Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Greg you are a great guy, thank you so much for saving my dads life. If it wasn't for you then my dad wouldn't be alive right now. You don't no me but I am cody turpens son, Bradyn Turpen."
Bradyn Turpen of Harrah, Oklahoma.

"my family spent a week on a cruise with the Rund family, I remember them fondly and am saddened to here this news. Greg and my daughter wrote back and forth for a long time after that vacation. I know I am 15 years late in reading about Greg, it saddens me."
Cathy of St. Johnsbury VT

"To the Rund Family. I made a donation to the Semper Fi Fund In Greg's honor today. I met Greg when he was hanging out with my nephew, I have met you, and we live in the same neighborhood. I think of him about every time I put out my flag. Quite a kid, and an extraordinary man. Here's to Greg!"

"Greg,

We toasted to you tonight. I sat there listening to the quest speaker honor your sacrifice. Describing your acts of valor. I rem you called it a quagmire as we filled sandbags the day before you passed. You brought me a smile when times were rough. Then as our friendship began the next day it was over as your soul left the world. I was left with your blood on my hands. I do not know why, but I sat there tonight hearing your name and feeling the lost again. I am sorry it was you and not me. You will not be forgotten. The war wasn't in vain bc you influenced the world by your actions. Thank you and happy 237th birthday Marine."
Darkhorse member India Co of San Diego, CA

"Greg there is not a day that goes by that I dont think about you. You always had a way of lifting everyones spirits when times were tough. I have a imagine burned into my brain of those ridiculous glasses with tape over where the lenses should have been you wore in Bridgeport to prevent snow blindness. I still cant help but to smile when I think about you. You are missed"

"To the family of:Gregory P Rund
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""

"6 years ago, today, Greg saved my brother's life, Sgt. Cody Turpen, and gave his own life. We will never forget you, Greg."
Lori Turpen Boyles of Del City, Oklahoma

"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
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I never got a chance to meet you, unfortunetly i never will, i see your memorial at the park up the street, god bless you and thank you for your service"
Kramer of littleton colorado

"I'm 15 and I go to columbine the same hall ways you walked. I've met you once at church and I was little. Besides that I really never knew you but you are big influence on me. You are the person I want to grow up to be. I want to join the marines"

"Lcpl Rund, I only met you in person once as I was in Lima company, right before the push. Your sense of humor left a instant impact. Yet I had the honor of toasting your name many times with your fellow I. CO. Marines stateside in San Clemente. God bless you these holidays. You are not forgotten."
A fellow Darkhorse Marine of CA

"December 10, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Gregory P. Rund:
Gregory 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 Greg Rund:

My last name is Rund also. My late husband, Louis, was a POW during the Korean War. So, my sympathy goes out to the families for heroes such as Greg in giving the ultimate sacrifice. As a widow of a veteran I offer my sincere thoughts to you and yours."
Teresa Rund of Cedar Rapids, IA

"Ah, Greg Rund!
What fond memories I have of you, some going all the way back to elementary school...The one that stands out most is from fifth grade when you and Mike made up and sang the song "School Food" to the tune of the Beach Boys song "Surfin' USA". I'm sure Mrs. Kopatich was so proud!
Your infectious smile could brighten the darkest of days! Just the thought of you makes me grin!
You are missed, but never forgotten!
Put in a good word for me up there!"
Lauren Scherlis of Littleton, CO

"Hey Greg you've inspired me.I hear that you were really funny,people say I'm funny too.Thanks for protecting our country.I'm going to join the Army and protect our country just like you did.thank you."
Ben Botka of Milwaukee,Wisconsin

"Dear Greg,
We will never forget your smiles and jokes as you greeted us in the hallways at Columbine. You are greatly missed and thought of often! Right now I am supposed to be working, but instead I came across this site. This only reminds me of the times Kelli tried to tutor you and instead of trying to learn the math, you would jokingly ask her out instead. We miss you and no words can tell how much we appreciate what you have done for our country."
Kim and Kelli Turner of Littleton, CO

"Greg, I only knew you a short time and that was only as your banker. You were a very special young man. Thank you and your family for helping to keep us safe. You are in our hearts"
Connie Wells of Porter, Ind USA

"Greg,

I know I may have never met you but I thank you as an American for your true courage and dedication. You are a hero in the eyes of so many and your legacy will truly live forever. The only words i can find to say is THANK YOU. May God Bless and Continue to look after you fellow soliders.

With love and respect
Jovonne Jones
7.20.2006"
Jovonne Jones of Scotch Plains, NJ, USA

"Greg,

Though we didn't know each other that well, your death has caused such pain in my heart. You were a classmate and a great person and I am honored to have known you. I will never forget our Loch Ness monster project in 10th grade English. I had so much fun shooting the video with you! When I visited Loch Ness last Fall I thought of you. You are greatly missed.

Love,
Erin"
Erin Flynn of Littleton, CO

"Dear Greg,

I want to let you know that when I think of your name, several words follow; thanks, hero, courageous, selfless, honor,meaning, drive, passion, funny, goofy, service, sacrifice, freedom,Rebel(Columbine) and Marine. I put thanks at the top because I will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made for me and the rest of this country. The rest of the words come all at once. You were able to add so much to this world with your time here. You are probably in heaven making everyone there laugh till their stomachs hurt. I know you made me laugh that hard countless times. I also can say that you have given me something even more important than laughter, someone to look up to. If I am ever able to become half the man you were, I can be proud of myself. I am forever grateful."
Pat Neville of Littleton, CO

"Hello young Marine. I visited your grave today (August 18, 2005). It was a beautiful day, with sounds and smells that can only be Colorado in the summertime. I gave you my best salute - maybe you saw it. But then I immediately felt guilty - because of the man I am and the man you were. I regret that I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I have read about you and seen your picture on the internet - what a handsome and winning smile you had! I have two little boys of my own that I treasure so much. Their names are Tristan and Trevor. Tristan started kindergarten this week and he loves it! If my boys ever decide to join the Marines, I will tell them all I can about you and what you did. I would love to bring them to visit you some time. We don't live far from where you rest. My wife and I thank you, Greg, for protecting our children and our home. With reverence and affection from a grateful American father, may eternal life and peace be yours, young Gregory Rund.

Tom

tom_turnquist@hotmail.com"
Thomas R. Turnquist of Englewood, Colorado

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

"Greg was in my platoon during the assault on fallujah where I served with him. His overall happiness and good spirits always lifted us in hard times. He is sorely missed and still loved by all of us in 2nd platoon India co. 3/5"
lcpl Ben Jones of Camp Pendleton, CA

"i was a true friend of lance corporal Rund. He was with 3/5 and i with 2/4. We became friend through a mutual friend David Portillo. From the month I knew him before I went to Iraq and the month after I came back he was a good friend. He was aleays one to have a good time and he will always be missed. I've lost a lot of friends recently, and his is one of the hardest i've had to deal with. One of the only things i regret was that i wrote him a letter but for whatever reason I didnt send it off right away. For that i am truly sorry. Until we meet again, you are a good man and a great friend. Semper Fi"
Lcpl jason rosman of 2/4 Camp pendleton Ca

"Greg, I can not express the love and pain I feel right now. I have so much love for you. Thank you so much for loving and taking care of my sister. She was different when she was around you. I truely believe you were meant for eachother. I respect you so much. Thank you for doing what you felt called to. I am sad that I did not get to know you better. I knew you through what she told me and how you changed her. Now, we all miss you. Our families have such a strong bond now. Your mom dad aunt and her always say how happy you would have been for that. I Love You So Much and promise to never forget you.

P.S. I will always think of you when i think of pumpkin pie.
Love,
Sheranda"
Sheranda Marcum of Littleton, Colorado

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

"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

"Thank You Gregory. May you now find the peace you so deserve after sacrificing everything for us. My heart aches with your family."
Melissa Macchi, cousin of PFC Mark Barbret, killed 10/14/04 of Roseville, MI

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Gregory P. Rund,

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 Gregory Rund, 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. Gregory Rund:
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 Gregory 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. Gregory Rund:
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 Gregory, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia