Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Cpl Renahan, you will never be forgotten!I pray for peace and comfort for your family and friends! I think of you and Sgt Nolte often. May your soul rest in peace! I know you are guarding the streets of heaven! I will see you again my brother! OOO-RAAH Semper Fi"
SgtMaj Rethage of Mentor on the Lake, Ohio.

"I haven't forgotten you old friend. I remember our time together at FOB Kalsu like it was yesterday. RIP and Semper Fi brother."
GySgt Mike McElyea of Okinawa Japan

"God bless Kyle Renehan! Since I lived next door to you I remember when you were born Such a beautiful and loving little boy. Always had a smile on your face and enjoying life. I will always remember you and your family and will always remember you knocking on my door asking me if I had any big pennies. He loved when I gave him quarters. I know you are smiling in Heaven with this great accomplishment of The Renehan House. God took you way too early but I guess because you are so special"
Josie Armiger of Ellicott City, Md

"Up thinking about Kyle although I only knew him for a short period of time his memory still lives on. He was loved by many. R.I.P brother"
Jessica Hicks of North Carolina

"I wrote to this page, a very long time ago, letting you know I received Kyle's name on a hero bracelet, probably early 2005. Its still on my wrist as of today. I was just sitting here and thinking of him, wondering what he looked like, put a face to a name. Just wanted to let you know a perfect stranger has worn this bracelet for 9 years now and is not forgotten. I am ironically married to a soldier now, he is off again deployed, and I hope Kyle will look out for him. Family/friends are welcome to email me, ryannet at ymail dot com."
ryanne of fort drum, ny

"To the family and friends of CPL Kyle Renehan please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Your son is still thought about to this day and will always hold a place in my heart and mind. I did not know him personally but offered The Lord's comfort with your son as another Marine and I carried Kyle on a liter to a Humvee that fateful day in November. I road along side him in the back as we drove to a nearby Battalion Aid Station. I'm a Religious Program Specialist (Chaplain's Assistant) in the Navy and was cross-assigned to MSSG-24 back in 2004-2005. Now I'm deployed in Afghanistan to continue to serve our country and fellow brothers and sisters in arms. Please accept my gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice Kyle made for serving. God Bless & Semper Fi!"
Matthew Becker of Powder Springs, GA

"To the family of:Kyle J.Renehan
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 of Cpl Kyle J. Renehan. No words could express or take away the hurt of losing a son. I hope that you can take pride in knowing that this fine young man has had an everlasting impact on the Marines around him. I never knew Kyle personally, but I saw first-hand the impression that he made on those around him. We have the FOB Kasul sign dedicating the airfield to Cpl Renehan in our ATC ready room and we dedicated that room to our fallen warrior. His sacrifice has inspired others to greatness and whether it's as simple as remodeling a room or putting a team together for another charity race, Kyle's and your sacrifice has instilled a sense of purpose and pride into the Marines that knew him best.
I'm sorry for your loss.
May God Bless you and keep you."
Captain R. Travis Beeson USMC of NS Great Lakes, Il (formerly MCAS Cherry Point, NC)

"On this Memorial Day I was looking online for information about Kyle, who worked for me in Iraq when he was fatally wounded in Nov. of 2004. In early March of 2005, two days before I left FOB Kalsu and we turned the airfield over to the Army, I named the airfield after him. I hung a sign on the ATC tower where he had worked as an Air Traffic Controller. A photo of it is my current Facebook profile photo if you want to see it. Semper Fi."
LtCol Bob Stephenson, Airboss, FOB Kalsu, OIF 2-2. of Woodbury, MN

"Thanks for your heart felt words, which have touched us all deeply. I promise to contact as many of you as possible. Your words have inspired, consoled, comforted, and uplifted us, while illuminating the essence of Kyle. Again, thanks from Kyle's Uncle Bugsy and Kyle's entire family."
Bugsy Renehan of Dickerson Md

"I can't believe it has been over 4 years since I last saw Kyle. He was all smiles on that fateful day in November. Cracking a joke before heading off to send messages home to his family. Not a days goes by that I don't wish I could have known to stop him or keep him at the tower a little longer. I have never met someone who has left a bigger impression on my heart. He was a friend to everyone, the person in the unit that brought the unit together. I have told everyone I know about what an awesome person he was and every Dec 9th I celebrate his memory. If anyone from his family reads this please contact me at csmit151@odu.edu."
Curtis Smith of Norfolk, VA

"December 7, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Kyle J. Renehan:
Kyle 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

"I had the privlidge of serving with kyle on a daily basis. We got along good both being from pa. Kyle was a funny kid, his stories still replay in my mind on a daily basis. The day he was hit by the cowardly enemy attack, we were having a catch during a break in flight opps. Shortly after kyle and barry went to the computer lab to send some messages home, that was the last time i seen kyle. I still have his baseball glove in my possession witch i hold very dear to my heart and protect with my life. I havent ever made contact with his family, for reasons i dont know. I know there isnt a day it dosent cross my mind, its been several years and i think i may be ready to deal with some feelings that have been tucked away. as i sit and write this entry tears are being held back because that day i felt so helpless and angry, and weak that it has been impossible to deal with on occasions. to complete this entry i would like to leave my e mail address ericci2@yahoo.com. if his family reads this and would like to have his glove, i am ready to part with it, im sorry it didnt happen sooner."
Ernie Ricci of collegeville , pa

"I knew Kyle at Cherry Point. He was a Good Marine, and a Good Friend. I'm a better person having known Kyle. You could always count on him for a good laugh on a bad day. We all miss you Brother. Semper Fi!

"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll Die Today!""
Kevin Roberts SGT USMC of Austin Texas

"Words will never express what kind of marine, friend, and brother you where you are still and always will be held in our hearts from cherry point, kalsu, and around the world much love and respect you are missed."
Sgt. Sanders Adam J of Quantico, Va

"You'll never meet a nicer guy. I rarely saw him without a smile on his face. I spoke to him only minutes before the attack on our internet/phone tent. I helped load some of the guys on the Blackhawks. I never thought that would be the last time that I would see him. That's a day that I will never forget. Those of us at FOB Kalsu know that days like this one were all too common. Kyle always provided a needed laugh during some harsh times and on days when very few of us felt like laughing. I'll never be able to say enough good things about this Marine. I consider it an honor to have known and served with such an exceptional person. You are missed, Kyle."
Matt Wylie of Frankfort, IN

"Kyle-

I was in the same attack in the tent on November 29th 2004 and was medevaced to Germany with you and stood by your bed in the ICU while in the CSH in B-dad. You were right next to me when we got hit but I never knew you but I did spend some time with your brother who was flown in from Fallujah and spent time by your bed in both B-dad and Germany.

I feel alot of pain when I think about you passing and not me because I was closer to the mortar then you were. I hope God is taking care of you and I will always remember that day, you and your brother.

If Kyle's brother is reading this please email me at andrewsteiner8@gmail.com.

To the Renehan family- I hope I can speak with you and let you know that the entire unit loved your son and how much of a respected Marine he was.

Love,

Andrew Steiner, CPL FMR/USMC"

"I still think of you and miss you dearly. You are and always will be my biggest hero."
Megan of Atlanta, GA

"Kyle: You were one of our country's best. You displayed great valor."
Edward J. Renehan Jr. of Wickford, RI

"I came across this page by accident, looking up family names. The messages moved me that I wanted to leave a message to kyles family. It is only when you read the words of loved ones does that person become so real. To his parents and family I send my condolences, to his friends still serving, may your god protect you and keep you safe"
Sarah of Ireland

"My wife and I were in Pensacola, FL for our daughters graduation from Air Traffic Controllers School. She made a point of introducing me to Kyle, for she knew he and I were OAHS Alumni, he the class of 2001, mine of 1956. I was only in his presence for a couple of minutes so I only knew him as a "Marine," one that has now paid the ultimate price for the freedom we all enjoy every day. Thank you Mr. and Mrs Renehan for your sacrifice is great, may God ease the burden of your loss. Semper Fi."
Wade Anderson of West Chester, PA USA

"To the family of Cpl Kyle Renehan.
My name is Master Sergeant James Cafarella. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you all. I served with Kyle at FOB Kalsu. Please know that I think of him daily. I was with him the day he was injured. He was a great American and a fine young man. I know you are proud of him and coming from a man who served with him...you should be. Please feel free to contact me at the below e-mail addresses:
kcafarella@panhandle.rr.com
or
james.cafarella@navy.mil

Semper Fi"
James Cafarella of Pensacola,Florida/USA

"I Remember Kyle as a young boy growing up in a small community called Elkridge,MD. He was my son Michael Hornzells friend, and I as Michaels father remember taking him to an Orioles baseball game. He was as I remember him a fine young man.My son Michael and I will never forget him. I remember fondly of how appreciative he was to have taken him to the game."
Edward J Hornzell of Laurel, MD

"I Remember Kyle as a young boy growing up in a small community called Elkridge,MD. He was my son Michael Hornzells friend, and I as Michaels father remember taking him to an Orioles baseball game. He was as I remember him a fine young man.My son Michael and I will never forget him. I remember fondly of how appreciative he was to have taken him to the game."
Edward J Hornzell of Laurel, MD

"Before I posted that my husband Sgt. Nicholas Nolte was on the USS Kearsarge with Kyle, and was also killed. Recently I went through my husband's duffel bags sent home from Iraq shortly after he passed away. I opened a notebook Nick had and discovered that he in fact worked with Kyle. My email is melinanolte@yahoo.com. I have some pics from Camp Kalsu and from the area. I don't know if you have any or would be interested but if you are I'd be happy to share."
Melina Nolte of Cherry Point, NC

"I love you and miss you so much. The world defines a hero as one who is admired and looked up to for outstanding qualities and achievements, and somebody who commits an act of remarkable bravery, and has shown great courage and strength of character. For the rest of my life I will define the word hero as Kyle."
Savannah O'Toole Renehan of College Park, MD

"I wanted to let the family of Kyle J. Renehan know that I ordered a hero bracelet (www.herobracelets.com) and recieved one with his name on it. I wear it proudly, and send you my deepest condolences. --ryanne

ambuminou@hotmail.com"
ryanne of southampton, ma

"my best friend and hero.. miss u more everyday!"

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

"Kyle, my hero. You were my best friend and my first love. I have a message for you sitting in my outbox to this day. I think about you every day and wish that I could have had one last chance to tell you what you meant to me. I miss you."
of Philadelphia, PA

"Kyle you will be missed. You were thier for me when I needed a friend when all alone. I miss you buddy and can't wait to see you again knowing you will always be by my side no matter what cause thats the person you are"

"To the family of Kyle Renehan,
I am truely saddened at the loss of Kyle. I served with him and the 24th MEU during their work ups. I was one of three Navy Air Traffic Controllers assigned to the MEU. I spent his 21st birthday with him and spent many nights talking to him about home and all of his future plans. I am very proud to have served with him and will always remember him as a true hero. His memory fills me with pride and the honor that comes to mind when I speak about a MARINE. He was as dedicated to the Corp as he was his family. He will be sadly missed but never for gotten. As a Navy man I rarely say this, only because I am not a marine, however Kyle Semper Fi and God Bless."
Air Traffic Controlman 2nd Class Kyle A. Benson of Virginia Beach, VA

"I want to express my deepest sympathies to the Renehan family. I am a Marine currently 30 yards from where Cpl Renehan used to work in the tower. Although I never had the chance to meet him, I heard he was never without a smile. Well I can tell you his smile has not been forgotten even though it is missed. Semper Fidelis and God bless."
anon marine of iraq

"To Kyle's family,
I'm so sorry. My husband, Sgt. Nicholas Nolte, was on the USS Kearsarge with him, and was also killed. I read about Kyle and cried. He seemed like a great person that a lot of people loved."
Melina Nolte of Cherry Point, NC

"For your service thank you
To your family
God Bless you and hold you always close in this time. For your great sacrifice I thank you. Please know Kyle's heroism and passing has touched so many you do not know.
God Bless You all."
jas

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these guys as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace Kyle, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest."
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"Jim, Theresa, Chris, and Spence: I've already sent you a condolence card, but found this opportunity to again tell you how proud I am of Kyle, serving his country as the best--a United States Marine. He joins a long list of American patriots who all realized they might have to make the ultimate sacrifice. Now, he watches over all his Marine buddies and can put in a good word for them above. With his help, we'll get all our men and women home safe and soon. Kyle, put a good word in for my "adopted" Marine too; he's with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in Basra. Someday, we'll all shake your hand and say "thanks." Chris, you take care too. Semper Fi, buddies."
Ted Cagley of Pontiac, Illinois

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

"Thank you Kyle for the gift of freedom you so proudly defended for us all. You will be thought of each day we raise our flag in the front yard. Semper Fi Marine. From a grateful American family"
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"To the family: You know I'll always be there for you. Rain or shine, sleet or snow...I'm just a phone call and a few hours away.

To the LCU: Live well, live strong, and remember always. We lost a brother but gained an angel. We have to stick together through everything and care for everyone just as Kyle did.

To Kyle: My Gym partner, my friend, my brother...you will forever live on in my mind and heart. I'm excited for you and all the others that will join you. I can't wait to see you and guard those gates for the rest of eternity. Much love and appreciation for all you did for me. I love you buddy, "LCU FOREVER!!!""
Brandon Strasler of Cherry Point, NC

"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 and friends of Corporal Kyle J. Renehan,

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

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