Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I met Oscar for the first time the day we shipped out for Boot Camp. The two of us got into a van at the Modesto recruiting office and were driven to MEPS in Sacramento where we shared a room for the night talking about family and life. We trained in 2/19 and shipped out to different units. I was heartbroken when I heard what had happened, and can’t imagine the loss the Sanchez family endures. Every year on his birthday I placed a nickel on his tombstone as a showing of respect for the man I trained with until I moved out of the area. We were told that the man next to us wouldn’t make it, and if we both knew this at the recruiters office to be a fact, we would have shipped out the same-same. The commitment to duty was beyond words.

May the Sanchez family find peace knowing that through Oscar the men serving next to him could live. He is a true Hero!"
SPC Michael L 1/30th of Modesto, Ca

"OSCAR, TODAY IS VETERANS DAY. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU. I WAVE OUR RED WHITE AND BLUE FLAG IN HONOR OF YOU. MY FAMILY AND I THANK YOU FOR BRAVERY AND STRENGTH. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. GOD BLESS YOU 11/11/13"
COUSIN RENE GUTIERREZ of MERCED CA, USA

"To the family of:Oscar Sanchez
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 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

"My Husband has touched so many hearts and I am proud to be his wife. His love was unconditional. Today is five years that hes been gone, and not a day goes by that I dont think about him or talk about what a great man he was. He was my first and last love.... My soul mate and no one could ever take the place of him. I miss him so much. I told Oscar when we were living in Washington that I wont be able to live without him, and still to this day I dunno how Ive pulled through all of this. Just knowing that hes watching over me gives me some kind of peace. I love you and you will always have my heart."
Love your Wife Tiffany Sanchez (t.sanchez0516@yahoo.com) of Stockton, Ca

"I will never forget what he did for us that day five years ago."
SGT Justin Higgason of Fort Jackson, SC

"FOR THE FAMILY: WE ONLY MET ONCE AND IT WAS AT A MEMORIAL FOR OSCAR THERE IN MODESTO. MY BROTHER FRANKIE AND SOME OF THE OTHER SOLDIERS FLEW IN FROM WASHINGTON TO BE THERE TO HONOR THEIR BROTHER AND FRIEND OSCAR. I WANTED TO BE THERE TO HELP CONSOLE MY BROTHER IN HIS GRIEF BUT AT ONCE UNDERSTOOD I COULD NOT EVER TAKE HIS PAIN AWAY ONLY LISTEN TO HIM TELL ME STORIES OF ALL HE HAD STORED UP INSIDE HIM OF OSCAR AND THE TIME THEY SHARED AS SOLDIERS TOGETHER. HE STILL WEARS HIS BLACK BAND FOR OSCAR AND NEVER TAKES IT OFF AND HE HAS A TATTOO OF HIS FRIEND AND PICTURES OF HIM UP IN HIS HOUSE AS WELL. EVEN THOUGH I NEVER MET OSCAR I THINK OF HIM AND YOU GUYS TOO BECAUSE OF MY BROTHER'S LOVING MEMORY OF HIM. I WONDER HOW YOU ALL ARE DOING ESPECIALLY HIS DAD. I WILL BE GOING TO HIS GRAVESITE IN A FEW WEEKS AND BRING MY BROTHER'S PRESENCE THRU ME AS FRANKIE IS NOW IN SOUTH CAROLINA. HE HAS MADE IT THRU ANOTHER DEPLOYMENT AND STILL WISHES HE HAD OSCAR THERE TO BE A BATTLE BUDDY WITH HIM BECAUSE HE TRUSTED HIM. I HEARD OF THE STORY OF HIS DEATH AND AM PROUD OF HIM TOO. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME AND MY FAMILY SHARE THAT DAY WITH YOU AND THE DINNER AFTERWARDS. HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AGAIN SOON."
FRANK CORTEZ'S LIL' SISTER SONIA MARTINEZ E-MAIL: LightFighter007@yahoo.com of VISALIA, CALIFORNIA

"FOR THE FAMILY: WE ONLY MET ONCE AND IT WAS AT A MEMORIAL FOR OSCAR THERE IN MODESTO. MY BROTHER FRANKIE AND SOME OF THE OTHER SOLDIERS FLEW IN FROM WASHINGTON TO BE THERE TO HONOR THEIR BROTHER AND FRIEND OSCAR. I WANTED TO BE THERE TO HELP CONSOLE MY BROTHER IN HIS GRIEF BUT AT ONCE UNDERSTOOD I COULD NOT EVER TAKE HIS PAIN AWAY ONLY LISTEN TO HIM TELL ME STORIES OF ALL HE HAD STORED UP INSIDE HIM OF OSCAR AND THE TIME THEY SHARED AS SOLDIERS TOGETHER. HE STILL WEARS HIS BLACK BAND FOR OSCAR AND NEVER TAKES IT OFF AND HE HAS A TATTOO OF HIS FRIEND AND PICTURES OF HIM UP IN HIS HOUSE AS WELL. EVEN THOUGH I NEVER MET OSCAR I THINK OF HIM AND YOU GUYS TOO BECAUSE OF MY BROTHER'S LOVING MEMORY OF HIM. I WONDER HOW YOU ALL ARE DOING ESPECIALLY HIS DAD. I WILL BE GOING TO HIS GRAVESITE IN A FEW WEEKS AND BRING MY BROTHER'S PRESENCE THRU ME AS FRANKIE IS NOW IN SOUTH CAROLINA. HE HAS MADE IT THRU ANOTHER DEPLOYMENT AND STILL WISHES HE HAD OSCAR THERE TO BE A BATTLE BUDDY WITH HIM BECAUSE HE TRUSTED HIM. I HEARD OF THE STORY OF HIS DEATH AND AM PROUD OF HIM TOO. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME AND MY FAMILY SHARE THAT DAY WITH YOU AND THE DINNER AFTERWARDS. HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AGAIN SOON."
FRANK CORTEZ'S LIL' SISTER SONIA MARTINEZ of VISALIA, CALIFORNIA

"Re: PFC Oscar Sanchez

Hello,
I represent PRAYER SHAWLS 4 FALLEN SOLDIERS (PS4FS), an organization that since October 2007 has sent over 2,800 prayer shawls to military families who have lost a loved one. We are an organization of over 240 groups from all over the country. We make every effort to reach families even when post cards are returned after they have moved. Would you kindly send me a contact email/address so that we may send a loving hand-made prayer shawl to the family? Thank you!

Cozette Haggerty, Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers
Email: ps4fs@charter.net
Website Address: http://webpages.charter.net/ps4fs/shawls"
Cozette Haggerty of Wilbraham, Mass.

"Oscar,
I have soo many Memories of u, hide and seek with all our friends was fun.. I miss u so much.. You were an awesome friend and you are my hero.. I think bout u alot and im very proud of u. Thank you for all u did for your family and friends and your country..U'll Never Be Forgotten.. love and miss you!"
Melissa Sparks of Tillamook Oregon, (from modesto)

"December 21, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Oscar Sanchez:
Oscar 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

"DEAR OSCAR
I MISS YOU BRO. WE HAD SO MANNY GOOD TIMES AND AS THE DAYS GO BY WITH OUT YOU IT SADDENS ME. THEN I STOP THINK OF THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD. THAT ALWAYS RAISES MY SPIRIT. YOU WERE ALWAYS THE ONE TO CARE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY AND ALWAYS RESPECTED THEM. THAT GAVE RESPECT BEYOND MEASURE FOR YOU.

WITH MUCH LOVE, JOHN"
JOHNATHON THOMAS of MODESTO, CA. UNITED STATES

"Dear Oscar Mom and your family ,
I am a Chinese mom and a born-again Christian, I absolutely understand your feelings. because, I am also strongly missing my son -John Gao, a teenage Christian who laid down his own 15.6 year life for his classmates two year ago in the Atlantic Beach Currents.
But, we should have steadfast faith that our dear sons never "dead" to let us lose them. they just rest in the Lord' Arms due to their sacrifice for, their faith in the Lord and their love to all of us during their lives in this world . we will reunite with them someday in Eternal Kingdom by the Lord Faithful Promise, let's expect that day joyfully and peacefully.

May the peace, joy from the Lord be with you and your family !

Mom
grace"
Grace of Flusing, NY/U.S

"Dear Oscar Mom and your family ,
I am a Chinese mom and a born-again Christian, I absolutely understand your feelings. because, I am also strongly missing my son -John Gao, a teenage Christian who laid down his own 15.6 year life for his classmates two year ago in the Atlantic Beach Currents.
But, we should have steadfast faith that our dear sons never "dead" to let us lose them. they just rest in the Lord' Arms due to their sacrifice for, their faith in the Lord and their love to all of us during their lives in this world . we will reunite with them someday in Eternal Kingdom by the Lord Faithful Promise, let's expect that day joyfully and peacefully.

May the peace, joy from the Lord be with you and your family !

Mom
grace"
Grace of Flusing, NY/U.S

"Dear Warner's Mom and your family all,
I am a Chinese mom and a born-again Christian, I absolutely understand your feelings. because, I am also strongly missing my son -John Gao, a teenage Christian who laid down his own 15.6 year life for his classmates two year ago in the Atlantic Beach Currents.
But, we should have steadfast faith that our dear sons never "dead" to let us lose them. they just rest in the Lord' Arms due to their sacrifice for others (“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13 “) and their faith in the Lord during their lives in this world . we will reunite with them someday in Eternal Kingdom by the Lord Faithful Promise, let's expect that day joyfully and peacefully. Amen !

May the peace, joy from the Lord be with you and your family !

Mom
grace"
grace of Flushing, NY/U.S

""OSCAR SANCHEZ" will never be forgotten not by ohers and especialy not by me. There are still days when i wake up and want to go over to his house and play playstation or go out and ride our bikes, skate, or just go to the hobby store and see what we could moddify. Every thing i know today is all because of Oscar. He was that older brother i never had, and that many wish they had. My family looked at him not only as a friend but as a son. I still remember that day that Osc. and Tiff. got married i was the best man. not on the marrige papers but i was supose to if i was old enough. I still can't believe your up in heaven Osc. to be honest i refuse to. "Oscar Sanchez My Hero" YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED & HONORED."
Edgar Ahumada of Modesto,California U.S.

"OSCAR SANCHEZ, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A GREAT FRIEND. YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST FRIENDS I HAVE EVER KNEW. YOU ARE TRUELY AN AMERICAN HEREO."
CPL TERZIU of FORT BRAGG, NC USA

"I'm proud of you Oscar! Thank you so much for what you did. Even though I didn't know you personnally or you didn't know me I new of you. And I was proud to know that I had you serving in the U.S Army. So we shared something in common. One day Oscar you and I will meet but until then I'll continue to serve and protect our country just as you did. Just keep an eye out for me if you can. I'll continue to pray for your family. Love always your cousin"
CPL Chavez Banesa of Chicago, Il

"I would like to thank all of you for your blessings. It is nice to see that people still remember my brother Pfc. Oscar Sanchez. All I know is that my family has another Angel watching over us. He will never be forgotten. He was always there for me and did so much for me. Did so much for all of us.Thanks to all the soldiers out there, we can sleep warm at night. We eat in peace, because they are watching out for us. Thank you all and GOD BLESS YOU ALL!"
His Pride Sister Griselda Lopez an Family of Modesto, CA

"Thank You to all how have expressed there sorrow for Pfc. Oscar Sanchez. I would like to ask anyone with information or photos of Oscar to please email or send them to us. Sweetpeapad@aol.com or 1604 Boise Ave, Modesto, Ca 95358
God Bless!!!!!!!"
Martha of Modesto, California

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

"To the family of Pfc. Oscar Sanchez,
Our son was with your son on that terrible day. He confirmed to us that had it not been for the heroism of your son and husband, many more would have been injured or killed. Our son understands the sacrifice Oscar made but is also deeply saddened by it (as are we). Our thoughts and prayers are with you, may God hold him close."
Bob & Liz Sweitzer (parents of Spc. D. Burke, Deuce-Four SBCT) of Maryland

"To Oscar's Family and Friends:

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

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"To Tiffany and her family and to Santos and his family Today my husband and I attended the beautiful service for Oscar. I thank him for the gift of life that he gave to others by protecting them from harm. Oscar will always be remembered as a hero. I know that nothing can take away the sadness and hurt that you feel but may you find some comfort in knowing that Oscar will always be A Great American Hero."
Frances Corona of Ceres, CA

"From the the family of Pfc. Oscar Sanchez. Thank you for all your good wishes. Our family greatly appreciates all the blessings everyone has given us. Oscar is smiling down on us for he is happy he has brought so many of us together. Thank you and God Bless!"
Martha Padilla of Modesto, Calif.

"To the family of Oscar Sanchez,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of loss. Remember our sons are in The Lord's Army now. God bless all of you.

Sheldon & Loretta Bridges
Proud parents of
SSG Steven H Bridges
KIA 12/08/2003 Iraq"
of Tracy, CA

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

"To the Sanchez family from the Wahl family. We are deeply sadden by the lost of Oscar. An our heart and prays are with him and your family. Oscar has touched many many lives. An he is a HERO! God Bless!"
leonard wahl of Valley Stream Long Island

"To the family........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 Pfc Sanchez for so bravely defending the freedoms we all cherish. I know your loved ones are very proud of you as we all are. From a very grateful family. God Bless you"
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

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