Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I wish you were here, I miss all the times that you made me laugh,the hugs and phone calls in the wee hours of the morning. Nina's son Layton is in ROTC at the high school and he reminds me of you a lot at that age. He would make you proud, as you have done to all of us who loved and knew you. Miss you more. The other MOM #2"
Donna of Alexander City/AL/USA

"today its been 11 since you left us here.there is not a day that I don't think of you and think of how proud I am to know you and love you! 11 seconds 11 minutes 11 days 11 months and now it is 11 years and it still feels new.love you with all my heart and soul"
Lorrie -2 and mama of Alexander city, Al

"Thank you, John, for the sacrifice you made for me. For the past nine years I have pledged my allegiance to the flag in your honor. SEMPER FIDELIS!"
Laura Lee Pike, John's sophomore English teacher at Benjamin Russell High School of Alexander City, AL

"I love you my brother and have really missed you soo much! You are and always be my protector, just like you tried to protect me when you were here! You are my hero!!"
Daphne Harlow of Vincent Al Shelby

"I just want to thank you all for all the comments and support for my precious son LCpl.John T. Sims. And thank all of you for wearing his bracelet so proudly. I love each and every one of you.I especially want to say thank you to the ones that are still serving or have just came back from a tour of duty. Thank you for defending us and our country. I fully support all our military men and women. May God bless you always"
Margaret Kellum of Jacksons Gap, Al. USA

"I just recently heard about John. I graduated with John at Benjamin Russell High in 2001. He was a friend of mine. He was a fun guy to be around. I am truly saddened to here about this. I wish his family well and hope they will get over there loss. John will truly be missed."
Matt Tenold of Opelika, AL/USA

"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 E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"”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 1,800 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"
Project Compassion, Kenna of Manti,Utah USA

"April 20, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. John T. Sims, Jr.:
John 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

"Today is Veterans Day and what a fitting day to once again say to you how very much I appreciate the great and ultimate sacrifice you gave more than 4 years ago now. It still seems like it was only yesterday that you left us and I love and miss you even more.You are truly what a War Hero is and what that word stands for and stands up for. I love you dearly and deeply!"
Lorrie Stewart ~Mom #2 of Alexander City, Alabama

"JT: IT WAS 4 YEARS AGO YESTERDAY THAT YOU GAVE YOUR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE AND NO MATTER HOW MANY YEARS PASS IT STILL FEELS LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY. THERE IS NOT A DAY THAT I DONT THINK OF YOU AND MISS YOU AND WISH YOU WERE HERE IN PERSON. I KNOW YOU ARE ALWAYS HERE IN MY HEART AND THOUGHTS AND MEMORIES AND LORD KNOWS YOU LEFT US WITH MANY MANY HAPPY AND SILLY MEMORIES THAT MAKES US LAUGH EVERYTIME WE TELL THE STORIES LIKE WE DID YESTERDAY.I KNOW YOU ARE WATCHING OVER YOUR MAMA TOO. I LOVE YOU!"
LORRIE STEWART ~MOM #2 of ALEXANDER CITY, ALABAMA

"JOHN,
ITS BEEN AWHILE SINCE YOU LEFT US, BUT NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU. I MISS YOU BROTHER... IVE KNOWN YOU SINCE BOOTCAMP AND SOI.. THEN WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE STATIONED AT 2/4 TOGETHER.. SAME PLATOON AND SQUAD.. YOU WERE ALWAYS A WILD CHILD.. YOU, KEVIN AND MYSELF WOULD ALWAYS GO OUT PLACES ON OUR WEEKENDS.. BUT MOST OF THE TIME WE WOULD JUST GO DRIVE AROUND AND EXPLORE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.. SEE'N HOW US COUNTRY BOYS HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS PLACE... I REMEMBER SHAVING YOUR BACK.. THATS WHAT HAPPENS TO GRUNTS... YOUR CLOSER TO EACH OTHER THAN YOUR REAL BROTHERS.. I NEVER THOUGHT OF YOU AS ANYTHING DIFFERENT.. I MISS YOU SO MUCH BROTHER..
YOUR FELLOW BROTHER,
LCPL SIMPKINS
ECHO CO. 2/4"
Ben Simpkins of Escondido, Ca

"JT it has been another Christmas without you. I remember the last time I saw you was at Christmas before you left for Iraq. You told me then you were going to Iraq and I remember telling you to be careful and you said with your usual little smirk "I will". There is not a day that passes that you are not in my thoughts and heart. I know how much I love and miss you and I was so very very blessed to know and love you for 10 years. I can only imagine and I see how much your MOM misses you and loves you! She has given us all an amazing gift and honor in you and what you gave for us and all the people you have never known or met! I find it amazing the people who contact your MOM that have never met you or known you but just wanted to pay respects and say thank you. I am proud to know that there are people like that in this world.That there are people who take the time to say thank you and to pay respects by painting pictures, making blankets and other things to honor you JT.In 4 months it will be 4 years since you gave that ultimate sacrifice for freedom and still daily others are still giving the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and I know that there has to be a special place in heaven where all those before and after you are all together and welcoming each one home to heaven.I love you!"
Lorrie~Mom #2 of Alexander City,Alabama

"To the family of John, unfortunately we share something in commom...a date that will stay in our minds for eternity...April 10, 2004. You lost your John that day in Iraq and I lost my Justin that day in Baghdad. We are connected by their selfless sacrifice...by their love of their country and our freedom they protected. You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers..."
Jan and Joe Johnson of Lyerly, Ga.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY JT !!! You are so missed and thought of everyday. You always made sure to call me and say Happy Birthday and I have always been proud that we shared almost the same birthday. Mine being 4 days before yours. Does that mean I am 4 days prettier than you? :O) I love you!!!"
Lorrie of Alexander City, Alabama

"Today is 4th of July and a day that I think of you even more than usually. Thank you for your sacrifice and if it weren't for amazing young men like you we would not have this day to celebrate. When I watch the fireworks tonight I know you will be watching them as well and there will be a smile on my face and love in my heart!"
Lorrie~Mom #2 of Alexander City, Alabama

"To the family of:John T. Sims,Jr. 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.formally of Hollins, Ala."

"John "Sims" will always hold a special place in my heart. I can't tell you how many times the bracelet that I wear with his name on it has gotten me thru fears and troubles in my life. I am forever grateful. May God bless you and hold you close.

Semper Fidelis-"
Jaki of Texas, USA

"JT I will always be expecting your phone calls and your cards. I will always love you and miss you, You will always be my hero and my best friend and son. I have learned alot about what you did that day and it has made me love you even more as if that was possible. For you to draw fire upon yourself to save your our troops is a true hero. I Love You And Miss you everyday.
Love Your Mom
Semper Fi
marines_forever_usa@yahoo.com"
Margaret Kellum of Jackson Gap, Al. USA

"JT - it is 2 days after your 24th birthday - We celebrated your life , memories and amazing sacrifice and gift you gave for us ! You will ALWAYS be our Hero and NEVER forgotten and loved forever and a day!"
Your 2nd mom of Alexander City,AL.

"The Mt.Soledad Memorial Association, in coordinated efforts with American Legion Post 275 of La Jolla, California, is conducting a Honor Ceremony on August 26th,2006 to recognize the dedicated service of LCpl John Sims and the other 20 Marines that paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Post 275 has sponsored the manufacture of 2 granite plaques to be placed at the Mt.Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, CA.

We are very saddened by this tragedy; our Memorial will honor these brave Marines and the memory and tribute will be forever on our walls.
For additional information and photos of our memorial please log onto www.soledadmemorial.com
We would be deeply appreciative if ALL interested in attending the ceremony could call Joanie at 858-459-2314 (e-mail:Joaniem7225@soledadmemorial.com) or Steve Marrietti at 858-705-2214.
THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!"
Joanie Miyashiro-Brennan of San Diego, CA/USA

"I just want to give my thanks to a fallen hero and his family. I was in operation desert storm of 1991. i remember all of those that where with me. even though i was wounded and will never forget the pain but it must be nothing to the sorrow you must feel. god bless you and your family."
John P. Sims of Hobart,Indiana, USA

"Hey you

Just wanted to say I miss you something fierce. My husband got me a POW/KIA/MIA challenge coin today, and I thought of you. I'll see you when I get there, my friend."
Anna of Yuma, AZ

"I am sending my condolences to the family of John Sims. I went to boot camp with him. Plt 1066. He was a great guy and i know he is missed. He did a great thing for his country, in my book he is hero and great Marine."
Cpl Benito Barbosa of Severn, MD

"My name is John P. Sims. I would like to think we are relatives. I am very proud of John T. Sims. I just recentley came home from Iraq. I am sorry for your lost. I am Army, but we are all brothers. My grandfather, father and myself served. Your son,brother, husband had his buddies back. Semper Fi!!! A salute to you and our family!"
John P. Sims of Denton TX, Denton County

"To the family of John T. Sims
I am currently in Iraq; I would like you to know that I have a Hero Bracelet that I wear in memory of John T. Sims. I never got to meet him but I sure wish I had the chance. A man to have family and friends like you that care as much as you do must be amazing. I consider it an honor to have the privilege of wearing a bracelet with his name on it. I am truly sorry. Semper Fi John!"
Cpl. Elmer Sims of Canton, Texas

"Thank all of you for all the thoughts and prayers that yall have extended to me and my family. And thank you for never forgetting my precious little boy.He has always been my hero.It really helps to hear all the kind words from everybody.Just knowing that so many people really cares.
Thank You
Proud Marine Mom Forever Of
LCpl.John T.Sims KIA 4/10/04"
Margaret Kellum of Alexander City, Al. USA

"john
I miss u man. I wish i was there with u that day . The days we spent in the same hole I'll never for get. See you when i get up there. SEMPER FI"
Cpl Charles Henley of Quantico, VA

"hey everyone thanx for the contribute to our family and ur prayers to us."
Shelby-J.T.'s neice of Birmingham, AL

"Hello!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT!"
Shelby Waid of Birmingham/Alabama

"Thank you JACLYNN R of Springfeild,IL you really are a doll for what i can tell I personally thank you for wearing his braclet in his honor that means your my hero. When I get out of school I wish to go to the military but my family don't want me to and some say I would not make it but my main supporters are my GRANDPARENTS Margaret Kellum & Jerry Kellum. When you read this GRANDMOTHR please be proud.
LOVE ALL YALL MARINE LOVERS GOD BLESS YOU MY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL!
My familiy really thanks all of you for your support and I hope you can write me back any time through here just to say hello some time.

BYE!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Shelby Waid of Birmingham,Al

"Hello all of you supporting my uncle John Sims Jr. your support really helps because he was my best friend.people thought I was his daughter thats how close we were and now today almot a year it still has not hit me all the way that he is gone. I am so sorry for all the other losses I know what you are going through. I hate it when a person says i know how you fell well some don't but yall do and I appreciate everyone who wrote in our behalf to comforte us I thank you, as well as my family. We all thank yall with lots of love.

GOD BLESS U UNCLE JT
WE MISS YOU VERY MUCH
GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.
USMC RULES"
Shelby Waid of Birmingham / Al

"To John's family. I have a boyfriend that has already spend a year in Kuwait for OIF and now will head to Iraq for a year in March. I am a strong supporter of our military and am proud of every man and woman that serves to protect our freedoms.
I don't know if you have heard of HeroBracelets...but they are the OIF version of the Vietnam POW MIA bracelets.
I recieved John T. Sims, Jr.'s name and want you to know that I am proud to wear it in his memory.
God bless and may his memories fill your days and comfort your nights."
Jaclynn R. Boley of Springfield, IL

"Thank you John for defending the freedoms we all cherish. Our family is deeply grateful for your proud service to our nation. You will be thought of each day we raise our flag in the front yard. Semper Fi Marine. God Bless you and your loved ones in this time of sorrow."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

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

"To the family of John Sims, Jr. We share in your great sorrow and you are in our prayers. We are so grateful to those who fight to preserve our freedom.

God bless you and comfort you in your time of sorrow.

Louise - former resident of Alabama"
Louise of St. Petersburg, FL

"John Sr. ,

We worked together in North Carolina. I am profoundly sorry to hear about your loss . I know you are proud of your son. God Bless You and provide you with peace of mind and heart in the upcoming ages. I am truly sorry.We all owe John Jr. and you and your family more than could ever be expressed for his loyalty to the nation . Semper Fi."
A Grateful Nurse of Greensboro ,North Carolina

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal John T. Sims, Jr.,

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

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

"There was and infinite sadness and grief I felt when I found out that John was killed. He has been a good friend to me for the past year and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to you."
Anna of Camp Pendleton, CA

"Your family will be in our hearts and prayers. To the Sims, be PROUD of your son! John Sims Jr. A true hero in all our hearts. GOD BLESS OUR MARINES AND THERE FAMILIES. OOHRAA DEVILDOG."
Sgt Wes Campbell USMC 3/2 of decatur alabama

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

"To John's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for the loss of your great hero. May God bless you and help you through this difficult time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

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