Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"10/31/2020
May we honor the lives of those who have fought for our freedom with the way we choose to live our own, I was chosen because of a very close friend who served with the 48 Marines and Corpsmen who sacrificed it all; to read each story, to get to know a small piece of their lives through families and friends. I chose to honor each of them with a bible verse:

Aaron H. Reed 8/3/05
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." - Isaiah 55:12 (Laughter)"
Haleigh Kilgore of West Virginia

"LCPL Reeds memory lives on. Though I never met the LCPL, I ran with a shirt carrying his name today in the Memorial Day 100 today to honor his memory and other fallen Marines. It's a small sacrifice to honor the ultimate sacrifice and I hope that his memory is carried on by it. God Bless."
John Shawgo of Grove City PA

"Here we are 11 years after this horrible event happened. I still cannot forget his happy face. I'm the mother of 2 girls. One is getting ready to enter the Army. I'm so proud of her, but I still cannot forget Aaron. I will think of him for a long time."
Angela Leckwatch of Ft. Myers

"Never forgotten, brother.

-Jordan"
ME of Columbus, OH

"To Steve, Kathy and Ms. Reed in Chili,

For several years, I considered Aaron my best friend and brother. On the weekends he'd come up from Chilicothe, we'd paint the town red as his Cavalier and savor youth. I knew Aaron as a creative being who crafted poetry and verse under the pseudonym 'Ticonderoga.' I recall counting the hairs on our chests after our first jar of Chilicothe Moonshine. We might go weeks without seeing one another and get caught up in 5 minutes. A man of perspective and duty, Aaron was called to serve. After completing Basic in 2001, I didn't see much of Aaron but then, like now, he was thought of often - as a man of many hats: class president, cross country distance champ, marine and brother. He was a good man and his memory lives on in the lives of those who had the excellent fortune to know him.

"basic-trained or not, I can still kick your * ..."

LoveFindsJoy@yahoo.com"
Jordan Argus of Columbus, OH, USA

"Lance Cpl. Aaron H. Reed was the person I considered my best friend. He was loved by everyone who knew him, and I feel blessed to have had him in my life. He has been gone 5 years now, and I still miss him every day. I am so thankful for all who have served, and fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today."
Angela Flowers of Chillicothe, Ohio/USA

"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 Steiner of Gahanna, OH / USA

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Aaron H. Reed:
Aaron 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

"To the family of:Aaron H. Reed 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"

"Thanks, Marine! I saw a video clip of you walking combat patrol in Iraq. Even before the narrator said another word I knew that you had already paid the supreme sacrifice. Semper Fi!"
James Carter of California

"Dear Stephen and family, I read about the death of your son and was truly saddened.

No person or power can prepare a parent for the loss of a child. Your grief is shared not only by both active duty and former Marines like myself, but by many who owe your son a debt of gratitude.

I served in the Persian Gulf in 1987 and I can tell you the common family there has been in dire straights there for some time. My first instinct upon arrival with the USS Guadalcanal in 1987 was "We have to help these people find and know freedom. These corrupt dictorships and brainwashing Ismamists have to go." They are gut-felt instincts that cannot be denied. You can see it in their eyes...the people are hurting inside and craving freedom.

I know your son felt the same feelings I did and I can tell you his efforts were not in vain. In the eyes of God, he was helping his fellow man...the downtrodden, beaten and tortured common man in Iraq.

I would have loved to help disable Saddam and his henchmen, but my time passed and the battle was left for your son. If only I could have been there to serve beside him...that is how I feel with all current and former Marines.

We are all in this together...you, Aaron, and other freedom loving peoples around the world.

Aaron is a true hero. May God bless him, your family, and the fine troops who make personal sacrifices around the globe each day.

Semper Fidelis"
Joseph T. Ringling of St. Louis, MO

"To The Reed Family,
Our Family, Our City, Our Country grieves with you. We are so saddened by your loss. Your Soldier is OUR HERO! We will never forget him or the others who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety & freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You and your Brave Marine..Semper Fi!"
The Grogans of TN...

"I saw Aaron's photo in the NYtimes, and had to look him up. What a pleasant smile for such a couragous soldier! I feel like I already know this man. Thank you, sir, for your sacrifice. The world is less without you, I am sure. I salute you."
Sean of Pittsburgh, PA

"To Aaron H. Reed's family and friends,
I am so sorry for your terrible loss and the pain you have from the death of your son. Words can not describe your loss. I saw his picture in the newspaper, and have saved it. Its strange, he looks so much like my son. In the picture, I see Aaron's smile, and sparkle in his eyes, the sweetness, and greatness in him. Also, just reading about him on the websites that describe him, he seems like he was such a wonderful person, son, and friend. I hope that you have some comfort with your family and close friends."
Marcie of Silver Spring MD

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Aaron H. Reed,

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, Ca USA

"My deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to you, Lance Cpl. Aaron Reed, for defending freedom in our world, so that all people may enjoy the basic human rights we as Americans are able to enjoy. Your sacrifice for freedom's sake has earned you great honor and respect, and the title 'Hero'. It also will bring your family honor and pride that they were instrumental and supportive of your decision to voluntarily serve. To your family and friends I offer my prayers and deepest condolences, that they may find comfort in one another and in their memories. To your fellow Marines, Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen, I offer my support and faith that their service is a most valued and necessary one, and that honor is truly upon each of them who serve such a noble cause. I am the proud daughter, sister and mother of former soldiers."
Elaine of Ohio

"My heart and prayers go out to the family, friends and comrades of Aaron. May God bless you and give you comfort."
Marine Mom 3/25/4th of Western NY

"7 Aug 2005
MARINE LANCE CPL AARON H. REED - You are an American Hero whose ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten by a grateful nation. Rest in peace Marine. You will be remembered for always being faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Aaron and may memories comfort you during this difficult time and for always.
AMERICA SALUTES LANCE CPL AARON H. REED"
DOROTHY E. BURT of PORTSMOUTH, RI

"To the Family of Mr. Aaron H. Reed,
My name is Toni Brooks and i would like to send my prayers upon your family during this time of mourning. I to am part of the military. I am training and drilling for the ARMY. i have talked to my recrutiers and the've said that all i have to to yet is study for my ASVAB and go to MEPS. I am a 19yr old female wanting to serve our country just like your son, but my job is risky due to me wanting to be a Nurse and going for Active Deuty. God Bless and and support the troops that are not home yet with us."
Toni Brooks of Lorain County,Ohio USA

"Marine Lance Cpl. Aaron H. Reed, "thank you" isn't enough for the ultimate sacrifice you gave to each of us. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family during this difficult time."
Jerry & Toni Longville of Akron, Ohio

"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

"Dear Family of Aaron Reed: I lost my son, LCpl Chad Maynard, on June 15, 2005 in Ramadi. When I heard the news on the radio 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 LCpl Chad Maynard and Cpl Jacob Maynard of Kennewick, WA

"Dear Family of Timothy Bell: I lost my son, LCpl Chad Maynard, on June 15, 2005 in Ramadi. When I heard the news on the radio 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 LCpl Chad Maynard and Cpl Jacob Maynard of Kennewick, WA

"Sara, My dearest memory is the time Aaron came running to me...Debbie, Daddy wrecked his plane!!! & we were upside down!!! His face that day shone with such pride & his eyes shone like little sparkling diamonds.
I am soooo sorry for your loss & I wish I could take away the pain of your loss... The only thing I can do is pray for you,Matt,Larry, Jill & Mary. If you need me I am a phone call away. I love you & I hope Matthew makes it home safely."
Debbie Ramsey of Richmond Dale,Ohio

"Rest In Peace Tuefelhunden.
J and T USMC NC"

"To the Reed Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your fine young Marine. Aaron is truly an American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and God Bless Aaron."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

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

"The Salute


To those who have died,
And to those who have cried.
We Salute You.

To those who have lost,
Paid the ultimate cost.
We Salute You.

And to those who still serve,
The Red White and Blue.
Our grateful Nation,
Proudly Salutes You."
Tom Balstad of West Warwick RI

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