Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Missing you tonight Will, my brother.."
SSG Scroggins of Whitesboro, Ok

"I still remember..."
Steve Nix of Alabama

"Thinking of you today and always. The 26th is coming up. Your dad misses you."
Vicki of Norwalk

"We continue to think of you and honor your sacrifice.To the family of Wilfredo, I took pictures of a memorial at Fort Campbell of boots representing each service member lost in the wars. Please email me at aflores7533@gmail.com if you would like me to send you the picture of Wilfredo's boot. Memorial day 5/30/16"
MAJ Angel and Aleida Flores of Joint Chiefs of Staff, Suffolk VA

"12/19/15 Happy Birthday to you in heaven..."
Lillian of Brooklyn

"I didn't know SPC Perez, however, I was very fortunate to meet his wonderful family and be awarded the scholarship in his name. I am finishing my junior year at Norwich University. Prior to graduation, I will be commissioning in the United States Marine Corps. Every single day that I faced hardship whether academically or during my summer training, I would think of Wilfredo Perez and servicemen like himself who gave their lives for our freedom. It motivates me to be a leader even when times are rough. Thank you for everything you have done as a family. SPC Perez's memory will never be forgotten."
Angeica Sposato of Norwalk CT

"You will NEVER be forgotten. Memorial day 5-26-2014"
Maj Angel and Aleida Flores of Fort Campbell, KY

"Junior, we think of you and miss you everyday."
Vicki of Norwalk

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

"I am Sorry I couldn't be stronger for you. I will never forget, I am sorry I wasn't stronger."
T

"i don't know u but i feel sorry im looking for my dad"
liz marie perez of N.Y.

"10 Long Years. We Miss You Every Day."
Dad

"I miss you man. I will never let go of you, Meth, and Barnes. You are always with me."
Chrestman

"My brother jr. Your the best always have always will be, we shared a special bond, when we were kids at times we only had eachother, mommy worked hard but me n u was always together i love you sOoo much and miss you more than words can say i still cant hold back my tears when your memories come to mind, july will be here soon and it will be 9 yrs, it still hasnt gotten easier n u being gone is still surreal xoxoxoxo bro"
Teila of Ridgewood, Qns, NY

"March 28, 2012: Jr, We miss you everyday. We talk about you all the time. We know you are looking down and watching over us."
V of Norwalk

"8yrs 8 long years you have been gone....

time stands still heart beats silence as the tears flow our sorrow grows deep with in our mind we have been lost in time it seems like yesterday you was on the court in the park acting like a dork a son you are a brother you became a friend you will stay. in our hearts your laughter will play in our soul your smile is so bold no matter what time fly’s by you always bring a tear to my eye....... EMAIL: joe perez211@gmail.com"
Joseph Perez of long Island

"My brother will forever be missed he has touched the lives of many people and even of people he hasnt meant because he lives on through his family and friends so, because of him and his spirit n willingness to protect everyone he loved!! Your with us always!! And he loved you dearly tyrik!!!~~1-love as he would say~~ :)"
Teila Perez of Queens, NY

"This is spc. Welfredo Perez jr nephew I didn't know him as Wilfredo I called him jr even though I was seven years old when he past away I still loved him Going up without a father was hard but I always looked up to jr I remember when we didn't have no money and jr bought me and my sister gifts and was the only gifts we got that chrismas even though he's gone I know we will meet again"
Tyrik Perez of 1821 Cornelia st

"You will never be forgotten! 5-31-10"
Angel and Aleida Flores of Ft Bliss, El Paso

"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
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I saw Wilfredo's bedroom in THE SHRINE DOWN THE HALL. My deepest sympathies. I want to change all time and space so he can come home to his room again."
C. Pye of USA

""To the family of Wilfredo Perez ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"We all miss you and we will always remember you""
Jeffrey.H of newtown ct

"Thank you for your service to our country and for paying the ultimate sacrifice. You will never be forgotten! 11-11-09"
Angel and Aleida Flores of Ft Bliss, El Paso

"It's been six years and we miss you every day."
Vicki of Norwalk, CT

"We gathered yesterday in Trumbull for the Sikorsky 6th Annual CT Tribute to our Fallen Heroes. The rain stayed away for the entire ceremony. Just at the very end, small and scattered drops fell from the sky like tiny tears. Perhaps we can think of them as tears of thanks from all our loved ones.
You have such a nice family. How I enjoyed playing marbles and other made up games with your youngest brother. Your parents are raising two fine young boys who will grow up to be two good men just as I am sure you were too. You are missed and we are flying our flag proudly today!"
June 14, 2009 - Bela of Woodbury

"I will never forget hangin with you Poon and Frye on weekends. RIP my friend."
Bryan Taylor of FT hood TX

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Spc. Wilfredo Perez, Jr.:
Wilfredo 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

"Wilfredo..It's been 4 yrs now but we will never forget u!!! Tiffany talks about you all the time! How can we forget???? Ur so special and so missed its unreal....Dont forget that she's sorry about the crayons k..."
Charlie of Brooklyn NY

"It was an honor to serve with you and I wish I'd known you better. RIP."
Ryan J. Fox of Bakersfield, CA

"RIP all KIA; we will never forget."
PFC Kulikowski of 1048th TC of Stratford, CT

"Thinking of you today - 5/28/07 - Memorial Day. There are many of us who have lost loved ones and know the sadness that goes along with it. You are not alone. God bless you each and every day with strength, peace, and love."
Bela of Woodbury, CT

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY"
VICKI of NORWALK, CT

"The days we spent in ROTC class our freshman year was a blast. Your one of the few that have the courage from our home state from one soldier to another strength and honor......."
SGT T, 82nd Airborne Div 82nd MP CO. of Norwalk, CT

"THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA REMEMBERS YOU ON THIS DAY TODAY MEMORIAL DAY 2006.AND GOD BLESS MOM DAD AND FAMILY OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU EVERY DAY.AMEN"
mildred dumont of norwalk ct.

"i just want every one to know that its been almost 3 years and he is still with me. my name i Spc. brandon reinhardt and i was with Will when he left us. i have a son due in Aug. on the 20th and my son will know who John, Dan, and Will are. you are still in my thoughts guys. and ill still see you on the other side.

reindiggy2003@yahoo.com"
brandon reinhardt of ft. benning, ga

"The United States of America salutes you this Memorial Day, 2006. We will never forget you!"
Bela Beaupre of Woodbury, CT

"wilfredo:i never had the honor to meet you, but my husband had the honor to work with you. eddie was there the day you died along with the other soldiers. i had the chance to leave you a flower at your grave this past year. eddie always talks about you an how you guys had the best of times together. it tears eddies heart to know that he couldn't have done anything to prevent this. i just want your family to know that you an the other soldiers are always in our prayers. the guys were issued braclets with your names on it an he wears it with pride. i just want your family to know that my husband eddie j poon, had the honor to work with you an have you as a friend. he loved you like a brother an always will. may you rest in peace for now you are with the lord."
victoria m poon of brooklyn,ny

"For the past few years I haven't been able to gather the right words to express how a great friend you was. I still think of you as a great friend and a great soldier that once lived on this earth to serve his country with honor and loyalty. I can't belive how destiny works its way to unite old friends. I can't believe that from the place we meet in Queens to a the base in Texas to NYC, from U.S to Iraq we where able to write to each other. Even though we wrote about meeting again, God had other plans which had been writing before us. So we where not able to meet on earth but who knows one day I will meet up with you in heaven. Heaven, a place now you share with your platoon buddy Gabriel Barajas, who pass away in a car accident on Nov 3, 2005, a month before his birthday. I miss you guys very much. I think God serves himself from the best, our loved one's, and takes them into his kingdom. I will always admire the courage and dedication. Hope to make you guys proud one day.
rvazqu1@pride.hofstra.edu"
Rossy L. Vazquez of Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY

"Hey just a lil note to WILL in heaven. I just want you to know that i still think of you every single day. Your pic is still on my dresser and i look and think about what might have been. I so wish we could have been together forever I LOVE YOU!!!! Know i will see you in heaven one day-- Cant wait to be with you!!!!!"
Jesscia Matula of Hallettsville, Tx

"I went to elementary and middle school with wilfredo. He got me into handball. He was a great friend. He had a great heart and enjoyed making people laugh. I will never forget wilfredo. I will see you up there. xxjrod13xx@aol.com"
John of Ridgewood, NY

"I went to elementary and middle school with wilfredo. He got me into handball. He was a great friend. He had a great heart and enjoyed making people laugh. I will never forget wilfredo. I will see you up there."
John of Ridgewood, NY

"Perez a.k.a Mr. Bean: You served with Rob and the Mortar Platoon, a great soldier. We had so many laughs with one another. My greatest memory of you, was the football game at the field near A& W with Rob & Scott and the Mortars. Everytime I ran into you, a smile would be on your face or you would be crackin a joke with me. My family and I enjoyed many moments with you. Mary use to love talking with you about N.Y. Each time you would see her and I the first words out of your mouth would be my lil New Yorker. You love to place smiles on peoples face, you had a special way about you. You are greatly missed and our family remembers you daily. Thank you for serving this great nation."
E.J. Armstrong of Phoenix,AZ-USA

"wil i still remember those days in hood. i will never forget you bro. thanks for everything"
gabriel barajas of los angeles ca

"I just wanted to repost. I think about Wil everyday, i have his pic on my webpage and on my person always. I think about him everyday and I wish i could see him again. I am planning a trip back home to Norwalk in about a year and if his dad reads this I plan on stopping by the house to leave my very belated respects. He was such a good friend and I miss him very much. I dreamed of him a few times recently, he was happy and we were at the beach talking, like old times. I told my mom about it, she said he was visiting me..... i believe he was. I hope he visits me again soon, cuz i miss him so much. I hope to be home soon so i can see his name on the honor wall by the police station. He was the best friend. Be home soon, hope to dream of u....."
Christy Allington of Austin, TX, from Norwalk, CT

"We are safe and free this July 4th, 2005 because of men like you. Thank you Wilfredo. You will never be forgotten. God bless your family and friends."
Bela of Woodbury, CT

"You are missed by so many, but will never be forgotten. My son served with you in Baqubah, he played cards with you and told us how hard this day was and has been for him. He still talks of you often and called to remind me of the sacrifices you and all our fallen soldiers have made, past and present.
Thank you for your service soldier, you and your family are forever in our hearts and prayers."
4th ID Mom of Nv

"I LOVE U STILL, UR LETTERS BACK HOME TO ME WILL STILL KEEP ME WARM AT NITE!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU"
JEKA_71000@YAHOO.COM

"i LOVE YOU WILFREDO, I CRY EVERYNITE BELIVE IT OR NOT I DO LOVE U"
JESSICA of HALLETTSVILLE

"I met Wilfredo back in 1998 through a mutual friend Jessica Lobo. He was the sweetest person I ever met he always did whatever it took to makes us laugh. I will never forget how sweet you were and how you made me laugh!! I know your in a good place now, I know your in heaven cause i truly believe that you are an angel! Thank you so much for your bravery!! You will always be in my heart! I hope one day we can meet again and you can tell me more jokes! To the family I send you my deepest love and condolences. Wilfredo was a true HERO!!! May God bless you all"
Wendy of Norwalk, CT

"To; junior and family
Somewhere in my dreams tonight
I'll see you standing there
You look at me with a smile
"Life isn't always fair"

You say you were chosen for his garden
His preciously hand picked bouquet
"God really needed me,
That's why I couldn't stay"

It's said to be that angels
Are sent from above
I've always had my angel
My brother - whose heart was filled with love

Wherever the ocean meets the sky
There will be memories of you and I
When I look up at that sky so blue
All I see are visions of you

"While there's a heart in me, you'll be a part of me
I knew you 4 a long time i cant even rember how long ,you used 2 go out wit my sister patricja and you loved each other when you went 2 war without saying good bye i didnt kno wat 2 do from time 2 time i would think about it if u were ok send u a prayer i never though it would end up wit you dying i never expressed 2 u how much u meant 2 me u was like ym big protector like a big brother im always gonna luv u and im never gonna 4 get u
rest in piece fallen soldier
Joanna
JoJoreppinda718@yahoo.com
PS-hang in dere juniors famz"
Joanna of Queens Ridgewood NYC

"I dropped a tear in the ocean.Whenever they find it,I will stop loving you....

You will never know true happiness until you have truly loved.And you will never truly understand what pain really is until you have lost love....

A million words would not bring you back,I know because Ive tried. Neither would a million tears. I know because Ive cried.....

NOW THAT YOU HAVE GONE MY HERAT IS EMPTY BUT I KNOW ONE DAY WE WILL FIND EACH OTHER AND FACE TO FACE SAY WHAT WE COULD NOT DO EARLIER. WE BOTH KNOW TRUE MEANING OF LOVE AND WE KNOW IT EXIST, EXISTED, AND WILL FOREVER EXIST IN US.
LOVING YOU ALWAYS,
PATRYCJA
<3
PS I am sorry!"
Patrycja of Ridgewood, NY

"I do not know Wilfredo but I proudly wear a bracelet with his name on it. As a Vietnam vet I honor him for his service to his country and I am grateful to the Fallen Heros Memorial for providing a place where I could learn more about him.
Bless all of you for caring and supporting our armed forces."
Courtney of Honolulu, Hawaii

"You and I didn't know eachother too well, but we talked a couple of times on the phone and seen eachother around the barracks. You were a pretty cool guy. I know you are in a special place now!"
Melissa of Chicago Il

"I've know Wilfredo..(known as Jr)since he was a baby. I had missed a part of his life when he moved to Norwalk CT. But the part of his life I do know is he always had a good heart. He was there for me in a diffcult time in my life. He didn't let me be sad. And when I wasn't with him I was sad. Now I am sad alot...My heart hurts thinking about not seeing him again. I will not forget...and I hope nobody else forgets him. He is special not only to his family...but to all. I was not his family...but he called me his Aunt...I love him so much for what he has done for me...and you should feel the same.
he is my heart..."
Patricia G. of Ridgewood Queens NY

"hello and thank you to every one for ur simpathy and support my name is joesh perez wilfredos brother"
joseph perez of inmemoryofSPC@hotmial.com

"Last Sunday I marched in Barrington, Illinois to honor and remember Wilfredo Perez, Jr.

It was an honor to carry his name."
Carrie Kellogg Garbarek of Des Plaines, IL

"I went to middle school with Wilfredo...IS 77 in Ridgewood NY. I also played handball against him at the Oval over by Fresh Pond. To his family, look up to God for support during this extremely hard time. Words cannot express the sorrow I felt upon learning of this tragic incident. Wilfredo is looking down at all of us, watching. I'll see ya in heaven."
Matthew of Ridgewood, NY

"I'll never forget you my brother. I'll see you on the other side."
Brandon Reinhardt

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..7/26/04

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

"7-26-04 It's been a year since you've been taken from us, but know that you are not forgotten, we all miss him and we will always remember."
Lillian of Bklyn, NY

"I just want to say wifredo will be missed he was a good friend of mine through high school.. I miss him alot. He was always there for me when I lived in Norwalk and I never got the chance to talk to him before I left for the air force and i regret that. He came to my house to tell me he was going into the army but i wasnt there. i am very proud to say that i knew him as a friend and pretty much a brother. you will be missed Wilfredo...."
Lester of Coral springs, Fl Originally Norwalk, CT

"I've known wilfredo since middle school. He will always be remembered as an awesome person who would always make time to stop and talk. He was very caring and giving. He was truly a great person. I spoke with him at a dunkin donuts in norwalk before he was about to leave and i wished him all the luck and congratulated him on his decision. I'm proud to have known him and I appreciate what he did for me and for everyone's freedom. I will never forget all the things you've done for me willy, the memories will always live on. Thank you Willy and God Bless-"
Frank Arcamone of Norwalk, CT. 06855

"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, Wilfredo, 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

"My name is Sgt. Armstrong. I am the only one of the soldiers hit by the grenade to live. I want everyone to know that in serving with Wilfredo, I found a friend that will stay in my heart forever. One of the best soldiers to have had the honor to serve with. You will be missed, and I will let everyone know who you are."
Sgt. Robert P. Armstrong of HHC 1-67AR Ft. Hood, Texas

"My husband and Wilfredo served in the same unit. I didn't have the honor of knowing him but I know that he is truly missed by all of his fellow soldiers. May God Bless the Perez family and all of our Troops"
A Proud Army wife of Fort Hood, Texas

"Since we're in the next town, it's like losing a neighbor. You are not alone - our hearts and prayers are with you always."
Jackie Cavalla of Maspeth, NY

"I went to Norwalk High with Wilfredo. He was one of my best friends. We had so many fun times together. When I heard of his passing I couldn't believe he was really gone. I had run into him just b4 he signed up for the army, he told me about his plans. I never once thought it would be my last hug from him. He was always such an outgoing and happy person. I remember goin with him to get chinese food and going to my house sitting around the kitchen with him and my mother eating chicken wings and laughing, telling stories. He always had this aura about him that nomatter what happened you couldnt help but laugh and be happy when you were with him. We worked together at Bob's with his ex girlfriend Vanessa who he loved dearly always. Everyday of work was fun with Wil. He always made games of everything, made it fun. I miss him so much, he will always be in my heart. Wilfredo was the most trustworthy person i have ever met and just knowing that i got to be his friend makes me know that i am one of the luckiest people alive. He was an angel givin to us for to short of a time and he will be loved and missed by all of us who knew him. I love you Wilfredo, and i always will. You will never ever be forgot. Thank you. All of my love and condolences to his family."
Christy Allington of Austin, TX

"Thank you for so costly a sacrifice that you have laid on the altar of freedom."
LT Eduardo Gomez of Sicily, Italy

"Thank you Wilfredo Perez, 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

"I didnt know Wilfredo personally but feel for him and you, his family, during this time of what must be an intense grief. He died for freedom, honor and for his country. May my continual prayers be a way to assuage the grief y ou must be feeling. If I can do anything for you family whether it be someone to pray with, or to talk to please contact me at ctpoet1@yahoo.com"
Chris Decker of East Windsor CT USA

"Today Junior would have been 25 years old, I miss my Best Friend and to have known him it was a true blessing. So long as I have our memoires you will forever live on. I still have the piece of his heart with me."
Lillian of Bklyn, NY

"Will and I dated for 2 years. I was away at school when I found out that he died. At first I did not believe it. I was expecting to find an article online saying there had been a mistake and Will was alive and well. It hurts me so much that I could not attend his memorial service. I feel as though I have lost a part of me that I will never get back. Even though Will and I broke up we still talked while he was in the Army we became even closer writing letters back and forth to each other. I can't bring myself to make my tears stop, and I can't stop reading his letters or looking at our pictures like it was the first time I saw them. Will had the best personality; no matter how sad I was he could always make me smile. I truly feel that this War has gotten out of hand. Bush claims that it is over and that we the people should be happy and celebrate because we have won. Honestly what have we won OIL? To me that is all we seemed to have won and at what cost? The lives of our loved ones, now you tell me if that is something we should be celebrating? Why are parents still receiving phone calls telling them that their son or daughter has died in Iraq? When Will told me that he was joining the army, I became very selfish. I tried to convince him not to join, but he wanted to start a new life and become someone. To Will's family you have my condolences. The only thing that I ask of you is if you could tell me where Wilfredo Perez Jr. is buried can you please e-mail me at minyme1123@aol.com I would like to pay my respect to a man who will always be my hero."
Dianna of Bridgeport,CT

"Wilfredo perez jr was my brother my name is joseph perez jr he was only 24 when he died in a grinade attack we my family appreciate every thing u r doing for us"
joseph, j ,perez of 18 21 cornelia st ridgewood ny 11385

"Wilfredo perez jr was my brother my name is joseph perez jr he was only 24 when he died in a grinade attack we my family appreciate every thing u r doing for us"
joseph, j ,perez of 18 21 cornelia st ridgewood ny 11385

"I would like to pass on my prayers to the family of this great soldier, I may never have known him, but I am also child of Connecticut (Bristol, CT), not only was he my brother, but also my comrade-in-arms. He will be greatly missed. It breaks my heart to not be there, side by side with them all. I pray that the family is comforted by the Lord. God Bless."
A1C Joseph Salmoiraghi of Buckley AFB, CO (orig from Bristol, CT)

"I knew Wilfredo back from the days when he dated my aunt Vanessa. I was only about 10 or 11 but I remember a guy that was so sweet to my aunt and our whole family, he even had his time to make us laugh with his goofy poses. Im 17 now and i see a side of him i had never seen before, i no longer see a 18 year old boy who dated my aunt but an adult who made the ultimate sacrifice a person can make. I know that up until his last day him and my aunt still cared about each other, its just a shame they wont be able to ever rekindle their high school love."
Natasha Newman of Norwalk, CT

"To the Family you are in my prayers...May God bless you. I do want to say it was a honor to have him in our military Thanks for serving our country"
Stacey (Proud Army Wife) of Zephyrhills,Florida

"To the family of Wilfredo Perez Jr. I didn't know Will for that long, but from what I did know he was a sweet, caring, and wonderful guy that always made me smile. I will greatly miss his letters and warm thoughts. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
Jessica Matula of Hallettsville,Texas USA

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