Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Today Memorial day 2016, I honor Richard. Its been 13 years since your passing and 25 since we both assisted AIT together back in 1990. We both had the privelage to fight for our country. He gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we could be free. I promised myself I would live honorably. Today Memorial Day 2016 I remember my fallen buddy. RIP"
Jose Aponte of Bayamon, Puerto Rico

"”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! Almost 2,000 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

"To the family of:Richard P. Orengo 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"

"I had the pleasure of meeting Richard at my brother's home innArecibo in 2003 before they departed to Iraq. I was devasted to learn of his demise. I prayed that my brothers' (Benji & Joey) would make it home safe. My prayers were answered andI was blessed to have them both home now. The harsh realities of the war are not known by all. Only by those who gave their lives and those who served and continue to serve in this horrible war we call Peace. God bless the Orengo family and all those who are still serving for our country."
Carmen Martinez of Camden, NJ/USA

"sorry namemate.rest in peace.Richard Orengo.hardricj@yahoo.com"
richard orengo of nairobi/kenya

"February 8, 2008
To the family of National Guard Spc. Richard P. Orengo:
Richard 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

"Richard,
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."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"Nuestros companeros de Perth Amboy High School no todos saben por eso coloque una foto tuya en mi space, aunque ya no estas con nosotros, pero sabemos que papa Dios te guardo un lugar a su lado. A la familia nuestras mas sinceras condolencias de parte de los companeros de PERTH AMBOY NEW JERSEY."
WILMA HERNANDEZ of BAYAMO, PUERTO RICO

"Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay that day,
to laugh, to love, to work or play.
Task undone must stay that way.
I found peace at the close of the day.
If my parting left a void,
then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with time of sorrow.
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one touched.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
but don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me.
God wanted me now, He set me free!""
William Darby Taylor Jr. of Bonita Springs Florida

"Our battalion meeting was interrupted by a phone call informing us of your death. I was summoned by our chaplain to alert his assistant to prepare to go to Najaf to be with the 755. I may have met you at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. I was shocked an saddened to hear of your senseless death. I will never forget you."
Louis Menchise of Bronx, New York

"Hi Richard I am still remember when I was Specialist and we work together as part of the Centurion task Force 1993. It is so sad that we never see you until our mission is over in this earth
We never forget you Buddy...
puertorrican soldiers... one body, one mind, one soul.... Alo que vinimos!!!"
SSG Maldonado Eliezer of Bayamon PR

"Dear Mr. Teodora Orengo, Ms. Carmen Berrios and the sons of Spc. Richard P. Orengo.

As Luck, Fate or God would see it. I would spend this weekend in Boston, MA. I've been training for a road race in my hometown of Pensacola. So, while here this weekend I've been looking for a 5K race to run. I thought I had found a couple of 5K races within 30 minutes of my hotel. I got maps and directions and drove to the race locations to check on registration and find out more information about the races. One of the race sites ended up being over an hour away and it was "dumb luck" that I even found it. I also discovered it was a 10K, for which I'm really not prepared. So the drive, for me, was a waste of time, until I read that the race was also dedicated to "Fallen Heroes". I want you to know that I have the distinquished honor and privilege to be running this race wearing the name of Richard P. Orengo on my bib number. I know without a doubt that Richard's wings will carry me the distance to complete the race. I will honor his name, his town and his country. Richard and I will carry each other and this will be our best race ever. I always save my bib numbers. This one, I'm saving for you.

I pray that the Lord my God blesses you with peace and love in your heart and thank him for allowing the paths of our lives to cross.

With Deepest Sorrow and Gratitute"
Randy Ramos of Pensacola, FL

""Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace.""
Jose L. Orengo of New York, NY

"To the family of Spc Orengo,
Richard will always be a hero. Although he is now with God, he continues to serve as an Angel watching over those he left behind. He gave his life to protect our freedom and way of life. May he rest in peace and God Bless you and your family."
Jared Williams-Colón, 1Lt, USAF of San Juan, PR currently serving in Saudi Arabia

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"To the Family of Richard Orengo I send you my prayers and Love."
JOSE ORENGO of STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.

"RICHARD : No importa donde estes siempre te llevaremos en nuestro corazon como compañero ,amigo y hermano nunca te olvidaremos tu amigo y hermano de siempre manuel rodriguez y famila CAMUY PR"
SGT MANUEL RODRIGUEZ of CAMUY P.R.

"I am very sorry for your loss and he is in our prayers. I've seen on the website fallen heroes memorial that alot of people cared for him like the Military Police corps wrote a good prayer for him.
There were many religious messages."
7th grade student of Lockport middle school

"Que la memoria de su hijo sea siempre la sonrisa de cada amanecer. Dandole servicio a la humanidad pago con el costo supremo- su vida. Estaremos siempre agradecido por esa alma. Que Dios le favoresca su familia y tenga al Sr. Orengo en su reino!"
Robinson Perez of Brooklyn, New York

"We Will NEVER FORGET !" As the anniversary of the death of your loved one arrives:
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Richard, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi B from Montana "

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

"To Spc. Orengo's Family"
Though we are strangers, we want you to know how sorry we are your Richard was taken from you. There is no doubt his thoughts were of you as he served with the Army in Iraq. We will never forget. You are in our hearts. (1/27/04)"
Carol & Larry Miller of Tampa, Florida

"Thank you Richard Orengo, 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 of Juan M. Serrano:
Juan gave his life while serving others, a true testament to his character. May God bless you for Juan's dedication and sacrifice. He will always be in my prayers."
Jesus R. Figueroa, 2Lt, USAF of San Juan, Puerto Rico (Stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH)

"To the family of Spc. Orengo;
You will always be in my prayers. Richard, a courageos hero, gave his life in the service of others, and for the freedoms that we all enjoy. I will honor him for the rest of my life."
Jesus R. Figueroa, 2Lt, USAF of San Juan, Puerto Rico (Stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH)

"Military Police Corps Regimental Prayer
By Chaplain Michael Yarman

Heavenly Father - We approach You today because You have called us to be a people of prayer.

We praise You because You are our Creator, our Redeemer and our Provider.

We acknowledge our great need for You as we fulfill our mission as soldiers.

We have been called to serve our nation as Military Police and we are proud of the honored heritage of the Regiment and our motto: Of the Troops and For the Troops.

Whether we are fighting an enemy, securing as area, patrolling the streets, or helping someone in distress, help us, O Lord, to always be men and women of integrity who can be counted on to do the right thing.

Give us the strength to stand for what is right and to oppose those who would do harm to our nation and the people we serve.

May we always be truthful in Word, Deed and Signature, and bring honor through our service to the memory of those in the Regiment who gave the supreme sacrifice for their country.

Guide us now, Father, by giving us wisdom and knowledge from on high, that as Military Police we will always be prepared to Assist, Protect and Defend."
CPT Glidewell

"To the family and friends of Spc. Richard Orengo:
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 Richard 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. Richard Orengo:
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 Richard, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia