Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I am glad i got to know brian in school and and i am glad we got to become friends and i am glad i got to meet his mom at the gas station that day thank you brian for your good deeds you will be missed but never forgotten my friend"
Jamie Jovanovich of Sheboygan

"To the family of Brian Prening: I would want you to know that even with the passage of time, the sentiment we feel about Brian hasn't changed one bit. He was such an amazing man, and great friend and "Brother" of my son, Brian Larson. He and I talked yesterday about Brian, and he holds the memory of him very near and close to his heart."
Jim Larson of Milwaukee, WI

"To the family of:Brian P.Prening
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""

"I had the wonderful pleasure of being one of brian's many friends. He was an amazing person and he will live on forever in our hearts. Thank You Brian for everything you did for me and this country. We Love You and will always remember What you did for us. You are a true HERO!!!!"
Chica of Plymouth, Wisconsin

"Brian,
I learned of your story while watching Combat Zone on the Military Channel-how you were shot while helping a fellow Marine clear his jammed weapon while defending that house in the "Triangle of 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.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"November 16, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Brian P. Prening:
Brian 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

"Thanks Marine. All Marines die, in the red flash of battle or the white cold of a nursing home. In the vigor of youth or the infirmity of age all will die, but the Marine Corps lives on. Every Marine who has ever lived is living still, in the Marines who claim the title today. It is that sense of belonging to something that will outlive your own mortality that gives people a light to live by and a flame to mark their passing. Thanks for your service. Semper Fi!"
Col Al Ingersoll of Oceanside, CA

"As an Australian citizen that has not known the horror of conflict, I am so proud of the American servicemen and women that have given thier life for the safety of the world. no words can describe how we appreciate your efforts.
Thank you."
Mark Tomlinson of Sydney, NSW, Australia

"God bless you all."
Steve of Washington, DC

"Prening, you were a good friend, a good Marine, And You will Never be forgotten. Semper Fi"
(fmr.) Sgt. T. Newell, usmc F1 2/24 of Port Washington, WI

"To the Fmaily of Cpl. Brian Prening:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 6/20/05, 111 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put Cpl. Prening's name on one of them. We have called our display "Arlington MidWest." It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

If you would like us to do this, please email martypres33@yahoo.com.

We invite you to come to visit Arlington MidWest. I can send you directions and some pictures by email.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them." Anonymous"
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"To the family of Brian P. Prening:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"Brian Prening is an awesome person. Many people including Brian have died for this country. We should all have respect for every soldier who does what Brian did every day."
All of The Prening Family's Friends of Wisconsin

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

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

"To Brian's 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"

"To Brian's 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 for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon ,Ga

"To the family of Brian. May God bless you and be with you during this time of great sorrow. Saying Thank you seems so insignificant. Brian gave the ultimate sacrifice. My prayers are with you. Please feel free to contact me at crk9551@hotmail.com"
Candy of Poynette, WI

"To the family and friends of Corporal Brian P. Prening,

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

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