Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I still miss Pete. His grand mother was my first cousin every time I see a cowboy wearing a black cowboy hat.I think of Pete when we were at family affairs we had to ask him to take it off.My children were very close in age. He was at my wedding;with othercousins. He helped to help decorate our car after the wedding.I still miss Him.
in1963(june ) Pete. and our daughter graduated in the same class in High SChool.I am still married to the same man who was with us I was an army nurse courps he was the army Chemical coups."
Nancilea j.Coleman . of Flastaff ,az coconino

"At one of the last Marine Corps cake cutting ceremonies we had at 10th Marines I took a picture of Gysgt Reeder at that time Ssgt Hetrick. It was the last cutting ceremony i would be a part of before i retired. I was working in kuwait when his former battery gunny w. Manley called and told me he was gone. There was not a finer Marine and person"
steven reese of charlotte nc

"Please my brother 20 yrs patton 50.000 lawyer 450.000 life insurence policy he did it didnt go to funeral blamedit onred man"
S/sgt/ 2lt.shea j enms col. of S.d.

"GySgt Reeder and I served together with L 3/10 and went overseas as a part of the 26th MEU. He is truly one of the smartest men with whom I've served and I have nothing but respect for him. I'll be retiring later in 2016 and can say unequivocally that I am a better Marine because of my time working with this remarkable American."
CWO3 Montsho SANDERS of Jacksonville, NC

"I had the honor to serve with Pete in Lima Battery 3/10 from 1991-94. Good man, good Marine. Without his help, I never would have made it through section chief school. He was a truly selfless individual."
Melvin Pierce of Charleston, IL

"I was with Gunny Reeder the day he left us. He had taken my place in the vehicle that he went to his tragic death in. Everyday I strive to live my life as it is ( A True Blessing). I will forever Remember Gunny Reeder and the events that occurred that sad night on MSR Mobile, and I will forever hold him in my heart. I owe him my life."
Sgt. Bobby Goines of meridian, Ms

"To the family of GySgt Reeder. It has taken me years to write this but I wanted to send my prayers for you all. I was with GySgt Reeder on that night and in that vehicle. I was with him, guarding him, on his fist leg home when we were medivac'ed. I don't have the words to express my sadness. Semper Fi Gy!"
SSgt Don J. Sugden of California

"I just found this page tonight...... I still remember Pete,, and I LOVE AND MISS HIM..... People always said he was my second husband and HE WAS... cause I spent as much time with him on the truck as I did wid my hubby off the truck........ I LOVE AND MISS YOU PETE........ U WERE SUCH AN INSPIRTATION TO US ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Kris Gillum ( Ur 2nd wife) Swansboro EMS of Swansboro, NC

"Pete was a great friend to me. We served in G 3/10 and then it became L3/10. He came home with me to my family on a few occassions and they too loved him as if he was blood. Tonight I was with several of my friends and we had a few stories involving Pete. He was a great person and exceptional Marine. The world lost a great person with his passing. I pray that his children know and understand what a wonderful person their father was and how many lives he touched. My deepest sympathy's go out to all of his family. I would loved to just sit in the barracks and hear him pick that banjo again. Miss ya Pete."
James Polk of Louisville Kentuccky

"I was the Battery Gysgt of HQ Battery 3/10 when Reeder was the Guns Platoon Sgt of Lima 3/10. They did not come any better than than this Marine. At our last Birthday cake ceremony I was taking pictures of some of the Marines and I happen to capture him and one of his fellow SSgt in a pose. That picture is in my den."
Steven Reese of Charlotte NC

"Someone just sent me an e-mail about Pete, stating he died on Aug. 21-he did, but in my message, I said Aug.27; that was the day they brought him home to family and friends-the day that I finally understood he was gone. Pete's Mom"
Elizabeth Reeder of Eagar, Arizona

"It has been six years since that horrible day in August when I was notified that Pete had been killed in Iraq. I am very proud of my son; he was an outstanding young man, a great Marine, and a wonderful husband, father, and son. He wanted to become an emergency room physician and was working toward that goal. America lost a true hero August 27, 2004. His family still misses him greatly. My heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones, but most especially to the fallen heroes of the Marine Corps on this Veteran's Day. Pete's Mom."
Elizabeth Reeder of Eagar, Arizona

"I served with GYSGT Reeder while in Lima 3/10. He was my platoon sgt. I will never forget him, he was a true Marine and always set the example of how a Marine should conduct himself. Semper Fi Gunny you will never be forgotten."
Cpl Brent Haumont of Four Oaks, North Carolina

"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 Gahanna, OH

"July 4, 2008
To the family of Gunnery Sgt. Edward T. Reeder:
Edward 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

"My Deepest condolences go out to the Family of Pete,I was a corporal in golf 3/10 when Pete was a "new boot"He was on gun 6 with me.We spent alot of time at sea together and he was always an outstanding marine and friend ,I will never forget him practicing his Banjo in the head on ship.He Will Never Be Forgotten."
Cpl.Kevin Siffel of Coopersburg, PA

"I was GYSGT Reeder's driver throughout my 3 yrs of service with him. He has tought me how to be a marine and i would not be where i'm at today, Gunny i'm now a Staff Sergeant and its because of you. I'm now going back in your honor for a 2nd Tour. Your sadly missed. Semper Fi Gunny, OohRah"
SSGT. Joseph Fleck of Bloomington, Indiana

"Chrissie-
Although it's been almost 3 years.. I still remember the day like it was yesterday.. Just remember that Jay and I love you.. Although we only met 'pete' a couple of times, We loved him, because he made you happy.. You are a stong, woman. Much stronger than I would of been in the same situation..
Love-
Amy, Jay, and kids"
Amy of Palermo, New York

"I just found this site and had to tell you all about this GREAT Marine. I served with Pete while on recruiting duty in Raleigh NC. He was one of my recruiters from 1997 till I left in 1999. One of the best Marines let alone recruiters I have ever known. A true leader of Marines. I remember when he got married as he was so excited, and to see him with his family you just knew he loved them. Chris you can always call if you ever need anything my number is the same (email. sundayml@worldnet.att.net) I am honored to have known him and you although only for a short time I will forever remember what a GREAT man and Marine he IS! Pete my friend I know you are standing by guarding the heavens for when it’s my time, we shall meet again! SEMPER FI
MGySgt M. L. Sunday"
MGySgt M.L. Sunday of Jacksonville NC

"Great Marine! I served with him at MCRD San Diego. We were in bootcamp together. He was a good guy that would help anyone. He was also our Class Top Gunner. This Marine couldn't miss the target. God Bless you and your family Gunny."
Charles A. Stokes of Detroit, MI USA

"I served with Gunny Reeder in Lima 3/10 as did Ferg and then Sgt Warren. I vividly remember Gunny Reeder as a down to earth Marine who treated you with respect. I never had a problem taking my rifle back to clean after he rejected it, because he was respectful and you wanted to treat him the same way. I also remember him as being very knowledable with the weapon systems we had in the unit and he was always willing to share that knowledge with his fellow Marines. I can not stress what a loss this is. My heart goes out to his family. He was truley a good man and will be missed. God rest your soul Gunny and God speed.
93-97 (Cpl) Craig L Williamson"
Craig Williamson 810 217 0226 of Highland Twp, MI

"Kris- We all loved Pete so much. I miss him and think about him every day. Pete taught both Chris and I so much at Swansboro Rescue. He took us under his wing immediately, and not a day goes by when I'm doing what we all loved that I think what would Pete do in this situation. He left such an impression on all of our lives. Some people can roam this earth for numerous years and not make a ripple in time, and some people are with us for only a short time. But the impact they make will cause us to remember them forever. Pete is one of those forevers. I hope you all are doing well. Love Amber and Chris O'Dell"
Amber O'Dell of Horseheads, NY

": To the family of:Edward T. Reeder I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. 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 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"I first met Edward while he was a recruiter in hickory, nc. When I arrived to the fleet he served as my Platoon Sgt. For Guns Platoon Lima 3/10. He was a great leader and a True friend. My heart goes out to his family. I live near his grave here in NC, and visit frequently."
CPL Christopher Lofty of Concord, NC

"Gunney Reeder is one of the most influential people in my life. I was one of the marines that contracted malaria in Liberia. Gunney reeder taught me the importance of taking responsibility for my actions and to help others. After being medically retired from the Marine Corps my choice of occupation is directly effected by him. I am currently attending school to be a fireman/ emt. thank you for helping him to become the man he will always remain in our hearts."
lcpl ryan heavner of columbus ohio

"I just read Gunny Reeder's letters of condolence and was shocked to realize this was the former Sgt Reeder I'd served with at Lima 3/10 in the 90's. My sincere sympathy goes out to Gunny Reeder's family. The Sgt Reeder I remember was the quintessential Marine NCO; reliable, knowledgable and a thorough professional. Semper Fidelis and Godspeed Marine."
B Hanner

"I served with Gunny Reeder when he was a Sgt. and I was a Lance Corporal at Lima 3/10 in the mid to late 90's. Although he was an 0811 and I was a 2531 he always treated me like a Marine. When I rejoined the Corps in 2003 in Bessemer, Alabama Gunny Reeder was there. I had been out for 5 years and joined back up and there he was! The unit was activated not long after that and the battery's split up, I was HQ and he was Lima. I never will forget the last words he told me..."Ferg, if I'd known you were staying in HQ's, I'd picked you to be with me in Lima!" I'll never forget you as long as I live...Semper Fi, Gunny!"
Sgt. Ferguson, J.M. of Alabama

"Pete, Look at how many lives you have touched. No one will ever forget you and everyone misses you, every day. Not a day will pass that we will not think of you, each with our own special memories. The memories of you, your good heart and strength of spirit will go on and you will always be remembered and honored."
Leila Leahy of Connecticut

"My deepest condolences along with my heart go out to the Family and loved ones of GySgt Edward (Pete)Reeder, This Marine was one of the most caring Marine, Father, and he was a very close friend. I had served with Pete for 10 years. We were on deployments together, but when we were seperated that never stopped him from calling me when we on recruiting and find out how it was treating me. I loved this Marine as my brother and was very saddened the day I found his name in here, but this Marine will always be remembered by Me and others as a hero because that is exactly what this Marine is, he is my hero. I wish there was enough space to tell stories about this Marine but Pete left me not only his memories to remember him by but he created 4 green cards that were carried by 4 Marine Sergeants, Sgt Reeder Edward T., Sgt Holman Jerry D., Sgt Hayes Jason, and myself. On the cards it read Sergeants Protection Agency. These cards were just something to signify our bond as brothers along with the uniform we wore. Sgt Holman got out but the other Sgt Reeder, Sgt Hayes and myself are now All GySgt's. I will always carry this card not only to represent that bond but as another way of remembering my brother. I know he is next to
God looking down after his family and all of us of the SPA because that is what he has always done. Thanks Pete and God Bless you for everything you have given us all and what you continue to do. This Marine nor his sacrifices will ever be Forgotten.

Semper Fidelis Marine, Tobby"
Tobby Warren GySgt United States Marine Corps of Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune N.C.

"For the family of Gunnery Sgt. Edward T. Reeder, my sincerest condolences on your loss. May God give you the strength to carry through this difficult time.
CPT Troy C. Bucher - raised in Camp Verde, AZ"
CPT Bucher of Ft. Carson, CO

"To the family and friends of Gunnery Sgt. Edward T. Reeder,

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

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

"To Edward'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 Edward'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

"To the family of Edward,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Edward is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to this country. May God bless you and give you peace and comfort during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"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. For the family/friends: May time provide happy loving memories in place of present sorrows. Look to the sky for 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 Edward Reeder, 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 Gunnery Sgt. Edward Reeder:
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 Edward 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 Gunnery Sgt. Edward Reeder:
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 Edward, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia