Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Joe was my very good friend in Middle School. We always did wrestling moves and joked around a lot. I wanted to reach out because I am praying for his family! I always remember him on this day. I miss you Joe- you were always a good friend to me."
Bryan Boyd of Concord, CA USA

"Hi Joe: when this day comes… my heart aches. I miss you my dear friend. I wish I could chat with you one more time. Thank you for all of the laughs and great times we had together. I will never forget you"
Bryan Boyd of Roseville, CA

"Grew up with Joe great guy we would laugh til he was red in the face thinking about you this Memorial Day May god bless you and your family"
Chris Zimmerman of Brentwood Ca

"My name is Kennedy McLin I'm 6 years old. I attend A.W. Jones Pre-K school. I held your name up in our memorial day parade at school in Houston. God bless you and Thanks for your service."
Kennedy McLin of Houston,Tx.

"My name is Kennedy McLin I'm 6 years old. I attend A.W. Jones Pre-K school. I held your name up in our memorial day parade at school in Houston. God you!"
Kennedy McLin of Houston,Tx.

"Joe, you are deeply missed my brother. We spent so much time hanging out together, you enjoyed coming to Russian parties in my clubhouse, going to La Scala, movies, Pine Mountain Lake, SF, you name it, we've done it. We went to DVC together, visited each other's houses and became great friends. Always in my heart and in the hearts of my family. Say "Privet babushka" to my grandma for me as I know for sure you are now both angels looking over for me. Much love brother."
Alex aka Sasha. of San Francisco

"To the family of SPC Norquist,
I worked along side joe in and out of the TOC. Not a day goes by that i dont miss my friend. we would hang out on night shift with sgt. Farrior and brainstorm wrestling moves. his impact on my life was positive and bright and he will not be forgoten in my heart. miss you joe Thunderstruck brother."
Spc. Miller of Ft. Hood Texas

"I am the wife of Brad Norquist, who is the first cousin of Joseph's father, Carl. We would like to get in touch with him again...e-mail grandmal@uniontel.net"
Carollee Norquist of Hancock, WI

"Almost 7 years ago I knew a great, proud, caring Soldier. He was the second Soldier I knew that died, doing his job; selflessly and honorably. Whenver I question my job, my motivation, or why I continue to serve the military I remember Norquist. It is for Soldiers like him I serve, and it is for Soldiers like him that I will always owe a debt of leadership that will never fully be paid. 7 years later I am in Afghanistan. I hope my service here is such as would honor his memory."
CPT Erik J. Burris of Bagram, Afghanistan

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,850 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"I've known joe since the early 90's as well as igor t. another good friend of joe's we all ran around the eastbay together i just recently found out the bad news, it is a great loss to his friends and family as well as our armed forces he told me many years this is the way he was going to go fighting for his country. I really miss the times we used to wrestle you were really good at it.My mom says hi as well as justin g. he would like to visit you sometime but doesnt know where to go anyone with info please contact justin asap (925)727-5014 you will never be forgotten we appreciate you and your families sacrifice."
chris zimmerman of fresno ca U.S.A

"Dear family and friends of Joseph,

I found your memorial by accident while researching my own uncle. I know your loss as I just lost my dear uncle who is also named Joseph Norquist and who was also born in Texas. Our families may be fairly closely related. Joe's father Stanley Norquist was a paratrooper. I appreciate your service and sacrifice to our country and wish you the best.

Reach me at:
nordattack@cox.net"
Stephen Norquist of San Diego, CA

"September 27, 2008
To the family of Spc. Joseph C. Norquist:
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

"I didn't know Joe. I am a Bay Area native and saw his picture in the Chronicle gallery of fallen heroes. I clicked on his picture because he had a great smile and was one of those clear-eyed, bright, attentive guys that you feel (at least I do) a connection with. Condolences to his family and loved ones. Joe, you're a true hero."
Bob Major of Houston, Texas

"Joseph,
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.

"Hic Et Ubique"(Here And Everywhere)
588th Engrs Motto"

"To the family of SPC Norquist,
I was the driver of the vehicle Joe was in the night He was mortally wounded. I am very sorry for your lost. Many a night has gone by that I dont wish it was me that had taken the bullet that so quickly had taken his life. He was a true friend in the word. Many a night went by that we would sit out under the stars in Iraq and talk about what we planned to do once we got out of the Military. Once i got back from Iraq i had a tatoo put on my arm. The letters JV for Joe Vain, that was going to be his wrestling name when he went into the WWE. He will be truly missed. I love him like he was my brother. May GOD realize that he has a GREAT MAN sitting next to him in heaven."
SSG Scott M. Gilligan of FT Hood, TX, STB 4ID

"I went to high school with Joe in Concord, CA and I can truly say I have never in my life met anyone like Joe. I know that is not specific enough but I don't know how to express how amazing Joe was. He was a GENTLE GIANT. He was the kindest, sweetest and most generous person in the entire school. While other football players picked on other kids, Joe would befriend everyone and would never speak ill of anyone. I was crushed when I heard of his passing.
To Adam, from Philadelphia, you were the name of a GREAT man, son, and friend. My condolences go out to his family."
L.P. of Concord, CA

"I didn't know SPC Joseph C Norquist, nor do I know anyone who knew him. I just want his family and friends to know that I carry his name on a bracelet on my wrist every single day and I look at it every morning and think about his and so many of our citizen's sacrifices and how thankful I am for his service to keep us all free. He will NEVER be forgotten. God bless and thank you. SEMPER FI!"
Adam of Philadelphia, PA

"I served with joe over in Iraq. It has taken me some time to write about it but I am not sure how to honor him properly. I was there the night he was taken from this earth. He fought bravely and with more courage than anyone I have ever seen. I think of him every single day and now that I am on my second tour in Iraq right now i know that he is watching over me. I miss you big joe and promise we will meet again someday."
SSG Philip A. Derise of Fort Hood, Tx

"Semper Fi SPC Norquist. From one Iraq Vet to another. You are a hero, we are proud of you, and we will never forget your sacrifice. I pledge to you that I will do all in my power to ensure that the job you started gets done. All that it takes for evil to succede is for good men like you to do nothing. You did everything you could. Thanks"
LtCol Brent Norquist of Camp Lejeune, NC

"To the family of Joseph C. Norquist-

I just recieved this website from my Aunt who lives in San Fransisco, California. While scrolling through it and reading the responses I realized that my son, Sgt. Jason Rumbaugh was a friend to your son Joseph while in Iraq.
My heart cannot even begin to express the sorrow I feel for you in the loss of your son and if there is EVER anything that I can do to help ease your pain please let me know. my email address is ssamuelsoncari@msn.com.

Sincerely-Cari"
Cari of Washington

"To the family of Joseph: My name is Ali and I knew Joe for a couple of years while we were both students at DVC. We played some football on Thanksgiving together, took a few classes together, and hung out a few times at the pool in the summer time. We also graguated from DVC on the very same day. I don't think that I have ever met a nicer guy than Joseph. The two years that I knew him left a permanment mark on my soul for that young man. When I heard about his death, I was watching tv with my family and upon hearing his name, my heart sank and I sat stunned for several minutes. May God keep your beloved son and have Mercy on Him. Amen."
Ali Ataie of Pleasanton, CA 94588

"To the family of:Joseph C. Norquist I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga

"Joe, you were the only guy on the YV football team that I could get along with. You are missed bro"
Bryan of Monterey

"Working with SPC Norquist while in baqubah, Iraq, will never be forgotten. If you needed suppies of any sort ex. wood, nails etc. Without you some of us might never been able to build tables and other things. You could always count on him for anything. He always knew how to make you laugh and go out of his way for anyone. I just want to say on behalf of NC62 and the other signal soldiers on Camp Warhorse, your efforts and support will never be forgotten. Thankyou SPC Norquist!"
SGT Cotton, Jason of Ft. Hood, Tx/USA

"I'll never forget the fun times we had back in the good ol' 82nd. You were a true friend and you will never be forgotten. "BIG JOE VAIN" the memories will last forever. Your friend, Rumbaugh"
SGT Jason Rumbaugh of Bamberg, Germany

"I work with joe since the first day he got to 82nd C. Co.,we always talk about personal stuff in our life and wrestling, which is his dream and he teach me to catch the football..I real missed your son.. his like a BROTHER to me..I still cry everytime I think about my friend..he will be in my prayer everytime..I missed you JOE.."
SGT. MONTESA AXEL of WASHINGTON, DC

"Joe Was one of the first poeple I have met in the U.S. He truly was a Gentle Giant". He helped me a lot during my first few years in the U.S. He was like a brother to me. We went out together, had fun together, watched wrestling together, worked together. I miss him very much... He really was one of a kind.
We love you brother. We will meet again"
Igor T of concord,ca

"Dear Family and Friends of Joe,

I just today received a Hero's Bracelet with the name - Spc Joseph C. Norquist, San Antonio, TX Army 10/9/03.

I will wear it in honor of your fallen hero to memorialize him and share with others what I have read here about him. While I did not know this young man, I feel a closeness. As I opened the envelope that delivered to me his bracelet, I first read the name and immediately graced my hand across it. A feeling of comfort came over me. If you have any questions or requests you can contact me @ flambert@satx.rr.com . Please accept my condolences and know that I will always have you in my prayers."
Janet Lambert of San Antonio, Texas

"Tonight, I walked infront of City Hall in San Francisco. A woman showed me a wall of stars honoring fallen soldiers. I chose Josephs star and feel blessed to have done so. I just read about him, his life and the words of his loved ones. I cringe and ask God to end this war and send our children home. I am a Democrat and a patriot. While I think this war was not neccesary at this time - I respect, adore, pray for and am in awe of our brave men and women. I will remember Jooseph always. May God care for him now."
Adrienne Fodor of San Francisco, California

"On my birthday last year I received DOD's release of Joseph's death. My son is named Carl Joseph Norquist. Our flag is at half-mast for Joseph."
Bruce Norquist of Seattle, WA

"I never knew Joseph....but we share the same last name, which is not to common in America. All my prayers with his family....we are all connected."
Holly Norquist of San Diego, CA. USA

"To the family and friends of SPC Joseph C. Norquist. I served along side of your son in C co 82nd EN BN, I recently found out of your sons death, and was deeply saddened. He was a great soldier and friend. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten"
SGT Matthew Best of FOB Thunder, Iraq

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

"Josik--that is how my family called him. He was my brother's best friend. He grew up in our family. We knew Joe for 14 years--since the day we came from the former Soviet Union. He loved my mom's cuisine and even started to speak some Russian. His death was knife in our hearts. We miss him deeply and "talk" to him every Sunday when go to his grave. Every time we go to Joe's grave--there are no flowers and somehow the cemetery workers know me my brother Igor and my parents by our names, but it does not seem like anyone else go there.
It is very sad.
Josik, you will always be in our hearts."
Elina of Pleasant Hill, CA

"Spc. Norquist worked with my husband while stationed in Germany. I will never forget the day my husband came home and told me about Joseph dying. It was a very difficult day for us both. My husband is currently in Iraq and I know he shares my condolences."
Lisa Waggoner of Bamberg, Germany

"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 "

"Norquist and I were in the 82nd EGN BN in Germany. When I found out about the news, I was shocked, I had to find out by myself, so I checked an internet search for his name, and there it was. Its a shame how things turn out. I'm in Iraq also, in Mosul, and I've been through alot of stuff out here too. It just makes me upset how bad things happend to good people. Joe is one of a kind, you will never be able to replace him, we will never forget you. We love you man."
Karl J. Souffront of New York

"I was in the Army in Germany with Norquist. He was a great guy. A gentle giant. He loved wrestling!
He will always be in my prayers.
Good bye Norquist"
Vito A Forlano of Boston, MA

"Thank you Joseph Norquist, 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

"Joe was a great cousin and loyal to his family and country. He served in the army to earn money and to do work. He did not know that America was going to war. He served bravely."
Sean Pocekay of Petaluma , CA.

"Joe was my favorite cousin and he died bravely"
sean pocekay of petaluma ca

"To the family and friends of Spc. Joseph Norquist:
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 Spc. Joseph Norquist:
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