Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Thinking of you this minute although I never got to meet you I did visit your home and your family after you were so cruelly taken away from them xx"
Maureen Caddick of uk

"as I sat here tonight a thought of you came into my heart still near still dear never forgotten although we never met ."
Maureen Caddick of England

"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"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Lance Cpl. Raines,
Just know that today, of all days, you are remembered and loved. You proudly gave the ultimate sacrifice for your country and a nation is forever grateful. Thank you so very much for your brave and honorable service. You are my hero.
With humble respect,
ET2(SS) Shaun Blouin, U.S. NAVY
Enterprise High School Class of 2003"

"September 29, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Carl L. Raines, II:
Carl 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

"3/6/2008
You are remembered and missed."

"I have read the messages your dad leaves for you and I just feel his pain as I read them. I so wish there was something else to do that could help. All I can do is promise that you will never be forgotten. Ia am so sorry your life was cut so short.
Rest in peace and watch over your loved ones, they miss you so."

"How do we thank a father that taught his son how to care. Your pain is so deep yet you knew when your son wanted to join you had to let go as painful as it was you knew you had to let him grow up to be the man that the world is so proud of. It's not easy dealing with this pain and I truly hope the quilt that I design for you will bring you some comfort in knowing that your son has not been forgotten nor have you. You son gave all something that many people will never do. A hero is a man that gives his life for others if need be your son did that for all of us and because of men like your son and women that stand tall and defend this country we are free. This country is what it is because of your son. I know your proud of you son I know that but I also know the pain your carry is heavy. May you know that we pray for you always that you will be strong and realize that you son will never be forgotten for he is our hero also. You can email me any time you like email is debeniel@ncn.net and Freedomquilts.net will alway do it's best to comfort the families of our heroes."
Betty Nielsen (Freedom Quilts Inc of Fonda, IA 50540 USA

"it still seems like it was just the other day that carl and danny were takin. i think about them both every day and wonder why things turned out the way they did. why God took them and not me also. i could have put my arm out and grabbed carl from where i was sitting when the explosion went off and i could have wrapped my arms around danny, yet i was spared. i miss them both so much yet am at peace knowing that they dont have to deal with the pain in mind and body that comes with being in the situation we were in. I pray daily that the raines family will find peace in knowing that what happened to us over there saved others lives. we all knew what we were doing had concequences.
I would give anything to go back to the days of security company. driving around in guardian 2 with raines, mcvicker, stephenson and myself. off roadin past the convoy, shootin random * off in the dessert, it was true freedom. yes, i know it sounds funny, but that humvee and the brotherhood we had in that humvee was something that can never be replicated. carl, danny, and chris will always be my brothers. on earth and in heaven"
cpl chris (bob) wiers 1371 usmc of laguna, california

"im a marine and i love my family and the marine corps and i hate to here that we lost a raines and a brother in the marine corps to the family im sorry but i go to iraq on october 6th and whoever messes with my country and my brothers and sisters in the marine corps will pay with blood I promise

love
Pfc.Hunter Raines"
Pfc.Hunter Raines of Nashville Tennessee US

"To the family of:Carl L. Raines 11 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"

"To the family and friends of our fallen brother and son. Carl was a great man a true freind his personality whilst seeming humble also commanded respect it didnt matter if we were hanging out in class or walking across the stage at graduation his thoughts seemed to be on others so it didnt suprise me or anyone else when he chose to enlist in the usmc because his type of leadership is what great men are formed from it hurts me to say i did not atend the funeral of my freind I moved away from enterprise and heard the heart breaking news to late but i do believe that Carl wouldnt want us to morn but to be proud for the things in his life acomplised to mr and ms Raines you did a great job raising your son and no mother and father should ever have to bury there son but take pride in him for standing where few would and for doing what he believed in."
Randall lile of hardyville Kentucky

"To the Raines family..
I randomly Picked Carl's name from a list of all Americans that have died in Iraq and I can say that I'm proud to be a friend of the United States Of America..God bless you all .
The pain gets easier to bear after a while but the memory of Carl will last for ever..
I hope you do not mined a Englishman sending you a message"
Mr Bruce Cooper of Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire England

"my name is Cassidy and i am a volunteer for the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run. We are a group of people that have built a memorial wall in Marsielles Illinois for all the fallen soldiers in Mideast conflicts since Beriut. Your loved one's name will be permenently added to this wall. For any further information visit our website www.ilfreedomrun.org please e-mail me at me1196@aol.com to let me know that you have recived this message. If you decide to come to this memorial on June 19th, 2006, you will recieve VIP seating and treatment for the cermonies that day. ALL OUR WELCOMING TO HONOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS
**Cassidy"
Cassidy of Brookfield/ILL/red,white,blue

"Dear Raines Family,

I am sorry for your loss and I wish you the best in these trying times. I am truly grateful for the sacrifice your son has made and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Semper Fidelis,

Shaun K. Raines
Cpl. USMC 0311
1998-2004"
of Arnold, MD

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Carl L. Raines II,

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. If you're not certain that your loved one's next of kin is registered to receive a quilt, please use our link and register so we can send our "Love Stitched Together."

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

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden...
J and T Taylor USMC
Sister of a Fallen Marine"

"My love, thoughts and prayers are with you, Gil and family. My heart is truly hurting for you in your loss....our loss.

Carl was a customer of mine, and a young friend. Gil, I have known you for quite awhile now as your customer. Carl was a very fine young man of whom we were, and are, most proud. He was true to his word, caring, upright, stable, honorable, and kind. He loved you and his family and friends very much. To lose him is a true loss.

He came to play pool with us on his last trip home. We talked for awhile before he went to his table to play. We spoke of his prior trip overseas, you (Gil), and his buddies here at home and those overseas. And as he left, he gave me a hug and a final farewell. I will always miss him.

Gil, Carl WILL live forevermore in our hearts and mind. We WILL see him again one day when our circle is reunited. May God Bless and keep you and your's in this time of great loss. My love, thoughts and prayers continue for you and your's.

I would like to share a poem with you that was sent to my family in the form of a card when Daddy died; I hope it helps you as it did me then.

A Rose Beyond the Wall

Near a shady wall a rose once grew,
Budded and blossomed in God's free light,
Watered and fed by the morning dew,
Shedding it's sweetness day and night.

As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall
Through which there shone a beam of light.

Onward it crept with added strength
With never a thought of fear or pride,
It followed the light through the crevice's length
And unfolded itself on the other side.

The light, the dew, the broadening view
Were found the same as they were before,
And it lost itself in beauties new,
Breathing it's fragrance more and more.

Shall claim of death cause us to grieve
And make our courage faint and fall?
Nay! Let us faith and hope receive--
The rose still grows beyond the wall,

Scattering fragrance far and wide
Just as it did in days of yore,
Just as it did on the other side,
Just as it will "forevermore".

~ A. L. Frink ~
1939

God Bless you all.....

Phyllis J. K. Owens"
Phyllis J. K. Owens of Enterprise, Coffee County, Alabama

"To the Raines family,

We keep you in our thoughts and prayers for the loss of your CARL. There are no words that can express our gratitude for his service to our country, but we hope you find some comfort in knowing he is an AMERICAN HERO.

CARL, God Bless you and may the Angels watch over your family as they try to heal. We celebrate your life and will NEVER FORGET your sacrifice. Thank you.

From a grateful family of an American Army Soldier, stationed at Ft. Campbell 101st Avn Regt, now serving in Iraq."
--Sharon & Craig Erwin of Oregon, USA --

"We are praying for your family and their loss. our son was also in that humvee and bunked above Carl. They were friends. God saw to spare our son. He has said that he misses Carl."
Rick Wiers of Middleville, Michigan

"I knew Carl in highschool, we were both in the JROTC department. He was a great guy, very humble about himself. I hope the best for his family."
Michael Kosch of Auburn, Alabama

"This world is way to small and for anyone who didn't have the pleasure of truely knowing this man as he was, they really missed out. Alex, and the rest of his family must remember to stay strong and that Carl was a hero. He always will be in everyones heart. He was a Knight! God Bless."
Jessica E. of Enterprise

"Carl, I’ll miss you bud, it was a pleasure knowing you. I hope to see you again someday. When I’m out there I’ll keep your spirit in mind in hope that I have it in me to serve as honorable as you did.

“Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9)."
Timothy Cooper of Enterprise, Al

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

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