Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"John, you are one of the few, honest and loyal to everyone you knew. Always there, no matter what they needed. You were a rare breed, and for all your kindness I thank you.
This memorial day, like them all, I think of you. I think of the last time I saw you, right before you deployed again. You were proud of your service... And we are proud of you. For all of us that had the measure of knowing you, you impacted our lives for the better."
Phoenix of Wilmington nc

""Pudge" Not a day go's by that I do not think about you. Not a day, when I wish I could have acted quicker, or had been there to make sure you were good. Go figure the one time right? The one time, always just that, the one time. I promise I will be by to visit you, I know I haven't, have not been doing well these last couple of years. All you guys kinda got me, all at one point. I know you though, I know you got that goofy grin on your face, and you will be telling some tale of you and your child hood, or we will be swapping back at Bragg stories. Take care pudge, make sure you let them know I am coming, well take that last hill together brother!"
SFC Quintard of Savannah GA

"Mac,

Though I only knew you for 2 years, you made them count. Every memory I have of you is a good one, usually with a lot of laughs.

That broken Metallica CD that still played in your truck.

Melissa falling off your truck on field day.

You doing a rifle finger spin while exhibition drilling at Williston, but, because you spun it the wrong way, you sliced open your finger.

Even YOU had a nice long laugh about the stupidity of that one.

Some people say that they'll always remember the good times.

I think that will be easy for me as we never had any bad ones.

Gone, but never forgotten."
Adam Brewer of Wilmington, NC

"Thinking of you today Mac, and always. I am so proud to have been able to call you my friend. You were actually like a brother to me. I tell everyone I know of you, and how you lived your dream to serve this country. Everyone should be thankful for people like you who have served, and made the ultimate sacrifice for this country.

‎"The American flag does not fly because the wind moves past it...the American flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died protecting it. American soldiers don't fight because they hate what's in front of them...they fight because they love what's behind them."
Thank you for protecting the future for myself, and my little family. My youngest daughter's middle name is "MacKenzie" (Mac) in your honor. I miss you Mac!"
Jenn Whitt (Bryant) of Tega Cay, SC USA

"From Virgo middle, to NHHS, to the sands of Iraq we always found each other. One day we will meet again and laugh about the lacrosse ball busting your cup!"
C.J. Green of Greensboro, NC, Wilmington, NC

"I was lucky to have known Mac as a friend and to have coached him at New Hanover HS. I also had the pleasure to work with his mother, Judy, at College Park ES. Mac was an outstanding young man in all aspects of life and I, still to this day, admire his courage. In 2005 I took our cross country team to the Wilmington National Cemetery to visit his resting place. We dedicated our season to him, and in his honor, won our conference championship. In the front of our school, at College Park, we have dedicated a magnolia tree that grows above his plaque that honors his service to our country. I have dedicated my personal web site to Mac ( www.nhcs.net/cpark/ click on Doug Smith). Judy, if you read this, we love and miss you, and your son will never be forgotten."
Doug Smith of Wilmington, NC

"My last conversation with Mac was in Wilmington at a Pizza Joint. He was in Desert Cammies. I was glad to see him. We spoke a few minutes. The essence of that conversation was: Coach I know what I want to do, and I am doing it. I have met a lot of guys from school who still have no idea what they want from life.

Well said, Mac, We are Proud!!"
coach of wilmington

"I never knew Smitty but he is a Cav trooper and therefore my brother. I proudly wear his name on my wrist. You are not, and will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace."
P. Murphy of Covington, Louisiana

"To the family... I knew smitty for like a minute, and that instant i felt a bond with him as if I knew him all my life. Always with a smile. He will be missed, and to this day and forever will not be forgoten"
sgt. coronel of California

"May 31, 2009
To the family of Sgt. John M. Smith:
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

"To the family of:John M. Smith 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"

"Mac, I wish so much that I could thank you in person for your bravery and sacrifice. I cherish our friendship and am thankful to have known someone as special as you, your incredible family as well. I miss you Mac, so much. What a hero you are! You have helped me realize how fortunate I am to have freedom, and for that I thank you eternally. I'll treasure every memory I have of you, always."
Aryn (W-hammer) LeQuire of Wilmington, NC

"Smitty, we will never forget you brother. You always had a smile when times were tough."
Mitch of Dahlonega, Georgia

"Hey Cuz, I sure miss you during the holidays....who can sneak all the biscuits with me and have the cheesecake eating contest....I love you Boy!"
Lori Beth Sykes of Raleigh, NC

"I love you Mac! Miss you everyday! I am a few days late leaving you a note but things have been crazy as I'm sure you know ;) I can't believe it's been 2 years without you. The world was a much better place with you here. I know those of us that knew you feel an empty spot without you. Thanks so much for doing what you loved to do. It makes me feel a little better when I think that you left us doing what you wanted to do for so long.

Love,
"The delinquent" (I'll never forget your nickname for me!)"
Jenn W. of Wilmington, NC USA

"My beloved "CUZ", 2 days ago was 2 years...I think about you everyday and miss you sooo much. I wish you were here. There is so much I didn't get to say. I LOVE YOU MAN AND I KNOW YOU ARE ALWAYS WITH ME."
Lori Beth Sykes of Raleigh,NC

"Smitty, Believe me brother, you are truely missed. You are thought of daily by me and my family. You and your family are in our prays. You was one strong hearted kid I could always count on watching my back, I'm sorry I was'nt there for you this time. Love you brother and I promise, You will never be forgotten!"
SSG. Phillip Portilloz of Bco. 3rd Plt 3rd Sqd

"Smitty,

"Where the wild things are" that book was one that we grew up on by our parents that you transfered into a tattoo. I remember when the first time I saw your tat of the book. I recall times that we were helping Hensley paint the hallway with the skulls 3rd platoon style. Though I was with you in 03 for the beginning of the war i went to charlie and only was able to talk to you a few times here and there. I think of you so often bro. Man, there have been many nights that I look back to the good times that we spent together drinkin at Joe's Crabshack. I am so proud to have known you Smitty, you are a great man and I will see you all to soon. Fear not brother, we shall win this war. I love you brother you will always be remembered as long as the flag flies high. Believe me, these colors will never run away. I love you brother god bless your family."
Brandon Payne of Union, Ky.

"Smitty,
You will never be forgotten for you are part of my memories and a good friend always. Your band will always remain on my wrist and your name tatted on my skin. We missed you on the vegas trip when we got back."
SGT Mark Minor of Ft. Hood TX

"Mac I know you will never read this but I as a friend will never forget the Fri night football games and ROTC Drill ceremonies and the sacrifice you paid for all of your family and friends. RIP Buddy"
SGT Robert Price of Lacey, WA, Wilm, NC

"JOHN, I KNOW THAT YOU WILL NEVER READ THIS MESSAGE, BUT I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE THOUGHT OF CONSTANTLY AND WE MISS YOU SO MUCH. THE GANG DRANK JD ON YOUR BIRTHDAY AND YOUR MARK OF BEING GONE FOR A YEAR. I MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU! I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY!"
SPC KELLY DEGREEK of 557 MAINTENANCE COMPANY FORT IRWIN, CA USA

"Smitty i love u and miss you so much. i just want to say thank you for everything you have ever done for me. and thank you for teaching me so much. may you rest in peace i love you bud. Spc justin Bradley Mitchell B co. 3/325 A.I.R 3 Platoon 3 Squad"
justin of blue springs, mo

"Mac,
Words can never express the level of sorrow I feel. You were the epitome of a man and an Infantryman, a Wilmingtonian, and a Hanoverian. I thank you for all that I learned from you back at New Hanover, and in life. You will be greatly missed. My condolences go to your family, and my actions to your memory. You truly ARE an All-American hero."
SGT Darren James of Wilmington, NC

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

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From the family of LCpl Branden P. Ramey, KIA 11/8/04"
Sandy of 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. Your HERO, John will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"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 and family of Massillon, Ohio

"TO THE SMITH FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE LOST OF JOHN. HE WILL NOT HAVE GIVEN HIS LIFE IN VAIN. HE HAS SERVED NORTH CAROLINA AND OUR COUNTRY PROUD. PROTCTING US ALL FROM TERRORISM AND GIVEN IRAQ A NEW BEGINNING IN OUR WORLD TODAY. HE HAS TOUCHED SO MANY LIVE'S. FROM HIS COMMUNITY, NEIGHBOR'S, FRIENDS AND HIS LOVING FAMILY. JOHN ALTHOUGH HAD NOT KNOWN OUR SON. WE ARE VERY THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL BOTH MILITARY BROTHERS. WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHERS UNITS AS FAMILY SHOULD ALWAYS DO! NOW BOTH ARE TOGETHER, AN WE WILL HONOR THEM AND ALL THOSE THAT ARE WITH THEM . JOHN WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, NEVER. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH JOHN AND YOUR FAMILY."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Thank you John Smith, 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 Sgt. John Smith:
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 Sgt. John Smith:
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