Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I didn't personally know anyone who was killed fighting to defend our country. But I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry at times. I understand, in theory only, that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take your families and friends 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 Edward Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I love you buddy. I still remember sitting in class laughing when you would staple paper to your arm. We would talk about joining the corps and boot camp. Then we were there at bootcamp together. Ill never forget the last time i saw you. We had just came back from Iraq and me and faulkner saw you running in formation with your platoon. You always were a better marine. I miss you dustin, and i wanna apolgize for not being strong when i came home, i got in some trouble and only now do i have my head on sraight."
marcan of satellite bch,, florida

"May Dustin's memory serve as a blessing to all. Those who volunteer to defend others are among the truly righteous."
Larry Glinzman of Ormond Beach, FL

"Semper Fi Devildog!!!!

Cpl Brandon Winneshiek
hocakwanapi@yahoo.com

I served with Dustin for four years. We were always together and became close friends. I think about him everyday. I just put a bunch of pics of him up on facebook. So if you get a chance, check them out."
Brandon Winneshiek of Eau Claire, WI

"May 6, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Dustin H. Schrage:
Dustin 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

"Nina, I'm sorry about your loss.I remember Dustin as a cute little blonde haired boy.. My deepest sympathies in this point of time. I'm also sorry that you and Laurie have never reached out to me since we live so close to each other."
your cousin Helene Rosenzweig of Port Orange,Florida

"Remembering Dustin- he will not be forgotten. My deepest sympathy."

"February 17, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Dustin H. Schrage:
Dustin 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

"Nina and Family - We haven't seen you since Middle island Nursery School where Dustin played with Josh and Jesse played with Jamie. We were so sorry to read of this tragedy and our hearts are with you so many years since we've last seen Dustin. I remember him at 3 and 4 years old, with those beautiful great big eyes and longish hair and a perpetual smile. You have our thoughts and our love. Love, Janet, Jamie and Josh"
Janet Maday (Smith) of Belle Haven, Virginia

"I have never been in the military but wish to say "Thank-You" to all the men and women in the service. My wife is from England and we both say thank you. May this world at some point find peace with each other"
Randy B. of LaCrosse, WI. U.S.A.

"To The Family and Friends of Dustin: On this Memorial Day 2007, I was searching through the Fallen Heroes list I wanted to find one person's family to leave a message for on the very special day and I found your son's name and age and it struck me so. I am truly sorry for your great loss. I am thankful for brave young men like your Dustin who go to service for this country and protects us all from the evil in this world. My heart goes out to your whole family and I hope that it helps to know that there are people out here who care about you and who appreciate your son. God Bless you all on this very special day.

PS: Our family loss PFC Michael Carey age 20 so I understand, much love to all of you."
Teresa Irving of Hopewell, VA/USA

"hey my name is MARY. I am 15 years old. I am his Cousin. I didn't git to meet him but when my dad found out when he died. He was really up set. I was up set because i didn't get to meet my Cousin. I wish I could meet you but I didn't. If I did meet you i will miss you really much. Bye Dustin Hope you in a better place"
Mary of PortJeff Long Island New York

"hey my name is Mary Elizbeth Schrage i am David Peter SChrage his Nephew Dustin Schrage"
Mary of Anderson SC

"To All the Friends and Family,
Indeed Dustin was a great man, a great Marine, a great American, and above all, a great human being. He made the ultimate scarifice and none of will ever know what that truely means. Not a day goes by, do I not think about him and what he did for this country of ours. I try not to think about it in detail, because it always brings a tear to my eye. I suppose, however, that a tear is worth the wait for a memory. You are truely missed!"
Evan of Camp Pendleton, CA

"To the family of:Dustin H. Schrage 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 was in Dustin's platoon in boot camp and in SOI. We didn't click until SOI when he told me how much he respected me as a person and a leader. I miss you man."
Eric Holmes www.trumarine@hotmail.com of Manchester, Ga

"to the friends and family of dustin...
Dustin was a friend to us all. we all remember what kind of guy he was. he had his moments where you thought he was a little too cocky for his own good but all in all, he was a great man. i served with himin the marines. we were stationed together. we came to 2/4 right around the same time. i didnt get the chance to go to iraq, but his memory still stays with me to this day and i am grateful for all the times i did share with him. hey dustin, i hope u r doing just fine up there bro! i miss you and all the rest of the fox guys-you, jeff, jonathon, and caleb. and lets not forget t.j. either. we were all friends, some closer than others, but all shared times. if anyone ever wants to talk, my e-mail is tat2lew@yahoo.com and my cell # is 760-622-1759. dont be shy about writing or calling. and nina, thank you so much for the conversation we had not too long ago. it helped alot. you are a great mother, not just to your kids, but to us who need moms to be there for us. thank you all for understanding..."
Evan Lewis of Vista, CA

"I only new him as a small boy when he lived in new york. He was a happy kid and we will miss him. we havn't seen him in a long time. where very sorry preston and nina for your lost. It touches our soul when we heard just this past week that he had died. best wish and health to the rest of you. love allways mr. and mrs david schrage and family"
debbie schrage of anderson sc.

"--God looked around his garden, and found an empty space.
He then looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face.
--He saw that the roads were get rough and the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered "peace be thine".
--He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best.
--It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone.
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You will not be forgotten!"
Dani of danisway33@aol.com

"God Bless the family of this brave soldier. No words can express the gratitude I have for these men. These are the men that have kept us walking free in this country. Again, God bless."
Dani of Merritt Island,Fl

"It has been a year now since Dustin left us but not a day goes by that I don't think of him and feel our family's loss deeply. Time may dull the pain slightly but not our memories. Our hearts are with you all, always."
Laurie and Sasha

"To the family and friends of Mr. Schrage: thank you so much for the contribution that Dustin has made for our country. I don't think anyone can say it enough, but we all owe you a big thank you."
Ronald L. Carlson of Montrose, MN , USA

"In memory of all my heroes: Dustin, Jeremy, Branden and oh, so many more:
IRAQ
Alone, far from home
they stand
smoke a cigarette,
weapons close at hand
Resting against a wall, weary
from nights and days
covered in sand
Eyes shut
and
they’re back at home
rainy days, cool and damp
The sound of waves crested foam
The leaves rustling in trees
Or snow, falling lightly
Hearing the silence of peace;
Anywhere but here……
In memory of Dustin Schrage
written March 7, 2005"
Carol Liller White of Seminole, Florida USA

"A friend of Dustin told us of his loss and his brave story. Our community has said mourner's kaddish for him."
MAJ Jeff Yarvis, US Army of Heidelberg Jewish Community, Heidelberg, Germany

"Thank you for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"I haven't spoken of Cpl Schrage in a while. For a bit, I didn't really remember him. I was reading articles on usmc.mil when his name popped up, and I was brought back to boot camp. Platoon 3067, Kilo Company, 3rd Bn Parris Island. I never had the priviledge of knowing Cpl Schrage like many of his friends and family did, but for a while I was his brother. Thinking back to the days of old that Marines from time to time reflect upon, I remember him as a fine recruit, and promise to be a more than excellent Marine. He had an inner strength, courage, and drive that carried him through. Never once that I can remember did he speak harsh words that weren't meant as motivation. He was a valuable part of the team.

As long as he remains in the minds and hearts of us all, he may be gone, but he will NEVER be forgotten.

Sincerely,"
LCpl Turbyfill of Ft Worth, Tx

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"Dear Nina, Preston, Jesse, Kali, and Kerry,
Our prayers and deepest condolences in your loss. Dustin was a great man who will never be forgotten. His bravery goes beyond words. God bless you all."
The Fredette family of EMO, NY

"Schrage Family,

I am so sorry for your loss."
Steve Halverson of Indialantic, Fl

"Dear Nina, Preston,Jesse,Kali and Kerry,
It's been a terrible 2 weeks now, but your friends and families are mourning with you. Dustin must have been "Quite a guy". You've much to be proud of. G-d bless all of you.,"
Orah and Eli Haase of Palm Bay, FL

"To Preston, Nina and Family,

I can not fully express the deep sorrow I have felt in your loss. I pray for your comfort. Dustin served his country well, with honor for all of us and for those suppressed in Iraq. God be with you."
Dave & Sharon Hertzler of Merritt Island, FL/USA

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