Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To the family of:Mike T. Sonoda,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""

"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

"Mike was in my small circle of close friends in high school. All of us shared a love of video games, science fiction, and comic books. Mike introduced us to anime and manga, years before you could get them translated to English. This was before us nerds had our revenge and came to dominate popular culture; back then such things were fringe, suspicious, scorned. We were a geeky bunch of misfits, and we clung to each other like brothers.

After high school, our group would hang out on the weekends. Mike would barbecue up some teriyaki chicken and we'd watch Terminator 2 on laser disc. Mike had the gift of memory and he would remind us of things we had done years before, little details or incidents we had forgotten, stuff which didn't seem important at the time but which always made us laugh years later.

Then I lost track of Mike, and then I heard about how he lost his life. I never got to know him as a soldier; not even as an adult, really. I think of him often. When I think about how he was taken I am filled with anger, and when I think about how seldom I saw him in the last years of his life I am filled with loss.

Mike, I miss you, bud."
Sean Craig of San Diego, CA

"”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 1,750 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!
Mothers of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
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 bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"To the family of Sgt. Mike T. Sonoda, Jr. I first met Mike at a Battalion Support Area in Fort Polk, LA, back in April of 1999. We hit it off right away and became friends at that very moment. Mike eventually ended up in my Platoon a couple years later; 5th Platoon, D Co. 1-184, Fullerton, CA. Our friendship grew even stronger. When news of his death reached me, it was very hard to cope with. I'd like everyone to know that not only was Sgt. Mike Sonada a great soldier, but a very good man and a very good friend. You will be missed Mike."
SSG Jay Bongcaron of Pleasanton, CA

"August 22, 2008
To the family of Spc. Mike T. Sonoda, Jr.:
Mike 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

"Mike, there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. That goofy smile and always with a cigarette in hand. My pain over that fateful night will never go away. We miss you my friend. Be with us always and give us strength."
Gerry Hall of Huntington Beach, Ca

"You were a good man Mike. I remember when I first met you at Fort Bliss, Texas. We hit it off right away. You were one of the nicest and most personable guys I have ever known. I wish you could be here with us again. Take care my friend, til we meet again one day."
of california

"mikey, hey bro where finally out of iraq, it's hard not to be able to share all that we been through with you.i wasn't there when you gave your life for your brothers, but iwish i was.you are oneof the nicest men i've ever met in my life.i miss you my brother. my life is much better having known so a great man.you will always be remembered and i carry a special placein my heart for you. i ask you mikey to keep pulling security for your extended family at delta.we will never forget you and will not let your memory die."
spc jeffrey brister of oakdale , calfornia

"Mike-
Well, we are home now brother. I miss you more than you could imagine, or I imagined I would.
Even now, all these months later, I cannot articulate the loss I feel. Starbucks' double shots, Battlestar Galactica, Lone Wolf & Cub. None are the same.
The Fullerton Det got the big do-ins at their home coming. The NorCal welcome was much more low key.
None of us, least of all me, will forget you. It'll be a while, but, please, stand the watch there until we link up again."
Sgt Erick Gelhaus of Rohnert Park, CA

"Mike was a man of honor it was always his buddies first I am Honored to have known him and serve with him. Your Fullerton Brothers will never forget you. The Boys of 9th Platoon."
Mauricio Magallanes Jr of Calexico, CA. USA

"There are no words to express the pain when we lose our hero. Time does not heal but helps us to accept. I am sorry for your loss. After my son, Sgt. Michael Marzano USMC was killed, I wished no one would ever have to go through this pain. I understand and am sorry.
Margy Bons,"
Margy Bons, Packages From Home Volunteer of Phoenix, Az. USA

"Dear Sonda Family,
The loss of Mike is unbearable not only to your family but to our Country. Men like Mike are the backbone of FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY. He is a hero and will always remain so.
While we never had the prvilage of meeting Mike; we did send him care packages. We understand that he enjoyed everyone of them. Thinking of him recieving the packages and then going through each item deciding what he wanted to eat first brings a gladness to our hearts. He was and is loved by many who are very far away.
While we wipe our tears away our group has recommited ourselfs to Mike's unit. In his honor we will continue to send our comfort packages to (Mike's unit)1st Sgt Hall and his men. Mike will be honored with each box sent and every smile that appears when that box is opened. May God bless you and heal your hearts."
Kathleen Lewis Packages From Home of Glendale, Arizona

"TO THE SONODA FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. DEEPLY SADDEN OF THE NEWS. WE REALIZE THIS IS VERY PAINFUL. FOR WE ENDURE THE SAME HARDSHIP LAST YEAR. LOSING OUR SON IN BALAD,IRAQ 2004. MIKE THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. THAT WAS A COMFORT KNOWING GREGORY SERVED WITH SOMEONE AS YOU. ONE THAT ANSWERED THE CALLING TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY. IT TRUELY, SAY ALOT ABOUT THE PERSON YOU BECAME. SERVING AS A SOLDIER IS VERY DIFFUCULT. NOT MANY AMERICANS DO! CONSIDER THE FACT WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF MILLION AMERICAN TODAY. AN IT'S THE ELITE THAT SERVE OUR COUNTRY. WILLINGLY RISKING EVERYTHING FOR ALL AMERICANS! ALL AMERICANS SHOULD BE GRATEFUL AND APPRECIATE ALL YOU SCARIFICE FOR THEM. YOU ARE A HERO! AN YOU ARE MUCH MORE THEN A SOLDIER AND HERO!! MIKE YOU HAVE TOUCHED MANY HEARTS IN YOUR LIFE. FROM NEIGHBOR'S, FRIENDS, THOSE IN YOUR COMMUNITY, TO RELATIVES AND THOSE IN YOUR MILITARY FAMILY. ALL YOUR MILITARY BROTHERS AND SISTERS. AN YES, YOU TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF MANY IN IRAQ. MIKE AMERICA IS ALOT SAFER TODAY BECAUSE OF YOU. YOU ARE ONE OF THOUSANDS THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE SINCE 911. AN YOU MADE A DIFFERNCE TO THOSE IN IRAQ. YOU GIVEN HOPE AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY PEACE WITHOUT FEAR. MIKE YOU IN SOME WAY ARE APART OF MILITARY, IRAQI, AMERICAN AND WORLD HISTORY. AN YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER. TO YOUR LOVING FAMILY! REACH OUT TO YOUR POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY! REQUEST THAT ASTREET BE NAMED IN MIKE'S HONOR. THAT HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY, STATE AND GOVERNMENT REMEBER HIM FOREVER. CONFLICT AND WAR'S TAKE'S YEARS TO END. MIKE DESERVE'S TO BE HONORED TODAY. YEARS FROM NOW PEOPLE FORGET. WE TODAY ONLY HONORING THOSE WE FORGOT FROM WWI, WWII, KOREAN AND ETC. IT IS THE LEAST HIS COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS CAN DO FOR MIKE. HE ANSWERED THE CALL TO PROTECT OUR GREAT COUNTRY. NOW ITS TIME THE PEOPLE HONOR MIKE. MIKE YOU ARE IN MY PRAYS ALWAYS. GOD BLESS!"
leonard t wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

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

"Thank you Mike Sonoda, 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 Spc. Mike Sonoda, 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 Mike 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 Spc. Mike Sonoda, 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 Mike, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia