Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I served with Rocky in the Marines when we were on the 11th MEU. We had some good times and he will be missed!"
CPL Otto of Redford, MI

"I worked along Rocky D. Payne when we were both in the US Marine Corps. He was a great guy, very likeable, and fun to be around. He took me under his wing, and taught me the ropes about being a good servicemen. I will always remember him."
Doberto Diaz of Buena Park, Ca U.S.A.

"To the family of:Rocky D.Payne
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""

"March 19, 2009
To the family of Spc. Rocky D. Payne:
Rocky 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

"Rest in peace Lcpl. Payne. It was a pleasure knowing you. I still can't belive this happened to you. God Bless your family forever. SEMPER FI BROTHER"
miguel daniel of houston, tx

"Rest in peace Lcpl. Payne. It was a pleasure knowing you. I still can't belive this happened to you. God Bless your family forever. SEMPER FI BROTHER"
miguel daniel of houston, tx

"Rocky I think about you everyday. You and your family stay in my thoughts. I miss you. We were in the same platoon and it was an honor to be inducted to the NCO corp on your behalf."
Ermest Williams of Charleston, Il/USA

"To the family of SPC Rocky D. Payne how do we American thank you for bringing into this world a hero. Your son a true hero a man of courage. He gave his life so the rest of us would be able to continue to enjoy our freedom. I have made a quilt and hope it will arrive so you can wrap yourself in your quilt and feel the love that we put into it just for you. It is our way of comforting you and letting you know that we care. We have no idea your pain you care day in and day out for we must walk your shoes in order to do so. The quilt I'm sending you is for you to use and wrap yourself in when you have those terrible days. If you know of others that still have not received a quilt from Freedom Quilts then please contact me at debeniel@ncn.net the quilts are a way to honor all those mourn their love ones we need to help in comforting you and letting you know that we do care and want to honor your son for all he did for all of us. God bless America and God bless you and all those that have given the world the best of the best. If you need to get a hold of me my email is again debeniel@ncn.net my website is freedomquilts.net"
Betty Nielsen of Fonda, Ia

"Rocky was in my squad and i will never forget him and i will never forget his family. I got to meet them at his memorial. He will be missed. Not a day goes by when i don't think about him."
Dean Hutchinson of fort lewis Wa

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

"I personally did not know your soldier, Rocky Payne but the news of his passing saddened me very deeply. He served in the same unit as my husbands, and I was in shock when I heard the news. I can actually recall my husband mentioning Rocky to me, after they came back from JRTC in Louisiana. From what I recall, he was a very brave and hard working soldier. My most heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of this wonderful soldier. God Bless."
bnr8503@comcast.net of Ft Lewis, WA, USA

"I wouldn't feel right if I didn't say a few words about my high school buddy Rocky. He was a great man. He always had a joke or a smile on his face when I saw him at school.

I am honored to know that he served our country and I am sure he served it well. He was always talking about joining the armed forces and how great it would be. I will always remember Rocky as a friend and remember the sacrifice he made for me.

It's almost like yesterday we were kidding around on the bus on the way to Bridgerland or talking about trucks and cars. Rocky was always there for me when I was being picked on and he would help me out when I was in trouble. He was a wonderful person.

Rocky's memory will live on. I hope to see him again someday."
Andrew Anderson of Brigham, UT

"To the family. We were so devistated to hear of the loss in my husbands unit. Our prayers go out to you and your soldier is constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We can't put into words how our hearts ache for your loss. God Bless you all."
Amy and Travis Gingrich of Ft Lewis, WA USA

"To the Family of Rocky, Our family honors your hero. He was a brave man who gave his life for the most precious gift: freedom. His Bravery, Valor, and Courage will never be forgotten. We are grateful for his loyal service and we will never forget the sacrifice that Rocky made for our country.
All of our prayers are with you and know that you are not alone.
God Bless Rocky and his family."
Jennifer and SSG Larry Mays and family of Massillon, Ohio

"TO THE PAYNE FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH ROCKY AND YOUR FAMILY. WE UNDERSTAND YOUR LOST. WE ASLO LOST OUR SON LAST MAY. ROCKY, THANK YOU! ALTHOUGH, YOU MAY NOT KNOWN OUR SON. NOT AS IMPORTANT THEN BOTH OF YOU MILITARY BROTHERS FIGHTING ALONG SIDE ONE ANOTHER. ROCKY YOU ARE THE ELITE OF AMERICANS. cONSIDER ALL THOSE IN THE ARMED FORCED TO THE HUNDRED OF MILLIONS NOT. YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL SOLDIER RISKING YOUR LIFE FOR US ALL. YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF THEM. FAMILY, YOUR MILITARY FAMILY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, THOSE IN YOUR COMMUNITY, AND ESPECIALLY, THOSE IN IRAQ! TAKE'S A VERY SPECIAL PERSON AS YOURSELF TO TOUCH ALL OUR HEARTS. YOU ROCKY, WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND PRAYS! GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Thank You, Rocky for making the ultimate sacrifice for me and everyone else in this great nation. You will never be forgotten.
To the family, I can share your sorrow and pain I lost my son to the war on Feb. 26th, 2005. I don't know if it will ever get any easier...all I do know is I'm proud beyond words and I refuse to ever let my son's memory die....for he is a Great Hero...just as Rocky is. May you find peace in the Lord....God Bless.
Proud Mother of PFC Landon S. Giles
Kim Giles"
Kim Giles of Gurdon, Ar.

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

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