Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Man you are always in my heart"
Frank of GA

"My bro jman AKA ZIGGA i just want you tyo know that no matter what i still have u in my mind and the good lord that took to that war front will always be with u and ur family. I miss you so so much men, may ur gently soul rest in peace AMEN.

your brother men"
Maurice Enuwe of Festac town

"It has been one of the hardest thing's I have ever done coping with the lost of my friend. He was the first Soldier I met when I arrived at Battalion. One of the first things he did was tell me all the "pranks" the platoon was going to try and pull on me. Justin and I used to talk for hour's in from of his and Mark's room. Especially once he learned his son was coming. We talked about how we, of all guys were probably going to mess fatherhood up, but he was always smiling when you asked "how much longer". That was the thing about Justin he was always smiling. I was not there when Justin and Harry were taken from us. He and I had switched leave so he could be home for the birth of his son. I am honored to have know this man and on that day each year I think of him more than usual. I know he has been with me at times when I wasn't sure if we would be able to suppress the enemy, I could feel a calmness come over me. Thank you for all that you have sacrificed. I will always remember you. "THUNDER""
Michael (LZ) Lorenzana of Afghanistan

"7 years have gone by since I lost a great man and great friend in my life. Justin was a big brother to me during our time in 2/12 Cav, Ft Hood, Texas. he was kind, strong, and had a huge heart. He would tell you if you were wrong, and let you know when you were right. He would push your buttons to get a rouse out of you, just to mess around. He was a good chess player, and it always pleased me when I had the luck to beat him. Many nights were spent in our M113 playing cards on the MES chests, either in the field or in the motor pool. Justin was a man who could get things done, but was quick to sneak away from duties that were crap. Justin was the strongest man I knew, and it never seemed possible that he could die. 7 years ago my life changed, I realized how fragile life could be; that chances weren't meant to be held off till tomorrow.

Cheers my friend, and on every August 2nd, in the dark of the night, I sit alone thinking of you. Sometimes for hours, sometimes for minutes. But in my hand is a glass of E&J, and in my heart is you. I love and miss you my friend."
Sidney Park, SGT "feelgood medic" of Gainesville, FL USA

"Justin, happy veterans day brother, I think of you often. You and Harry both. God knows we miss y'all. All of us from coldsteel. Can't believe it's been 6 years, fills like 6 lifetimes. You will always be my hero doc. God bless. Love ya brother"
Sgt Caleb heagerty (retired) of Missouri

"Yo bro, it was so hard to believe u r gone,but I strongly believe u r resting in d bossom of d most high God. Rest in peace bro till we meet to part no more."
victor Ebuka Nwokocha of Festac,Lagos,Nigeria

"Yo bro, it was so hard to believe u r gone,but I strongly believe u r resting in d bossom of d most high God. Rest in peace bro till we meet to part no more."
victor Ebuka Nwokocha of Festac,Lagos,Nigeria

"Yo bro, it was so hard to believe u r gone,but I strongly believe u r resting in d bossom of d most high God. Rest in peace bro till we meet to part no more."
victor Ebuka Nwokocha of Festac,Lagos,Nigeria

"You are missed my big brother. I worked out with you in the old 2-12 gym in the tent just hours befor you died. You are love and missed. Thanks for all your drive and enchouragment brother. May god be with you. AMEN"
Paul Carter of Killeen Texas

"HOMMIE WASUP ITS CRAZY U KNOW IM NOT GOOD AT WORDS MAN I KNOW U KNOW HOW I FEEL BRO ITS BEEN A LONG TIME I SOMETIMES SIT STARE ND REMEMBER GROWING UP WITH U SCHOOL D STREETS.I MISS U MAN CUZ U WAS ONE D GOOD GUYZ U ALWAYS HAD MA BACK.LOST CONTACT WITH U UR FAM EVEN WENT BACK TO WHERE U USED TO LIVE.BUT ITS ALL GOOD CUZ I KNOW UR WITH GOD.REST IN PEACE BRO SEE U WHEN I GET THERE BLESS."
IFEANYI ODOGWU OJI of NIGERIA LAGOS

"MA BRO, MAY U CONTINUE TO REST IN THE LORD"
MARTINS EZEAMAKA of LAGOS, NIGERIA

"J what's up this is chuka.. Still in tears men I can't believe your gone... Hurts real bad"
chuka

"Justin we miss u so very much. The good die young...May your soul Rest in peace Homie."
Femi Coker of Atlanta GA

"Its been a long time since you are in a better place but i still remember like yesterday all the good times we spend together. If anyone ever think about someone who was invensible Justin is at the very top of the list of everyone who knew him. Even thou i didnt deploy with him the 3 years i knew him he was like my big brother and one of the best friends anyone could ask for. we had a great family in 2-12 "wordi", "polo", "shamback" "berry" Park" "Lee" and everyone else were like brothers and we always had each others back. i know he is looking out for all of us and i know we will see each other someday. until then all i want to say is that i really miss you MY BROTHER and THANK YOU for all the good advises and everything you did for me. One love WORDI you WILL NEVER leave my heart"
Nelson Nunez of Vicenza Italy (2-12 in my heart)

"JUST LIKE YESTERDAY"
UGBEDE ADEJOH of IKEJA, NIGERIA

"Justin Onwardi was an outstanding man! A great medic who always answered the call of duty. He helped many fellow servicemembers and civilians. I will never forget Justin Onwardi. He is always in my thoughts. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Thank Justin for everything you did for our unit. Thunderhorse!"
SGM Rey Canales of Fort Hood, Texas

"It has taken me a long time to think about what to say about Onwordi. He was a good soldier, man, and medic. He and I only talked briefly every so often but everytime I saw him he remembered my name and we joked around.

It is a great loss that the world has taken with his death. The ones that made it out of the middle east alive are lucky but only the true heros of war, the ones that gave their all can honestly know that they will no longer be at war.

May he and the other fallen Thunder Horse Troops Rest in peace."
(Spc.) Ryan Desmond of Chambersburg, Pa

"Zigga,tears filled my eyes reading all the messages ur close friends and family wrote about you,Gosh i remember me and u making beats on the tables in class back in airforce,i was in SA when i heard Jay passed,Chuka told me about what happened. I miss you so much zigga. One love bro"
Kevwe Sokoh of Lagos,Nig

"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 E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"justin, i never met you in festac but with what i've read i know you were a brave man. God bless you and may your soul rest in peace. Thank you for your service to this great country and also to anyone who stands for freedom."
Bolaji Ajiborisha of Brooklyn,New York

"Hello,
I represent PRAYER SHAWLS 4 FALLEN SOLDIERS (PS4FS), an organization that since October 2007 has sent over 2,700 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 hand knitted/crocheted shawl to the family? Thank you!
Annette Swartwout and Cozette Haggerty
ps4fs@charter.net"
Annette Swartwout of Mooresville, NC

"Justin...its been 5 years to the day since we lost you brother. Not a day has gone by since that i havent thought of you and shondhee. You were a great soldier, medic, and friend. I think God for allowing me to know you. We lost two of the best on that hot august night. May God bless you and your family. I miss you brother. Coldsteel blue 1 golf out."
Sgt. Heagerty of Ft. Leonardwood

"Man,........ I don't know how to start this. I should have written something years ago. I'm sorry I haven't. I hope you'll understand that it wasn't easy for me to put into words the things that I felt and feel.

It's going on 5 years. I will never forget the man who was a brother to me. I still talk to "Wordi" to this day as if he were still here. Wordi was really like a brother, no, better than a brother in every sense. After that night I was at a loss, I didn't know what I was gonna do or how I was gonna get by. He was always there when I needed him. There was a time in my life when I was in a downward spiral and he was there to pull me out. He was there to offer food when I had nothing. He was there to talk to and give advice when I felt I had no one. He was a very wise man, wise beyond his years. He was there to lift me up when I felt down. I know now he was an angel that walked amongst us and now he's an angel that watches over us.

I lived in Killeen alone, all my family was back home. All I had was Wordi, and the guys, my family away from home... "My brothers from other mothers"..lol We were all medics in the same platoon and hung out a lot. Whether it was at my apartment playing cards or at "Sticks" playing pool. I had known him the whole time we were stationed at Hood and saw him practically every day. Still yet, I never really got a chance to tell him Thank you, and that I appreciated everything he did for me. When I tried he would just smile and say, "Come on Ray, its koo"..lol and kinda slap me on my shoulder....

I was blessed to be in the company of such a great person... My prayers go out to him and all of his family. I hope all are doing well. And again I apologize for taking so long to say something about one of the greatest men to ever bless us with his presence....

Sincerely,
Raymond Hernandez"
Raymond Hernandez of San Antonio, Texas

"I KNOW THAT YOU ARE RESTING IN PEACE MY LITTLE COUSIN. THIS IS YOUR BIG UNCLE JOE. HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO YOU."
SFC MAZAGWU, JOSEPH of MIAMI, FL

"9/27/08 I am the father of PFC,Christopher E Hudson,He served with the 12calvary till his death from ied on03/21/04.Perhaps Justin even tried to help him.Today I looked up fallen soldiers from his unit.What a wonderful man Justin had to be.You must be proud of his dedication to his new found home.We know nothing can ease the sadness you feel,but know that our family will have you and your family in our prayers from today on.We know too well what the family has gone thru. Ray @ Sally Hudson"
Ray Hudson of Indianapolis IN Marion

"may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace."
Jossy of ABeokua, Ogun, Nigeria

"justin, it's been 4 long years and I can still remember the first time I came into 2-12 cav. SFC Bullard had scarred the crap out of me and who was there but you. You helped over the next couple of years adjust to cav life, especially in the 'medic mafia'. I will never forget your kindness, humor or sincerity. Thank you for everything. VLR"
m Baldwin of Chicago, IL

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Spc. Justin B. Onwordi:
Justin 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

"Onwordi we love and miss you brother. Im headed back for another tour and just got to thanking bout you brother. Rest in love brother."
Sgt. Caleb heagerty of Camp Shelby

"My brother zigga i will never forget u.Alora sealord sail on. May ur soul rest in peace, pls save me a spot in heaven.i miss u my brother"
chuka obiorah of Los Angeles, Ca USA

"Justin, you stood for what you believed in, we miss u so much, may your gentle soul rest in the bossom of the ALMIGHTY."
Omerhi Tega of Festac town, Lagos.

"To the family of Justin B. Onwordi, my sincerest condolences. I would like to say that SPC Onwordi has been in my thoughts since that night, he was truely a wounderful person. On the night of 27 July 2004, my humwv was blown up by an IED, nobody was hurt that night, once I returned to the base camp, I saw a smiling face approaching me with concern in his eyes. SPC Onwordi examined me and gave me some ibuprofen for the major headache I had from the explosion, I still have a few of those pills in the baggy Justin put them in. Justin touched so many lives, during a rough month of intense attacks in April 2004, Justin saved many lives by rendering medical attention to numerous Soldiers from a National Guard unit that got ambushed, several civilian contractors lives were saved as well. Justin saved lives, he and PFC Shondee will always be in my heart and thoughts. I believe i can speak for all the Thunderhorse Soldiers, you will not be forgotten. God Bless."
SSG Garcia, G. of Fort Knox, KY/ USA

"SPC. JUSTIN ONWORDI WAS KILLED ALONG WITH MY SOLDIER HARRY SHONDEE, ONWORDI WAS WELL KNOWN IN MY BATTALION AS ONE OF OUR MEDICS HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND IAM GLAD TO HAVE KNOWN HIM , HE USED TO MAKE ANY BAD SITUATION BETTER JUST BY MAKING US ALL LAUGH, HE WAS AN INCREDABLY INTELEGENT AND WISE MAN. I DO MISS YOU JUSTIN.... JUSTIN WAS MY MEDIC ON MY GUNTRUCK AND TANK, SINCEARLY SGT. BRIAN A HOMER 2-12 CAV 2BCT 1CD"
SGT. BRIAN A HOMER of EL MORRO , NEW MEXICO, USA

"To the family of Justin Onwordii,
I recently purchase a fallen hero band and when it arrived I read the name of the fallen hero--it reads: Spec Justen B Onwordi, Chandler, AZ, Army, 8/2/04. As I slipped it on my wrist, I wondered who this hero, who gave his life to protect me and my family, is. I felt uncomfortable wearing it without knowing. I found this site and learned a little about Justin. That we was loved and missed by his fellow soldiers and his family and friends. I wear his name on my arm and will continue to do so in his honor. I thank the lord each day that men like Justin have sacraficed everything for all of us. I pray his family finds comfort and peace.

God bless."
R. Clifford of Coalition to Salute America's Heroes

"MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY,I DIDNT KNOW ABOUT THIS,BUT WE WERE IN THE SAME SCHOOL IN AIR FORCE"
TOSIN JOHNSON of LONDON,ENGLAND

"Justin J. I close my eyes sometimes and remeber the first time we all got dressed in our newly issued cadet uniforms. My heart goes out to your family, may God grant you eternal REST."
Adeniyi Oluwo of London

"To the family of: 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

"This is the first time that it really sunk in Justin was one of the smartest most ginuine people I have ever met and it was an honor to know him and call him a friend we were stationed together in 1st cav and man ....well i'm just a little choked up .but to his wife and family i just want to say as I know you already know what a great person he was and i feel blessed just to have known him."
SGT Tyrone Lee of Philadelphia,PA

"I am completely speechless! This is the first time that i've "spoke" of the dearest friend one could ever wish for.Justin was "my big brother" and it hurts so bad! We were medics and did lots of things for people together making a difference.I am so sorry that the "world" has to experience this tremendous loss!I was stationed at Ft.Hood with Justin,he was my family away from home.I haven't figured out how i am going to help my heart mend,but i was told that time heals everything.Justin you are truely missed and loved dearly.May GOD bless your wife Monique and your infant son Jonathan!Keep smiling "J",we all know that you'll be with us forever! We Love You! Your Fellow 1st CAV sister.."
SPC Smith,Jiniqueka of Baghdad,Iraq

"Justin and his wife Ebony were my old neighbors. I lived next door to him while his wife was serving in Iraq. These two people are the kindest and bravest people I have met. I remember the day Justin told us they were going to have a baby. Nothing in this world made him smile like he did when he told me that news. He loved his wife very much and was so excited to start a family with her. Any one who knew Justin knew his smile. I pray that he is smiling down on Ebony to keep her strong. I pray he is watching after his son from Heaven. Not only was a husband and father taken but a true hero as well. We should all honor his sacrifice for he did not die in vain but he gave his life to better another country. We must support our troops and their brave families in these time. I have faith knowing that Ebony is the best mother a son could ever have and although their son may not remember meeting Justin, she will forever teach him of his father. God Bless the Onwordis and God bless the wife and son he left behind."
Meredith Hackett of Fort Hood Texas

"1/07/05
Thank you brave soldier for defending the freedoms we all cherish. You are remembered in our prayers and may God grant your loved ones peace at this time. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"May you soul rest in peace, Justin. You paid the ultimate sacrifice representing Nigeria and your family."
Akinyemi of Harrisburg, PA

"THIS MESSAGE IS COMING FROM QUEENIE NWAKA FRON LONDON. AUNTY,JACKIE,MATINA AND CHIBUZO.I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT HAPPENED. PLS CAN SOMEONE CALL ME ON.0208 2006039. I MUST SPEAK TO YOU ALL. MY HEART IS GRIEVED FOR MY BABY JUSTINO"
QUEENIE NWAKA of LONDON ENGLAND

"I knew Justin as a concerned medic and a good soldier. We used to joke that he was the medic we wnated around when there was trouble, as he could throw three of us on his back and still run. He was a good man, and a hero. I know to his family his sacrifice may be hard to understand, but he did his duty and we are forever in his debt. Semper Paratus!"
A fellow thunder horse trooper

"My condolence and sympathy goes to your family and most especially your seed. The memory of the times at the Air force secondary school and DELSU will always remain cherished in my heart. ADIEU my brother."
Justus O. Esiri of Cardiff, United Kingdom

"Big j we always miss you,till we see to part no more."
santos of nigeria

"Justin, I never knew you, but like all who serve in uniform we are a "Band of Brothers".
From Airman to Soldier, this prayer is for you
"The Mansions of the Lord"
To fallen soldiers let us sing
Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the Lord
No more bleeding, no more fight
No prayers pleading through the night
Just divine embrace, eternal light
In the Mansions of the Lord
Where no mothers cry and no children weep
We will stand and guard though the angels sleep
Through the ages safely keep
The Mansions of the Lord

To The Family of Justin B. Onwordi, my deepest sympathy goes out to you. Spc Justin Onwordi, I salute you. May your brave soul, which fought for freedom rest in eternal peace."
Nigerian-American, U.S. Air Force Officer of MD, USA

"Justeno...thats what we all called you, we your close friends. we will miss you, i can see vividly remember how happy you were when you got the visa to leave for the states and we all took pictures and telling what to do and dont do. i cried when your uncle Bruno called and told me the news, it was devastating and we all will miss you greatly, but we know you are at a resting place with the Lord and i am glad you got intimate with the Man upstairs before you left for the states.
Goodbye my goodfriend and God bless your new family."
Monika Ukey of Victoria Island,, Lagos, Nigeria

"THE MAN ZIGGA,I'M GONNA MISS YOU, BUT KNOW' I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN.GOD BLESS THE ONWORDI'S.

EMMI ."
EMMI of FESTAC,LAGOS,NIGERIA

"Just Just,
I'll miss you. My mum and family send our sympathy to mum, Jacquline, martina and Charles.

We will miss you.
Your Neighbour,
Festac"
Awolola Motunrayo. of Lagos, Nigeria.

"Dear justin,
its funny how time flies and how one never cherishes or appreciate people until they are dead,gone or lost forever, at least until we all meet at the feet of our lord jesus christ.funnier still is the fact that we were never really close but had a mutual respect for each other. maybe bacause we had one very glaring thing in common, and that is gentility! yes,you were always very gentle and friendly and that was why we got along quite easily.though time may pass and the years may pile on,your memory will always remain indelible in the hearts of those guys here in festac town who were your friends.its a real priviledge to have grown up with you here in festac.we will all miss you greatly but we take solace in the fact that you are resting peacefully in the lord.i thank the Lord for the opportunity to have known you and for the few years you lived and i thank you for laying your life down for the countless people who believe in freedom and the cause of the American people in the fight against terrorism.Rest in peace dear friend knowing that you did not die in vain,rest in peace."
AJUNWON TAIWO ATILADE of FESTAC TOWN, LAGOS,NIGERIA

"KUMBIS!!!! YES THAT'S WHAT WE CALLED YOU. "BIG J" I THOUGHT NOTHING COULD MAKE ME CRY(I WEPT LIKE A BABY)....IT'S YEARS I SAW YOU BEFORE YOU LEFT FOR THE STATES. I MISS YOUR CHEERFULLNESS AND THE LEADERSHIP QUALITIES YOU SHOWED US DOWN AT DELTA STATE IN NIGERIA....I MISS YOU LIKE I WOULD MISS BREATH IF I DIDN'T HAVE IT.....THE WORLD WITHOUT YOU IS LIKE THE WORLD WITHOUT THE 1ST OF JANUARY, YOU WERE NUMBER ONE.....ALL OF US FROM DELSU 95/96 SESSION MISS YOU....SAIL ON!!!!!"
BIOSAH AZUMDI of LAGOS, NIGERIA

""justin,a wonderful friend .we were classmate at air force primary school lagos class 5white . You were ever full of life, and may God Almighty grant you eternal peace. And for the family, wife and son, please accept my condolence.Rest in peace justin."
gbolahan oshodi of lagos nigeria

"Justin, a brave Nigerian. Justin, a special gift of love and freedom to the World. Justin, a full size American, with every honors. As God will continue to bless America, may he keep you in this blessing as you not only died for America, but for the World. Rest in peace."
Osondu Onoh of Washington, DC

"The memory of Justin Onwordi as a true American Hero will always be seared in my heart. May God's peace be with his family and new son at this difficult time. God Bless them and the USA.
Thank you for your service on behalf of us. You are the bravest of the brave."
Eileen of Wake Forest, NC

"Justin,you will always remain a great hero.This is to the extent Nigerians can contribute to a just cause.May more all over the world have never failed even to pay with their life.Rest blessedly in the bossom of our Lord Jesus Christ till the judgement day.To the family,I share you sorrow.Adieu great hero"
Vincent Unachukwu of FCT Abuja Nigeria

"Justin, You've always been a great guy.!As your classmate at Airforce Secondary School Lagos, You were ever full of life, and may God Almighty grant you eternal peace. And for the family, wife and son, please accept our condolence. On behalf of our friends that we all went to school together and graduated in 1992; Gbenga, Toyeeb, Ugbede, Ifeanyi, Abiodun, Remi, Sola, Tobechukwu,and co; We all love you and will miss you dearly our great friend, but God loves most. Adieu!!!!
For friends, Bala!"
Bala Ugah of Abuja F.C.T, Nigeria

"Justin's sacrifice has not been in vain. The memory of your husband, son, brother will be carried on not only by you but also with his First Cav family. May God provide you with peace, comfort and rest as you bear this painful loss."
A First Cav brother of New Jersey

"I feel the loss of a 2/12 brother.
Justin, your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Brave soldiers like yourself have helped make a path toward freedom.
To your family, we share your sorrow.
Thanks from a grateful nation."
Steve Schmoll of Columbia City, Indiana

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. For the family/friends May time provide loving memories in place of present sorrows. God bless you."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"I was shocked and saddened to learn of Justins' passing. Justin worked with me at Soldier Medical Readiness. We did the SRP for 4ID last year together.He was a very skilled medic,and an all around great guy. We teased each other a lot. Especially about his long lunches. I will miss you Justin and I will never forget you.Rest in peace, my friend."
Laurie Gordon of Ft Hood Texas

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