Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Marine Lance Cpl. Juana Navarro-Arellano

24, of Ceres, California.
Navarro-Arellano died from wounds received while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. She was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. Died on April 8, 2006.

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"To the family of Lcpl Juana Navarro-Arellano,

Although I did not know her well, in the brief times I spent with her while in Iraq were extremely memorable. She was my replacement on our security detachment called the Reaper Platoon. I remember she had just gotten to Al Tequaddom and we were introduced to everyone. They placed Lcpl Navarro as I called her, with me to run through drills. She asked me several questions about what we had experienced since we’d been there, what to look out for, etc. I remember her being so sweet and yet excited about her position and overall being a United States Marine. There isn’t a day that goes by since the day she was taken from us I don’t think of her. She was such an awesome person.

I remember a few days after returning to the states, our GySgt pulled us together a day or so before going home on post deployment leave. He asked us if we remembered her and my security platoon all raised our hands. He told us she had been killed. It was one of the saddest moments in my career. She has touched so many lives.

Recently I have been back to Okinawa, Japan. I went back to where my shop used to be as well as the bulk fuel shop. I asked the command that is there if they had ever heard of her and I was directed to one of the offices. She was so loved and admired there is a memorial plack and case that holds her picture. Always loved and never forgotten. Semper Fi my sister and know you touched many lives. You are missed.

SSgt Crane, Melissa (Medically Separated). Montana"
Melissa Crane Marrero of St Ignatius, MT/ USA

"First time writing here. It has been 15 years and I still think about that day. You are forever missed and I am happy I got to know you."
Mike Leisure (MGySgt Retired) of DFW, Texas

"RIP Juana Navarro-Arellano AKA Chica
We miss you every day."
Ben Kroker CPL USMC 2004-2008 of Pembroke Pines, FL

"Bless you this day as you reflect on your loved one's memories. Jesus loves you from a Fellow Marine who served in Iraq during 2003-2004."
Matthew of CORONA,CA

"Today is the 10th anniversary since "Chica" has past. I just wanted the family and friends of Juana to know, the Marines that were there that day still haven't forgotten. Her memory still lives on. We will never forget how she brightened our lives and continues to bring fond memories of the Marines she served with. My condolences to the family, friends, and Marines who she had touched throughout her life. Semper Fi, Marine!"
Gunnery Sergeant Michael Suskin (Retired) of St. Louis, MO

"Thank You for your service Marine!!! Semper Fi.."
Leo Tapia of Yakima Wa

"JUANITA I will always remember your beautiful smile! I'm so greatfull to have meet such a kind person. We miss you."
laura of cers,ca

"Never met you, never knew you. I came across this page randomly surfing the web but couldn't resist leaving a message.

Just know that you will FOREVER LIVE on. Whether it be in this life or the next. FOREVER. RAH."
Cpl Santana of Fort Dix N.J. USA

"To the family of:Juana Navarro-Arellano
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. She 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 my shero! I was your trauma nurse in TQ when they brought you into our hospital tent! You were carried by your fellow Marines with grace. We all were rushing and continued to talk to you...telling you that we were Americans....even though you were injured you were absolutely beautiful. As a mother of a daughter your age, I realized you were an angel only on this earth to touch our lives in a special way! Your fellow Marines loved you like a sister and respected you in many ways. They were crying for you and wanted you to know...you would never be forgotten. It has taken me seven years to write about you and still it hurts to remember your injuries....rest in peace and know that you are a part of my heart forever. CDR Lenora C Langlais-SSTP Trauma Nurse NHCP With 1st MLG in TQ, Iraq April 8, 2006 noon."
CDR LC Langlais of San Diego CA

"Deer Family; I was the NCOIC of LCpl Navarro while she was on Okinawa. My name is Cpl Martinez, Jason C. I was her Squadleader for the first few months at 9th ESB 3rd MLG. It was originally 9th ESB 3rd FSSG. Anyways, I appologise for not being able to contact ya'll sooner, but I cannot stop thinking about her. I've had many marines in my time in service, but Navarro is a 1 of a Million. I still have video of our time on Okinawa, but my camcorder is broken, so I have no way of viewing them. The pics I had were accidentally deleted when I had one of my marines copy them from my SD card to the computer so I could add the pics for her profile. It was the worse news I've ever gotten when I was told about what happened. I know how you must feel. She was by far the Best Marine I've ever known. All these years I've wanted to get to know the family who raised the Bravest Marine. I hope to hear back from someone. You can reach me on FaceBook under: Jayson Martinez
Cpl Marinez~USMC"
Jason Martinez of Lubbock, Tx

"To the family of Lcpl Juana NavarroArellano, God Bless and keep you all in peace as your remember your daughter, sister, granddaughter. She was a hero to fellow Marines who will never forget her sacrifice. Even now in 2012, I know you miss her."
Devil Dog Mom of Escondido, CA

"Chica, It has been 5yrs 287days since I last saw you. I think about you every day and miss you. Your happy go lucky attitude has had a forever impact on my life and many others until we meet again Semper Fi."
CPL Barton of Kansas City, MO

"Navarro,
I was the driver of your last ride in a vehicle. Not a day goes by that I don't think about what you would be doing today. I just want you to know that I drove as fast as I could and I got there as fast as I could. I'm so gratefull to you. To the family, you have one beautiful person and thank you so much for giving us a person as wonderful as she is and sharing with us such a beautiful person as Chica."
Evans of san diego, ca

"Chica I love you and you will never be forgotten. I remember we had plans to go to salsatinas and drink some gasolina lol.its okay its on stand-by now till I meet you up in heaven then well get the party started.thank you so much for the ultimate Sacrafice you truly are a hero and I know you was the one taking care of us through out the remainder of our deployment with the many close calls we had.i love you sis and see you soon"
Christopher B Hazel Sgt USMC of Vista Ca USA

"Chica te extrano time has passed but yet your memories are still kept. I remeber like it was yesterday we were in the "Classroom" when we were asked for volunteers for the deployment. You were fresh out of school and so eagerd to get on the list "1st come 1st serve"once we were released you were the first in line followed by 50 others pushing and shuving to get on that list. How you got in front who knows.You will never be forgoten We miss you..."
CPL Deleon RE. of Laredo, Texas

"Chica, we didn't serve together out there in Iraq but I do remember you before you left 9th to deploy and the memorial we made for you at the shop. Well, your name carries farther now since you have an obstacle the recruits have to pass during the crucible in your name here at Parris Island..... Congratulations!"
Sgt Pacheco, E of Parris Island, SC

"Chica, its been almost 5 years and I can still picture you running thru the halls in the barricks wearing boxers,your gas mask and the jockstrap you got from your secret santa the christmas before we deployed...you brought alot you smiles to this world and you will be missed."
Mark Steele of Cherry Point, North Carolina

"Chica! Lord how i miss you! I don't know how to fully explain what a difference you made in our lives! WHY?"
Coon of Longmont, Co

"Its been 4 years, 1 month, and 23 days and not a second has gone bye without you. Your spirit lives on through all of us... Sgt Murray"
Patrick J Murray of Oceanside, California

"te extrano amiga nuca me olvidare de ti. You were a great friend and a great Marine."
Jonathan Sosa (Former Sgt USMC) of Baghdad,Iraq

"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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH/USA

"Hey chica, I got out of the Corps a year ago, throught of you the other day, wanted to stop by and tell you I still miss you...I will never forget you. Semper Fi"
Hannah Christensen of Phoenix AZ

"Chica!! I miss you and love you! i will never forget how u use to call me Shembo before every mission.

SGT. Johnson"
joshua of jacksonville, NC

"Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I know you looked over all of us and helped us through the way. I love you and miss you so much Chica."
Corporal Brandon Danielson of Janesville, WI

"April 16, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Juana Navarro-Arellano:
Juana 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

"Chica!! I miss you and love you! I hope your doing good in heaven and i will see you again!"
Jairamy McBride Former Cpl of Marines of San Diego, CA

"I was the one that held her in my arms while she died. She always had a smile on her face and was willing to help out when needed. She was the greatest person I have ever met. Miss you."
HM2 Chris Van Gelder of Okinawa, Japan

"I still think of you often, our crazy days at MOS school. You were a hoot. Miss you dearly, you were and still are my sister."
Cpl Christensen, Hannah of Cherry Point

"Juana it has been two years now and my heart still hurts the same.I miss you so much and our talk we use to have. I am very proud of you and have always been. Love you always and forever."
Jaye A. June of Reno, NV.

"Two years has past, and there has not been a day since I dont remember as if it was yesterday. I was there the day she died and lead the counter assualt element that immediately followed. I continue to morn for her loss. My deepest simpathy's goes out to the Navarro-Arellano family. She was and is our guardian angel. "Chica" your memory will never fade. Semper Fi..."
Gunnery Sergeant Michael P. Suskin of Fort Leonard Wood, MO

"she was my best friend and the best marksmen a gunner could have
i carry her dog tags with me still"
Lcpl Peirce of camp lejune

"Juana,
I would 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.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"Juana we all miss you so much!!! I still can't beleive it happened to you!! Love you a lot"
Viri of Ceres Ca

"I don't know if I would have ever made it if it wasn't for Juana. I dedicate my marine corps career to her. Thanks for all you did. Semeper Fi"
LCPL Sol, M.T. of FA, Iraq

"i remember your brother telling me so much about you that when i finally met you it was like seeing my own sister. i will never forget you and the conversation we had your last night in okinawa. te extrano muncho mija"
Cpl Gonzalez of Japan

"WE ALL MISS YOU CHIKA THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING US. WE LOVE YOU"
LCPL GODSOE of OKINAWA JAPAN

"Juana I will never forget u i miss you and love you so much. Thank you for always being there for me."
lili of ceres ca

""JUANA YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.YOU WERE A GREAT FRIEND AND GREAT HUMAN BEING.REST IN PEACE.YOU WILL ALWAYS BE LOVE."
R MACIAS of FORT CARSON,CO

"To Chica's family; my heart goes out to you every moment of every day. I was fortunate enough to have served with Chica here in Iraq. Serving with such a strong and vibrant Marine, she made me so proud, and i feel her watching over all of us out here -Protecting us! Thank you for blessing this world with a true angel. We miss you girl."
LCpl Toledo of Bronx, 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.
Our nations HERO, Juana will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "

"God girl! I miss you. You were a great friend and an awesome Marine. Thank you. For everything.

I love you sister.

Semper Fidelis!"
PFC FRIEDHEIM, HANNAH of VA...MARINE DET.

"Thank you Juana Navarro-Arellano, 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. Juana Navarro-Arellano:
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 Juana for the sacrifice she 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. Juana Navarro-Arellano:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. She 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 Juana, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on