Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"With your 42nd birthday passing on June 8th and August 1st soon approaching (which is the day my heart broke and was never completely mended), I can’t help but think of you Brian. Your smile, laugh, and positive attitude were contagious. You lit up every room you entered and had such a good heart. You loved your friends, family, and country. I often read the letters you wrote to me and look at photo albums filled with fun times and recall countless fond memories. While I always regret not meeting you one last time as you had requested so very long ago, I am certsin you know how I felt and I’m sure you’re watching over me. Thank you for your sacrifice, and please know how infinitely proud I am of you and much I love and miss you. To quote one of your famous one-liners, “God bless America.”"
Angie Immorlica (Valore) of Brunswick, Ohio

"10/31/2020
May we honor the lives of those who have fought for our freedom with the way we choose to live our own, I was chosen because of a very close friend who served with the 48 Marines and Corpsmen who sacrificed it all; to read each story, to get to know a small piece of their lives through families and friends. I chose to honor each of them with a bible verse:

Brian P. Montgomery 8/1/05
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:16 (Devotion)"
Haleigh Kilgore of West Virginia

"Every time I drive down your highway and see your signs I honk my horn as many times as I can brother. Semper Fi devil dog rest easy"
Sgt Ryan Difranco USMC Ret. of Willoughby Ohio

"Still and always thinking of you. Sting em all!"
a dear friend of usa

"Leaving tomorrow to serve again, watch over my wife and daughter while I am gone. Semper Fidelis!"
Todd betti

"Remembering you this memorial day devil dog. Thank you for what you did!"
Sgt. Todd Betti of Avon, OH

"Thinking of you on this Veteran's Day. Happy belated Marine Corps birthday devil. You will never be forgotten!"
Sgt. Betti of Avon, OH

"Brian, I've lived in mentor almost my whole life and i've driven by that roadsign bearing your name hundreds of times and never really thought much of it. but this is just the story of a soldier, and a burden that all soldiers must carry: serving and dying without much recognition. therefore i greatly admire you and your story for it is one that is truly humbling. someday in the next five years or so i plan to follow in your footsteps.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice Marine!
Semper Fi!
Sincerely Mitchell Centanne"
of Mentor , OH

"We love you my fellow devil dog you will always remain in our hearts espirit de corps semper fi baby"
Al.Sergenton of Long Island N.Y.

"Semper Fi, brother! You are remembered!"
Cpl. Todd Nelson (Moreiras) of Cleveland, OH

"Brian will always be remembered . Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. We will never forget."
Scott of Akron, OH

"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"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH / USA

"ALWAYS REMEMBERED NEVER FORGOTTEN"
db

"I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU BROTHER."
SGT. ABELL of KENT, OH

"Though our time was brief together back in 2002/03 at the School of infantry, you will never be forgotten, Brother."

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Brian P. Montgomery:
Brian 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 prayers and thoughts are with Brian's family at this time. My appreciation for his courage and bravery runs deep. He is missed but never forgotten."
Kristi of Willoughby

"I miss your goofy *ss Farva! My last vivid memory of you was when we were cleaning out the old bingo hall with Marsh. I envision you somewhere in heaven, renting out video games and pornography. LOL. Miss you bud, you will never be forgotten."
Braxton of Cleveland

"Brian...I visited you again the other day....I found you a boot band and left it for you, you know, just in case man, can never have too many. Theres a shot of Tullamore Dew waiting for you when I see you again, but then again, we may just say screw the shots....thers probably much better stuff to do in heaven, you feel me? I miss you brother, but I got you right here."
Jake Arnett of Willoughby, OH

"Bryan thank you for risking ur life to save us ur son is very proud of you and so am i!! I was very upset when i found out you died. Even though u and shannon did not work our i still love you. you were the one who got me to get my ears oeirced and you were always soo nice to me. I miss you! and i love you! RIP"
Lauren of OHIO

"Brian,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other five Marines who were also killed in that ambush for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, loved ones and fellow Marines from 3/25, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"To the family of:Brian P. Montgomery 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"

"Brian, I will never forget you. We used to work together and dated for a year in high school. I loved you so much back then and you will always have a place in my heart. I am proud of you and your brother Eric for defending our country and for you giving the ultimate sacrifice for your country. Thank you and God bless your family, they will always be in my prayers."
M. Burns of Mentor, Oh

"God Bless the fallen who have made the ultimate sacrifice for mankind, we will never forget. Brian Montgomery, along with the others from 3/25, will live on in my heart.
HMCS (FMF) Ron Naida
3rd Battalion, 25th Marines
4th Marine Division"
Ron Naida of Bartlett, Illinois

"I'm still thinking of you and praying for your family.

Sgt. Cowan"
Robert Cowan of Port Huron, Mi. USA

"In your honor and with gratitude to you, Brian P Montgomery, I’ve planted a daffodil in your name, as have others across the United States as part of Project LIVE ON, a not-for-profit program founded to memorialize each U. S. military who has died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thousands of beautiful daffodils across the country will come up each Spring, and, like your Spirit, will LIVE ON...and ON. Blessings to you, the family, as you grieve, and heal. For details, contact projectliveon@aol.com. Jan. 23, 2006."
Gretchen Forbes of the northcentral mountains of Pennsylvania

"I am an alumni of Cleveland State and have planted a daffodil for you Brian, along with 49 more bulbs to represent other soldiers who were killed in Iraq. Your flower will be seen every year and sacrifice remembered. Projectliveon@aol.com"
Ruth Anderson of Mountain View , California

"I just wanted you to know that Brian has not been forgotten. I graduated with him and also went on to the Marines. He and I had talked about our patriotism a couple of times. I still think about the sacrifice he has made for this country on a daily basis. I am finally out but my girlfriend is in the Marines. She is now over in Iraq too. I told her many stories about Brian and she wishes to thank you too. Words will never be enough. I am eternally grateful. Semper Fidelis."
Todd Betti of Lorain, OH

"To The Montgomery Family,
Our Family, Our City, Our Country grieves with you. We are so saddened by your loss. Your Soldier is OUR HERO! We will never forget him or the others who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety & freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You and your Brave Marine..Semper Fi!"
The Grogans of TN..

"Brian was one of a kind, He always had a smile and always had something to say. He will always be missed by myself and many others. Brian had one of the biggest smiles, anytime you need to smile just think of his and i guarantee you will. He will always live on through his great wife and his unbelievable brother. --God bless you Brian -- --God bless our troops."
Seamus of Willoughby, Ohio U.S.A.

"I want you to know that I keep the photo of Little Alexander reaching for his fathers casket on my desktop, on all of my computers. I am a Sgt in the U.S. Marines myself. Being a father myself of a 2 year old boy, I took this VERY personally. I sent that photo to over 10,000 people, asking them to seek out, thank, support and appreciate any service member (or family of one) that they can find.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of a fellow brother in arms. I am also extremely proud of Brian and his family for acting with grace and dignity. To Brian's wife, I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for this happening to you. (I know you won't) but please do not let that little boy forget his Dad. Thank you for your grace, and sacrifice. To Brian's parents, thank you both. Loosing a child is the only thing I could consider to be hell on earth. The way you have conducted yourselves in the aftermath of this event honors Brian. Brian's fellow soldiers need your continued support. To Brian's brother, well done, well done... It goes without saying that you are a man of honor taking care of your brothers’ family. To Alexander, I know little one that you won't understand this for years to come. Your father gave his life for our freedom. Don't be mad at him; always be proud of your Dad. He is a soldier that died in battle. Nothing is more honorable. As a father myself, I've looked at my son, thought of you and cried dozens of times because I am so thankful to be alive to see him. Your sacrifice has helped millions of families appreciate and love their children that much more. I am looking at the photo of you reaching for your father’s casket. As tears run down my face I just wanted to say, Thank you, and I am truly sorry for your loss.

Sgt. Robert D. Cowan
U.S. Marines"
Robert Cowan of Port Huron, Mi

"Brian, you are loved and missed by so many people, there was never any doubt in my mind that the outpouring of support for your family would be this great. 3/25 lost its most dedicated professional. You have touched so many people's lives and your memory lives on through the acts of kindness and selflessness you displayed in your 26 years. Never have I met a greater friend or a greater man so fully devoted to his Wife and child and little brother Eric and the rest of his family...Brian, I know you were looking out for me across the river the other day...I know you are with me on patrol everyday, 'cause thats what friends are for and that is the way you lived and still live on in our hearts and minds... "ACE"...you are good to go brother. Semper Fidelis"
Cpl Jacob Arnett of Hit, Iraq (Willoughby Hills, OH)

"To the family of LCpl Brian P. Montgomery: I am a prior active duty MARINE and am currently in the process of re-entering the Corps after being out for 4 years. I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of LCpl Montgomery. I didn't know your Son personally but as a MARINE, I knew him well enough to know that he was an honorable, respected and brave man. I know that because we as MARINES are nothing but that. Not everyone has that calling in life but he answered that calling with much dignity and bravery. Just please know that he is in a much greater place seated at the right hand of our father overlooking all those that he loves and ensuring all of your safety. That is what MARINES do. We are in charge of safety. All Americans should rest safely at night to know that God wanted someone that strong and brave at his side to look over us all. God bless you and your family and thank you. I'm sure you are proud of your son, husband, grandson and friend.

Semper Fi and God BLess"
Michael Sosa of Austin, TX

"Dear Family of Lance Cpl. Brian Montgomery,
I am so very sorry for your loss. The right words to express my overwhelming sympathy and gratitude are hard to find. Brian was a true hero, and I will be forever grateful for his sacrifice. While I never met him personally, I was deeply moved by all the beautiful pictures displayed at the funeral home. It was evident to me how much he was loved by his family and friends. Almost every picture had one thing in common: Brian's genuine, captivating smile. And now, this seems so unfair. Freedom is not free ... how true this is. I pray for Brian and that you find peace and comfort in knowing how much his sacrifice means to so many, myself included. Thank you and may God bless you and keep you in his loving care.
Most sincerely,"
Jackie Rangel of Willoughby, Ohio

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Brian P. Montgomery,

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 "
sjmoudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I read the story about Brian in the paper yesterday and wept for you. My brother also lost his life in Iraq in April, 2005."
Brian Davis & Family of Jefferson, Oregon

"To Brian's wife and son my heart goes out to you! Brian was like a son to me for many years, he often called me mom..but more importantly, he was like a brother to my youngest son Steven. Our family has lost a wonderful and kind man when he lost his life to vicious, senseless acts of war violence. Alex has lost his father. Pam has lost her husband and best friend. But the world has lost a hero. May God have opened the doors of heaven to you Brian when you left earth. I will always love and cherish my time spent here with you. Thank you for being so selfless and so brave. Someday our whole family will be together again. Until then, guard the streets of heaven. Love, Aunt Sheila"
Rev. Sheila A. Kelly, RSJ of Columbus, Ohio

"To the family of L.Cpl Brian Montgomery,
I never met Brian, but my heart still broke when I heard that more marines from the 3/25 have made the ultimate sacrifice for us. I have yet to loose someone so close, but the second marine to fall from the 3/25 was a friend, and I miss him. The loss of anyone who served with Mike- weather they new him personally or not- still touches close to home.

My prayer is that no more of our loved ones must fall, but the reality of war is that no matter how hard we pray, many more will make the same sacrifice. It is this kind of sacrifice that makes me proud to say that I know men like Brian. These men have willingly answered our country's call to ensure that our children can live free. There is no greater honor than that.

Many Americans today continue to question our presence in Iraq, but for me, I have no questions. To me, Brian's sacrifice means so much more than a man simply giving his life in the service of our country. The life that he gave, and the lives of so many others that have been given, is one more life that was NOT lived or given in vain. It is because of men like these that I have the hope that my son will live, and possably serve this country, in a time of peace.

To Brian: Thank you is not even enough to express the gratitude in my heart. Your son will be so proud to say that you were his father. Semper Fi Marine, you will never be forgotten."
Evelyn of Michigan

"L.Cpl Brian Montgomery, may your memory live through those with whom you served, the impact you made while serving, and the family you leave behind. It is men like you that have always made this country strong, with your selfless determination, and immeasurable courage that is as pure as can be found in this Country. God Bless you and your family."
Ryan Lane of Columbia, SC

"Thanks for fighting for our country. You were such a brave young man for doing your duty. You will not be forgotten. God Bless the Montgomery Family, Eric and everyone else in Iraq please come home soon!! Let the war be over soon..."
Tricia George of Eastlake, Ohio

"My heart and prayers go out to the family, friends and comrades of Brian. May God bless you and give you comfort."
Marine Mom 3/25/4th of Western NY

"I did not know Brian personally, but we went to the same high school, and I knew his brother, But i do know many people that were very close to him and they speak of what a wonderful man he was and what an insperation he was and is to them. You are truley a hero to all. God bless the Montgomery family all mine and all of americas prayers are with you, Brian is a hero and inspiration to all."
Jessica of Eastlake, Ohio

"I didn't know you personally, but thank you for your sacrifice. I hope that when your own son is told about his father he will understand the totally unselfish sacrifice you made for your country. And for that I say THANK YOU!"
Edith Read of Lake Saint Louis, MO

"I knew Brian real well. I grew up with his younger Brother Eric and worked with his wife Pam. Brian was one of a kind. He would always have somthing to say about anything. He would come to our family's pub and we would have a drink together and talk about things for a little while. I will never forget the person he was and what he had done for all of us. I will always keep Brian and his Family in my thoughts, prayers, and heart. God Bless Them and Every other soldier who has passed on and those who continue to fight for America!"
McPat of Willoughby, Ohio/USA

"My prayers are with you. I know a soldier in 3/25 and he is a very dear friend. Brian will be missed dearly and his services are not gone unnoticed. The ultimate scarafice was made, and he will be a hero to us all for the rest of time."
Jennifer of Willowick, OH

"6 Aug 2005
Marine Lance Cpl Brian Montgomery -
You are an American hero whose ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten by a grateful nation. Rest in peace Marine. you will be remembered for always being faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brian and may memories comfort you during this difficult time and always."
DOROTHY E. BURT of PORTSMOUTH, RI

"Dear Family of Brian Montgomery: I lost my son, Marine LCpl Chad Maynard, on June 15, 2005 in Ramadi. When I heard the news on the radio about your son, it was like I was reliving that day all over again. It's hard for me to type this even now. I'm so sorry for your loss. On the temporary head stone on my son's grave is the saying, "Not In Vain". That is truly what my son believed and what we, as his family, have to believe every day. Please know that I feel your pain and loss, and I cry with you. They say time eases the pain, and I guess they may be right, but with every new report, I feel the ache of missing my son so much. Always remember, you are not alone. There are others who love you and care about you and know exactly what you are going through. Thank you for your son and his service to us all."
Cindy Maynard, mother of Marine LCpl Chad Maynard and Marine Cpl Jacob Maynard of Kennewick, WA

"Rest In Peace Tufelhunden.
J and T USMC NC"

"To the family and friends of Brian, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our family shares in your pain we lost my brother SPC Shawn Davies 7-8-04. Brian is a true hero and will never be forgotten. Keep the good memories in your heart and may God be with you."
Toni Peters of Concord, OH

"MANY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY OF LCPL MONTGOMERY... OUR HEARTS BREAK WITH YOU... BRIAN IS A TRUE AMERICAN HERO.."
of BROOK PARK OHIO

"Thank you Brian, you truely are a hero! Thank you for our Freedom! My thoughts and prayers go out to the Montgomery family. My heart goes out to you all, since my family also lost my cousin Cpl.Brad Squires in Iraq this past June. God Bless you all."
Diane McGuigan of Willowick, Ohio

"The Salute


To those who have died,
And to those who have cried.
We Salute You.

To those who have lost,
Paid the ultimate cost.
We Salute You.

And to those who still serve,
The Red White and Blue.
Our grateful Nation,
Proudly Salutes You."
Tom Balstad of West Warwick RI

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Lance Cpl Montgomery. You are a true American Hero."
Proud Sister of a 3/25 Marine based in Akron, Ohio

"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.
THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."



~Author Unknown~"
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"i am so saddened to have heard the loss of your son.as i, as a marine mom.the stress we go through.the hard aches,the worries,and the support we have with the family and friends."
Bonnie Sponable of Parish,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, Brian will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"What a brave soldier you are! Thank you for everything you have done."
Tracy of Ashtabula

"To the Montgomery Family, I wish to extend to you my deepest condolences. Your Brian is truly an American Hero. Brian will always be remembered and honored. We are praying for you all. May God Bless you all, and God Bless Brian."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

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