Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army Pfc. Francis C. Obaji

21, of Queens Village, New York.
Obaji died in the 86th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, after he was involved in a motor vehicle accident January 16, 2004 in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York, New York. Died on January 17, 2005.

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"Re: SGT Francis C Obaji

Hello,
I represent PRAYER SHAWLS 4 FALLEN SOLDIERS (PS4FS), an organization that since October 2007 has sent over 2,800 prayer shawls to military families who have lost a loved one. We are an organization of over 240 groups from all over the country. We make every effort to reach families even when post cards are returned after they have moved. Would you kindly send me a contact email/address so that we may send a loving hand-made prayer shawl to the family? Thank you!

Cozette Haggerty, Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers
Email: ps4fs@charter.net
Website Address: http://webpages.charter.net/ps4fs/shawls"
Cozette Haggerty of Wilbraham, Mass.

"January 11, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Francis C. Obaji:
Francis 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

"We your Pals from Alvana Sec.School miss u bro! R.I.P till we meet to part no more!"
Dr. Anwukah of Owerri, Nigeria.

"To the family of Francis C. Obaji, I know this message is a long time coming. My name is SGT Aletha Davis and I am a respiratory therapist. I took care of Francis in the ER and ICU of Ibn Sina Hospital, 86th CSH Baghdad, Iraq. It was a privilege and an honor to provide care for Francis. He is the definition of a true hero. I spoke with him when he first arrived in the ER. He was so strong and brave. He did not die in vain. He will forever be remembered by me and many others. He has touched my life in a way that I cannot explain. I cry for him often and remember him and his family in my prayers. May God provide you with peace in your hearts and may your souls find rest in Him. I know that Francis is in heaven smiling down on us now and one day by the grace of our mighty God we will see him again. Although I did not know him, I am humbled and greatly honored to have spent his last moments with him. I only wish that we could have saved him but that was not God’s plan. Francis has been called by God for reasons we cannot understand but I find rest in knowing that he has been called to serve the highest purpose. Please know that we fought diligently to save your son and did everything we could to save him. He was not in any pain and went to sleep peacefully. I realize that I should have written this message long ago. I have struggled with the decision of contacting you. I was not sure if you would want to hear from me. I have told the story of Francis’s heroism many times and his memory will live on forever. May God bless you abundantly. Your sister in Christ,"
Aletha Davis of Columbus, GA, USA

"To the family and friends,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a loved on is the hardest thing in life. I am writing to not only express my sorrow for you but to let you know about a memorial I am working on. I am creating a quilt to honor the fallen soldiers from the New York City Area. Each soldier will have a panel created. I am inviting the friends and families to get involved. If you are interested or would like some more information please contact me at nycfallensoldiers@yahoo.com"
Esther Kabalkin of Staten Island, NY

"I am wearing Pfc Obaji's Herobracelet. I wear it every day to honor him, his family, and our country. Please know that he is not forgotten, and that he is honored by me and my family. May God bless his family and friends, and God Bless America."
Mike Webster of Carrollton, Texas

"I AM REALLY LOST FOR WORDS. TO THINK I ONLY FOUND OUT JUST YESTERDAY ALMOST TWO YRS AFTER. WE WERE IN THE SAME CLASS IN NIGERIA BEFORE YOU LEFT. I WOULD NOT FORGET YOUR GENTLE NATURE AND BIG SMILE. ONLY GOD KNOWS WHY. SLEEP WELL MY FRIEND. MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO THE OBAJI FAMILY FOR THIS IRREPLACIBLE LOSS."
O'NIKEL TREASURE E. of OWERRI, IMO STATE NIGERIA

"My hearts go to the family of Francis. It is sad that I never got the chances to see you in America. I tried but when I did, it was too late. I will always remember the fun times that we had when we were in Nigeria 9 yrs ago. Hope that one day, we shall meet again in heaven. Rest in peace my dear friend."
Christopher Uchenna Oji of Auburn, Alabama, United states

"To the family of:Francis C. Obaji 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

"~*~I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU~*~*
i could never forget you we miss you and love you sooo much. thank you for hanging out with us 5. your words of wisdom are always in my heart."
jennifer ramirez of valleycottage,ny

"To the Obaji Family, I am so sorry for your loss. From the tributes on this page I see that Francis was so loved and a fine young man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Francis is a true American Hero. He will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and God Bless Francis."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"I will have you in my heart Francis. i will always treasure our times together. The times in Basic Training and A.I.T don't seem enough memories to have. I remember the every day phone calls after that. From brooklyn to Los Angeles. I love you my KoKO pelli. I always will. my sympathy goes out to the Obaji family for the unfortunate loss. They truly lost an Angel with a great mind. I will always remember his happy voice with his lovely accent. I refuse to say Good Bye because I will be seeing you, Frank, in my next lifetime With lots of LOVE & RESPECT one of your many Battle Buddies Priscilla Sepulveda"
Spc. Sepulveda, Priscilla of Los Angeles C.A USA

"I will have you in my heart Francis. i will always treasure our times together. The times in Basic Training and A.I.T don't seem enough memories to have. I remember the every day phone calls after that. From brooklyn to Los Angeles. I love you my KoKO pelli. I always will. my sympathy goes out to the Obaji family for the unfortunate loss. They truly lost an Angel with a great mind. I will always remember his happy voice with his lovely accent. I refuse to say Good Bye because I will be seeing you, Frank, in my next lifetime With lots of LOVE & RESPECT one of your many Battle Buddies Priscilla Sepulveda"
Spc. Sepulveda, Priscilla of Los Angeles C.A USA

"De Cyril,Its a pity that Chinomso died a very sudden and untimely death but only God knows why he has made it so.Cry no more,wipe away tears,be a Man,no amount of crying can bring him back,take heart,for his Soul Rests in the Bossom of the Almighty God.Please take better care of the Rest of the Family till we all meet again in peace and Alive.Take Heart."
Ebochue Albert.jnr. of Owerri,Imo State,Nigeria.

"Chinomso,Is a pity You Died So Young .May The Almighty God Grant You Ever Lasting Peace.Adieu.REST IN PEACE."
EBOCHUE ALBERT.O. of Imo State Nigeria

"FRANCIS AND I ATTENDED THE COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND. HE AND I WERE IN THE SAME BIOLOGY CLASS. FOR THE SHORT TIME IN WHICH I KNEW HIM, HE WAS A VERY GOOD FRIEND. MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO HIS BELOVED FAMILY. FRANCIS WAS A VERY EXCITING PERSON TO BE AROUND. HE HAD AN INCREDIBLE TALENT AS AN ARTIST. I KNEW HIM FOR A SHORT TIME BUT IT FELT AS THOUGH I KNEW HIM MOST OF MY LIFE. LAST TIME I SPOKE WITH HIM WAS WHEN HE CALLED ME SAYING HE RETURNED FROM MISSOURI I BELIEVE WHERE HE WAS UNDERGOING TRAINING IN THE ARMY. HE WAS A VERY GOOD FRIEND AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED."
LAWRENCE of QUEENS, NY

"To my friend Chino, I regret that we did not spend much time together just know I am blessed to know there are wonderful people like you around. Thank you for being such a brave, courageous, strong, and PROUD person. I emphasise proud because you were proud of your family, your job, and your name which you explained Chinomso in your African language means GOD is with you, and do hope and pray that is true because I wish to see you again...

Love You!"
Valencia Bush of Phoenix, AZ USA

"Francis was and will always be one of my best friends. We did so much together we went to high school and even our prom together. He was a true friend and he didn't deserve this he was a kind soul that everyone should be so lucky to enjoy but for a moment. Frank save a seat for me, so when I see you in heaven we can kick back and remeniss about our glory days. Don't worry about your family we'll take care of them. They're our family now. We'll never forget you or your lagacy. Love Always Black - Your boy 4 life Pink a.k.a."
Chris Collymore of Brooklyn, N.Y.C.

"Francis and I went to school together in brooklyn N.Y. The last time I saw him was actually at the recruiter's office where he was in the process of enlisting- It was in Dec 2003. Iwas attached to the unit and so, that's how we bumped into each other. I can't stop thinking of him. For those of you who don't know , Francis was a genuine loving hearted person. He was always cool , calm and collect. I am stuck between the feelings anger and remorse."
Crystal Dixon of Booklyn, NY

"i was so blessed to attend the mass for Francis! He is an amazing individual. Foremost as a soldier and a family man. Francis was an individual built by his mothers love and fathers staedy-fast guidance and understanding. that made him the mam he became. One to love God, and risk his life for others. The elections in Iraq couldn't of happened with FRANCIS. FRANCIS has a place in history. An although the Iquarians will not remember him by name. All know it was our military. As Francis risking his life like others for them. My heart and prays are with Francis and your family. Francis, left his brother Stan with something very special. For you to make sure MOM and Dad will be alright. Francis as my son wanted some much out of life. An neither one would regret giving others a chance at freedom. God Bless!"
leonard wahl of Valley Stream NY

"i was so blessed to attend the mass for Francis! He is an amazing individual. Foremost as a soldier and a family man. Francis was an individual built by his mothers love and fathers staedy-fast guidance and understanding. that made him the mam he became. One to love God, and risk his life for others. The elections in Iraq couldn't of happened with FRANCIS. FRANCIS has a place in history. An although the Iquarians will not remember him by name. All know it was our military. As Francis risking his life like others for them. My heart and prays are with Francis and your family. Francis, left his brother Stan with something very special. For you to make sure MOM and Dad will be alright. Francis as my son wanted some much out of life. An neither one would regret giving others a chance at freedom. God Bless!"
leonard wahl of v

"Thank you Francis Obaji for your selfless sacrifice and love for others. You gave up your life so that others, total strangers to you, would have a chance at freedom. You will always be remembered among the great American Heroes. To his family, thank you for your sacrifice and May God give you peace during this difficult time. Be assured many proud and thankful Americans are praying for your family. May God rest his soul."
Sofia Morgan of Fremont, CA

"To the family and friends of Francis Obaji.

You and your son will be in my thougths and prayrs, ALWAYS remember your Son did not die in vain and is a hero to all."
Sean C. Keel of Tucson, Arizona

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

"1/21/05
Thank you Francis for your brave actions in defending our nation. All of your countrymen mourn but will not forget you and what you did for all of us. God Bless you and may He grant your loved ones peace. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"To Francis' Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Francis Obaji, 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 Pfc. Francis Obaji:
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 Francis 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 Pfc. Francis Obaji:
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 Francis, 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