Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To the family of:Luis D. Santos
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 have had the privelege to serve with amazing person. I was in his platoon the during the months leading up to our deployment. We called him grandpa because if you scrunched his head on top he had a lot of loose skin. I remember my first Pt secion with him. He could run like the wind and it seemed he never got tired ever, no matter how far we ran. When we lost him it hit us so hard that we did not realize how hard until we came home. I have been to countless theropy sessions to help me live with this guilt i feel that i did not try hard enough to get to know him and be a better friend. He was the most amazing and kindest person i have ever met in my life. We will never forget you louis "toast" santos. Some day we will meet again my brother and we will catch up on the time we have missed together."
Chad Munn of Reno, NV

"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

"June 8, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Luis D. Santos:
Luis 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 will always love you man, and will never forget you for who you were. I still remember every day in basic and every minute i spent with you. I'm forever grateful for the little time that i got with you. With you the world was that much better of a place to be in. You were one of the great ones, and for me still are great and that will never change. Much love forever brother. RIP"
Owen of Washington State

"Luis was a good friend of mine from high school. i really was hurt when i found out the bad news. but one day my friend we will meet again.stay strong brotha we will remember you in our hearts forever!

to his family i wish him the best wishes."
Rick Cruz of Fontana California US

"I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU!!"
SN/Valenzuela USN of RIALTO,CA,USA

"TO THE SANTOS FAMILY
I'M A GOLDSTAR MOTHER AND ATTENED THE ILLINOIS FREEDOM RUN ON JUNE 16, 2007 I RECEIVED LUIS'S DOG TAGS IN HONOR OF YOUR SON I WORE THEM ALL DAY AND WHEN I GOT HOME I SEARCHED LUIS ON THE COMPUTER AND IT IS AN HONOR TO LEARN ABOUT HIM. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
PROUD ARMY MOM OF PFC. ADAM LEE THOMAS
KIA 08-31-03 AFGHANISTAN"
ELLEN THOMAS of BURBANK, IL USA

"CPL Santos and I crossed paths a little later, this time during PT. I was relatively new to HHC, 1-68 AR and this particular morning I fell in with one of the scout sections for a morning run. While we were stretching, one of the young cav scouts looked over his shoulder and said, “Sir, I really hope you can keep up because we don’t want to have to carry you.” This reprimand was so unexpected I couldn’t help but start laughing. But his boldness definitely impressed me. And that was the start of some informal trash-talking between myself and young CPL Santos about who was faster on the 2 mile run. The bottom line is that CPL Santos was a tremendous soldier, and not just at PT. Some months later, my battalion commander issued guidance that he wanted the size of the sniper section, considered the most elite unit in the battalion, doubled. I immediately told my 1SG that I wanted CPL Santos reassigned to fill one of these new slots because of his maturity, discipline, and physical fitness, among may other attributes – I considered him one of the best soldiers in the 228 man company and a perfect fit for the snipers. Literally only a few minutes later, a highly irate scout platoon sergeant and platoon leader burst into my office complaining about how I was robbing them of their youngest brightest studs and how the loss of CPL Santos would cripple the Scouts. My point is that CPL Santos was a highly trained warrior, someone who his leaders would fall on their sword to keep around.

CPL Santos has left an indelible mark on the Silver Lions. He died defending his country and I am extremely proud to have known and served with him in the profession of arms. Luis, I will always call you a brother, as do the rest of the Silver Lions. You have now joined an elite few that lead the way on our path in combat. You have joined the few that we will never forget. We will always raise a glass to your honor and sacrifice."
MAJ Daniel Holland of 1-68 Armor, FT Carson, CO

"we always love you we are proud u will alway live in are heart"
shanella of san bernadino 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.
Our nations HERO, Luis will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! "

"Thank you Luis Santos, 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 Cpl. Luis Santos:
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 Luis 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 Cpl. Luis Santos:
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 Luis, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia