Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Adriana will never be forgotten."
Anonymous of USA

"Our parents used to be friends when you were a kid and I was a teenager. I still think about you often, especially every Memorial Day, and will never forget about you. I can’t believe it’s been about 20 years now since I saw you for the last time at my ma’s house with your sisters and mom to have dinner! It sounds like you had grown up to become an awesome and respectable young woman and provided an amazing service to our country, and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you so much Adriana, I will always miss and appreciate you!
5-31-2024"
Paul Barstatis of Waukesha, WI USA

"A group of Ithaca, NY police officers gathered this past weekend to support the men and women of the Army by participating in the Army 10-miler in Washington DC. While standing and waiting for the race to begin a young lady came up to our group and offered us all pictures of fallen heros to pin to us while we ran. I had the sincere honor of randomly pinning Ms. Salem to my bib while running. I got home today and wanted to research her, as she will now become part of my wall/bar at my house. I found this, and thought I would drop in and thank her and her family, and let them know she is not being forgotten. God Bless"
Michael Meskill of Ithaca, NY

"Sometimes I wonder what you would have been if you hadn't have died. Maybe you'd have kids by now, or be a police officer like you dreamed of being. And maybe you'd tell me you love and I'd never have lost you.

I love you."

"I wish I would have known about this page along time ago. I kiss you and love you so much, you will always be my best friend."
Nina Byrd of Tacoma, WA

"I was in AIT with Adriana. She was on of few in my class who didn't pick on me. I was informed two years later of her death by an NCO who was in AIT with us. It'll be seven years since she has been gone. RIP Adriana."
Laurie of Killeen, TX USA

"I've never really been able to say this...and I know Adriana and I didn't know one another too well. But I'll never forget March 4th 2005. That night Adriana changed my life forever. I was one of the medics on that convoy, and I was the one that treated SPC Salem. Not a day goes by that I don't relive that night over and over. I can still see it as if it were yesterday. Salem was a true soldier. Never complained about going out, always ready for the next mission. In the last 10 mins, before we left the base and the accident, when we were sitting and talking I found that she wasn't only a Soldier, she was one of the kindest people that I to this day have ever met. I wish I could turn back the hands of time, and change a lot that happened that day. But I honor SPC Salem, she's the reason I'm still a medic, and why I stay in the army...She's the reason why I turned down a hospital job in Hawaii, to deploy out here one more time with the 3rd Infantry Division. Out here saving lives of loved ones is what I pride myself in. One day maybe the good Lord will call me home out here on the battlefield as he did Adriana. And if that day comes I'll gladly go with Honor and Pride as SPC Salem did.

So to the Salem family...It was an honor to serve beside one of the best soldiers I've ever met. Thank you for supporting her through everything she went through in the military.

To SPC Adriana N. Salem... Thank you for being who you are, a Soldier, a sweetheart, and the loved one that your family knew you as. I'll see you again one day, and when we do I look forward to finishing our conversation."
SGT Frank G. Sanchez IV, Former 3rd FSB Medic, Current 2/7 IN Medic of JSS Deason, Mahmudiyah, Iraq

"It has been awhile since i have last left a message for you Salem. I am here in Iraq, and wish you were right here along my side, but you served your country, and gave all for it. You will not be forgotten. at least not by me."
Lawrence Falco of Slidell, La.

"I want everyone to know first hand that Adriana was dedicated to serving her country with every task and mission she was given. I worked with her hours before she passed and keep thinking about the events preceeding the accident. I have only good thoughts of Adriana, and still think about her often. I like to believe she is still an important part of all our lives looking after us every day. God Bless her family, friends, and the memory of our fallen sister."
Bruce Jackson II of McAlester, OK, USA

"Addy,
Just thought I'd say that I love you, and I miss you."
Larissa of Elk Grove

"March Fourth, 2009.

Hey Addy,
Today is the anniversary. It's been four long years. Mom wouldn't let me stay home today, i hope i don't go haywire. Last year, when this day came around, i was horrible. I was awful. It was hard to concentrate, hard to be myself. I cried, i was rude. I don't use it as a cop out, i'm going to try and make this day like any other.

I was going to wear your shirt today, (i added in iron on letters: Rest in peace Adriana.) but i decided why cause more attention? Not many people know. I don't want to mention it. I mean, it's awkward. Especially during school. Mom and i are going to visit you today. I don't remember the last time i did go. Months, maybe a year. Long enough that i scarcely can recall the date. I wonder if you're angry with us, for not visiting you often. Gas in still expensive, and money is still tight. If i could, i would see you twice a month.

I wish you're safe. Are you still in Heaven? I heard somewhere that when people die, they are in the spirit realm for a bit, (so that we are able to communicate) then they go off to another place. (which makes comunicaton cease.)
Remember that dream i had with you? I was crying when i woke up. I remember everything though. It was years ago. Probably around a year after your death. The famous line. "I love you forever, and i always will." Thank you for telling me you did love me. I needed clearance and reassurance on that. It's helped.
I've fought the urge to cry for you. I have not let it out. I'm waiting until i go to your grave, where i can cry just for you. The tears are for you, all because of you, not meaning your fault, just because i miss you. Very much, Addy.
Do you remember that picnic you, sabrina and i had when we lived on tower lane? I was really young, you were a teenager at the time. I remember the lime green blanket we sat on in the moist grass. We wore clothes for autumn or fall, it didn't seem like summer or spring yet. From the picture, you are looking up at the camera, so are sabrina and i. I think her or i might have been eating something at the time that the picture was taken. there were ants invading our little snack outside, and we had to end it. I don't know why that is so clear to me.
I barely knew you. You must've loved me more because you were there with me until you died. You watched me grow up, you watched me turn from a sad angry kind, to a sad, angry tween. Ha, i'm getting better with that. I'm fighting the urge to cry right now, for the fact i am in class and there are of course people around me. That would arouse suspicion that something was wrong.
And, something is wrong.

I miss you Adriana. I wish i could (oh god, now im crying) hug you one last time, just once more so i could feel your touch, and know you cared. It's hard to know if you really loved me or not. I know i was a pain in the butt, and i was young and got on your nerves. I still sometimes wonder if you did. I shouldn't. but i do Addy.

I'm sorry i always went through your closet. I was curious. :)

I'll see you soon, love.
When my time is up, i will be with you. Wait for me, okay?

I love you Addy.
You Punkster. :)

Love,
Salem Sister Number Five,
Larissa aka "Riz"

P.S. Why did you guys dubb me riz? i mean seriously! I'm stuck with that till i die! Its embarrassing sometimes you know. christina still calls me that. :/
Well, i'm going now. I'm delaying the goodbye.

No goodbyes.
See ya later sis.
<3"
Larissa Salem of Rolling Meadows, IL

"February 28, 2009
To the family of Spc. Adriana N. Salem:
Adriana 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 wear a black band with your name and in your honor. It has been a while but my heart and prayers are with your family. No words can express the loss, but know that you are remembered and honored."
Shawn-Army (ex) of Bailey, Co.

"Hey addy,
i just presented a speech on a day i want to relive. That day was the day i last saw you alive. It got a couple kids in my class crying. I just wanna let you know i miss you so much, and i will never, ever forget you.
Love,
Your baby sis,"
Larissa Salem of Schaumburg,IL

"Happy memorial day to the family of adriana. I served with her and she was an outstanding person. she will not be forgotten."
Lawrence Falco of slidell, la

"I went to AIT with Adrianna, she was in my class. I still have a picture of her and her roommate. She was fun to be aorund and always cinsiderate of others. I never kne of her death until I ran into one of our classmates in Iraq. It came to me as a shock."
Laurie of Las Vegas, NV

"i love you addy. i wish you were back here. i miss you so much. be safe.
love,
larissa :]"
Larissa Salem of Elk grove village, il

"To Sabrina Salem:
Hey i didn't know that we could write messages. You are my best friend and you forever will be!! I know that you were planning on moving in with Adriana and I am still sorry for your loss, even two years later. Even though I never really knew Adriana, I still miss her, she was someone really special in your life and when she left you, you lost a part of you, and a part of me left with you!!! I will forever be here for you if you ever need anything!! I love you like a sister"
Molly Evans, friend of the family of Elk Grove Village, IL

"To The Family of Adriana N. Salem

I deeply regret the loss you have suffered for such a wonderful person. I've known SPC Salem as she was one of my soldiers while assigned to the 8th Ordnance Company. Ive deployed with her to Afgahnistan and almost Iraq. I miss her greatly and I would like to say that because of her sacrifice I take training my soldiers today with extreme seriousness. We lost a incredible soldier and friend and I still miss her today. She is in my thoughts everyday. She is greatly missed and will always be remembered by me and my fellow soldiers. Soldiers of the 8th Ordnance Company will never forget you SPC Salem. And no matter where I am stationed I will never forget you."
SSG Price of Grafenwoeher, Germany

"hey sis,
it's been a while since i visited your grave. Mom went to your grave on your birthday. i just didnt feel like it. we were gonna go visit abuelo's too but i went to a friends house that day. Dang Addyy; your 24. your oldd. lol. just kidding. i miss you so much. there aint a second in the dya i dont cry about losing you. i wish you could come home & visit us & tell me& alex what brats we are. im glad i got to see you that one last time before you went to iraq, i liked talking to you. Nadia says your really pretty. & she thanks you for the ride home that day. I remember i told you you shouldnt smoke & you were like just dont worry about me. lol i really dont liker smokers but you know; i still loved you. your my flesh & blood & i'll never forget you. By the way, im still waiting for you to show up at my birthday party ;)
Love,
Your Baby Sister Larissa♥"
Larissa of Elk grove

"I know where ever you are you are always with me and i will always love you. You love me unconditonally and would NEVER judge me for my wrong doing (unlik others). You make me stronger inside and out to do things i thought I never had the courage to do. LIke stand up to people and take a stand, despite others opinoins. Love you ever so much and I will talk to you soon."
To the person who loves you most of Somewhere

"Adriana and Veronica came to my house on July 5th 2002 to go to a Korn concert. Adriana went especially to see Puddle of Mudd who was the opening act. That afternoon I made a chicken fettuccine alfredo dinner from scratch. She seemed to have enjoyed the food I prepared. We had a great time at the concert. We also share the same birthday. I was concerned about her well being once I found out after her vacation time, she was being deployed to Iraq. Even though her and I were not close, she was after all Veronica's best friend. My deepest condolences to the Salem family and friends. My prayers are with you."
Fernando Firmani of Chicago, Illinois

"Hey, I just wanted to say that I love you Addy so much and wish you were here with us. I know you are in a better place now and that I will take what you taught me for the rest of my life. I'm just keeping it real now and hope you will always remember me and be with me forever. Love you lots!!!! Thanx to everyone who took the time to right to her."
Sabrina Salem of Elk Grove Village, IL, US

"To the family of:Adriana N. Salem 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. She 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"

"My name is Cameron Schilling and I have started “Portrait of a Soldier” which donates a portrait sketch of every Illinois soldier who has fallen in Iraq or Afghanistan. All 122 sketches will be on display for a Memorial Day Presentation in Chicago, Illinois on May 26-31 at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. After the ceremony the sketches will be given to the immediate families of the Illinois soldiers. I would invite any friends or family members to come and honor these men and women from Illinois who have given their lives to our country. For more information please contact OperationHomeFront.org at 866-417-8889 which is an organization headed by the Lt. Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who is in charge of the Memorial Day Presentation. Thank You.

Please check out www.portraitofasoldier.org
To contact Cameron email cameronschilling84@hotmail.com
To contact Operation Home Front call 866-417-8889"
Cameron Schilling of Charleston, Illinois

"To the parents and family of Adriana Salem; Last week, in a ceremony honoring soldiers who have died in the Iraq war, I had the honor of wearing Adriana's name. As the parent of a daughter who is still living, I cannot imagine the horror of losing a beloved child to war. I am so sorry for your loss."
anne flynn of Olympia, WA

"My name is Cameron Schilling. I am a college student from central Illinois. I am the first generation of my family not to serve his country. I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice you and your loved one has given for the United States. I am disappointed by the way the news media has covered this war and the deaths of our youth. The media as stopped listing the names of the soldiers killed in Iraq and people only talk about the soldiers when we reach a specific milestone in deaths. If you just started watching the news today you would not even know there is a war going on. Partisan politics have replaced coverage of our young generation who have traveled to a foreign land in the name of the United States. Whether you believe the war in Iraq is wrong, right, justified or not everyone should pay even just a little more attention to what these young men and women are sacrificing. This is what I would like to do. I want to do my part in honoring these soldiers and their memories. Along with being a college student I am also a budding artist. I draw pencil portraits of local people in my community. I want to offer a pencil portrait sketch to the immediate family of every Illinois soldier killed in Iraq. Please contact me at cameronschilling84@hotmail.com."
Cameron Schilling of Illinois

"To the loved ones of Adriana Salem,
I did not know Adriana and you don't know me, I am a common highschool student in Troy, MO. I did want to say though that I own my life and my freedom to Adriana, without her dedication and bravery our country would not be what it is; free. I am truly sorry for the loss of Adriana and I am saddened by the fact that she like many others gave their lives. I do feel that she was a truly inspirational human and an extremely brave one at that. Once again I am truly sorry for your loss and I hope that everyone who knew her knows that I thank her from the bottom of my heart. I thank her for allowing me to live the rest of my life in freedom."
Katie Tannehill of Troy, Missouri / USA

"I went to Elk Grove high school with her. I just wanted to say those who pass never really die as long as they are remebered and I will never forget. Thank you for your service and rest in peace."
Megan of Des Plaines, Il, USA

"To the Family of SPC Adriana Salem:

My friends and I have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 7/12/05, 112 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put Adriana's name on one of them.
We have called our display "Arlington Midwest" and it is located in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

If you would like us to do this, please email me at ArlingtonMidwest@yahoo.com.

We invite you to visit Arlington Midwest. I can send you directions and some pictures by email.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them."
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"You were a great person, I am glad I met you, even though you we never really got to know each other. You were Kendall's best friend in Uzbeckistan. You are very brave. Thankyou"
SPC Blumenstein (Vet) of Breese, IL

"thank you all for sending your messages for my fallen sister."
alexandria salem of elk grove village,IL/USA

"thank you all for sending your messages for my fallen sister."
alexandria salem of elk grove village,IL/USA

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

"To the family of SPC Salem,

My heart goes out to you. I graduated from AIT with SPC Salem. I am currently deployed in support of OIF. She was a great friend to me."
Shannon Endara of Fort Bragg, NC

"The Family Army Spc. ADRIANA N. SALEM
I didn't know ADRIANA N. SALEM on a personal level. I never met her in my life.God bless You ADRIANA N. SALEM.
My heart goes out to you at your loss. The world will be less because of your and our loss. I send you all my love and embrace you warmly. Family ADRIANA N. SALEM, I can't imagine the loss you are feeling right now. May God's love bring peace to you and your family through these hard times. ADRIANA N. SALEM remain in my memory. PARENTS ADRIANA N. SALEM Your daughter She is a true hero at world."
DARIUSZ CHORAK of ELBLAG POLAND

"Salem Family,
In moments like this, we need comfort.
In moments like birth, we need assistance.
When Adriana passed, I was devastated.
Even though, I do not know how you may feel,
I just want to let you know you've been through a great deal. In honor of your fallen daughter, sister, and best friend, Please know that it's not the end.
And the bestest person, to know her so well, is the only person, that answers your prayers.
Remember, that when you get old, don't forget to take your bayer. Please, I'm sorry, I don't have much more to say except:
When you need a shoulder to cry on, just know, she'll be waiting for you, with a box of tissues."
Anonymous of Elk Grove Village, Illinoise

"God bless you."
Apollo of Roanoke, Va.

"To SPC Adrianna Salem and family, I am so very sorry for your loss!!! I wanted to thank you for the sacrifice you have made to our great country. I will be forever grateful to you and all our military personnel and families. God bless"
Sgt Michael J.K. Wright of Vinton Police Dept, La

"Adriana, your the best sister in the whole world. Please know that everyone loves you and you have been an inspiration in many lives throughtout your life."
Larissa Salem of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, USA

"Adriana, your the best sister in the whole world. Please know that everyone loves you and you have been an inspiration in many lives throughtout your life."
Larissa Salem of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, USA

"To the Family of SPC Salem, I served as her NCO for a time when she was assigned to the 8th Ordanance Company, Ft. Bragg, NC. It grieves all of us in 8th Ord who knew her. We ourselves are deployed now in support of OIF. My heart grieves for her family. SPC Salem was special to me and I still remember the hug she gave me and the smile that was on her face as she left on her way to Ft Stewart. She was a good soldier, always know she was as brave and courageous as they come. Iam proud to say she was one of mine.

SSG Jeremy Mickelson
8th Ordnance Company
Operation Iraqi Freedom"
SSG Jeremy Mickelson of Operation of Iraqi Freedom

"To the Salem Family, our prayers to you all in your time of sorrow. I hope you see some light at the end of this long tunnel to give you some strength in these dark times. All our love, the Giri's"
Jackie of Elk Grove

"To Sabrina Salem, I know how much you were looking forward to moving in with your sister when she came home, I'm sorry for your loss. She was your best friend, older sister, and no love is ever gone. They live on forever in your heart. She was your hero, your sister, your friend. Call me if you need me...."
Indi of Elk Grove

"To the family of Adriana, my family honors your hero. Her Bravery, Valor and Courage will never be forgotten. We are grateful for her loyal service and we will never forget her sacrifice. All of our prayers are with you and please know that you are not alone in this time of saddness.
God Bless Adriana and her family."
Jennifer and SSG Larry Mays and family of Massillon, Ohio

"Adriana was more of a sister to me. I remember when she used to pick me up every lunchtime from armor school. She had to drive across Fort Bragg to get me so that we can eat lunch together. She's a great person and she keeps it real. She was a sister that I never had. I will never forget the advices, shopping times and all the boy talks and the punk music she listens to. I miss her."
Michelle Snypp of Fort Bragg, NC

"I knew adriana when she was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. She was one of my soldiers when we deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She was a very caring and wonderful individual who loved her sisters and mother very much. She will be missed by everyone who knew her."
SFC (Retired) Martinez of Fayetteville, NC

"Dear Salem Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We will forever be a grateful nation for the sacrifies you and your family, and Adriana, have made for this country. Such bravery, valor and courage will never be forgotten. Please know that we are praying for you and your family. God Bless You all."
The Edward Todd Family of Springfield, GA USA

"TO THE SALEM FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. ADRIANA ONE VERY SPECIAL INDIVIDUAL. SHE HAS TOUCHED MANY MANY LIVES. THOSE FROM HER MILITARY FAMILY, FRIENDS, THE COMMUNITY AND HER PERSONAL FAMILY. SHE WAS A SOLDIER AND A HERO! OUR FAMILY UNDERSTANDS YOUR LOST AND PAIN. WE LOST OUR SON TEN MONTHS AGO. OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE ADRIANA AND YOUR FAMILY. SHE IS THE ELITE OF ALL AMERICANS. WILLING TO PROTECT US FOR OUR FREEDOM AND A NEW IRAQ. I WILL PRAY FOR HER AND LIGHT A CANDLE. SHE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. ALONG WITH ALL THAT LOST THEIR LIVES FOR OUR COUNTRY. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"I went to high school with Adriana (Elk Grove High School, ELk Grove Village, IL). I knew Adriana to always be a nice person.

To Adriana's family: your daughter was and still is a beautiful person and will be missed. I extend my deepest condolences to you.

Please, let's stop this war. Don't let another precious life go. Lets bring our troops home safely now.

www.bringthemhomenow.org"
Jenine of Chicago, IL

"I wish to express my deepest regrets and sorrow for the family and friends of Adriana Salem. I know you are hurt and you ask why. But remember even in these hard times God is still there. Even though none of us understands why. Remember she doesn't have to go through anymore pain and suffering that comes alone with this crazy world. She is ok. Thanks care and stay strong."
Saprina of Fort Bragg NC

"Rock of the Marne"
SFC Simpson of 1-6 INF, 1AD Germany

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

"Thank you Adriana Salem, 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 Spc. Adriana Salem:
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 Adriana for the sacrifice she has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Spc. Adriana Salem:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. She 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 Adriana, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia