Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It's been a few years since that horrific morning on April 24, 2004 that we got the alarm to run to the bunker, when we came under attack. I still remember it as if it was yesterday. I was one of the medics who went to Staff Sgt Orton's side. I asked him to squeeze my hand and he did. I told him to hold on for his family... they wanted to see him... he squeezed my hand again. The priest came over and we said a word of prayer for Sgt Orton. Every morning he would be up early before anyone else and every morning on my way to the showers, he use to say "Good Morning Davenport" He was so kind hearted and gentle. I will never forget you Sgt. Orton (R.I.P.)... You are missed.

Loreen Davenport-Orage"
Loreen Davenport-Orage of Little Rock, AR

"SSG Orton...I was the chaplain who prayed with you during your final moments of life. It was such a privilege to be with you during those moments of carnage and chaos. Please pray for me now. April 24 is such a difficult day. Peace, Chaplain (MAJ) R. Patrick Moore (rpatrickmoore@gmail.com)"
Patrick Moore of Independence, MO

"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

"”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 you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 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!
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

"April 16, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Billy J. Orton:
Billy 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

"Billy, I knew you were a great person, had a great sense of humor. Loved to see you home joking with your wife. Maggi, Ginella sends u and ur kids hugs and kisses. Write me."

"9/3/2007: I meet Billy when he first worked for me as a Supply Sargent in NLR at Phillips Armory. He always went the extra mile. Upon returning home from Iraq, I wore a bracelet on my wrist with Billy's name on it. It's been a constant reminder, especially on days when it just would not fit on my wrist just right. Today, I lost the bracelet and I feel so hollow. Not because of its loss, but it forced me to remember how much I missed Billy, Pat K., and of that day 2 1/2 years ago. He was a great man and I am so much better for knowing him."
LTC de Kunffy of Conway, AR

"I didn't really know Billy but I do know his sweet wife. The last memory I have of him is when the soldiers marched through our town, by our school, before going to Iraq. We lined the street with flags and well wishes. He walked by the elementary students and he glanced back and saw his son, David. He went back and gave him the biggest hug. I could see how much he loved his family. God bless you, Margarita, Manaser, David and Benjamin. You also gave a huge sacrifice for our freedom.
Love you,
Jeannie"
Jeannie Watson of Huntsville, Arkansas USA

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

"To Billy's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.

Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX"
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com

"To the Family and Friends of BJ Orton:
I have been praying for you, may God send you comfort. I was saddened when my husband called me from Iraq and told me what had happened. BJ and I were in CO A 39th SPT BN together, we both worked in Supply so we had a lot of chances to talk. I know that he loved his family. I also have him to thank for mine, because he is the one that helped me get my tour to Panama in 1994 where I met my wonderful Husband. BJ was a great soldier and gave his life for our country and he will always be remembered. God Bless you."
Julie Stockford of Petersburg, VA

"To Billy's Family:
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your hero. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

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

"Thank you Billy Orton, 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 Staff Sgt. Billy Orton:
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 Billy 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 Staff Sgt. Billy Orton:
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 Billy, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia