Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Tommy, i never met you but my family knew you well. i always heard about you ever since i was little. 16 now and finally finding out what a good sniper and marine you were. Next year when i come back from MCRD San Diego i’ll visit you in memorial Gardens."
Anonymous of Heber Springs, Arkansas

"Carla and TJ.. You guys were the best neighbors ever and we miss you all"
N of Indianapolis,IN

"Cpl. Tommy u fought as a true soldier for our country and u died as a hero, R.I.P Cpl. Tommy L. Parker, Jr. Btw i herd about u in the book im reading"
Peter Daniels of Baltimore, Maryland/ U.S.A.

"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!
Mothers and/or Fathers, of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
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 bless you.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642"
Project Compassion, Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Semper Fi Devildog!!!

Cpl Brandon Winneshiek
hocakwanapi@yahoo.com

I served with Tommy for four years. We were always together and had some good times. I think about him everyday. I just put up a bunch of pics of him on facebook.com. So if you get a chance, check them out."
Brandon Winneshiek of Eau Claire, WI

"June 21, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Tommy L. Parker, Jr.
Tommy 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

"TJ,
Bro! Your memory is still with me. thank the Lord for that. You are still my brother, forever. I am glad i got to visit your dad last year, before i deployed out here in Iraq. thats right, i made it out here finally. i am currently in Fallujah, but later on in the year, i will be going back to Ramadi. Cant say when, but you know. You are always here with me. i havent done all the things here that i have wanted to, but hopefully, i can live up to what you want me to be. You are still and always will be my hero. You know that. I am proud to have been a "Bastard" with you, and all the other guys we palled and served with. I am glad its so hot here, because tears dont fall easy, they gather. i am always here for you and your family. i miss you bro!"
Sgt Evan Lewis, RCT-1 of currently in Camp Fallujah, Iraq

"TJ We miss you so much... Charles and I wish you were here. We all miss you so badly. But we know you are in a better place."
Your Family, Charles and Lindsey of Heber Springs, AR

"You are forever in my thoughts and prayers.
From your team leader and brother,...thank you."
Sgt. Endito, M.R. of San Antone, N.M.

"To the Parkers,
Almost three years have passed since this tragic time. How I think of our Triple S Days often and how love was developing between Carla and Tj and Jeremy and me. How I have never understood why God allowed HIM to go and how I still hurt for each of you and for Carla. I know that God gives grace, because I have seen it when Betty passed away... but I know that it is still hard... even though the yeras have gone by, I still pray for each of you and love you all. I am still willing to do ANYTHING I can to help.
All my Love and Sympathy,"
Amie Adams of Heber Springs AR

"Hey Tommy's family,
Lest we forget: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Many thanks to you and your family for continuing to carry the faith that provided eternal Freedom for Tommy L. Parker, Jr. God Bless you and yours. Let us rejoice in the blessings that Tommy is enjoying today and forever."
Bob Meyer, USMC/USMCR 1979-1996 of Cedar Rapids Iowa

"Tommy,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other three Marines in your team for your service and sacrifice for our Country. I recently read in Leatherneck Magazine that snipers from 3/5 recovered your rifle and got some payback for you. I am a former Marine and I remember hearing about your team in the news and it made my blood boil. And to your family, especially your wife and little girl I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"The Mt.Soledad Memorial Association, in coordinated efforts with American Legion Post 275 of La Jolla, California, is conducting a Honor Ceremony on August 26th,2006 to recognize the dedicated service of Cpl Tommy Paker,Jr. and the other 20 Marines that paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Post 275 has sponsored the manufacture of 2 granite plaques to be placed at the Mt.Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, CA.

We are very saddened by this tragedy; our Memorial will honor these brave Marines and the memory and tribute will be forever on our walls.
For additional information and photos of our memorial please log onto www.soledadmemorial.com
We would be deeply appreciative if ALL interested in attending the ceremony could call Joanie at 858-459-2314 (e-mail:Joaniem7225@soledadmemorial.com) or Steve Marrietti at 858-705-2214.
THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!"
Joanie Miyashiro-Brennan of San Diego,CA/USA

"To the family of Tommy L. Parker, Jr. no one should ever have to deal with the pain you went though and will continue to go through. Your son was and american hero, I am sorry for your loss and may God be with you and rest in peace tommy."

"I learned of T.J.'s death through a phone call to a friend of mine from high school when i was stationed in guam june '04. it hurt me bad inside to hear the news that a friend and brother in arms had died. i went to school with T.J. at Pangburn High School during 7th and 8th grade. i remember we always joked around and laughed in art class. he had braces at the time, always wore a charlotte hornets starter jacket, and one time did a round-house kick to a bully's head when he just started goin to school at pangburn. i believe he came out of stuttgart, AR if i remember correctly. t.j. always had a smile on his face and i will always remember him and try to carry on his positive ways in my life."
Jonathan Germain of july - december in Fallujah, Iraq / now: Arifjan, Kuwait

"To the family of:Tommy L. Parker,Jr.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

"my name is joesph and i live in california
i am saddened by the death of this person whom i do not know but know that he dies to save everyone in the US. people have to thank him for that not commit crimes and things like that. i thank you Tommy L. Parker, Jr...."
Joseph of California

"TJ,
I miss you bro. you were my friend when i didnt have any real friends. the marines took its toll on the both of us. remember all the fun times we had overseas in oki? in korea? we were libo buddies in korea, i remember. i still have that pic i took when we got back form ship. if anyone wants to see it, photos.yahoo.com/tat2lew is my link, just browse through the "usmc/overseas" folder or "usmc/me/overseas" folder. i miss ya man and hope your memeory never fades. take care! if anyone ever needs to talk, tat2lew@yahoo.com or 760-622-1759 is my contact info. take care and stay safe. peace be to all who believe in him..."
Evan Lewis of Vista,CA

"1/07/05
Thank you brave Marine for defending our freedoms and making our country safer. By taking the fight to those cowards who ambush and run and refuse to stand and fight you have made us all very proud. Semper Fi and my God Bless you and may He comfort your loved ones at this time. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"Dear Parents of Tommy L.

At first excuse my english. But I´m
from Germany, and i hope you understand what I tell to you.
I´ve seen the video from your son in german Television, where he was killed and three other 3 soldiers.I was shock about this pictures. Since this time employ me the question how much pain you must to endure, because you have lost your son.I think you are very proud of him.Certainly he was a brave
man.In 1982 I´ve learns to know many American Soldiers in Heidelberg/Germany.
And therefor my thoughts are at the American Soldiers in Iraq.I pray for the soldiers, and I hope the War is ending soon."
Dieter Rudolf of Bielefeld, Germany

"Yes, TJ was ready. We can praise God for taking him. We can rest in the fact that God is in control in the midst of what seems to be aweful circumstances. It was his time and yes, we can praise God. So much good is already coming out of this. I know that sounds bad, but since his death so many have turned their thoughts more to Christ. I think this has all impacted more people than we'll ever know. TJ was seeking to show others to Jesus and this has been done. We can smile with our tears.
Thank you for that reminder. TJ WAS ready."
Melissa of Heber Springs, AR

"TJ was my very best friend in the world. It was possibly the worst news I have ever received hearing of his death. I can take solace however because I know from personal experience that TJ was ready to die. He had asked Jesus Christ into his heart and is living in glory today. I loved him dearly and will miss him. God bless his widow and child as well as the rest of family. Thanks buddy for your sacrifice."
Cole Sherman of Stuttgart, Arkansas/USA

"TO SCOTT MCTIGUE,
I care. I don't understand what happened to T.J. over in Iraq. I don't know what mistakes were made. I do know the pain of losing a friend though. Tomorrow it will be 4 months and it's hard to see what all he's already missed. We miss him horribly around here. There are good days and bad. For some reason God saw fit to take him. I can't help but ask why even though I know we won't get an answer here on earth. But I would like to know what went on over there. What mistakes were made? What were the events leading up to his death? What went wrong? It doesn't seem fair, although we cannot change the past, but press on towards a better future. T.J. and all the rest of the military men and women overseas were and are there for that purpose, for a better future for us. If we had no one there to fight for us we would be a hopeless country. Thank you to all of you who served, including you Scott.
Can you answer any questions for me? It may help just get some closure.
T.J. was a sweetheart and loved his wife and baby girl more than anything in the world.
We will never forget what you have done T.J. You will live forever in our hearts. How is it you made it to see Jesus before us? I know you are happier than anyone could ever imagine. Surrounded by angels, sitting at the feet of Jesus. What a picture that is! If we could all only be there together instead of waiting.
Until we meet again, I love you brother!

sillymaiden@hawaiicity.com"
Melissa of Heber Springs, Arkansas

"To anyone whom cares, I served with parker. He was an outstanding person and human being. He did not deserve to die. Sgt. Santiago did everything in his power to keep him alive but ultimately it was the ignorance of certain officers that led to his and the others deaths. It should not have happened but I doubt they care. To his wife and child............... Im sorry. I wish I could have stayed, maybe it might not have happened. I AM SORRY.
YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS!"
SCOTT MCTIGUE of Carlsbad CA

"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 and thank you."
a grateful family in arizona

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

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"To Tommy's 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

"We will miss you Tommy, you made us all smile. Thank you soldier. Rest in peace."
Rick of CA

"To Tommy'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 (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To the family and friends of Corporal Tommy L. Parker, Jr.,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

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

"Thank you Tommy Parker, Jr., 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 Cpl. Tommy Parker, Jr.:
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 Tommy 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 Cpl. Tommy Parker, Jr.:
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 Tommy, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia