Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Dear family,
It's been ten years but I was there that day with him and know that he was not alone.My thoughts and prayers are with you.Semper Fi 6103163481"
David of Pennsylvania

"Nicholas,
Hey brother, Gy Perez here from H&S Co 3/7,(Co Gy) I remember seeing you every day and calling you my little brother because we had the same last name. believe it or not i think of you everyday. I remember many times you telling me you were going out on patrol and me telling you not to do anything stupid or trying to be a hero. You did exactly that, and when your time came, you took it like a man. A Marine!!!! If i could i'd take your place in a heart beat brother. I miss you and i know that some day we'll have formation and you'll be right there standing tall and proud. You are never forgotten brother, because we're Marines and we live forever!!!! I know it must be tough for your family and i can't even get enough courage to write them and tell them how we saw each other daily. One day i will. But until then, you are alive in my heart brother. Semper Fi until we meet again. I miss you brother. pereztl@yahoo.com"
Timothy Perez of 29 Palms, CA

"Hey bro, I know your looking down and protecting all of your fellow brothers still in the pits. Keep those gates of heaven guarded and safe cause only Marines get that opportunity. Your still in our hearts bro and will never be forgotten.
CPL. Rendon, Oscar
MCAS Japan
H&HS Military Police 3rd PLT
OOH RAH!!"
Oscar of MCAS Iwakuni Japan

"Dear Perez family,

I went to school with Nick. Although we weren't as close as I would have liked I can still remember his smile and laugh through the halls.

Thank you for servicing our country and fighting for us.

My daughter is also a PEREZ and she is more than excited to start school next week at LCPL Nicholas S. Perez school.
I showed her his picture outside and explained to her why this beautiful school is named after your son. Though she is only four, she understood the importance of what your son did for her. For all of us.

May he rest in peace.

Love,
Emilia Barrera & Johana Perez"
of Austin, TX-USA

"Hi Mijo! It is Memorial Day weekend 2011. I can not believe how time has flown by. Your smile still pops in my head so very often. I still look through my desk and come across pictures of you and the guys. Thank You again for your service to your country. I Love you Nick and we miss you with all of our hearts!
Travis Rebels '03"
Tesi Trevino of Austin, Texas

"es una lastima que solo recuerden alos soldados caidos de los USA/ que pasa con los hermanos soldados caidos de Irak y otros pueblos mas! tambien a ellos no hay que olvidar. el mismo dolor siente una madre Latina que una madre de otra Nacion.sea Negra. Arabe o Mexicana. espero que tambien para ellos tengan algo de compasion y que tambien se les recuerde devez encuando, ya que son nuestros soldados que van a invadir su pueblo y a destruir culturas milenarias. como padres sabemos que cuando los hijos se enrolan en el ejercito van ala muerte segura. segun sea la suerte, es una alstima que los jovenes tengan que ir a guerrear una guerra que no es suya y a matar hombres que nada les an hecho a ellos. en fin el dolor es el mismo para todas las madres que an perdido un hijo en la Guerra. Todos son Heroes
en 1967 Muhammad Ali se nego a vestir el uniforme militar, dijo quieren mandarme a matar Vietnamitas Quien humilla alos negros en mi pais ????
los vietnamitas ellos nunca me hicieron nada, lo llamaron traidor ala patria. Lo amenazaron con la carcel, le prohibieron seguir boxeando.Le quitaron el titulo de campeon mundial. 5 anos despues unos estudiantes universitarios le pidieron que recitara algo. Y el invento para ellos el poema mas breve de la literatura universal: Me, We. Yo Nosotros"
Luisa De Cordon of Austin Tx

"everytime I google nicholas perez, my name, this hero comes up...well I am glad to say my name is synonymous with a hero! I try and say Thank You whenever i see a service member because of the freedom they protect for me here at home. Thank you Nicholas Perez!!"
Nicholas Perez of Kansas City, MO

"Semper Fi Nick...hope all is well Bri. I'm still in and I will never forget you brother."
Juan Carlos Ibarra of Camp Leatherneck, AFG

"Nick! It's only a few days shy of your 5 year anniversay. I miss you buddy! I know you are looking down on us and are pleased with the progress we have all made. I wish we could hang out one last time...but I know one day we will. Until then..."
Heather (Cpl Barrientes, USMC) of Camp Lejeune, NC (Austin, TX)

"Dear Family,
An engraved paver with Nicholas' name has been donated to the Veterans Courtyard.
If you would like, please email Friends2@westbanklibrary.com so we may tell you about it. With our sympathy, Pamela Gilliam"
Pamela Gilliam of Austin, TX 78746

"Nick, you are thought of often. My prayers to your family. We miss you.

wbryant@d131.org
630.299.8188"
Coach Bryant of Chicago

"August 20, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Nicholas Perez:
Nicholas 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

"Hey Nicholas, miss you so much and it seems like it was not that long ago that i was right next to you. today
is also 1 year that my dad past away. Hope you guys are watching over us. Love you from the bottom of my heart.."
Beatriz Morales of San Diego

"Dear Perez Family, On Tuesday, July 3 I went to the cemetery to leave flowers for some of my family as I have done for years.....and I took a path I normally do not.....and I stopped suddenly in awe, when I saw the "home" you have created for your son Nicholas.

I remember his death so well.........as I know you do......but I didn't know he had been buried at that cemetery, around the corner. I saw the date and can't believe it has been almost three years since he left this world and went into God's arms.

When the war began my son too was in those first units going to Iraq. It was so frightening to me and the life was so tough there when they came in, constant patrols, sand fleas, horrible scorching heat ......no place for shade, horrible food. For weeks I said prayers of protection for my son, prayed for the war to end soon and to end this battle........One day it hit me very hard that I was probably praying in the wrong direction. I began to pray for ALL the young men and women because I realized that with my Mother's heart I could not ask that only my son be spared.....I began to pray in a different direction when it became obvious that more than anything I need ed to pray for God's love to surround them all.....for the night's, the days, the moments they were scared, lonely, without sleep, enduring super human heat and even fleas..that I need God to place His arms around each of them to comfort them and watch over them.......that each of our soldiers would know the comfort of His arms..............my arms were too short to reach, God's were not. I pray that Nicholas felt His comfort, and that his Home now is good and heavenly and that he knows how much you all continue to love him.

My days are spent living in two different worlds......I begin the morning with prayers for our troops safety, and all through the day I am led back to what my son may be doing.how frightening it is over there, the great bravery. I see young people carrying packs that weigh 85 pounds on their back, who wear armored vests on their chests when it is 120 degrees......then I drive home from work by UT and I see young men, women "frolicking" all over......playing football, riding bikes, "burdened" by ten pounds of books....and I wonder "do they ever wake up in the morning and worry about anything larger than breakfast, or the next party?"

It seems I wait daily for some uniformed men to come to my door and I wonder if there is some good luck charm I should wear that would insure my son's safety........I don't even know if I will be able to open the door.....like your daughter's son, I too have a blessed grandchild (girl) in which I am able to watch her expressions and so many other things that are Bill's.

I had some flowers to bring by yesterday for Nick's grave.....I wasn't able to do that...but I will try today or tomorrow. I will leave you with my prayers and know that you had an exceptional young man you were blessed to watch for a short 18 years....but I know that he too had and exceptional family of which he was blessed with for 18 years.....now going on 22 years.......and on and on. Your love and his love endure.

Sincerely,"
Madalene B. Allen of Austin

"I am grateful for all you have done.. You are amazing and we will always remeber you! TRAVIS REBELS '03!"
of Austin, TX

"I went to high school with Nick. Everyone knew what he was going to do after graduation it was most of his conversation.I remember how happy he was all of the time he was always smiling and telling jokes. We will always miss him and will NEVER forget him.It helps that he passed doing what he had waited sometimes impatiently to do. He was very excited to get to bootcamp.He will always be loved and remembered."
Lora Teague of Austin,Tx. 78741

"To the Perez Family: I want to thank you all for the times that I (Kamisha) and my younger brother got to share with Brianna and Nick, in our days at LBJ. We still sit back and laugh about all those nights at our home, and my mother looking foward to seeing us four together. We Love Yall, and we lost a TRUE ANGEL. (kamishaturner@hotmail.com)"
Kamisha & Darrion Turner of Austin, TX/ USA

"Nick!
I miss you so much. There isnt a day that goes by that Im not reminded of the sacrafice you gave for me and the nation as a whole. It seems as though only yesterday I had to day goodbye. It was so hard for me. But I know now that you are my guardian angel. Thank you for always being there when I need you the most. Save a spot for me in heaven. I love you."
Stephanie Marie Limon of Kyle, Tx/USA

"Hey nick,
wow man its been over a year and a half since you've been gone. Still in shock just cant picture it real since our last baseball game together back in late '03 you have been a inspiration on me to do great things with my life. man and ill never forget the great times we had from the hills we ran for talking to much to fernandos tire blowing from rolling down the hill
thanks nick"
Robert of Austin TX

"To the family of: Nicholas Perez 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"

"Hi, nick just wanted to send my love and to say thank you so much for your bravery you and your family will always be in my heart and prayers. Love Jessica Hernandez & baby SEan"
Jessica Hernandez of Austin, TX

"Another Fallen Hero ---- My deepest condolences and prayers go out to your entire family.

Nick, Capt. Rowe, Lt. Windchester, and LCpl Witts are with the angles. We miss you all dearly.

I’m thankful for the Service, Courage, Bravery and Determinination to fight for our country, our freedom from you and all the men & women in our armed forces. You all will not be forgotten. Thank you.

Yesterday, Today, Forever – Semper Fi - Marines!

Very Proud Marine Mom
(Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez – KIA 9-3-04 – Al Anbar Province, Iraq)"
Yolanda Valdez of Austin, Texas

"Nicholas the memories of your wonderful smile and big heart will live through those of us who had the blessings of knowing you. Thank you for the sacrifices you made for this country. I will continously use you as an example of heroism to my four sons."
Tina of Austin, TX

"Hi Nick. today marks a year since you left us. I really miss you. It seems as though it was only yesterday that you left to go into the Marines. You are so dear to me and I will never ever forget you. You will live on in my heart and thoughts everyday. I Loved you as though you were my son. You and Brianna will always be loved by the Anderson family. It still so hard for me to belive that you are gone. Your memory will live on in our lives forever. Nick you had the most loving way with so many people. Your smile will always be remembered. I tell your mom all the time that I just loved his smile and that stand you had when you took pictures. You were such a goodlooking young man. I will always love you dear and you will not be forgotten by me. I LOVE YOU NICHLOS PEREZ."
CAROLYN ANDERSON of AUSTIN, TX.

"Dear Family and Friends of Nicholas Perez;

As parents, we know that nothing can possibly mend your hearts, but please let me tell you about a beautiful, peaceful, and dignified mountain memorial, to your loved ones.

We spend a lot of summers in Ruidosa, New Mexico. It is a blessed, cool retreat from the soaring Texas heat.

Last summer, we once again, traveled to Ruidosa, after having the wonderful experience of welcoming and honoring thousands of soldiers, from all over the country, when they stopped at DFW International Airport, during the first leg of their two weeks of R & R, after being in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan for extended times.

Perhaps, we hugged your child, husband, wife, son, daughter,other family members, or friends. We treasured, and continue to treasure those hugs, handshakes, and special moments with America's TRUE heroes.

In Ruidosa's local newspaper, (RUIDOSA NEWS, July 23, 2004), we learned of a very special tribute, to our fallen soldiers, by a very loving, local tile maker, Lisa Maue. This heartwarming memorial, located on a winding mountain road, leading to Sierra Blanca, (Ruidosa's ski area,)is serenely beautiful.

In a stand of oaks, your family members are remembered and honored. The hills, outside Maue's home, are a haven for soft winds, which seem to whisper your soldier's name, age, and home state. Yes, EVERY SINGLE SOLDIER, lost during this war, has been remembered. Please know that the individual soldiers' flags, suspended from a thin rope strung between trees, are within touching distance from the ground. We have touched them for you. We have cried for you.

This touchingly beautiful spot, was seemingly chiseled from a mountain, just to honor America's beloved soldiers; your sons and daughters.

An open, outdoor "chapel", made from beautiful wild wood, gives those who wish, a place to worship, celebrate a life....to remember.

In another area, lovely multicolored "prayer flags", (from all different religions/countries), blow gently in the wind, reminding us that, although we are all very different, we all long for the same peace and freedom.

We wish each and every one of you could visit this hallowed spot. It would truly touch your heart and soul, and you would know, without reservation, that your loved ones are now, and always will be remembered, in this serene mountain area, and in the hearts of many who paused to pay their respects, and send their love, to the heavens.

We have just returned from Ruidosa, again. Please know that we visited your loved ones' mountainside, again.
The winds still softly blow, the individual flags still hang with quiet dignity and honor.

I truly feel that God keeps His eye on this hallowed piece of earth, with its sea of red, green, yellow, blue, orange, and purple flags, surrounded by pines, while wild deer stand watch, just as surely as soldiers do at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

It is our dearest hope that by knowing that this special place exists, that your hearts may be soothed, if only for a moment.

May God bless all of you, and grant you peace.

With our love and respect,

Dean and Candy Stuck
6912 Constitution
Watauga, TX 76148
cstuck1818@aol.com
Candy & Dean Stuck of Watauga, TX"
Candy & Dean Stuck of Watauga, TX

"hi my name is nicholas perez of aust i am only four but feel very good about the work that nicholas perez of the usa has done for all of us god be with you and your family"
nicholas perez of australian

"Im am so thankful that i met such a beautiful person like Nicholas. A person that everytime you see them you can do nothing but smile. Nick you brought joy to many hearts and i thankyou for what you did.You will always be loved and remembered.My boy My hero My Marine."
Daniel Grant of Laytonville Ca

"Hey cousin this is lil Julie...Nick i can't believe that your not w/us anymore but your in our hearts.I remember like it was yesterday when we were at aunt Carmans house for Christmas eve and everyone was having a good time.That was the last time i saw you.I saw that big,bright and cheerful smile of yours.Nobody can put you down &thats what i loved about you.Remember we would talk on the phone at night sometime late and just laugh i do.I just dream that your here and your never going to leave and i believe it.Our famliy misses you and we will always miss you.I know your being taking care of b/cyou have your older cousin up there my daddy Johnalbert Ortiz.He loves you like we do.I just want you to know that cant wait until i see you again i couting the days........."
Julie Ortiz of Austin, Tx.

"Oh Mijo Thank You from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my life and John Matthew's life. I have yalls pictures here on my desk and I see you every morning when I come to school. I could always count on you to tell me Good Morning with a BIG smile and usually a quick hug. Now I tell you "Good Morning" when I come to work everyday. Sometimes I touch your picture and still can't believe your no longer with us. The boys talk about you as if your here because you always will be in all of our hearts. I am pround of you for serving our country and cry a tear for you often. As the boys said "My Boy, My Friend, My Marine!"
Tesi Trevino of Austin, Texas

"Nick gave us the gift of life with freedom by choseing to serve and then giving up his own life. He died so that we could live, and he fought so that we wouldn't have to. You don't find many people like that in life. I'm proud that I had the honor of going to shool with him and knowing him. I never thought that I would ever get to know a true american hero until now. May his soul live on in each and every single one of us, and may he never be forgotten.

(Marines don't die, they just move on to serve on another level.)"
"Joku" of Austin,TX/U.S.A

"To the Parents of Nick Perez I am A member of the Guerrero Family in Austin TX and I am very proud to have been able to meet Nick the summer before he left I am very greatful for his young bravery to support our counrty. Thank you and God Bless."
Denise of Austin TX USA

"It is so difficult to find the words which could adequately express our grief for your family and ours. I can say that I know how much my brother loved his fellow Marines and how much his Marine family meant to him. Our prayers are with your family."
Diana Rowe Pauls, sister of Captain Alan Blake Rowe of Gooding Idaho

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Nicholas Perez,

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

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

"To Nicholas' 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 your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

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

"To the family of Nicholas,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. We know your pain as we have also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Nicholas is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.nett of Tucson, AZ

"To Nicholas' 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

"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. May time provide family and friends with happy loving memories in place of present sorrows. In the infinite meadows of Heaven the bright shining stars bloom...the forget-me-nots of angels. God bless you and thank you."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"Thank you Nicholas Perez, 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 Lance Cpl. Nicholas Perez:
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 Nicholas 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 Lance Cpl. Nicholas Perez:
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 Nicholas, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia