Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I was the one that pulled him from the vehicle after the attack. I didn't know him before that day but have never forgotten him since that day. Sorry I haven't posted before, but I know his wife understands. I would like her to know it was quick and painless. I thought they were ok in the cab but when climbed up into the cab I shook him he didn't respond. I pulled him out onto the ground and called for the medics since I knew he was hit because... Well I wish I had known this man who I have thought about almost every day since. I wish his family the best and so sorry for your loss. If you ever want to talk my email is David.l.abernathy2.mill@mail.mil."
SFC Abernathy, David of Raleigh, NC

"I remember that night in Karbala too. It's been 7 years and it seems like yesterday.
You'll always be remembered brother. Got you on my wall to help with that, you can thank SSG A for that one."
Hudelson (Served with him and on the convoy ) of Savannah (HAAF), GA

"Although this comes many years later, I was present at his memorial many years before and I am remembering him to this day. I was part of the folklorico group, Itzamna, in the city of Westminster and remember Victor in my thoughts every Memorial Day. To this day, I carry his image and picture in my mind as I come across the many flags waving in the air. I felt his presence as I searched through the many paintings at the Arlingtion National Cemetery in Virgina and found his staring me in the face. I was there in Virginia because of our school field trip to Washington DC. I am still grateful to this day for his bravery and love he had for his country. Thank you Victor! Your spirit carries on! I continue to memorialize him as an honored soldier in my classroom while I teach. I am truly grateful."
Mi Linda V. of Westminster, California/ 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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"To Sandra Rosales and little Victor,
My name is SSG Mejia. I served with SSG Rosales (EL Wapo)in Iraq and he was a brother to me. My wife and I think of you and Little Victor so much. I can not watch Matrix Reloaded, because I will break down in tears. Please contact us at. (559) 301-9278"
SSG Mejia of CA

"April 18, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Victor A. Rosales-Lomeli:
Victor 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

"When I met this Ranger,
he was already in his death bed.
As I approached his honorable coffin
to salute him,
I saw something
that that will forever stay with me.
I will continue to do my best
to honor your memory SSGT Rosales.
I will not forget your sacrifice.

And to your son and wife Sandra.
I'm here on stand by to stand by,
as I always have been.
So if you ever need anything,
please locate me.


Your Semper Fidelis
Devil Dog
1st Gulf War Era
Speaking Eagle A. Madrigal
SemperFiEagle6@aol.com"
Speaking Eagle Madrigal of Santa Ana, California, USA

"I offer my sincere condolences to the family of SSG Victor Rosales-Lomeli. I am the Orange County coordinator for Home of the Brave Quilts. We are a grassroots group dedicated to making a quilt honoring each of America’s fallen heroes and presenting it to the immediate family. For more information about our group, visit our national website www.homeofthebravequilts.com. If a friend or relative can help me contact the immediate family of SSG Rosales-Lomeli, please email me at teriquilts@earthlink.net. Thank you for your help
Terisa Edwards,
Home of the Brave Quilts coordinator for
Kern, Orange and San Diego Counties, California""
of Tehachapi, CA

"I just want Sandra and Baby Victor to Know that i miss Victor so much he is always in my heart . I will always remember the time we had together especailly all the visits to his moms house and when he would take me to eat mariscos. I carry the picture of him and i in my wallet we took together at my wedding. Victor was and still is my bestfriend . Sandra please call if you get a chance 915-412-4444 love always Roberto Calderon"
Roberto Calderon JR of El Paso Texas

"Victor,

Hey roomate!!! It was nice seeing you in BNCOC back in 2002. I was crushed when I found out that you were gone. I still am. I am proud to have served with you in Korea and in Ft. Irwin. You were a great friend and I value that so much. My family was glad to have met you as well. Sandra, if you need anything let me know lee.ingle@us.army.mil I have some old videos of me and Victor in Korea. As Victor said in training one day "KLATTABOOM"!!!!!"
Sergeant First Class Lee Ingle of Arizona

"I first met Rosales when he showed up to our unit Dco 2-8INF 4th Infantry Division in Fort Hood in 95. When we met, it was an instant friendship. We were both happy to have met someone else that spoke spanish and loved the vaquero (quebradita) music that was in at the time. I remember Rosales famous words "arre, hechale ganas" and that is what this brave man did. When we would run in company formation, it wasn't enough to be in the front, he actually was the guideon. Our LT. loved Rosales because he was the only one who could match the LT in running. When we went to Ft. Irwin for NTC rotation, my parents came to see me and Rosales was there with me greeting my parents. He was adored....We kept in contact for a couple of years after I left the service in 98. He sent me a picture of him with his Ranger bros. then all contact was lost. It wasn't until Sunday May 25,2008 that I discovered that my friend/compadre had fallen in combat. I am so proud of Victor for all of his accomplishments and I will always have him and his family in my prayers. ARRE FAMILIA ROSALES, HECHALE GANAS...amigo por siempre Miguel "Bandido" Alejandro.( P.O.Box 63045 L.A. CA 90063)"
Miguel Alejandro of East Los Angeles, CA

"To the family of my friend, Victor:
I just want to say that you are in my mind and prayers and wish your family the best. The soldier that I remember you by is the one I helped train back when we were in Ft. Irwin. You will always be the good friend that would always be willing to help with anything. I will never know how you were able to get me and my family into that bullfighting ring in Tijuana but I have that picture of you and I there that will always remind me of that great person you were. I have no doubt that you continued to strive to be that great soldier and person as I knew you always would be. To Sandra, I didn't get to know you very well as I only talked to you on few occassions. I hope that you and little Victor are well and wish you and your family the best. I will never forget you."
Alex Alcantar - former Sqd Leader of Sacramento, CA

"To the family of:Victor A. Rosales Lomeli 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"

"Well almost 3 years now. I was with you in Kosovo and part of Iraq. Thanks for everything you tought me. Your were a great NCO. My love to your family."
Spc Robert Bray of San Marcos Ca

"condolences to rosales's family . i had th pleasure of knowing him and going to school with him in tijuana . unfortunately , i lost contact with him . he was a great human being and it reflects in his achievements . although we lost connection im sure he still was and is that humble man i once met ."
Maria de Jesus of tijuana , bc

"To the many soldiers that served at one time or another with SSG Victor A. Rosales Lomeli and SGT Sandra A. Rosales, to our friends from High School, to our teachers, to our friends in Tijuana, to our friends in the world, and to our families. I thank you for all you sheared with Victor because you help form the amazing man he became. I thank you for the notes of comfort left for me and for our son; I read them all. Victor was a kid of hearth who lived his life to the fullest. He was borne to be a warrior, no duty was too difficult and always found a reason to make a joke and make others laugh. He was an honest, brave, hard-core, loyal leader who led by example. To him there were no obstacles in life as every day was an opportunity to make the world a better place. Victor found the time to assist in time of need and always had the right words of advice. He was the Macho type with cowboy boots who was never too proud to say I love you, write a poem, sing a love song, or spend countless hours decorating a Valentines Day Card to the Love of his life. All the stories he shared with many of you about his married life are true, not a fight in five years of marriage. His wife Sandra and son Victor Gabriel were the only and uppermost in his hearth and mind; I know this, because I am and will always be his wife. I can share with you that he walk the desert and cross the ocean for me. I can share that he got his Ranger Tab to give it to me as Christmas present. Before he left to his last mission he said “I can die now since I have accomplish all I wanted in life, my dream job, my son, and true happiness by your side” He was a true soldier of God who accomplished his mission and returned home to the Lord. When we got married we said until dead due us part. I tell you now until eternity due as part because dead is not enough. He wanted to write a book with his theory about human evolution and a guide for all man to know the secrets of how to make weman fall in love, but he is going to have to settle for a love story writing through the eyes of a woman in love. To honor him, I ask you to live your life to the fullest, reach true happiness, be proud to be who you are, and share a prayer for out troop. It has being two difficult years; however I am still in uniform and still standing for him and for our son. We send blessings to all your and your families now and always."
Sandra A. Rosales of Los Alamitos, CA

"To whom it may concern,
I realize this is not the appropriate place to post this and ask it be stricken once I find the owner of this bracelet. I found a memorial bracelet for Victor A. Rosales at Lake Martin near Alexander City, AL. With the exception of "-Lomeli" in the name, the information on the bracelet fits Mr. Rosales information exactly. I'm sure the owner would like to have it back as it appears very well worn for a two year old bracelet. I tried contacting the Army at Fort Benning but they believed that the bracelet was perhaps a "tour of duty" bracelet belonging to a now retired Victor Rosales. I've tried contacting that person with no luck and really don't believe that is the case anyway. The bracelet has a 04-13-04 stamped on it and I would not think a "tour of duty" bracelet would single out one day.

If you have lost this bracelet, please contact me at topdowntr6@charter.net or call me at 205 991 8999 so I can mail it to you.
Sincerely,
Steve Nabors"
Steve Nabors of Birmingham, AL

"Well Victor, it has almost been two years since that night outside Karbala. I think about you and pray for your family all the time.Everyone I know knows what a great soldier you were and what a privilege it was to serve with you. I will never forget that night when I heard that it was you who had been hit."
SSG Kevin Kirby of Ponchatoula, La

"I LOVE MY COUSIN SO MUCH!!! I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM.. HE ALWAYS HAD A MESSAGE FOR ME THANK YOU VICTOR...
LOVE, LILY MARTINEZ"
LILY Martinez of EL MONTE, CALIFORNIA, USA

"Our heroes die so others may live--no honor is greater. There is a special place in eternity reserved for them. I wish peace upon the family as they endure their longsuffering. Victor, we share last last names---my heart palpitated when I saw my last name on the screen. Brother and unknown family member, you are in my prayers. From one veteran to another, from one Sgt to another, I salute you. If I am deemed worthy, when I see you I wish to shake your hand and say thank you for sacrificing your future so that we can keep ours."
Xavier Lomeli (former SSgt, USAF Security Police) of Pinon Hills, Ca

"Please accept my deepest sympathy for the Rosales-Lomeli family. My name is Clancy DeVries and I paint portraits of fallen Heroes and work with Kaziah Hancock as a participating artist on "Project Compassion" Please go to web sight www.heropaintings.com. You can review my paintings on page 3. All portraits of Heroes are painted in oils and are free of charge. My phone number and address is listed on the web sight or on google under my name. Please call me. God bless you."
Clancy DeVries of Newport Beach, CA.

"To Sandra and little Victor
I can only say great things of Victor who I met in Korea. We had only been friends for about 2 weeks and I ets but to after 5 years he came down to see us. That a great friend who did anything for anyone.I have a memorial for him in my home with the infantry license plate he gave me.God bless you and your family."
Antonio R Contreras of Balmorhea Texas

"DEEPLY SADDEN FOR YOUR LOST. VICTOR TRUELY, IS A HERO! HOWEVER, HE IS MORE THEN JUST A HERO! YOU KNOWN THAT MORE THEN ANYONE. YET, HE HAS TOUCHED MANY LIVES OVER THE YEARS AND WITH THE MILITARY. AN ALL WILL MISS HIM DEARLY! ALTHOUGH, OUR SON VERY MENTION VICTOR. I'M SURE BOTH CROSSED PATHS IN VESLICK AND IRAQ. GOD BLESS!"
leonard t. wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Sergeant Rosales-Lomeli, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"God Bless you Victor. You are a true american hero. My husband and I were stationed in Vilseck germany also. I never knew you or your family but god bless you."
Cara and Chevis Musselman of Florida/ Iraq

"To Sandra; Victor's wife:
I will never forget the time you and Victor came to my house, first because that is the last time I saw Victor, and second because I regret very deeply not thanking you both for your service on that occasion. Even though it was a very short visit, it was a very pleasent one. I heard the news that both of you had been deployed from my brother Guillermo (Victor's best friend), I was sad that I did not get to talk to Victor or you before you left. I wanted so much to wish you well but you were gone by the time I learned of your deployment. None the less, I want you to know that I have so much respect and admiration for what you do, and for what Victor did. I know that wherever he is, he knows how much we miss him and how proud he makes all of us high school friends, teachers and everyone else who knew him. We lost Victor Angel, but he will live forever in the little Angel he left behind (baby Victor), and in our hearts. Our prayers are with all the Rosales family."
Arturo A. Vega of Hesperia Ca

"Your courage and valor have been proven before the eyes of many men. God gave you a heart that touch the lfe of many. You shared so much with us that will be never forgotten. May God strenghten the family of Victor Rosleslomeli, his Wife Sandra and son Victor Gabriel. He, who gave his life for his adopted country, has showed many immigrants how great this nation is. God Bless you all of you soldiers who serve and protect this nation from evil forces.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all family and friends."
Victors' Teacher Jesus Rios of Santa Ana, California

"To Victors Family
The ultimate sacrifice made by Victor will not be forgotten and I personally plan to ensure that our city, Westminster, pays homage to his sacrifice and herosim."
E. Duane/ US Marine/ WHS Class 90' of Westminster, CA

"To Victor's Family:
Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one. May God bless you and help you through this difficult time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To Victor's Family & Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send you our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

From the family of Capt. Ernesto Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

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

"Thank you Victor Rosales-Lomeli, 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 Staff Sgt. Victor Rosales-Lomeli:
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 Victor 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 Staff Sgt. Victor Rosales-Lomeli:
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 Victor, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia