Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I named my son after you Brendon, after finding out you passed away on the same day I found out I was having a boy! You made me feel so loved in high school protected and safe! I can never thank you enough for just being there for me."
Erica of Casper Wy

"Hey uncle reiss, my mom just sent me this link and i have read everyone one of them. it gives me so much love in my heart knowing that you impacted all of these people lives as much as you did. i never got the chance to meet you but the stories my mom tells me you seem perfect. i love you and i’m so glad that i can carry on your name. i miss you."
DeAnna Reiss Martin of United States

"Hello my dear friend. I had twin boys today, and the first one out took your name. You led by example and when I was a junior marine in our early years you showed me that a senior Marine like yourself can lead by example with a full heart.
When I became senior I always tried to keep that in my heart. I will never forget you, in a such a short period of knowing you, you had an immense impact shaping my character. Thank you. I still keep those lessons dear to my heart.

I hope that you are smiling down on us my friend.

Today on February 12, 2020 Reiss Wells S. Was born at 1150AM"
Al S. of Northford CT

"I named my son after you brother. His name is Reiss Clemons! I will never forget you!"
Courtney Clemons of Toledo Ohio

"Brendon,

To my good friend and member of my Machine gun squad. A good friend a good person, a compassionate individual, and an Outstanding Devil Dog! My only regret while we served together was not being able to tell you how far you've come and how proud you made the Machine gun Section of Charlie Weapons.
Semper Fidelis brother. We will meet again to do some more Machine Gun drills.
Your friend and brother SSGT Capello"
Dennys Capello of Queens New York

"Dearest,
Brendon, when I looked at your picture it made me stop and think about how I met you. I remember going to taco bell and you would always take our order. I thought, this kid is so well mannered and nice looking. Then one day I walked in my house with the groceries I had just bought, and you were walking down my hallway. I couldn't believe the kid from taco bell was in my house. I didn't know you had been friends with my boys until that day. I want you to know that I will never forget you and I want to thank you and your family for the sacrifice you made in the name of freedom. Thank you Brendon Reiss for giving your life so that others can be free. I had a flag flown over the Capital in your name and I have a certificate with your name on it. I just don't know how to get a hold of your mom to give it to her. Thanks again Brendon, I'll see you on the other side ."
Debra Zurn of Caper WY

"To the family of Brendon Reiss,

It's been roughly 12 years since I was at the grounds of Saddam Hospitsl where I be,I've we recovered Brendon alongside the soldiers of the 507th. I want you to know that some of the most elite forces in the Unites States Military searched for him and ultimately brought him home that night. I am incredibly grateful that you have closure. Please know that we searche long and hard and that the men that brought him home gave every bit of their soul to bring a fallen brother home. The Marines of 1/2 thought highly of him and many of us are deeply burdened that ww couldn't prevent his death. I Wear his bracelet daily and will run the 2015 a Marine Corps Marathon in his honor to raise funds for. Veterans with Team RWB so that his name will never be forgotten."
Marc Mullins of Mount Washington, KY

""To the family of Sgt. Brendon Reiss. I never knew your son, but I am the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and my Dad is buried in the same National Cemetery here in Chattanooga as Brendon is. I visit his grave site often, and have made a point of keeping flowers on his grave site. There is another local lady that also visits. We spoke one day and I asked if she was family, she wasn't, but we agreed to make sure his site always has flowers or a wreath. On December 13, 2014, it was an honor and privilege to be at the laying of the WAA wreaths ceremony and a wreath was placed on Brandon's stone..."
Shelba Coney of Dayton, TN USA

"My name is angel l. Santana, i served with brandon. Comp 1/2 2nd mar div. There is not a day that goes by with out me thinking of our time in the corp, my heart goes out to all the family and friends, he is a great man and will live for ever as long as he is in our memories"
angel of worcester, mass.

"I wore your bracelet I purchased as a Mia solider to pray for.... and then life went on and
I put it in a drawer... Today I found it and went looking for you to see if you we're ever found....My heart broke as I found this site .Now I will pray for your family,friends who were truly blessed to have known such a beautiful sole ."
Kathleen of Lake Stevens, WA

"The years have gone by yet again! Who would have thought I would have married a service member my self after all the intent discussions we had about you not joining back in the day. Maturity and life has its values not easily found young. I have talked to you you often in the passing years, especially when I knew things were getting blown up at my husbands base down range and I had no contact with him. As always, such a sweet heart, you watched over him and made explosives miss time and time again. No more deployments now, but I thank you and miss you bro!"
Tiana Shoupe of Fort Stewart GA USA

"I have been wearing your bracelet for several years now, everyday remembering the sacrifice you gave so all Americans are free."
Lisa Nelsen of Virginia

"Devil Dog, I wear your bracelet for the past 5 years everyday. Never forgotten."
Sgt. Dunne of Nashville, TN

"To your family I'm sorry it took me this long to reach you but as the day approaches to the anniversary I realize it's been nine years Brandon was a good friend to me and the world is a lesser place without him. I was there when it all went down and I could not believe it when I found out my deepest condolence and hope one day to meet you guys and Brandon's kid too.."
Sgt Jose Cotto of Oyster bay. New york

"thanks for the yakisoba. you will be missed"
jeremy fields of baltimore md

"Thinking of you Reiss. Semper Fi brother!"
Cpl Matty of Caribou, ME

"I wanted to pay my respects to the family of Brendon C. Reiss. I was visiting Chattanooga today and saw the Chattanooga National Cemetery and the flags that were flowing so gently as it nears the weekend of July 4th. It was a beautiful day and I looked and noticed his resting place beneath the tree with the flowers. I was drawn by seeing the true impact of this war and the lost of such a young life. There can be no braver individual that the one that is sent to a foreign land on a call of duty to serve his country. Standing at the grave site, my heart aches for his family. I just wanted to let you know I have the highest respect for him and all his loved ones. He will forever be an American Hero. I read the book the "Final Salute" and my heart aches for those that have been impacted. It is our duty as citizens to remember that he paid the ultimate price."
Elle Mott of Lyerly, Ga

"great guy and great marine, we served together in the same battalion for 4 years. semper fi..cpl Bross"

"I knew Brendon when he was a student at NCHS. I know some time has passed since his death, but I just wanted his friends and family to know he will never be forgotten. God Bless"
Jeff Jelskey of Casper, Wyoming/USA

"It's been a long while my friend but i have finally found you again! I am crying now though i have known you have passed for some time. I'll never forget your brotherhood eventhough I was the only girl. Sheila misses you too! I'll always be your sister of circumstance, Tiana"
Tiana of Anhorage, AK

"”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 the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,100 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!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
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
Projectcompassion@manti.com"
Project Compassion = Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"I tell my son every year on this day why his first name Is Reiss. We all miss you Brother and you will never be forgotten"
SGT. Clemons, Courtney of Bowling Green ,Ohio

"I put a day aside on a recent vacation from Chicago to Chattanooga National Cemetery. As I walked along the grounds of this hollowed place something drew me near Sgt Reiss' Grave. When I found it I sat there and and for some reason was mesmerized. I had thought I sat there 10, maybe 15 minutes when my wife finally came to retrieve me 1 and a half hours later.She found me sobbing uncontrolably . I had never met you Sgt Reiss though I certainly wish I had had the fortune.Yet I left your resting place feeling I had known you forever. Your body rests in a beautiful place and Im sure your spirit is more than alive in many people and places. I know it will be in mine. God rest you Sgt and thank you for the scarifice you made "manning the wall""
Ssgt Thomas Murphy USMCR of Roselle Il

"I am a Marine still today. I was recieved by the then Lance Corporal Reiss on November 22, 2000. I would become a machine gunner in his squad. If you were here today I would tell you that I am who I am because of you. It saddens me that you were taken and I would have rathered it be me. You have made an impact on the Marine I have become and I hope that I have lived up to your standards and that I lead my Marines as a positive reflection of you. I wear your KIA bracelet everyplace. My fiancee and I have agreed to name our kids after you. Thanks so much for all you have done for me. Fare winds and following seas.

Sergeant Thomas Brown, USMC"
Tom Brown of Camp Lejeune, NC

"May 22, 2007
To the family of Brendon C. Reiss. Brendon 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

"There is nothing but pride for you, and your actions will not be forgotten. Each Marine sheds tears everytime we must loose another member of our family to the Lords Guard... But we also feel the pride. God Bless Brother, your day is done, Rest in Peace. -- Semper Fi"
Chuck Diaz USMC (Ret) of Kansas City, KS

"To Brendon's loving family,
My son Eric and I had the honor of having Brendon live with us while he attended NC High School. Many times he would sit and talk while I made cookies for all the boys. You'll remember them, Scotty, Ben, and Ryan. Eric's and my hearts will never heal, but we will always pray for you so your pain lessens. We have never met his wife, but knowing Brendon he loved her very much. I am sure he watches over her. I pray every day and thank God He allowed Brendon to be a part of our lives. We miss you son. Love in your memory."
Sheila L. Schlueter of Greenville, NC/USA

"To Brendon's Dad,

I just saw the memorial posted in our paper today (03/23/07) and it made me want to cry with sadness for you and your loss, but also for the pride you must feel for having such a wonderful son, a son who gave his all for not just you, but for all of us. I will make sure my four kids see this today and know what a true hero is.

Congratulations Dad on raising such a good boy, who became a man. Your loss is deep. I am sorry."
Mark Johnson of Port Angeles, WA

"To the family of:Brendon C. Reiss 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"

"Brendon,
I would like to say thank you to you and all the other Marines from the 2nd MEB who were killed at An Nasiriyah that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"happy veterans day bro!!! we all love you and miss you."
mike welch of iraq

"resses, i will never forget you brother!!!!!!"
mike welch of casper/wy iraq sec tour

"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

"Family and friends of Brendon Reiss, please accept our gratitude and appreciation as the war's 3rd year begins. The contribution and sacrifice is tremendous and America is fortunate to have such brave citizens."
Ronald L. Carlson of Montrose, MN, USA

"To the family of Sgt. Brendon Reiss. I never knew your son but am the widow of a VietNam Marine. My husband is buried in the same National Cemetary here in Chattanooga as Brendon is.I visit his gravesite often. After reading Sgt. Reiss's family is all out of state, I have made a point of keeping flowers on his gravesite. I can't imagine the pain you must feel from the loss of your son, but I hope this gives you some comfort in knowing his gravesite is attended to. There is another local lady that also visits. We spoke one day and she ask if I was family. I said "no, I would be proud to have a son , daughter, or husband over there now,BUT each day I thank God I don't." We agreed to make sure his site always has flowers or a wreath. The lest we can do.

Sgt. Reiss, Rest in Peace. You are in good company up there guarding the gates of heaven ."
Barbara Stander of Chattanooga, Tn.

"Brendon,
The whole country is proud of you and will never forget what you gave for us. The US Marines lost a great man as well as the world. I hope that your mom "Angie" and your sister "lindsey" are ok. You with out a doubt you are missed by all those who knew you. Fallen but not Forgoten! ---"TJ Smith"
TJ Smith of Hanna, WY / Tampa, FL

"Brendon was a close friend of mine while he went to school in Hanna but lost touch when he moved to Casper. During the time that I knew him he was a very dedicated gentleman to everything he encountered. And, I know that he was a very dedicated gentleman to the men he fought with and died for during his time of heroism as a United States Marine. I say the word heroism because that is just what he accomplished, he fulfilled a high purpose with a noble end. Those who knew him will always think of him and miss him. Even in his absence he will continue to touch others lives and set an example the way he did when he was still with us."
Tiffany (Faber) Olson of Rawlins, Wyoming

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"I am a 7th grader and I am going to tell you with no
doubt that you should be proud that you raised such a brave boy."
7th grade student of Barker Middle School

"I am so honored to have had Brendon as a part of our family! Brendon was married to my neice, Tensley. They were such a loving couple, so full of life and big plans for the future. I will always treasure the times they spent at my home for holiday cookouts and he would also help me hang the American flag the "proper" way. His smile was so beautiful, that when you saw it, you couldn't help but smile too. You could see the love he had for Tensley by the way he looked at her and he would just glow.
Brendon was a dedicated marine and truly believed in what he was fighting for and in our country. He was proud to be a Marine Sargent and took great pride in his works and his troop. Sometimes when he would be abroad, we would email back and forth, I never knew that just "anyone" on board could read the emails, but it didn't matter. What we had to say wasn't secret. I always let him know how much he was loved, missed and how proud we all were of him. When he would come home, we would all have Sunday dinners at my parents home, a tradition in our family. Brendon loved those times,and enjoyed seeing Grammy and Grandaddy, and the rest of the family.
When he first met Tensley, he would drive 400 miles each way, each weekend to see her, from Camp LeJeune, NC to Calhoun, GA - he did that until they were married about a year later.
Now when I think of Brendon, which is very often, I think of him with great pride and am truly honored that he gave the ultimate sacrifice for OUR FREEDOMS that he and I (and all Americans) hold dear and true. There just aren't enough words to describe this wonderful person!
It has been a year now since we buried Brendon, and it has been very, very hard on both families, as we still miss him so dearly. We have just been advised by the military that Brendon will be receiving some type of medal of honor for his heroic deeds. Even though he was badly wounded, his main concern was for his "men", and he died saving all those he could at An Nasiriyah. He is truly a HERO in every sense of the word.
It touches my heart to read all the messages left on this website and the items left at his gravesite from other people, mostly people that never knew him. How amazing!
I wish people could know the Brendon that I knew and still love.
Brendon - we will always love and remember you, you are our HERO!
Love always,
Aunt Mel

If you can email from heaven, my email hasn't changed sweetie! And I know you hear our talks and prayers even today:) You are now our "Guardian" from above."
Melodie Aultman-Morris of Cleveland, TN

"In loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Marine!! SEMPER FI!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"Sgt Brendon Reiss,
It's been more than a year since you've been gone but I hope you know that we still remember...you are not forgotten. I want to thank you for everything you were and the sacrifice you made so that so many could live free. Many more have made the ultimate sacrifice in the last year and we continue to think of all of you with love and gratitude. I hope that the passing time has helped to heal your family's and your friends' pain. Please watch over the troops still over there. You will always be my hero."
SSgt Dominique Atkins of Offutt AFB, NE

"We Will NEVER FORGET !" As the first anniversary of the death of your loved one arrives;
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Brendon , will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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

"To the family of Brendon Reiss:
My deepest sympathy and condolences to you. From a fellow Wyoming native to another, your son's sacrifice for the greatest military in the world will never be forgotten. I competed with Brendon in high school sports and remembered him when I saw his name. You should be so proud of your son and his commitment in our country's endless campaign to ensure freedom everywhere. I am so very thankful to Brendon and to your family for allowing me and others his age the opportunity to live free and in peace every day of our lives. Please know that your son's sacrifice and others' like his in this war effort will be remembered by so many. My prayers are with your family."
Sean Stanga of Cody, WY

"Rest in eternal peace brave soldier!"
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To the family:
Marine Sgt. Brendon C. Reiss will not be forgotten!
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in your sorrow.
May God's love and peace be with you."
Pat and Sandi B of Montana

"Thank you Brendon Reiss, 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

"I knew your son. I am so sorry. I am even sorrier to be so impersonal in saying my condolences this way. I was your sons Platoon Commander when he was a Private. He was always so eager to do well and always ready to do his job. I left 1/2 and he stayed; when I returned he had been made a Sgt and a Rifle Platoon Guide. This was unusual because he was a machine gunner, but they had sent him to Infantry Squad Leaders School and he had done really well. Then when they had a Platoon that needed some strong leadership and Reiss having that strong leadership, he was the obvious choice. We talked alot on ship,(USS Ponce) and even though he did not smoke he was always good for a cigarette and a laugh. We would usually talk about Marines we knew or home, but it usually came down to his one greatest fear. Not being able to re-enlist in the Marine Corps. If he could of seen himself as others had seen him, he would of realized how he need not worry. I remember before we left for Iraq, he was always serious, but always good for a smile. My heart goes out to you, again I am so sorry. He was a great man and a great Marine."
Jason Doran of Dallas Texas

"Semper Fi"

"Dear Family and loved ones of Sgt. Brendon Reiss, I did not know Sgt. Reiss personally but I am deeply grateful for the role he has played in my life and what he has given as well as all of you for me and for my children's future. There are no words to express that. With my deepest sympathy and love and gratitude,"
Christine Eberle of Labadie, Missouri

"I hope you are able to take some comfort in the fact that Brendon's sacrifice has so profoundly benefited so many lives. My deepest sympathy and sincerest thanks. God Bless"
Gracie of Idaho

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Brendon Reiss:
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 Brendon 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 Sgt. Brendon Reiss:
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 Brendon, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"To the family of Marine Sgt. Brendon C. Reiss
I am so sorry for your loss. When I saw your son was from Wyoming it really hit home. I am from Rock Springs myself. I know the Lord is looking over your son and has taken him home. God bless you and yours."
Andrea of Ft Benning, GA

"Thank you for your bravery. Many are free because of you."
Nancy of Ocala FL