Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Growing up with you i always looked up to you with you being a couple years older then me. I remember the last time i talked to you at my family Christmas party i didnt think it would be our last time together. I remember before you graduated you told me this country gave you everything and you would still be in a rice field if it wasnt for the USA.I want to thank you for everything you taught me and thank you for giving your life to protect a country. You and your sacrifice will never be forgotten"
Ronald scarlett of Sacramento

"Went to boot camp with you man...they always put me up against you in body hardening..i hated it every time...you were always the hardest.."
O'Loane

"Brad, Just wanted to check in. Been thinking about you a lot lately and telling your story. I got a chance to hear from your Dad a few months ago. I think about you every day. Semper Fidelis, Brother"
Ben Wagner of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Brad,

During my tenure, I had hundreds of applicants walk through my door in Recruiting Sub-Station Fair Oaks and none were as unique as you.

The day after your high school graduation you walked in my office for the first time and stated, "I'm here to join the Marine Corps". Many recruiters would have just signed you up in hopes that you knew what you were getting yourself into, but I never took such statements at face value. I made it a point that we were going to discuss why you wanted to be a Marine.
What made you unique was not your decision to be a Marine, but the commitment and reasons why you wanted to become a Marine.

On May 29, 2001, you enlisted in United States Marine Corps and shipped to recruit training in November 2001. Unfortunately, I left the Fair Oaks office prior to seeing your graduation at MCRD.

You are a ‘Marine’s Marine’ who was always committed to family and friends. I think of you often and you are missed by every single person who knew you. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Semper Fi,"
MSgt Johnson USMC/Ret of Roseville, CA

"You will never be forgotten but you will always be missed. God bless you and your family."
Lori Holzer of Rescue, CA

"not forgotton"
marcel vocino of LA CA

"29 May 2012,

LCPL Shuder, Yesterday (Memorial Day) I was thinking of you guys I was attached to your Platoon and squad on your first tour to Iraq I was at the time HM3 Luque(DOC) the angry little Corpsman LOL well I remember you always trying to make people laugh you and Zurheide great people that the world has missed this past eight years. You guys will be in my thoughts always."
Andrew Luque of Everett, Washington

"April 12, 2012

Brad,

I think about you every day brother. I am sure you know what I have been up to with the view you have from up there.

I remember the fun times from rugby, rooming with you in New Zealand. I remember when we played in the rain. We went back to the hotel covered in mud and I called the shower first. I came out of the bathroom to find the room filled with smoke and you trying to put out a pair of game shorts that caught fire. I asked you what happened? You said that you were trying to dry our game shorts by placing them on the wall heater and one pair caught on fire. You let me make fun of you for a while, and kept a straight face the whole time. Then I asked what you were going to do with no extra shorts because we had 3 more games to play. Thats when your comedic timimg was perfect. You said that you were fine because they weren't your shorts that caught fire, but mine. We both laughed until we cried. You offered up your pair, but I had to decline. They were to small for me. I played the last 3 games in those shorts missing most of the right front pocket and leg. A small moment shared between two friends, that still brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes everytime I think about it.

I love ya man. Take care and No Regrets."
Ryan Waggoner of Cameron Park, CA

"I never even knew you, but I keep you in my memories, and admire you and always have thoughts of your sacrifices."
MKinder of El Dorado Hills

"Brad - Thank you for your sacrifice. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."
of Foster City, CA

"12/28/10 - Brad, I have faith you "get" these messages. You already know we think of you often, what a wonderful person you are, the fun we had with you and your family, and so much more. You are what this country needs, and we are so proud to know you."
Dean and Cathy Dal Ben of Sacramento, CA

"11/8/10~ I still miss you Brad, all the time. I can't wait to see again, I'm just sorry it wont be here. Thank you for all you gave"
Caitlyn Peele of Sacramento, CA

"as more and more of our freedoms slip away I cant help think about the ones who gave their life to protect what was left of liberty, day after day BRAD, i always think of you and other fallen soldiers, who made it possible to live the dream in the west... I can only PREY my after life, will include all of you!"
marcel vocino of HOLLYWOOD

"Hey Brad, I talk to you all the time but this is the first time on this site. You know, Chris and Karissa are getting married soon and it's going to be a great party. I so wish you could be there as Chris' best man. It's been six years but all the memories are as vivid as ever. Your love and life force will never be diminished. Thank you for your sacrifice and for your continued guardianship.........I feel it always."
Debbie Soma of El Dorado Hills, CA

"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

"brad I will always remember drinking and smoking excessively with you !!!! we used to sit in the railys parking lot talking about cars, man those were the days ehh bud? I sure hope heaven has a dose of our youth!!!!!



god bless!!"
MARCEL VOCINO of Los Angeles / Cameron Park

"July 14, 2009; To all who have left messages for our fallen son Brad. Thank you for your words and remembrances. He will never be forgotten as long as you are alive. Dad."
Glenn Shuder of El Dorado Hills, CA

"April 20, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Brad S. Shuder:
Brad 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

""For a soldier's honor doesn't end with their death...
HONOR becomes their eternal legacy
An inheritance left to this earth and mankind
Of the blessings of freedom and peace"

We will never forget the sacrifice that you made. You are in our thoughts today and everyday. Semper Fi"
Eric, Michelle and Ashley Elrod of Keller, TX

"hey there shuder, me and the guys are starting a tradition to get together at Horno every year for you and Zurheide and march up to the Memorial cross. We are also passing your name tape to someone different every year. just know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers. We were one crazy squad, I never had a better group of Marines than you guys. 2nd sqd 2nd Plt, "The go to squad""
GySgt Magana of Herndon, VA/US

"Brad, Just sent a message out to all the guys I still have contact with from 2nd Platoon. I was able to talk to Sgt Devone on the phone for a while. He's at SOI and is a SSgt now. We talked about you and the other guys. It was good and I always am grateful for what you and the other men in that wonderful platoon did for me and all of those who don't have any idea of your sacrifice. You are always on my mind."
Ben Wagner of Quantico, Virginia

"Brad, Talked to Gunny Magana on the phone this morning. We talked about you and you've been on my mind all day long. Missing you and the boys of 2nd Platoon."
Ben Wagner of Quantico

"Hey brad,
Happen to be thinking about you. Wish you were here. Thanks for just being who you are. It doesn't feel like 4 years."
Dustin Winkler of Stockton, Cal

"Hey man. I miss you so much sometimes I can barely stand it. I put your flag above my new door and it makes me feel better. Pain doesn't last forever."
Anthony Dal Ben of Sacramento, California

"Brad,

You are always in our hearts and on our minds. We miss you and think of your courageous spirit often. Love and prayers always."
Eric, Michelle and Ashley Elrod of Keller, TX

"Even though it has been years since we've last seen each other I've thought about you and how you were such a good friend to have. The news, almost 4 years ago, that you had passed was tragic. You are a brave and true soul Brad, you will always be in my thoughts."
Omar S Raheem of Washington DC via Michigan

"Even though it's been years since we've last seen each other, I've thought about you and how you were such a good friend to have. The news, almost 4 years ago, that you had passed was tragic. You are a brave and true soul Brad and you will always be in my thoughts."
Omar S Raheem of Washington DC via Michigan

"Dear Brad-
I am so proud of your dedication and selflessness to protect and serve our great county. You are truely one of few that are willing to lay your life on the line for others. You are an American Hero. I am so proud to live in our great county who produces such exceptional men and women. Thank you!"
Kristin Morrow of Riverside, Ca, USA

"Brad, brother i miss you so much, there is not a day that goes by that i dont think about you Robert, Aaron i know your all together. I only wish you i could have saved you done something different, something better. just know that you on the others are on my mind always and i only hope that the rest of my life will be a testament of yours that i will live out my days remembering you Marine.

Semper Fidelis"
Doc Liotta of Long Island, NY

"I miss you Shuder!
Weekends have felt empty for over 3 years now. I used to be able to set my clock to your arrival every Friday night. My only wish is to see you walk through that door one more Friday night so that I could tell you how much I miss you and how proud I am to have been your friend. You will always be remembered."
David Gassaway of San Diego, CA

"SEMPER FI BROTHER
SGT.RETTENBERGER"

"I put a flag up in memory of Brad Shuder in Orlando Florida on Memorial day. I am praying for the family that they would have peace in their loss and know that men and women around our great country appreciate their supreme sacrifice. God Bless You! 7/20/07"
El Truex of Orlando, Florida USA

"Damn I miss you man.
You were a great friend and one helluva marine.
You and your family are always with me bro. I get my strength from you and I do what I do because of you.
I will never forget the day we lost you ... but more importantly I will never forget the times we had together. I am proud to have known you."
Lt Bryan Healea, USAF of RAF Mildenhall, UK

"Hey Brad,
It's been 3 years today, and I still think of you all the time, and miss you more than ever! I have some special in my life, you'd like him, and no, you wouldn't want to beat him up! You're still my hero, and one of my big brothers! I miss you!"
of El Dorado Hills, CA, USA

"To the family of:Brad S.Shuder 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 read these messages as the tears stream down my face...I was Brad's Platoon Commander and had the distinct honor of serving with this Marine. Brad was the life-blood of our platoon. His sense of humor always kept us on our toes. On top of that he was so technically proficient. Brad was a Marine who set the example for everyone around him. As I continue to grow as both a Marine officer and a man I keep Brad at the fore-front of my thoughts and memory. I was Brad's Lieutenant and he was my Marine. My brother and my friend. No day goes by that I don't think of Brad and say a prayer for him or his family. He'll always be my Marine. Thanks for teaching me how to be a leader, Brad. I'll never forget you."
Captain Ben Wagner of formerly of 2nd Plt, Echo Co, 2/1, now at The Basic School MCB Quantico

"To the family of LcCpl Brad Shuder,
I know we have emailed each other back and forth since Brad went together with Robert Zurheide to join our Jose and all three of them are guarding the gates of heaven and watching over all of us as our very special Guardian Angels. My prayers are always with all of you because we share the same loss, the same pain, the same emptiness.

God bless all of you,
Nora Mosquera
Mother of LcCpl Jose Antonio "Gutti" Gutierrez, Killed in Iraq March 21, 2003"
Nora Mosquera of Round Rock, TX USA

"You and your family are in our thoughts."
SSGT Randy Sears and Susann Heft of Illinois

"Hey buddy Happy Birthday, we're all thinking about you, I'm drinking one for you on our 24th bday buddy."
Eric Elrod of Texas

"hey there bro how are you man you know what i really miss oyu a lot of misshap whent down in in iraq things here are not the same you know they finally gave me the silver star and i can tell you it didnt mean shi tto me i wish i could give it to you and zurhide well stay strong man and if you are ever around pls pls look me up"
Cpl Gomez Perez aka Tank of el cajon ca

"4/12/06

My thoughts and prayers are with your family on this day. God keep you all."
De'on Miller--Proud Mom of LCpl Aaron C. Austin, USMC KIA April 26, 2004 Fallujah, Iraq of Lovington NM USA

"hey shuder.i miss you man.things haven't been the same in a while.just know that i keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. take care my brother."
Covington

"Miss you Brad! Just came across a picture of all of us from new years 2004. So many fun memories!!"
Lesley Lizcano of San Diego, CA

"01/12/06
hey can you belive that fernandez renenlisted. wow maybe he is a lifer. take care friend and rest in peace. "no regrets"
R/S
Sgt. J Rettenberger"

"12/31/05
to the family of brad i hope in these times you have a happy holiday and a happy new year.
R/S
sgt. Justin Rettenberger"

"hey brother
i just wanted to tell you happy 230th birthday. forever no regretts.
r/s
sgt justin rettenberger"

"hey brad
man i miss the Sh*t out of you. I thiink about all those late nights on ship and in the house in iraq when we would b s all night. until we meet again take care.
r/s
Sgt rettenberger
For ever the marines of 2/1"

"hey shuder how you been brother if you dont know who this is well is me man the ttank i imiss you so much man every day that goes by i wish i could see you agin i am sorry man i am really sorry please forgive me i couldnt do any thing more for you man i wish i could have done something to bring you back man if only you had gone up stair with me we would both be back here together you know what JC's birthday is comming man yes once again just like old times but this time there is no party man yeah you heard me right no party is just not the same man with out you and the guys here well man take care where ever you are and i wish i could at least talk to you at least one last time well brother i love you take care and see you some day"
Cpl Gomez Perez aka Tank of El Cajon California

"My deeplest condolences to the families of those who have fought bravely to bring democracy to Iraq. We will keep you forever in our prays."
SSGT. GONZALEZ (SPANISH ARMY) of SPAIN

"Hey Brad was watching rounders today and you came to mind.i think about all the late night we had on ship playing cards me, you, goat, and covington. Even after you left us we still keep a spot open for you at the table. sometimes when i play i feel as empty inside as the chair is at the table were you should be sitting. Your in my heart man. Sgt.Rett
"Four to a flush""
Sgt. Rettenberger J M of San CLEMENTE CA

"050624
hey brad I just wanted to say I miss you I catch myself thinking of how you were the only one to say goodbye when I was hurt I think of you all the time our roadtrips up north together and how we scammed our way out of that ticket that time I love you Man and I hope you are at peace."
David Hernandez of San Clemente CA

"4/13/05
Although I was not able to make it to a computer yesterday, I was able to pray for the family of this wonderful Marine. I will never forget.
God be with us all during this month."
De'on Miller, Proud Mom of L.Cpl. Aaron C. Austin, USMC, KIA April 26, 2004 Fallujah, Iraq of Lovington, NM, USA

"To the family of Lcpl. Brad Shuder,
Our thoughts and prayers were with Brad and your family today. Our deepest sympathies for your extraordinary loss, it was felt by all who knew Brad and especially today. I shared a birthday with Brad and struggle many days with the fact that he is no longer with us. He was one of four people at my wedding, he signed our wedding certificate, and we have pictures from that trip and from the day before we deployed the second time to Iraq. To his wonderful family, I have not known how to contact you, nor have had the courage until I found this site. I hope that you know what a powerful impact your son had on all of his marines. He is missed and thought of constantly, his sacrifice was a testiment of his character and will never be forgotten. I hope and pray that we can all keep a piece of him with us, and as each year passes continue to memorialze his life, especially today. Please contact me if you would like, I would love to be able to share stories and pictures of Brad. My email address is eeusmc@hotmail.com.

Semper Fidelis and Rest in Peace Brad"
Cpl. Eric and Jackie Elrod of San Antonio, TX/USA

"It's been a year and you are aren't forgotten Brad. You're still my hero."

"To the Shuder family: You are constantly kept in the thoughts and minds of Brad's second family down here in San Diego."

"If you would like a copy of the remembrance speech I gave at Brad's funeral, please contact me at cadethealea@yahoo.com"
Bryan Healea of San Diego, CA

"It's been a year and you are aren't forgotten Brad. You're still my hero."

"To the Shuder family: You are constantly kept in the thoughts and minds of Brad's second family down here in San Diego."

"If you would like a copy of the remembrance speech I gave at Brad's funeral, please contact me at cadethealea@yahoo.com"
Bryan Healea of San Diego, CA

"RIP Marine. I know another one with you there, now. He called me not too long after they lost you. He was so upset. I met your best friend at the Marine Ball. You have a lot of people that love you. You'll be sorely missed, but never forgotten."
De'on Miller, Proud Mom of L.Cpl. Aaron C. Austin, USMC, KIA April 26, 2004 Fallujah, Iraq of Lovington, NM, USA

"Lcpl Shuder, you will be missed by all, and it was a honor to work with you. My only fear was to not bring everyone home, and that day i had to face my fears straight in its face. I always said to you and the squad, "You are the best guys I have ever worked with" and I honestly meant that. I was unfortunate to not have known you too long, but from the time I did know you I couldn't ever know a more dedicated and nobel person like yourself. I do live with the pain of not bringing you home buddy, but I know that you are in a much better place. You may not be here in physical form, but you will always be here spiritially. As long as you are always remembered, you will always be alive. Take care BUDDY,2nd Plt, 2nd Sqd."
SGT. MAGANA, JOSUE' of Oceanside Ca/ U.S

"I have left so many messages to remember Brad by. I find myself choked up every time I try to find the words. He was a man of many words and he somehow impacted my life when I wouldn't let anybody in. Their aren't words to describe the lose of him, just to remember him by the way he was. He has fallen but he'll never be forgotten. Brad brought joy to my life, and the lives of everybody he came in contact with. He'll always be in my heart and even though he has past on to a greater place Brad will always be with us in our thoughts. God Bless, I love you Brad you were a true friend your missed and loved."
Alyssa Huskinson of El Dorado Hills, CA

""If the Army and the Navy Ever look on Heaven's scenes,

They will find the streets are guarded By United States Marines"

shuder was a good guy, i didn't know him that well and he was taken in an instance. i ran to his position when the call for corpsman up was sounded, i didn't treat him but the corpsmen did their best"
Doc

"Brad... may God Bless your soul and may you find eternal peace in Heaven. You are truely a special man.
Thank-you."
M. Khollman of Austin, TX

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Brad S. Shuder,

"Perhaps they are not the stars,
but rather openings in Heaven
where the love of our lost ones
pours through and shines down upon us
to let us know they are happy."

Eskimo Legend



The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

We need you to provide the address of the next of kin so it can be sent.

http://www.marinecomfortquilts.us/

click register, or

https://oxygen.vhnoc.com/~pmmquilt/register.htm

Proud Member Of Marine Comfort Quilt group, and Proud Marine Mom"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"To Lance Corporal Shuder's family:
Brad gave his life so that we can all have freedom. Thank you. As the bible says, no man has greater love than to lay down his life for others. Brad did that for us. May God continue to bless you and give you strength. Brad and you are in our prayers."
Jim and Mary Hopp of El Dorado Hills, CA

"i have so much respect for you. the true epitome of hero. may you rest in peace and know you will always be in my heart."
Amanda of El Dorado HiLLs

"My dear friend Brad,
Thank you for all the smiles you have given me and the priceless lessons you have taught. I will cherish all the memories we have had together in San Diego. You will always be remebered and missed. You will always be our heroe.
With Love,
from all of the gang in San Diego"
Lesley Lizcano of San Diego, California

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

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

"My condolences to the Shuder family as you mark the milestone of Brad's birthday, May 6th. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time and I pray that knowing others are thinking of Brad will help ease your pain."
Lisa P. of Davis, CA

"Brad has given his life for all of us. Although it is hard, he would want all of us to rember him along with all of the others who have given there lifes for our freedom and continue with our lifes.

"no regrets", well bro, I regret it. I wish it could have been me and not you.

Semper Fi Devil Dog, I know you'll find your way to the promis land."
fellow marine

"To Brad's Family,
I never met Brad, but I have heard much about him. I just want to say Thank You for his sacrifice...It won't be forgotten. He will forever in my mind be a patroit and a hero."
Scott McKinney of Shelby Twp., MI

"Heroes are usually made heroes only after they have given their lives for the sake of someone elses, but Brad, you have been my hero since my sophmore year in highschool, I will never forget all the days of pep talks and threats towards all the boys who made me cry...you are forever in my heart and my life has and will continue to be better because of you...I love you, my hero."
anonymous of el dorado hills, CA USA

"Brad your a fallen hero and you'll never be forgotten... You've touched my life in so many ways, I'm just glad I was able to have you as a friend. You'll always be in my heart... Like you said "No regrets" this will stay with me forever"
Alyssa Huskinson of El Dorado Hills, Ca

"I would just like to express my condolences. My husband served with LCPL Shuder, and was a good friend of his. I'm sorry I never got to meet him, but his memory will never be forgotten by his fellow comrades."
Lori Covington of Redwood City, CA

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden..."
The Taylors USMC NC

"To Brad's Family:
Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your great hero. May God bless you and help you through this most difficult time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"From one Marine family to another
"Though you cannot always see the bird singing, if you listen with your heart, you can always hear his song.
Though the ones we love may leave life as we know it, in our memory, the love we knew will always carry on." unknown author
Our heart and thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Your precious Brad will be remembered, always. He was a true American"
Charles Davis family of Kailua, Hawaii

"Semper Fi, Marine. May God bless you and your family."
D.Spenn of Columbus, OH

"To Brad's Family and Friends:

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

From the family of Capt. Ernesto Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Bard S. Shuder,

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 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

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

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