Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"10/31/2020
May we honor the lives of those who have fought for our freedom with the way we choose to live our own, I was chosen because of a very close friend who served with the 48 Marines and Corpsmen who sacrificed it all; to read each story, to get to know a small piece of their lives through families and friends. I chose to honor each of them with a bible verse:

Edward A. Schroeder II 8/3/05
"Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant." - Psalm 25:8-10 (Serving Humbly)"
Haleigh Kilgore of West Virginia

"Today I am remembering Lance Corporal Edward Schroeder. I am running 100 miles across new York with a group of veterans from 3/25. His name is on my sleeve and I will run my 5 miles thinking of the sacrifice he made for my freedom. Thank you for your service."
Stephanie Mosco of pittsburgh, pa

"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"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH / USA

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,550 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Kenna _ Project Compassion of Manti, Utah USA

"July 6, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Edward A. Schroeder, II:
Edward 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

"Happy Birthday Augie. I miss you everyday."
Amanda of Morristown, NJ

"To the Schroeder family;
My condolences go out to you on the loss of your son. He was and is a hero. He will be remembered for all time for the sacrafice he has given. I have personally lost a couple of great buddies. It's hard to not feel sorrow for a loss, but he should be celebrated for haven lived life and for doing what so many won't do.

I didn't know Edward but I'm sure it would have been an honor to have met him. I am willing to put my life on the line for the same mission. People can make this into some political but there are many who are happy to be part of this mission and can't wait to get back. IT's tough but we all welcome it.

HOOAH to your son and the entire Schroeder family."
Spc. Martin of Minnesota

"Edward,
I saw the documentary on A&E about your unit and that is how I learned about what happened to you. I would just like to say thank you to you and the other Marines who were also killed in that blast. And to your family, loved ones, and fellow Marines from Lima Company, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"To the family of:Edward A. Schroeder 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"

"Ms, sir,
By means of the Belgian television I saw the reportage concerning grievous dead of your boy.
I want to declare my repect to you and wish you courage.
I hope that the humanity in the future will learn how such conflikt can be prevented.
Mothers and fathers who must lead their sons and dochters to their last resting place... I have deeply respect.
Far from your home we sympathise with you..."
Gilbert Holvoet of Gent, Belgium

"Mr. Schroeder...Thank you for your wonderful - and heartbreaking - article in the Washington Post about your son. I have believed for a long time, as you do, that the men and women who are being sacrificed in Iraq are simply cannonfodder. I also believe that they are heroes because of the lives that they lived, not because they have been killed.

I'm attaching a letter that I wrote to the Washington Post on 8/18/2005. As you will see, I have experienced some of what you have...when my brother was killed in Viet Nam, the box with his belongings came to me. And, as time goes on, the sense of loss and waste just grows stronger.

I was protesting long before Iraq was even bombed - it is good to see so many others now joining that fight.

Peace and blessings to your family.

****************************

When speaking of the military personnel who have been maimed, injured or killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mr. Bush calls them heroes because of the sacrifice that they have made. I have problems with his words for many reasons, but the first one that stands out is that his actions do not match his words. While he says that they are heroes, he does not treat them as such. Their caskets are hidden from the public eye – the injured are brought in unseen – the living find their benefits cut and treatment is often rushed. They do not receive parades or the somber public ceremonies that heroes of the past have received. His actions say that they are not heroes to him, they are a liability.



Another reason that stands out for me is my belief that Bush calls them heroes in an effort to deny the grief and anger of family and friends; he is, in essence, belittling their enormous loss and grief. My brother was killed in Viet Nam in 1968 – another illegal war – and you know what, getting killed did not make him a hero, it just made him dead. While Kurt, and so many other wonderful military men and women have done many heroic things, I believe that calling them heroes because they have been killed is doing them, and their families, a disservice.



Mr. Bush also says that while he sympathizes with the families who have lost loved ones, he has to get on with his life and his vacation. Well, Mr. Bush, your house of cards is falling, and it will be interesting to see what is left when the dust settles (Impeachment? Tried as a war criminal?). If there is any justice in this world, you will find it as difficult to get on with your life as your arrogant and illegal actions have made it difficult - or impossible - for so many tens of thousands of men, women and children, both military and civilian. May God have mercy on your soul."
Jana Hussmann Meacham of Laurel, MD USA

"to the father of lance cpl schoreder... I am sorry i didnt know your son or know of him before he went into the marines or even know him before i read your touching article about him. Mr schoeder that is the problem people who see this war from a distance only hear of American soldiers being killed but it is a blip in their lives that in time will fade, while people like yourself have to live it for the rest of your life..same thing with our President it is only a blip on the screen to him as well he has not made a so called sacrafice. I am happy that you spoke out like you did in this day and age that took courage especially with the extrememe right wing element that calls those against the war unamerican traitors who want to help the enemy. While recognizing these people have the freedom of speech to do that they in my opinion are displaying far from american values with their anger and misunderstanding. I too recently have lost a son, not to the war in iraq but to cancer he was 9 years old.. and I understand what you mean when you said that words of him being a hero from people who never knew him run holllow, afterall this is your boy and he always was a hero to you as my son is too me..."
David florio of Houston, Texas

"to the father of lance cpl schoreder... I am sorry i didnt know your son or know of him before he went into the marines or even know him before i read your touching article about him. Mr schoeder that is the problem people who see this war from a distance only hear of American soldiers being killed but it is a blip in their lives that in time will fade, while people like yourself have to live it for the rest of your life..same thing with our President it is only a blip on the screen to him as well he has not made a so called sacrafice. I am happy that you spoke out like you did in this day and age that took courage especially with the extrememe right wing element that calls those against the war unamerican traitors who want to help the enemy. While recognizing these people have the freedom of speech to do that they in my opinion are displaying far from american values with their anger and misunderstanding. I too recently have lost a son, not to the war in iraq but to cancer he was 9 years old.. and I understand what you mean when you said that words of him being a hero from people who never knew him run holllow, afterall this is your boy and he always was a hero to you as my son is too me..."
David of Houston, Texas

"to the father of Edward A Schroeder...I read your article in the Washington Post. I commend you for speaking out for your son and the other soliders in Iraq. It is time to start and continue to speak out and save lives. This is the most supportive thing I think we can do for the troops. I will write letters to editors of my newspaper and honor your son by speaking the truth as I see it about, as you put it, the wasting of precious lives. It is twisted logic to say we do not support the troops by wanting to stop this war. How is it supportive to want more American sons, daughter, fathers and mother, husbands and wives killed in this kind of trumped up war? I wish I could ease your pain but I promise I will do what I can to speak out and in doing so "honor" those brave people like your son who have given every thing."
Christine Busch-Nema of St. Louis, MO

"Deepest sympathies to the famiiy of Edward A. Schoider II. A beloved soldier and fighter for freedom.
"Climb into the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you.,..while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." - John Muir"
Jane Stein of Columbus, OH

"I am writting from England, Europe. I was watching the TV tonight about the loss of Marine Lance Cpl. Edward Schroeder. Tears got to me. I would like to express all my deepest love and support to the parents of Edward. ph.vdev@ntlworld.com"
Philippe Van De Vyvere of Manchester, England

"To The Schroeder Family,
Our Family, Our City, Our Country grieves with you. We are so saddened by your loss. Your Soldier is OUR HERO! We will never forget him or the others who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety & freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You and your Brave Marine..Semper Fi!"
The Grogans of TN...

"To the Family of Augie Schroeder,
My prayers and sympathy for your loss of your son Augie. I remember him from 1985 as a little bright eyed blonde haired boy with a big smile. He attended St. Joseph Montessori School as a children's house student. As a teacher you often lost contact with students as they move on with their lives. I was saddened to hear of "our" loss of a St. Joe's student. I am proud of Augie and his accomplisments and the gift he gave of his life as a hero in the U.S. Marine Corps. Thank You Augie, from a former teacher and I am sure the entire St. Joseph Montessori community. God Bless You !"
M. Metzger of Columbus/Akron, Ohio

"I hardly know what to say, but still, I feel compelled to let you know what a lasting impression your son made on me in just the two times I actually met him. I guess I feel that I know him better than I do because barely a sentence comes out of Brian's or Jen's mouths does not include some reference to Augie (I am Jen's mom.)

The first time I met Augie was a year ago last week. He came over with Brian after the two of them had spent all day at the NEC Golf Tournament. The boys had such a great time that day! Brian was tired and fell asleep on the sofa. Augie sat alone and chatted with us the whole time Brian slept. I was very impressed that he seemed so at ease and unconcerned that his friend left him to make small talk with people he didn't know. Our family took an instant liking to your son - "the delightful young man with the easy laugh."

The next time I saw Augie, he came with Brian and Brian's Dad to Columbus and moved Jennifer's two sofas from the house she had been living in, into the apartment she lives in now. The two boys had to maneuver two oversized sofas up a narrow staircase to Jen's third floor apartment. That was after hauling them (one in Augie's bright blue truck, and the other in Brian's Dad's truck) from her house to the apartment. The whole process was quite comical, but the boys did this with seemingly little effort. If they had not done this for us, I'm really not sure how we would have gotten the job done.

I want you to know that I pray for Augie many times a day, and for your family. I pray, also, that God is listening, because none of this makes any sense to me."
Nelda Fitzgibbon of Akron, Ohio/Summit

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Edward A. Schroeder II,

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

"To the Family of Augie,
Your son was a great friend to all of us that knew him at Ohio State. I was one of the many that got to know him well as a brother of his in Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. He was a great friend and one of the nicest people I have ever met. We plan to do something in his memory at the fraternity house as soon as the new school year begins. Augie will not be forgotten and our prayers go out to you."
Eddie Henkes of Columbus, OH

"My heart and prayers go out to the family, friends and comrades of Edward. May God bless you and give you comfort."
Marine Mom 3/25/4th of Western NY

"7 Aug 2005
MARINE LANCE CPL EDWARD A. SCHROEDER II - You are an American Hero whose ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten by a grateful nation. Rest in peace Marine. You will be remembered for always being faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Edward and may memories comfort you during this most difficult time and always America salutes Lance Cpl Schroeder II."
DOROTHY E. BURT of PORTSMOUTH, RI

"Marine Lance Cpl. Edward A. SchroederII, "thank you" isn't enough for the ultimate sacrifice you gave to each of us. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family during this difficult time."
Jerry & Toni Longville of Akron, Ohio

"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

"Dear Family of Edward Schroeder: I lost my son, LCpl Chad Maynard, on June 15, 2005 in Ramadi. When I heard the news on the radio 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 LCpl Chad Maynard and Cpl Jacob Maynard of Kennewick, WA

"Dear Family of Timothy Bell: I lost my son, LCpl Chad Maynard, on June 15, 2005 in Ramadi. When I heard the news on the radio 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 LCpl Chad Maynard and Cpl Jacob Maynard of Kennewick, WA

"Rest In Peace Tuefelhunden.
J and T USMC NC"

"To the Schroeder Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your Edward is truly an American Hero who will always be honored and remembered. May God Bless you all and God Bless Edward."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

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

"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

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