Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I miss you much Efrain. And so does everyone who knew you in Port Chester. Thank you for coming to see me before you left to the Marines. Forever in my heart... R.I.P."
Jackie R. of Yonkers, New York

"To the family of:Efrain Sanchez,Jr.
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""

"i will always love you efrain you will always be in my heart some day we will be close holding hands.love loveys mom"
carmen of long island

"I just found out that you passed away, you will always be my love and will always be in my heart. I am so hurt that you are gone but you are still in my heart, and on my mind. Forever that's where u will stay. Thank you,for all the good times we shared. Thank you, for all the love you gave me. I am sorry you are gone because, I didn't get a chance to say good-bye. I always thought we would meet up again but,I guess I was wrong. Then again, I know I am right I know we will meet again. Maybe not on earth but in heaven. What we have is true love and I know we loved each other even though we were not together; you were living your life and I was living mine. But, I want you to know and everyone else to also know our love is and always will be ever- lasting. It may be a friendly love but it was true love and I say that with the most utmost respect . I can't believe you're gone. I miss you, and will always treasure the times we shared. To all your family I am so sorry for your lost; Efrain was a good man, hard working and very smart. May GOD be with you all and GOD BLESS. Again, I say all this with the most respect to all. GOD BLESS."
LOVEY

"I just found out that you passed away you will always be my love you will always be in my heart I am so hurt that your gone but you are still in my heart and on my mind and thats where u will stay thank you for all the good times we shared thank you for all the love you gave me and I m sorry your gone and I am sorry I didnt get a chance to say good-bye I always thought we would meet up again I guess I was wrong but then again I know I am right in another way I know we will meet again may be not on eath but in haven what we have is true love and I know we loved each other even though we wasnt together and I know you were living your life and I was living mine but I want you to know and every one else to also know our love is and always will be forever lasting it may have be a friendly love but it was true love and i say that with the most respect to all. I cant believe your gone i miss you and will always treasure the times we shared and to your family I am so sorry for your lost efrain was a good man hard working and very smart may god be with you all and god bless once again i say all this with the most respect to all GOD BLESS"
LOVEY

"I thank everybody for leaving messages to my brother and my family.It's been 4 going into 5 years since he died.It been hard but I thick about him everyday.Efrain loved everybody.he wouldn't let you give up he put that fire in your heart that made you keep going or yelled.so any time im going to give up and I think of him and I dont give up.he made everyone strong.I love you bro thank you for making me stronger."
Matthew rodriguez little brother of port saint luice fl

"July 5, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Efrain Sanchez, Jr.:
Efrain 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 just noticed that it has been a year now since you have left us to be somewhere better! Again, I would like to thank you for your sacrifices to try and make this world a better place. I hope you will not be disappointed at the fact that even after a year, nothing has really been resolved and young men and women continue to die for this country. It will get better, it has to right?!

I miss our L's Eli!! I miss you staying over on Poningo talking my ear to death, giving me good advice, and stressin my home girl! ;) Those were the good old days...I had a good couple of years w/you and won't forget you. I hope Sonia and the rest of your family, especially tu hija are doing well. I pray for some type of peace for them. You were a great person Eli, I don't ever think I told you. I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to tell you either. If you're watching over us, take care of us please - God knows we could all use you watching over us. Con much amor!"
Elisa G. of Port Chester, NY

"I just noticed that it has been a year now since you have left us to be somewhere better! Again, I would like to thank you for your sacrifices to try and make this world a better place. I hope you will not be disappointed at the fact that even after a year, nothing has really been resolved and young men and women continue to die for this country. It will get better, it has to right?!

I miss our L's Eli!! I miss you staying over on Poningo talking my ear to death, giving me good advice, and stressin my home girl! ;) Those were the good old days...I had a good couple of years w/you and won't forget you. I hope Sonia, Efrain and the rest of your family, especially tu hija are doing well. I pray for some type of peace for them. You were a great person Eli, I don't ever think I told you. I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to tell you either. If you're watching over us, take care of us please - God knows we could all use you watching over us. Con much amor!"
Elisa G. of Port Chester, NY

"my cousin efrain we grew up together and you are apart of me you will never die in my heart i love you always. you always called me your sister you will always be my brother love u always"
Jessie carrero of allentown, PA

"Dear Sanchez Family,

In the short time Efrain was alive he touched so many,
We know his heart was gold especially to his friends and family,
Time marches on and we hope it will ease your pain,
Even though the love you have for him will always remain the same.

With Our Deepest Sympathies,
Jeffrey, Denise & Joshua Lombardo
Port Saint Lucie, Florida"

"I think of you all the time. Especially now being back. You are missed and will never be forgotten."
Jeri Ann Garcia of Brookfield, IL

"May God Bless your family!

The Marine stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you Marine,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The Marine squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."


There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.


"Step forward now, you Marine,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

~Author Unknown~



It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the
press. It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of
speech. It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's the Military who salutes
the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the
flag.

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for
the Military, please pass this on and pray for our men and women who have
served and are currently serving our country and pray for those who have
given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
Author Unknown"
Donna of Baltimore MD

"Eli,
You were always so funny and had such a big heart. Today on all souls day i said a prayer for you and hope that you are at peace. Unfortunately, we are not always ready when god calls but I know that everything happens for a reason and I pray that you are now in a better place. Your sacrifice was so great and there are so many people who love and appreciate what you have done. Eli, you left a precious gift so that your family can always have a piece of you. Your daughter will be a constant reminder of you and I am sure that she will grow up to know about you from your family, especially from Nicholas. May you rest in peace and know that one day we will all meet again. God Bless You & Your Family & Friends!!!

With Love,"
Jessica Rodriguez of Bronx, NY

"To the Sanchez family,
We honor and celebrate the life of your beloved EFRAIN as an American Hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
EFRAIN - God's speed young soldier. Your bravery and courage will not be forgotten. May the Angels surround your family as they try to heal.
From a grateful family of a US Army Soldier, stationed in Iraq. 101st AVN Regt, Ft. Campbell. 10-20-05"
---The Erwin Family of Oregon, United States of America

"efrain i remember when you,your brother and my brother always used to chill. you guys were unseperable. i always used to love bugging with you. you were my brothers best friend till the literal end. on behalf of the Aviles, Nieves, and Santos family we all love you dearly and miss you. nick, sonia and family keep your heads up and god bless you."
Crystal Aviles of Allentown, Pa, usa

"TO ELI: TODAY MAKES EXACTLY ONE MONTH SINCE YOU PASSED. AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN ONE DAY OUT OF THAT MONTH THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT YOU OR CRY FOR YOU. I REALLY MISS TALKING TO YOU, AND JUST LISTENING TO YOU LAUGH. BABY YOU WERE ONE OF A KIND, THERE WILL NEVER BE ANY BODY LIKE YOU AND THAT IS GUARANTEED. ELI I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU NO MATTER HOW MUCH TIME PASSES. I'LL SEE YOU IN HEAVEN BABY AND THEN WE CAN BE TOGETHER 4 EVER LIKE WE WERE MEANT TO BE"
MICHIE of BRONX,NY

"Dear Family of Efrain Sanchez: I lost my son, Marine LCpl Chad Maynard, on June 15, 2005 in Ramadi. When I heard the news about your son, it was like I was reliving that day all over again. It's hard for me to type this even now. I'm so sorry for your loss. On the temporary head stone on my son's grave is the saying, "Not In Vain". That is truly what my son believed and what we, as his family, have to believe every day. Please know that I feel your pain and loss, and I cry with you. They say time eases the pain, and I guess they may be right, but with every new report, I feel the ache of missing my son so much. Always remember, you are not alone. There are others who love you and care about you and know exactly what you are going through. Thank you for your son and his service to us all."
Cindy Maynard, mother of Marine LCpl Chad Maynard and Cpl Jacob Maynard of Kennewick, WA

"Rest in Peace Devil Dog
J and T USMC NC"

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Efrain Sanchez, Jr.,

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

"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

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"To My boy Eli i will never forget you. You are still here smiling, laughing, and just being eli. With love to my dog efrain sanchez, jr."
Zacarias Uribes II

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

"To the family of LCpl Sanchez:

Efrain was a hero to all, including myself. Although I have never met you, I express my deepest condolences for you. My brother, PFC Joshua Klinger was killed on June 14th in Fallujah. The next month (and many more) will be extremely hard, but always remember Efrain as a hero (as I'm sure you have). What is getting me through Josh's death is remembering that.

I will keep you all in my prayers.
God bless,

Seth Klinger"
Seth of Easton, PA

"In the darkest hour the soul is replenished and given the strength to continue and endure. I know your determination and stregth will help you through this tough time. I will always remember the good times like those nights we spent hanging out playing Monopoly, or watching Dominic teach Eli to drive. Eli was a good friend who you could always depend on. He loved you girls so much! He will not only be missed by Dominic and I but by everyone who knew him. We are here if you need us, we love you girls."
Melissa LaBerta of Saint Louis MO USA

"To the Sanchez Family, I was very sorry to hear of your loss and our country's loss of your fine young man. Efrain is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"We thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.

We thought about you yesterday, and
days before that too.

We think of you in silence,
We often speak your name.

Now all we have is memories, and
your picture in a frame.

Your memory is keepsake, in which
we'll never part.

God has you in his keeping, and
We have you in our hearts....."

"To the family and friends of Efrain Sanchez...I'm very sorry for your loss. Thank you Efrain for giving your life for others."
Anonymous of Seattle, WA

"Dear Eli,
Thank You for the invaluable sacrifice you have given to this country. The generosity you have shown, only implies that you ARE a man of honor and should be acknowledged for your tremendous triumph. Your family should be proud to have raised such a honorable and respectable man. I can only imagine the pain that your family is going through to have lost such an incredible person. Eli, You will live on in many peoples hearts and memories."
Nicole of Beacon, New York, originally from Port Chester, New york

"TO THE SANCHEZ FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY YOUR LOST. WE FULLY UNDERSTAND THE IMPACTTO LOSING SOMEONE TO THE WAR. EFRAIN IS ONE OF THE VERY FEW. THAT ANSWER THE CALLING TO SERVING OUR GREAT COUNTRY. AN EFRAIN WAS A SOLDIER WITH A PURPOSE! AS WELL AS ONE THAT HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. ALL THOSE HE HAS TOUCHED FROM THOSE IN HIS COMMUNITY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, HIS MILITARY FAMILY OF SISTER'S, BROTHER'S AND HIS OWN LOVING FAMILY. HAVE MANY MANY FOND MEMORIES OF EFRAIN. EFRAIN AS OUR GREGORY, DID SOME MUCH IN THEIR LIFE TIME. AN WE ALL NEED TO BE VERY PROUD OF THEM. AN TO ALL OUR FALLEN SOLDIER'S. TO FIGHT TERRORISM AND THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THEN AMERICAN'S. NEITHER OF OUR SON'S HAVE GIVEN HIS LIFE IN VAIN. EFRAIN DESERVE'S SUCH HONOR! THAT I REMEMBER HIM TODAY, TOMORROW AND ALWAYS. TEARS I HAVE FOR MY SON, SAME TEARS I HAVE FOR EFRAIN AND ALL OUR FALLEN SOLDIER'S. EFRAIN I THANK YOU, FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY, ALONG SIDE OUR SON AND FOR OUR FAMILIES. TO YOUR FAMILY MY PRAYS ARE WITH YOU! GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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