Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To the family of Cpl Carlos Pineda, May he RIP & I’m so thankful for his service..
You don’t know me but I was at the Illinois motorcycle Freedom Run..they gave out dog tag necklaces with fallen soldiers names on it..I received Cpl Carlos Pineda name..I was wondering if you would want this for a keep sake? My email is marcia_k64@yahoo.com
I am so sorry for your loss ♥️🇺🇸"
Marcia of Illinois

"Hey cheese, its been 17 years today. Ive visited this site every year trying to find the right words. I could tell stories of the good times or us at each other’s throat. But the only ones who would really understand are those of us who had the pleasure of serving next to you. Anyway, just wanted to say I haven’t forgotten. Semper Fi from the “white boy”."
K. Jackson/Ssgt of Arkansas

"It warms my heart reading these messages of Cpl Pineda. After all this time, I still think of you often. I tell my (5) boys about you, and how you gave your life saving your fellow Marines and in defense of freedom. A family member of mine actually spoke to one of the female Marines you saved at the burn center in San Antonio many years ago. You are a true American Hero. Semper Fidelis."
C. Carbone of St. Louis

"Your spirit and your message have not been forgotten. I love you brother and I miss you dearly. 11 years closer to all of us being reunited."
C. Diaz of San Antonio, Tx

"Love and miss you bro."
Will of Ok

"Brother, it has been a long time since I heard about what happened to you, but am not surprised that you went down while protecting others. I have thought about you and shed many tears often since then and it haunts me still that I wasn't with you for that deployment. Its as if I let you down in some way. I hate myself for not extending to go with you. I do know, however that with you there, the boys were in good hands. I leave you now with my love and respect, always. Semper Fi"
Sgt. Gosnell, Jon of Richlands, NC

"To my brother Carlos,
You will alway be missed. Its been 10 years now and there is not one day I don't think about the good and bad times we had together. I missed you bud."
Velasco of Los Angeles, CA

"A decade later and the wound of your loss hasn't closed. You are missed by all and loved even more today. Thinking of you often brother. 6/24/2015."
Doc Diaz of San Antonio

"Nine years have come and gone. Not a day goes by that you aren't missed or thought of. When the day comes I'm looking forward to a platoon gathering to celebrate an overdue reunion. Love you brother. Doc"
Cale Diaz of Texas

"It's been a difficult 8 years without you here. I think of things that our families should have been doing together and after all this time it has sunk in that they will never come to fruition. I think of you often if not daily. The conversations about life after the military, the joking, the good times and the bad. We had each others backs and that is not a common thing. Thanks for everything you did and have done for me. You are never forgotten. Love you brother. Doc"
Cale Diaz of San Antonio Texas

"thank you brother you stood on the wall next to me and said let them come!"
James of oceanside Ca

"It's been 7 yrs. that I got the call that early morning from Bobby that you had been KIA. I didn't believe it, I didn't want to, but when I went to your house and saw your mom crying thru the front screen door, that was when it hit me. I visit you practically every other week after I visit my mothers grave, who happends to be a couple of yards away from yours. I miss you brother, the crew misses you. We always reminis about you when we are all together. You've always kept it real, you never let no one down and that's what I liked about you. Feels just like yesterday we were busting our missions, balling it up, boxing in our little wannabe fight club we had, and of course the partying we did in our crazy years. When ever I pass by your old house on Herbert I think of you and your family, expecting to see one of you to come out. I hope your fam is ok and doing good in Texas, I wish them the best. I know your watching over us brother,Ill see you when I see you. Cheez Puff Daddy.

Ps. Para la familia de Carlitos, si les ofrece algo 626-392-3397, oscargrijalva82@gmail.com"
ALADDIN of East LA, Ca.

"Seven years gone brother. I miss you everyday. Thanks for looking out for my dad and I since his one year of passing today. I love you."
Doc Diaz of San Antonio, Texas

"Cheese, it another Memorial Day weekend. I can't stop thinking about you and you family. I miss you brother thanks for every thing."
Gross

"Cheese, I didn't hear what happened until long after the fact. Rojas called me and told me. I remember fondly the times sitting on a roof top in Afghanistan seeing your "LA" tags and asking why did it. You said "leaving my mark". That you did. There will never be another "Cheese". God bless you and your family. I will join you guarding Heavan's streets before long. Semper Fi brother."
Cpl. Michael Howard of Howell, Michigan. USA

"Cheese,
It has been over 6 years since you left us. I am honored to have known you and serve with you. I miss you brother and I know you are standing guard at the gates of Heaven. To your wife, Carlos was a great Marine and damn good friend. If there is ever anything you need, the Gramling family will always be here for you. SEMPER FI. R.I.P. my friend. 813-312-5510"
CPL Gramling J. J. of Tampa Fl

"Carlos,

It has been six years, and I still miss you. My dad is in his final days of life and I ask that you can help him transition to your side. Much love."
Cale of San Antonio, Tx

"oh how i miss you brother.i all ways think of you and who our lifes would be if you were still here. our sister still thinks that your out there some were waiting and waiting for us to find you she crys for you and says she see's you sometimes boby is comeing to texas as you may know our mom is ok thank you for your pertection over her she misses you so so so much some times she thinks your in that one team were they fake your death and chang your face and they make you stay way from us. my dad says you were killed by your own team menbers i sometime think off that to i mean how in the world did they not cover you the info they gave us says your with two armored cars and only one exploded sothats way i think that,or i blane then if i ever see one of then i...i just can explane wat i would do im working on a video that will go up on youtube that will be in your memory i wish you were here we would be having fun and playing games like the games call of duty or what ever its called i will not chang my self till the day i die i will never chang i will all ways miss you and so will our sister dad and mom i hope you will save me and ever one you know a spot were ever you truly are!

R.I.P
P.Si have not gotin any new game systems because i know one day u will come and give me them like you would if you were a life you truly were unstopable bro i hope you th best if you are out there and reading this all tho i know in my heart you wouldn't do such a thing or would you?goodbye bro i wish we could have a proper goodbye some day"
jose luis hernandez {brother} of 1819 riane lane houston,tx 77049

"Carlos,
After reading these tributes, I really wish I'd had the chance to meet you! It seems like you touched so many lives. I know that my friend, SGT Steve H was forever changed by your presence in his life...he talked of you during many of our conversations, very highly I might add. Steve is at Camp Lejeune now, I know it's selfish, but I'm happy to have him "home". Please watch over him and your other brothers/sisters. Semper Fi Devil Dog! OORAH!"
Michelle Beane of NH, USA

"Cheese, I miss you bro. It's been a long hard five years without you here to talk some sense into me. No accidental fire incident's, no picking on boots, hell no dancing with the old viejas at the clubs. Ian is doing good He's got two gorgeous children. Mateos hurt his other foot, Villafain is doing well with his baby. Chango has twins. Gut got married sometime ago. Haven't heard from Hoebink, but I'm sure he's doing well. I miss you man, and all our adventures. We never got to take that hunting trip. I use to think that you were haunting me for a bit, because you use to screw with me and tell me that if you died, you would haunt me, and I'm pretty sure it was you. If not, I was just losing my mind so I tell myself it was you. I hear you call me sometime... DOC.... You are missed daily brother."
Cale "Doc" Diaz of San Antonio, Tx

"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, Ohio USA

"I was in Carlos' eod security platoon in 05. It stills seems like yesterday. I remember standing on a wall in the mayor cell with him he was fearless. I still feel wish we would have taken to the MEK but he saved lives at the cost of his own. Carlos you will live as a hero in the hearts of those who served with you. Sgt James Jones Camp Pendleton Ca"

"June 24, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Carlos Pineda:
Carlos 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 man i miss u very much and there is not one day that i dont think about you.it was an honor to have served with you.i remember playing soccer in okinawa and haiti.I remember us in boot camp you were in 1097 i was with 1098 delta.I remember going for swim qual. i didnt know how to swim and i remember when they had us all non swimmers in line.i remember soi and all those humps up them hills.i remember us going to Mi Cabana in NC with figueroa,cruz,gallardo,contreras,Mc Ginnis.I remember on the weekends when we would go to the gym i would go wake you up and Mc Ginnis would stink up the room with his nasty feet.when me and you would wrestle it would always be a tie neither one of us would quit.you were one of our best guys i will never forget you and Semper Fi Marine.ohrah!"
Cpl. Hector Martinez-Ruiz of san bernardino,CA,Living in Lufkin,TX now(936)632-3028

"Thanks to all those who have given thier words of encouragement. Carlos made a huge impact in the lives of many people. I couldn't be more proud of my hero. I know it has been 3 yrs. but there isn't a day that goes by that I continue thinking of him. I miss you hun."
Ana Pineda (wife) of Richmond TX

"i never knew Carlos but he was a hero to All U.S. citizens"
michael weaver jr. of brandywine, md and san antonio, TX

"To the family and spouse of Cpl Carlos Pineda:
I had the privilege of knowing Carlos pineda. We both were in the same platoon in Boot camp(1st Bn Delta Co. Platoon 1097 October 19,2001). Pineda is a great person, I remember when he volunteered to be the witch doctor for the platoon.(He basically passed out mole skin to those who had blisters after the humps) He was always looking out for everyone every night checking up on us to see how are feet were. Even thou we only knew each other for a few months he made a big impact on me and other fellow Marines. He is one of the person’s that I remembered. Strongly Pineda is a true hero and a brother to me and to those , The world lost one of its best. Cpl Pineda (aka witch doctor) you will be missed. Your legacy will live on thru me and all the other marines you blessed with you presence. God Bless you and your Family and I’ll see you again.
Your friend and Brother
Cpl Juarez, Alexander
4th L.A.A.D A.Co - 2/23H&S Co
Gardena Ca 760 559-9025"
Cpl Juarez,Alexander of Gardena, Cal

"I met Carlos while deployed in 2005, he was a real great guy, real down to earth. Someone who was real easy to talk. There isn't a day that goes by that I do not think of him, and his family. It is wonderful to see that so many people cared for him.

To the family of Carlos, I am so sorry for your loss, and I know it is not easy, but Carlos is a better place now."
Sgt. Aleman of Mia, FL

"To the Family and Friends of Carlos Pineda,

I had the chance to meet your son "Cheese" while on a deployment to Malaysia, Someone said to me there is another Pineda out here. After that we talked and wondered if somehow we were related. It was a good time.
I am deeply sadened by your loss

Para la Familia De Carlos Pineda

Tuve la opportunidad de conocer a carlos en 2003 cuandos estavamos en Malaysia. Alguien me dijo hay otro Pineda aqui. Entonces carlos y you platicamos y hasta pensamos si ala mejor eramos parientes.
lo siento mucho por si perdida"
Raul David Pineda of Kabul, Afghanistan

"Cheese, I remember it was out on Cox's deck drinking a beer that I heard you were gone and It was something Ill never forget. You were one of the great ones, one we could all look upto, weapons or not, and the world really is less brighter now that your gone. I know that you went our doing your job to your best as always, and that you made all who have ever known you proud. May you forever find the peace that we all seek, you deserve it, I hope to meet more like you in life, but in reality, there is only and will only ever be one Cheese."
N. Pache of Langhorne, PA s_npache@pbu.edu

"Hey Brother,
well let me start off by saying im a pussy because I knew about this web sight well I was working for Nasa but I didnt want to leave anything because I knew I would cry then my whole day would be a cluster FUK.....god I miss you so much....I cant stop crying....you were the best,your something special,as roommates we would always fight, to this day I have no clue why you would put the AC onfull blast in the middle of winter every night befor bed then put on like 2 sweetshirts 3 pars of sweetpants and have every blanket in the damm room well I froze my A$$ of...your a NUT...but I thank you for all you did for me you changed my life forever I think of you 100 times a day....back in SOI,the fleet,all thoes nice storys you would tell me about your friends back home your wife gosh it most be so hard on her...I remember when you told me that when you died you did'nt want anyone to cry you want us all to celebrate the fact that you went on to a better place well I guess I pissed that out of my A$$ cuz im still crying

LOVE you bro"
CPL. RENDON, MOSES of San Jose CA (408)375-4446

"Seen more as a friend, I first knew "Cheese" as a buddie from the neighborhood or a homie. The adventures from our teen years are more then a mouth full. Through the up's and down's of life in East L.A. with Carlos is what most of us remember him by. I knew him not just as a "homie" but as a brother Marine or "Jarhead". I was the reason why he joined in the first place, he wanted a better life for himself and a chance to make this world a better place. When I heard the news that he shipped to Boot Camp in 2001 while I was about the USS Bataan, I was excited to meet the new member of the family. As a Marine, I saw the birth of a true leader, he would apply the 12th General Order to whatever or whomever stood in his way. "To Walk my post from Flank to Flank, take no S#@t from any Rank". He had two NJP's to back up that story.
Cpl. Pineda, Carlos was seen through my eyes as a fearless leader whom dedicated himself to the values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. When I see our nation's flag rise during Colors or during the National Anthem, I see the truth and meaning of our flag."
Sgt. Urquizo, Jose J of HMM-261, HMM-365 & HMM-764

"Cheese, It pained me when I heard what had happened to you. I always regret leaving the Marine Corps after Haiti and not going to Iraq, but at the time it was something that I had to do for my career. I am sure that you know what I mean. You and I were not really close but we would talk here and there throughout the few years that I knew you. If I had been there with you though, I can promise you that I would have done all that I could to help you out and I would have gone down fighting by your side if need be. There is something strong about Marines and it is not just how we train and fight but it is also the bond that is built between all of us. Semper Fidelis brother. I will see you again!!!"
Cpl. Justin J. Landry of FT. Thomas, KY USA

"I didnt even know of this website until believe it or not Williams calls me out of the blue and tells me about it. God how i miss you. we all say we wish we could have been there. and we all mean it. you were the best of us. the smartest, the meanest(when ya had to be), the most motivated, the fastest, you name it, you were the best at it. the marines lost a damn fine marine the day you died, and i can only imagine how your family feels. i only have 1 picture of you, that i took in haiti, i've posted it on my wall in my small apartment in some kind of sick sad way to say i'm sorry i couldnt have been there with you, you had everything to live for, and me just waiting for the end. but i cant honestly say that i would have taken your place. please dont think bad of me when i say i like to think that i would have. but sometimes you really dont know. you are a brother to us all and nothing less than a hero. i'm still working on that song about you. i swear to you just as i did in haiti i will write that."
Willie Snook 936 545 7114 of 2101 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy APT 60 College Station, Texas 77840

"To the family of: Carlos Pineda 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"

"Cheese,
Its been a long time coming for this message. Havent really had the heart to put anything in here until I saw that Wingnut had put his message in and so had Doc.. I think about you at least ten times a day, and wish on everything holy that I could have been there with you at that moment when you decided to be a hero, maybe I could have done something to help and maybee had your back for just an instant. You were by far the best Machinegunner that I had ever seen, looked like Tony Pena behind the plate when you were Dis& assing a 240, still nobody faster to this day. I will see to it that I visit you someday on that western shore and ensure that I pour the last of that Patron that you gave my wife over your grave. You were an inspiration and a brother in arms... I will never forget the hard times and never forget the time that we will never have. But dont worry Cheese, there are still a few crazy ones that are still in the Corps that will make it right by you.. We will fix this and for you buddy we will keep pushing, because I know that you would do it all again if given the chance. You are the reason that this Marine will never give up or get out. Semper Fi and Godspeed."
Sgt Ian J McConnell of RSS Southern Maine 207-767-4674

"I can't stop thinking of you. Your face appears to me in my sleep and in my waking hours. I can't believe you're gone. Me Cheesy, I can't find solace anywhere. I miss you so much, as much as I did then! Te quiero y te extrano tanto! I can't wait 'til that day when I could hug you tight and never let go of you again."
Loving You Cheese! of California

"Cheese,
You always said things happen for a reason. Doc, you used to call me that and I miss it. I have one for you. "Forgiveness is forgetting the hope that the past can be changed" I am sure you would have appreciated that one."
DBL2S of TX

"Cheese,
I think of you so much bro. I'm glad a made you get out of your ride to give me a hug before I left Lejeune. That is the best memory I have, it was so simple. I wish you, me, Ana, and Quelinda would have gotten together the times we were supposed to. I am so sorry I didn't go see your mother or Ana. I am a coward. You kept telling me that your knee was good and so on... I'm sorry I forced the surgery upon you, and I'm sorry I left you hanging. I should have stayed with 3/8 and took care of you guys for one last Hoorah. I'm sorry. I look at the plaque you all gave me, that you were soley behind. You said that I was the platoons guardian angel and as long as I was around nothing would happen to you all. I left you guys. You were always telling me to get away from the b.s. of the Marine Corps and go to the pharmacy tech school, then to medical school. Now that I'm a tech it doesn't mean anything. I'd rather be unhappy and know that you are alive. You made me smile and made me laugh all the time. Thanks for waking me up to go to the gym, and then falling asleep yourself as I got dressed you jerk. Thanks for sharing your food and eating my last pickle. Thanks for all the drinks and staying at your house for thanksgiving when Ana made those chicken boullios which were awesome. Thanks for almost getting are butts kicked by those guys at McDonalds cause you wanted to go cause trouble. Thank God we didn't get stomped. What were those odds again? Oh Yea 25 to 2 hispanics. You remember? Thanks for letting me shoot the 240G and making me a better Corpsmen that understood what tactics you guys were using and performing so I wouldn't be ignorant when it came time for the show. Remember JWTC? We made that stupid raft out of the pack and iso mat, and you were almost drowning me. You non swimming punk. Everybody misses you. Remember eating at Mi Cabana. You used to get the chile picoso, and carnitas all the time. Fig used to be all picky, and Chango and I would get the Cocktail Mixto. Ana used to order something and not eat it and you would get so mad. When I needed you to get my back you were there. I love you as if you were of my own blood. I miss you and you will always be with me. You owe me a trip to East L.A. to meet your friends Bobby, Carol, Jellybean, Craig, Cindy, Head, and your mom. Later devil"
Cale (Doc) Diaz of Uvalde Tx

"RIP in Devil Dog."
DOC Johnson of Camp Pendleton

"Cheese,
I know that I'm putting this message in late, but I just found this site. It's nice to see that there are many ways to honor heros like you. It's still hard for me to accept that your gone. Every marine that I see, that I hear gets killed, I think of you. Part of me died the day you left us. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you carnal. We sure had lots of good times didn't we? Like our mission from Long Beach to Pico and from El Sereno back to East Los. There are so many that I could mention but I'll keep this short. You were my brother. I want you to look down on me and my familia and take care of us. Be my familias guardian angle. I'm always gonna miss and love you and I'll morn you till I join you in heaven. See you when I see you carnal.
Your Carnalito Por Vida,"
Eric Peña of East Los Angeles, Caifornia

""Cheese"
Man when Tony called me and gave me the news i was in shock,I felt like something was riped out of me it was Mi corazon.you was something else Homeboy. i will never forget that crazy window bashing night.I miss u Dog I wish we could have spend more time together . I wish you shouldt have gone out there 4 Real.you was always the one up front , the one to face what ever was comming at you.looking out for others. i really thank you for what you have done for me and the country . dont worry about your moms , we are looking after her and your lil carnalito and carnalita.
Take care homie we miss you .
Henry {Woody}"
Henry Cifuentes of Monrovia ,CA

"To the Pineda family, one year ago on 6/24/04 L. Cpl. Juston Thacker gave his life in Afghanistan fighting to stop terrorists from setting IEDs for a convoy coming. When I saw the date for your son I felt the pain all over again to know another went home on the same day. They are true heroes giving of their lives for our freedom. We are proud of them. We shall always miss them and know the pain that lives on in our hearts. May God give you peace. We are the proud grandparents of Juston and still miss him so much."
Tom & Dixie Sisk of Princeton, WV

"Dear Family of Carlos Pineda: I lost my son, Marine LCpl Chad Maynard, on June 15, 2005 in Ramadi. When I heard the news about your son, it was like I was reliving that day all over again. It's hard for me to type this even now. I'm so sorry for your loss. On the temporary head stone on my son's grave is the saying, "Not In Vain". That is truly what my son believed and what we, as his family, have to believe every day. Please know that I feel your pain and loss, and I cry with you. They say time eases the pain, and I guess they may be right, but with every new report, I feel the ache of missing my son so much. Always remember, you are not alone. There are others who love you and care about you and know exactly what you are going through. Thank you for your son and his service to us all."
Cindy Maynard, mother of Marine LCpl Chad Maynard and Marine Cpl Jacob Maynard of Kennewick, WA

"when night time falls I will look to the sky to find a star; I will stare at it in awe because I know that that's where you are; I will stare at two more to remember those who are there; I will remember the first and the last day we were together and remember that I truly cared! Missing You Forever Angel!"
I LOVE YOU CHEESE! of California

"Cheese (aka) Fat, Cheese I miss you so much, you where like my best friend. I miss talking to you, I miss all your little adventures you would have, and right away you will call me and tell me that you just busted a mission. I want you to take good care of your self this time ok. I want to see you HAPPY and OK. I do not even know what to write Cheese because it’s hard for me to believe that you are gone. I am like Ana I am still waiting for your phone call and your e-mails. I wrote you a e-mail two days before your accident and you never wrote back. You owe me an e-mail and a phone call. Well actually I did get your last phone call on 6/25/05 it was about 2:30am and we just had gotten home from your moms house and me and Robert where about to go to bed and we herd the phone ring and we did not want to get it because we thought it was a crank call. So Robert went to pick it up and it was no one, it was all static on the phone, so Robert and I looked at each other and we both said it was YOU saying good-bye. But I will see you soon, I know I will but till then I want you to know that I am proud of you and that you where a good friend to Robert, Greg, Cindy and I, Cheese we will never forget you and Thank You for everything you did for us. I miss you so much Cheese. I love you and I will see you soon, oh and save a spot for us up there ok and give a good word up there for us."
Carol Martinez of Montebello, CA.

"Hey Baby~ What can I say? I miss you so much. Thank you for the greatest 4yrs. of my life. I know you are doing well in Heaven, and I hope you are watching over and protecting me. I can't til that day where you and I will be together again. Even though this is still a great shock to me things are slowly setting in. As days go by and I still am expecting that phone call to let me know that you are doing okay and that you will be home soon.... How I wish this could of been different? I am always thinking of you and you will never ever in this world be forgotten by me. I love you so much Carlos, and yes we one day will see each other again. I am so proud of you baby."
Ana Pineda (wife) of Richmond TX

"To the Family and Friends of Carlos, I wish to extend my deepest condolence to you. I am praying for all of you, Carlos is a true Hero, who will NEVER be forgotten. That is a fact. God Bless all of you, and know that Carlos is safe and at peace with God right now."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"THANK YOU CARLOS FOR YOUR SACRIFICE, YOU ARE A TRUE HERO, I TOO JUST LOST A GREAT HERO MY COUSIN MARINE LANCE CORPORAL MARIO CASTILLO ON JUNE 10,2005. MAY GOD BLESS YA'LL!"
ELVA COBIO of BROWNWOOD,TX

"Cheese...your memory will live on forever. I'll see you soon. Save me a seat up there will ya'..."
Stephanie of East L.A/Las Vegas

"To the Family of Carlos Pineda,
I leave this message, not knowing Carlos personally, but knowing that a hero has left. "There is no truer love than that of one who puts his life for someone else." And he has done that For all of us, as with all the others fighting out there. THank you for your sacrifice. Ana, May God give you the peace and comfort you need in this time of need. May his love cover you whole and you see that his love manifests itself greater in times of trials. God bless you and All your family and the family of Carlos.

"Venid a mí todos los que estáis trabajados y cargados, y yo os haré descansar" Mateo 11:28"
Roberto H of Sacramento, CA

"Cheese,
Thank you for all the good times we had together here in East Los. All the travesuras we did with everybody that we use to kick it with, all the funny times and all the good. You will never be forgotten Carlos. You were a brave man going to out there and risk your life for all of us. I remember one day you came over my house and kept asking me, "Hey let's go to the marine office and join up". I was down at the beginning, then I ranked out. I kept telling you "no and no and no" after that. We just laughed and took of and go do some more desmadre. We had lots of fun. I still remember it like it was yesterday. Man I miss those days. I wish you were still here having a Coronita next to me. Well then Cheese, it was a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for putting a smile on our faces and being there for all of us. I won't say goodbye pero hasta pronto, cause I know we'll see each other someday. Til' then, keep your head up, and know that if your family needs anything, I will be there for them. Rain or shine, through thick or thin, I will be there.
Love, Your Homie,
Tony from the Explorers"
Antonio Teposte of East Los Angeles

"Carlos my dear friend you were like a brother to me and you always will be, I can remember clear to this day when my phone rung and my friend was telling me that you had gone home, I didnt want to accept it, I didnt want to believe. But I know that you are in a far better place than here. Cheese you were an excellent friend, brother, son, husband and Marine. America has lost one of its best. But you will not be forgotten you will always be remembered most by the people who loved you, and by a nation that has lost so many good people like yourself. Words cant describe how much I miss you, but instead of saying goodbye im saying im "I'll See You Soon" I know youll be waiting for me when my time comes. I thank you for all the memories that you have left me. I Love You My Brother"
Adrian Pena of East Los Angeles, Ca

"Carlos Pineda,
An American Hero! you will be missed. Thank you for all that you have sacraficed for this beautifull country. You will not just be another name on a wall. You will not be forgoten. I will pray for you and your family. Goodbye my fiend.
An old friend From Garfield High School."
Alex Cervantes of East Los Angeles

"To the Family of Carlos Piñeda
I knew your son and was a good friend of my two boys in the ELA Sheriff explorer program. I had the opportunity to meet your son several times, he was always very respectful, yes Sir, yes Mam. He belived in his country and was always very truthful. He enjoyed making people he met laugh and smile. I'll remember his crazy looking socks he wore to make people take notice. My children Eric and Adrian and my daughter Quierah Pena looked upon him as there brother. Carlos demise has affected our family very much. I pray for strength for his Mother and Wife. I know Carlos' Mother did her best in raising a good Son in such a tough neighborhood, Mrs. Pineda you did a great job. He will always be remembered.

Jose P. Pena
Los Angeles, CA"
JOSE P. PEÑA of East Los Angeles, CA

"TO THE PINEDA FAMILY,
WE ARE DEEPLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS.
A MOTHER OF ANOTHER MARINE
FROM CAMP PENDLETON."
CLARA AQUINO of DOWNEY, CALIF.

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon,OHIO

"El cielo esta triste por que un angel
a caido ,un angel se fue y no volvio
el destino le tendio una trampa ,el murio dejando en nuestros corazones mucha tristeza y dolor.
Tu familia te extrana y nunca te olvidaremos siempre estaras en nuestros corazones. Que Dios te tenga en tu
gloria y gracias por haver sido un ejemplo para mi y todos tus amigos y familiares."
Eduardo quijada of eagle rock

"Carlitos: Es muy triste decir adios pero quiero decir hasta pronto, los angeles vienen con nosotros solo un corto tiempo luego regresan con nuestro señor para cuidarnos desde el cielo.
Carlos no ha muerto el vivira por siempre en nuestro corazon."
Patty of Los Angeles CA

"CARLOS, YOU DIED FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVED AND FOR WHAT YOU LOVED. YOUR ARE A TRUE AMERICAN HERO. I KNOW THAT GOD HAS A PLACE FOR YOU IN HEAVEN. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE."
FELIPE CARTAGENA of HOUSTON, TEXAS

"To the Pineda family from the Wahl family. We are deeply sadden over Carlos. Our heart and prays are with Carlos and your family. These are very diffucult days for your family. We lost our son last year. An Carlos is remembered today, and will be remembered always!!! Very few AMERICAN"S as CARLOS have a calling to the military. An that is important to remember. Carlos was a family man and a professional soldier. He risked everthing for us all. Since, 911 AMERICA has been alot safer. An Carlos was a key player in that. Just as he was with the people in Iraq. CARLOS has touched the hearts of so many. Among friends, neighbor's, those in his community, his military family of brother's, sister's and his loving family. Our family is extremely thankful and grateful to Carlos. For one serving along side our son. You have no idea how? Important that is to us........An he served our country for us all. Carlos is a HERO! I realize our son's had not known one another. Yet, both are brother's that watched over one another and each other's unit. An now both are together serving us once again. My tears for my son, are tears for your son and all our fallen. The comfort will never be the same. An we all deal with our lost very differently. My prays are with Carlos, Gregory and your family. God Bless!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To the family and friends of Corporal Carlos Pineda,

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 use our link and register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

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

"Carlitos,
You are my hero! i hope up in heaven you can hear me, i will miss you i cant understand why this happend but it comforts me that you are not alone up there in heaven you are right next to every hero who has died for their country along with some one very special who you once wanted to meet with up in heaven "your daddy" we all now how much you missed him but now you are together. I wont say good bye because one day we will all catch up with you and things will be like before. Thank you for all the good memories I love you And will never for get you !!!!"
More of Los Angeles California

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden...

J and T USMC NC"

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

"I READ ON CNN.COM THAT THE WIFE OF PINEDA HAD SAID SHE HOPES HER HUSBAND IS NOT ANOTHER NAME ON A WALL. THAT REALLY HIT HOME FOR ME. YOUR HUSBANDS SACRIFICE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY GOD GIVE YOU STRENGTH."
KATHRYN of CAMP LEJEUNE, NC

"Thank you Carlos Pineda for your sacrifice. Because of brave men and women like you we have freedom. You are my hero!"
Isidro Nunez of Napa, Ca

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