen this link to your memorial and thought I would drop in on ya and let you and your family know you were a great man and an inspiration to us all. I am sorry there was nothing I could do for you, that day and my inability to do anything haunt me to this day. I drive by your town quite often but I can never pull myself to stop and have a chat with you...eventually I will have the courage to stop and chat with you and visit your grands...
Til we meet again forever in my heart and on my shoulder as a guardian. BLACKSHEEP"
Doc of savannah, ga

"Hey Cousin,
Was thinking about you today and wanted to let you know that I miss ya. Thought I might tell you that I'm joining the Navy I have to go to the MEPS around tuesday. Going for Master At Arms or Gunners Mate but I Love You Cousin the whole family love's and misses you like crazy.
R.I.P"
Bailey Meachum of Plant City, FL

"Well you never got to meet your brothers and sisters from Mark kish and your mom had a baby.your sister Rachel is Mark kish baby.thank you for serving our country"
renea of dover fl

"Happy Veteran's Day buddy"
Frank Murrow of Khost, Afghanistan

"I think about you all the time buddy. All the times you stayed at my house when we were kids. Getting into trouble together and having some of the best times of our lives together. You will always be remembered."
Frank Murrow of Khost, Afghanistan

"hi jody i miss watching smallville whit u but now u can watch it from up there i lite a candle 4 u every time i pass church thinking bout the fun times we had with our friends.stay cool and dont party 2 much lol.luv u ...silk"
silk110674 of friedberg germany

"Jody, you would have been 26 years old a few weeks ago. So hard to believe you have been gone over 6 years. Time has gone by fast but those that loved you so it passes by as seconds. It saddends me that you will never get to meet your cousin that we named after you. Carrigan Jody Baker "CJ". She is so loved and so Blessed. She FOREVER smiles like you do and lights up a room whenever she walks in, just like you did. I know that GOD and HEAVEN must have needed an ANGEL really bad or you would have never been taken from this Earthly world. I know you are FOREVER smiling on us and we will see your bright and shining smile one day.
Love you so much My Baby Cousin and
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN!! THANK YOU FOR SACRIFICING YOUR LIFE SO THAT WE COULD FOREVER BE FREE!! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND MISS YOU EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY!!"
CARRIE, YOUR COUSIN of PLANT CITY, FL

"Happy Birthday Jody. You are missed each and every day. We know you are looking down over us and keeping us safe still. Thank you for being a part of my life and being so brave to give yours."
Natasha Chancey cousin of Lakeland, Fl

"The years have went by so fast. I can still remember when we were kids just holding on to those memories. I sure do miss ya alot, you may not be in person,I know your looking down with your big old smile I think thats what I miss about you the most.. Love you always and forever cousin!"
Katelyn of Plant city

"It's been 5 years now, pretty hard to believe. A lot has changed since my last message, a lot has happened that I wish you were here for. Everyone has a different great thing to say about you, which only goes to further illustrate what an amazing young man you are. One thing no one ever missed was your absolutely beautiful and contagious smile. It took a long time to get to the place I am now, but when I think of you or talk of you, all I can see and feel is your beautiful smile and your warm embrace. You will never be forgotten, you will never fade away. We love you and will always carry you with us."
Julianne of Plant City, FL

"Gone but not forgotten! Proud to have been in the same platoon with you! Black Sheep for life.


On a side note, Baker's wife is absolutely correct about what happened that day."
Sgt. Rhyan Fernie of Arlington, TX

"Jody...you were my best friend in school (kathleen high) i remember the day i heard you left us like it was yesterday i was up gettin ready when i heard it on the news i was so shocked i didnt believe it i thought they had it wrong like it was some mix up until a friend called me an confirmed the news was true i attended you viewing days later still in complete shock then your brother walked in an i almost collapsed ..he looks so much like you, anyway i miss you so much jody i cant tell you enough thank you for what you did to keep us free i still tear up when i think of you but i know your in heaven still protecting the ones you love as you did in life i love you bro R.I.P"
Ashley of plantcity fla

"Jody, i miss you so much. its been almost 5 years since you have been gone. i think about you everyday. even though we are half brothers and sisters and only have the same mom, you are still my everything, my big brother, and my hero.I know you are up there with nana and lookin down on us.i wish you were here but i dont wanna sound selfish bc you are in a much better place. i love you so much! and i have the shirt that we last saw you in :) and ur flag. even though i am thankful to have them.. i still have our memories in my heart. and ill see you one day :)"
Jessica Spencer of Adel, GA

"Rest in Peace. I never knew Jody, but I've read about him. I am currently serving in the US Army, stationed in Hawaii. I met a friend of Jody's that is now stationed at my duty station. We will be deploying to Afghanistan in March 2011. Jody Missildine will be in our hearts and minds as we deploy."
Jason Missildine of Lancaster, SC

"My husband was present when the IED detonated and is extremely upset by the fact we keep hearing that it detonated near his humvee when no vehicle was there what so ever. My husband states they walked everywhere and didnt have vehicles out there most of the time. The IED detonated directly under Jody's feet. Due to the injuries he sustained, he died instantly. And contrary to what the news says, Jody was part of C Co,1-36 INF Hardrock, not B Co 2-37. My husband still cant even talk about this incident wihtout being brought to tears. He even has Missildine's name tattooed on left side. He is in no way or form intending on starting any drama by having me post this, he just feels the facts need to be told. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to email me at LMREDFIELD@YAHOO.COM. Please put MISSILDINE as the subject so i dont accidently delete it. My condolences go out to the friends and family of this young soldier who was taken away way too young."
Leah Baker, Wife of Sgt. Marques Baker of Currently Fort Lewis WA

"Jody......
I never had a bad time when I was with you, Rest in Peace, and thank you for defending our country. I think of you on the Mat or in the field, you were always a good friend Jody, and I miss you."
Shane Raymond of Deland Fl

"Jody... Time has gone by but your memory is still strong.. We Love you and Miss You as much today as we did yesterday. YOu may be gone but we think of you everyday."
Your Cousin Tasha of Lakeland, Fl

"There are not many days that I do not think of this young man. I never had the privilege of knowing Jody but I was the Soldier who had the responsibility of notifying the next of kin. From what I have read on this website I can see he was an outstanding individual. I wish you all the best."
1SG Doniphan Rios of Lutz, FL

"1/36 Inf C-Co. hardrock . Never Forget . Deeds Not Words."

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry at times. I understand, in theory only, that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take your families and friends 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
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Hey Jody, just sittin here, I am enjoying the freedome that you gave me man. It was an honor to serve with you and I will never forget you or the fact that you were such a good person. May the lord find you and lift you to his side my brother. To his family, he shall never be forgotten so long as our flag waves."
Loren Keely of Sacramento, CA

"I consider myself fortunate to have been part of the seven man team which gave Missildine his 21-gun salute at his memorial in Tal Afar. Your memory will be in our hearts forever, brother. God Bless your family."
(Former SPC) Christoper Mundt of Westminster, CA

"Hey brother I am sitting here in florida and I hear number 9 missilding from ft benning my heart is breaking but I know you gave your all brother and you are in a better place. I love you brother! You will never be forgotten!"
David Litz of Destin, Florida

"Jody,
Its me cousin, you and me and you havent seen echother in years but the loss of you is so devastating to me and I know your not spose to choose between family but I can honestly say you were my favorite cousin.... I think about the days when you would make me laugh and the days when we wouldnt say a word and just sit on the couch just being lazy watching T.V. haha.... but no matter what cousin me and all of are family thank GOD for him putting a person in are life,s like you and you hold a spot in everyone,s hearts and we will never forget you I LOVE YOU.
Love, Bailey
P.S. R.I.P MY BELOVED COUSIN JODY.WAYNE.MISSILDINE"
Bailey, cousin of Jody of Plant city, Florida, USA

"A true American HERO. From one Missildine to another, I'll never forget your sacrifice. My brother Cpl. Joseph Wayne Missildine USMC 1st Recon BN. will be deployed Sept. 16 2009 - Please pray for his safe return home. R.I.P. Jody - You'll never be forgotten."
Charles Missildine of Atlanta, Georgia USA

"April 16, 2009
To the family of Pvt. Jody W. Missildine:
Jody 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

"my buddy ....my friend, jody wayne missledine , its been a couple years sense ive been able to think about and organize my thoughts pertaining to his last few days, we used to talk and pull guard and patrol together in the patrol base, talk about our lives his brother jason his nana, my brothers and family.if this is long i apologize, i still remember the day he came in from leave and i was back on 'refit' he needed a place to sleep and i let him sleep in my bed, i still have his basic training bdu belt, mine broke in iraq and he hooked me up, i love you and miss you, always and forever your brother in arms ,
p.s. ive never taken off your RIP braclet buddy and never will"
Hambone of Fort Eustis Va

"Jody, today is 9-11-08. I was thinking of all the people who's lives were affected 7 years ago. You were the first one I thought of. I know that you were not there 9-11 but choose to fight a few years later. Just know that the sacrafice that you made was never in vain. Even though you never met my kids, your cousins, they talk about you at school, they are so proud of you. You are in our memories and hearts. We love you!!"
Jennifer Missildine Russ of Andalusia, AL

"Wow Im glad to find this. I was there that day. Me and my brothers from 136 still remember we will never forget youre dedication and selfless service. Thank you and All of 136 sends youre family our hearts. Sorry for such a huge loss!"
SGT ALLEN COX of Ft Lewis Wa

"hey thank u we need u for america but i just dont know i miss u and so does ur family love ur cousin Lauren"
Lauren of Ga.

"From one Missildine to another I am saddened by the loss of one of our own family. It is an honor to be related to a hero! I am also sad to find this out 2 years after the fact. May god bless you and your family. I am a police officer for Dallas county in Dallas, Texas and I have the utmost respect for anyone in our armed forces."
Michael Missildine of Plano, TX USA

"jody ill never forget all the things you told me and all the good advice you gave me you wear such a loveing person to everyone and that is how you are rememberd ill never forget all the fun we had playing around together and always know your loved by all ur family."
your lil`sis holly of haines city florida

"Jody Wayne-
What a Hero you are and have always been in my eyes. I never met someone with a heart like yours, so big and so caring! Everyday spent with you was a blessing for God. I will never forget that smile that you ALWAYS had on or your humor. One of my fondest memories of you was when I was in probably 8th grade and we were talking on the phone and you asked me to hold on and you ran over to my house and started throwing acorns at my window and I got scared and drew up the blinds really quick and you thought it was a snake and ran all the way back home. I still laugh about that day often. You are always in my thoughts.. I can honestly say I think about you everyday. I can't wait to see you again. I love you with all my heart and miss you so dearly!"
Meagan Rae* of Plant City, Fl

"Jody,
It's been so long since your passing, but I never said good bye. You were the only guy that was nice to me in Middle School, and made me not feel like such an outsider. You were the only popular kid who didn't act like a stuck up punk, you always treated me with respect, and always gave out the most joyous sound when you'd see me in the halls of PCHS and scream Buddy!!!
I'm in college now and I still think your the most important person I have ever met. You make me want to be a better person in your memory.

I WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR KINDNESS.
GOODBYE FRIEND, RIP"
Alton Plemmons of Plant City, Florida/USA

"I want to thank everyone for the letters and messages. I am so greatful Jody had so many good friends in his life. With has infectious smile he brought so much joy to all those whose lives he touched. I will foreever miss you.
Bubba Dale"
Dale Missildine of Plant City, Fl.

"Jody,
I look up to you everyday as a hero. I am so proud of you and i miss you so much. I love you and i keep you in my prayers. We honored a fallen soldier today whom was killed in iraq also. It was such an honor to stand roadside and salute Ssgt Self as his herse carried him away. As i stood there i thought of you and how grateful i am to still be standing here strong and breathing while living my normal life. I will never forget you. You were and amazing friend as well as boyfriend and i hope that through all of your hardships that your family can pull together and see how amzing you are.! I LOVE YOU JODY WAYNE!!!"
Jennifer callahan of Columbus Air Force Base, MS

"Jody,
It takes a minute to crush on someone, an hour to like someone and a day to love someone, but it will take a lifetime to forget someone. Jody, you don't know how much this is true. That's how i felt when i first met you. I miss you everyday. I just wish i had told you before you had gone. I miss you so much! You were a great friend....who is missed everyday."
A friend... of Lakeland, Florida

"to my big brother jody i will always love and remember you may god rest your soul.I LOVE YOU 4 EVER AND EVER........"
Jessica spencer of adel,georgia

"To the family of:Jody W. Missildine 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 and friends of Jody. I am so sorry to hear about your loved one. Just keep on trying to think good postive thoughts to keep going on. I know because my son Michael Mitchell was KIA on 4/4/04 from the 2-37. Remember that Jody was doing this for his country and he is a hero. He was very brave to endure all that was in front of him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you"
Cathy Baker of Atascadero, Ca.

"Jody, you are a wonderful MAN and always have been. Nothing that you have done is in vain and everyone at home still thinks of you and smile. It's all in God's plan and now you are already with Him and I know you'll keep watch over us that are still here. We love you and miss you and I can't wait to see you again Jody Wayne!"
Julianne of Plant City, FL

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

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