Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Jose A. Perez thank you for giving your ultimate sacrifice for my dad and the guys serving next to you. My dad move on and did bigger things to honor you"
Landen Hadsall of Des moines, iowa, United states

"It's been a while since I've visited this page. It's 3am and you are heavy on my mind. I miss you like crazy and I would give damn near anything just to see you again. 💜"
A. Gonzalez of Lawton

"Battle it has taken me this long to let you know how much that I regret the decisions that I made that day. I will never forget the question that you asked me when we were doing training at Fort Sill. I live with the decision that I made and regret it since then. Not many people know that you volunteered to take my place that day. I should have never let you do this and now I live with this for the rest of my life. I miss you and think about you every day. Rest in peace brother and I will never forget."
SFC(Ret) Bamesberger of Fort Carson

"SPC Perez, there are not many days that go by that I don't stop and think of you. The impact you left not only on my life but also on all of us who had the opportunity to know you. Keep resting easy, and you're forever in my heart! PROUD ROCKETS!!! 6th BN, 27th FA-Fort Sill, Oklahoma!!!"
Kelvin Hicks of Paris, Texas, USA

"It’s 18 years later and I still shed tears thinking about the day we lost you brother. As I type I still cannot hold back the tears. It seems like as the years go on the memories hurt more. I can remember you kicking my cot everyday in that baking hot Kuwait tent for us to go to the Dfac. You would always hang out by my AO in Iraq and we would just laugh and laugh and laugh. In the middle of all the chaos that surrounded us we still had fun. You have been in my thoughts every time Ive rolled out the gate on any of my many deployments as if I knew you were watching over me. I love you brother. You were truly a good person to everyone. I also ran into our old commander CPT Bajakian in fort drum a few years ago. He is now a full bird colonel. The one thing we had in common is we still wear the 75th patch on our right sleeve in your memory. I thought I was the only one but that shows your impact on people. Every year around this time your battles show you support so that you are not forgotten. Until we meet again brother. Proud Rockets!! Steel Rain!!!!"
keshon henry of Georgia

"SPC Jose Perez.

You are still remember every day in my life. What you did for our unit will never be forgotten. I wake up every morning and live my life to the fullest for the sacrifice you made for the Soldiers in our unit that dsy"
Barchef Eddie of Mason, MI

"Thinking of you and missing you so 💜💜💜"
ACG of Lawton

"I had a dream about you last night. I woke up and a sadness overcame me knowing that it was only a dream. I miss you always Jose."
A.G. of Lawton

"Luis this is Cesar Arias we were best friends growing up in Fort Drum NY lived on opposite sides of Dayton Loop. I just wanted to tell you that even after all these years you still cross my mind you were an amazing person and loved by many. Everyone is proud of you we love you"
Cesar Arias of Boston MA

"Perez, its Memorial dsy so I wanted to stop in. Save me a seat for me at the Spades table. I know you're doing bigger and better thing, but just wanted to say Happy Memorial day (as civilians say) but there's nothing thal makes it happy brother. I"ll write you back on yhe 28th. Love you bro!"
Gabe Orellans of Lafayette, La

"It's late and I'm here with memories of us rushing back into my mind. With all these memories, I still feel all of this heartache. It has been a long while since I've made that trip down to San Diego to see you. But that doesn't stop me from thinking about you. I remember you when a song plays, or a movie comes on that we have watched together. At times I even hear you teasing me. I will never forget you Jose. I still miss you so incredibly much. Rest easy my angel 😢"
AG of lawton/ft sill

"Spec. Jose A. Perez was remembered and honored at the City of College Station City Council meeting on November 24, 2014"
Ben Roper of College Station

"Perez, It's me Sgt. Martin not a night goes by that I don't think of that night, for years I have asked myself if I could have done anything any different to have saved your life... I was told that I did everything possible. I didn't understand how making a long drive with you in my arms taking to you, even at times your humor coming out that we could lose you still... But, I consider it a honor to have called you a friend, & fellow soldier..."
Martin, F.B. of Murfreesboro, Tn. 37130

"Spc jose perez was a true soldier, always had a smile and knew how to cheer up everyone in the room. I was also a member of A 6/27fa, hearing of the loss of one of our brothers was the worst knews we had ever heard. I had the pleasure of riding with perez in my humvee while trasporting ammo up north. The ride was never a boring one, between Perez, ssg Anderson, and Lt beatty it wasa great memory. I was very blessed to serve with you Jose and to the Perez family knowthat your son's memory will always live on within in brothers in arms. "Steelrain Perez""
Robert Hutchins of Taft, CA, kern county

"Brother I miss you everyday. I think about the first person I meet at 6-27FA, it was you and PFC Wilson."
Benjamin Fine of Denton, NC

"Its coming up on 11 years since you've left us
I think of you often and the spring weather is when I think about and miss you the most. I'm hoping soon I can go visit San Diego and reflect on the times we shared. I miss you so much my sweetie..."
of lawton/ft sill

"SPC Perez,

Thank you for your service and sacrifice for this great nation. I am proud to have had the honor to serve with you. You are continually in my thoughts and your family is in my prayers. I will NEVER forget the sacrifise you made for my freedom. Thank You!"
Benjamin J. Pagni of Reno, NV

"RIP battle I wear my Diamond team combat patch just to honor you and may God bless and your family"
Jermaine Oglesby of Tacoma WA/USA

"Jose,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just 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. After reading all the reflections left for you all I can say is that I wish that I had had the privilege of serving with you when I was in the Military.

Proud Rockets!"

"To the family of:Jose A. Perez lll
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""

"SPC (P) Perez. It has been 8 years since that tragic day. I remember hearing the news of a medic passing and prayed that it wasn't you but reality set in once I found out it was you. I will always remember your kind words, your smile and your genuineness. You were a true example of who a leader should be and model after. You will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those who had the opportunity to know you and serve behind you. Miss you bro! Proud Rockets!!!"
K.Hicks of Texas

"I had heard from a friend who was in ballad, he had told about what had really happened back then. I always thought it couldnt be true. Wow, its crazy that he would risk his soldiers lives like that. Everyday i think about Jose. I often wonder the advice he would give me now. It saddens me that it could have been prevented. I miss you Jose, your memory lives on through a lot of us who think of you often, we still reflect on the memories we had with you. God bless you Perez family..."
of lawton ft sill

"We all miss you Perez! I remember that night as if it were yesterday. I guess I'll be the one to open up here. Jose Perez should be alive today but Cpt Bajakian made the decision to travel after the time allotted for convoys just so he could sleep in his own bed that night instead of out of Ballad. If he would have followed orders of no travel after a certain time at night, Jose would be here today.

I just think Jose's family should know the truth of what exactly happened and why it happened that unfortunate night.

And for those who were with us in that convoy, you know what I'm talking about.

God bless Jose and his family."
Unknown of Ft Sill, OK.

"”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 wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always 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
Projectcompassion@manti.com"

"rip friend"
michael grable of ok

"I still think of that fateful night.leave my deepest condolences to your family
"Steel Rain!""
Benjamin A. Pearce formerly A 6/27 F.a. of albuquerque,nm

"It's been 5 years since you've past and I still think the last time we all got together. I remember this particular night we were all at Monoz's house. All the boys were there ; myself, you, Kenny, Joe, Louis, Galvan, Guy. This was a week or so before we deployed and we kept having BBQ's every weekend before we deployed. Someone in the room asked if they thought anyone in our unit would get hurt or worse while we're out there. You(Jose) were the only one who was realistic to say that this is war, it's a definite possibility. A quiet silent took over the room, and you said but it won't be anyone in our group. We'll be o.k. and see eachother again.
I found out about your passing 2 weeks after it happened while I was up in Tikrit. It was the most devestating news I've ever gotten.
You were such a funny guy and we all hung out like we were brothers. I've never seen anyone live off of hamburgers and chicken strips! I thought that was so hilarious, a mexican addicted to eating just those two things. I miss you, man. I wish I could pick up the phone and keep in touch with you like I do the other "baklas". We all miss you. It's Nov. 26, 2008, a day before Thanksgiving. Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you. We all are. Tomorrow, I'm gonna give thanks to knowing you and for having a friend like you while I was in the army. Although your in a better place resting, I wish you were still here. I pray for your family and I hope your little brother knows what a courageous brother he had. I miss you, bro."
SGT Frank T. Coloma (formerly) of Peoria, AZ

"Just wanted to let you know man I am still thinking about you. Its Veterans day 2008, wishing you were still with us playing spades cracking jokes. Anyways miss ya bro.."
Kellen Whitehead 6/27FA Alum of cody, wy

"Spc Perez
On this Memorial Day I still sit and think of you often and remembering what an outstanding soldier but what a better person. You are still remembered and you and your family are always in my prayers. I know you are still taking care of soldiers in Heaven and doing it to the standard as usual.(A TRUE HERO) America's Best. Until I see you again my friend."
SFC (RET) WENDELL LEVY of LAFAYETTE, LA

"January 28, 2008
To the family of Spc. Jose A. Perez, III:
Jose 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

"Jose,
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.

"Conjuncti Stamus"(United We Stand)
27th FA Motto"

"It has been a while since I have had the chance to talk about such a great soldier. Perez it has been very hard for me these past years, but all will get better with time. I wish your family the best. Just remember I will seen you again on the high ground."
SSG Kenneth J. Blackmon of Ft. Sill, OK

"I know your doing bigger and better things now,I also know that heaven is a much better place w/ you there.... see you when I see you."
Gabe Orellana of Lafayette, La

"When I think of Perez I think of a guy that stood out in a formation of soldiers that all looked the same.He was the type of guy you could just look @ and know he and everything around him were squared away."
Gabe Orellana of Lafayette, La

"Jose it has been along 3 years now since that horrible day in iraq. I am honored to have served side by side with you in and out of uniform. Just remember all the crazy and fun times that we all had in the aid station. Not a day passes when you are not in my thoughts and prayers. You are never forgotten. Love and miss ya bro."
SGT Waylon, Wagner 6/27 FA medic of JFKSWFC Ft Bragg, NC

"Jose, i sit here and reflect on the memories we had and it still seems to tear me apart. I have so much to share with you, both good and bad and i wish so much that i could just pick up the phone and give you a call. I miss you Jose, more than words can describe. I love you cutie!"
Alana Gonzalez of Lawton, OK

"To a great friend that I will never forget. It seemed that there wasn't a day that we would hang together. You were one the best people that I have ever known. I am honored to have had a chance to meet you. It was very hard for me to make it thought the remainder of our time in Iraq. You will never be forgotten. Because of you, and the talked we had one day, I am still in the Army and have achieved the rank that I have. Thanks for the being the person that you are. I will see you on the high ground. I know that you are in a better place helping people as you have helped me. I Love and miss you a lot Becho."
SSG Kenneth Blackmon of Ft. Sill OK

"Wow Jose you Were A Very Close Friend Of Mine Sorry To Hear That Your Life Was Ended Only Three Weeks After Arriving In Iraq From Ft Sill You Will Always Be in My Memories because I wished That I would Have been There With You!!! You Deserved Better Than That I Heard The whole story about what happened it's Unfortunate May Your Soul Rest In Peace My Friend. Iwish Your Family The Best Because I Knew You Very Well"
Omar A. Camarena of Compton,Ca U.S.

"SPC Jose Perez was a model soldier and a great medic. He always took care of the soldiers in my platoon. Forgive me Jose for not telling you in person how much I appreciated you and your work. May God bless his family and may God give his family the stregth and compfort to deal with the loss. 6th Bn 27th FA hasn't been the same without him. Many of us are still healing and with time maybe the pain will lessen."
SFC Shawn Caskin of Camp Casey, Korea

"Jose,
Take care bro and remember that i will always think of you.I miss you and wish there was more time to say the things that were never said.Rest in peace combat medic!!!"
Gabe Resendez of Ankeny Ia

"I'll never forget the horrible day that myself and my medics heard of the horrible tragedy. It seems like yesterday that we had me each other in AIT back in 2000. I pray for you and I have your name on a bracelet I wear every single day. Rest In Peace."
SGT Christian Koscinski of 5-14 CAV, 25th ID

"Que royo poyo! Two years have past since your passing, many more years will pass us by, but not one year will go by with out us remembering you. Thank you for all the motivation you gave us out there in Iraq, you know your optimism rubbed off on us bro. I often remember a time when I was feeling real down, you told me to think about the Chito, my son; that conversation stood in my mined, it got me trough it man, and even now it seems we spoke just yesterday. SPC Perez you are the embodiment of what is to be a Leader, a Noncommissioned officer, and a Soldier. I am forever in your debt and gratefully honored to have served with you. I have you in my prayers and thoughts, may you rest in peace.


PROUD ROCKETS"
SGT Munoz Luis F. of C Co WBAMC, El Paso Tx

"Que rojo pojo! Two years have past since your passing, many more years will pass us by, but not one year will go by with out us remembering you. Thank you for all the motivation you gave us out there in Iraq, you know your optimism rubbed off on us bro. I often remember a time when I was feeling real down, you told me to think about the Chito, my son; that conversation stood in my mined, it got me trough it man, and even now it seems we spoke just yesterday. SPC Perez you are the embodiment of what is to be a Leader, a Noncommissioned officer, and a Soldier. I am forever in your debt and gratefully honored to have served with you. I have you in my prayers and thoughts, may you rest in peace.


PROUD ROCKETS"
SGT Munoz Luis F. of C Co WBAMC, El Paso Tx

"Que rojo pojo! Two years have past since your passing, many more years will pass us by, but not one year will go by with out us remembering you. Thank you for all the motivation you gave us out there in Iraq, you know your optimism rubbed off on us bro. I often remember a time when I was feeling real down, you told me to think about the Chito, my son; that conversation stood in my mined, it got me trough it man, and even now it seems we spoke just yesterday. SPC Perez you are the embodiment of what is to be a Leader, a Noncommissioned officer, and a Soldier. I am forever in your debt and gratefully honored to have served with you. I have you in my prayers and thoughts, may you rest in peace.


SGT Munoz Luis F."
SGT Munoz Luis F. of C Co WBAMC, El Paso Tx

"SPC Jose A. Perez III - I wear your hero bracelet proudly -"
Lisa Schiff of San Diego, CA

"Jose, I sit here and remember the times we spent together. I hate days like this because they are so hard to get through. It's just one of those days when you are all i think of. I wish you were here with me, just to spend one more day with you... I love you Jose and please continue to watch over me my angel."
Loving you Always...Alana Gonzalez of Lawton, Oklahoma

"i will never forget the loved ones lost,and think always of the ones who lost a loved ones..Jose is a name added to the list of the brave soliders that gave their lives so that you could live yours..i will never forget my friend tuzan as well who i lost while fighting this dreadful war..i am here for you and all those lost and their loves ones are forever in my prayers.."
cindy of mosul, iraq...3d ID

"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

"I'm so proud of all the soliders who given their life for America.God has wonderful plans for all these soliders. My heart and soul go out to each and every solider putting his or her life on the line for the things they belive in. I hope the Goverment and the President compinsate the families of all the fallen solider and the soliders who came back wounded. You soliders deserve to be taken care of the rest of you lifes. May God bless all of you. My prayers are with all of you and Thank you so very much you soliders are my HERO'S ..."
Angel of San Jose California

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

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

"to the perez family - i was a member of 4-27 fa it is always sad to here of a loss from a soldier of the 27th field artillery regiment may god bless you joaquin.gomez@us.army.mil"
Spc Joaquin Gomez of Union City-California

"I am a fellow member of A/6-27 that had the honor of working with SPC Perez. He always had a smile and he did his job with pride and commitment. As a medical specialist, he was there for me and my fellow soldiers whenver we needed him. He truly cared about his fellow soliders and he will be truly missed. He is a hero and will never be forgotten."
SSG Steve Rosen of Fort Sill, Oklahoma

"Thank you Jose Perez III, 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 Jose.My name is Spc. Sean Goodeyon.I knew your son for the year and a half that I was stationed at Fort Sill.I too was assigned to 6/27 as a mechanic.Your son helped me numerous times with the work that had to be done to the units only ambulance.Jose in my mind was the best medic that 6/27 had .He was the only one that I would let come near me with a needle.Jose was a funny and wonderful friend.It saddens me to hear that he has left us.He will be greatly missed."
Sean Goodeyon of yorktown,Va/ pandabear108@msn.com

"I was in A6/27FA in desert storm,in 1990.I am saddened to learn someone from my old unit gave the ultimate sacrifice fo his country.god bless him."
Erik Bergman of kern county,california

"I felt so blessed to have him in my life. He was the most amazing person I knew. He is and always will be my true hero. We love you forever baby!! May God bless you."
Amanda K. Casas of San Diego /Corpus Christi, Texas

"Jose is someone i will never forget. He was a great friend of mine and i will always cherish the memories of the times he and i shared. He will be missed very much by me and many others. He was always a hero to me, but now he is a hero to many others. I love you Jose! You are now an angel watching over all of the family and friends you left behind, especially your mother and little brother. Missing you always!"
Alana of Lawton, Oklahoma

"To the family and friends of Spc. Jose Perez III:

"To the family and friends of Spc. Jose Perez III:
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 Jose 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:

As a fellow Armed Forces member (Air Force), I understand the sacrifice of one of your loved one. He was doing a job in a far away land where most people would not even dare go. I salute the fact that he answered the call of service for this great land of ours. I pray that God will take the "sting" out of this death...meaning, you will always "remember" the death of a loved one, but God will take that "sting--the hurt" out of the emotional feelings."
The Wilder Family of Denver CO USA

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