Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Thinking of you this MEMORIAL DAY 2017."
DAVID BILLADO of BARTON VERMONT USA

"I have been thinking a lot about Jesse lately. He continues to be an inspiration as his devotion to excel at any endeavor albeit dancing, bowling, golf, working the counter at Rays Market, being a friend, being a warrior for Christ, being a marine.... He was the very best that humanity offers and sometimes its refreshing to know that a spirit like his can live in a world like ours..."
Jonathan Dudley of Greensboro, NC

"To the family of:Jesse W.Strong
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""

"Thank you Jesse for your love of country. All my love to Jesse's family for your priceless gift for our freedom."
Carl Marcinkowski of Swanton. Vermont

"Although I never knew you, I think of you often, especially today. This world misses your beautiful smile. Someday I hope to see you 'over yonder'. I will be looking for you! God bless Jesse's family. And thankyou Jesse for the freedom that we Americans enjoy today."
Linda McDonald (a mom) of Sparta, Tennessee

"Jesse, I was thinking of you today, Marine. Your example of faith, humor and courage are a standard that is great to relate to in all that is good. When the going gets tough, your memory adds to the strength that God provides. And thank you for your wonderful Marine buddies that carry your torch and continue to help me also. Thinking of you. See you in heaven."
Russ Strong of in Detroit, Michigan

"On Veteran's day, my heartfelt prayers go out to the family of Jesse Strong. I never had the priviledge of knowing him, but I learned part of his story several years ago while putting together a celebration of Marines in Vermont for the post office. Jesse's card still sits on my desk, and I read the prayer inscribed there today. He has fallen, but will be remembered always."
Lori Griswold of Barre

"On this Memorial Day--and every day--we remember Jesse Strong and pay tribute to who he was, what he stood for, and for his sacrifice--that we would remain free... one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

And today we also remember his family and all those he left behind...Please know you remain in our prayers and have our enduring graditude for the sacrifice your son and brother made on our behalf...he truly was a man of God, a soldier...a hero.
May God and His grace be with you--today and always..."
Denice Freih, Blue Star Mom of Becker, MN USA

"January 18, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Jesse W. Strong:
Jesse 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

"Remembering Jesse; his laugh, his commitment to Christ and his country, and his love for his family, as his birthday comes around again this Thanksgiving season. So much to be thankful for in his life and legacy. love you, Jess"
Aunt Lynn of Highgate Ctr, VT

"And Jesse's message, and that of his family just rebroadcast in the Australian Financial Review Magazine this week! It is a powerful story of faith - "I am bulletproof until the Lord determines otherwise" is an incredible testimony by Jesse."
Bruce of Sydney, Australia

"Thanks for calling, Vicky. I am in awe of you, Jesse and the others who have borne the burden and come out of it as strong as you are. My younger sister's
son is a Marine serving in Iraq. He stands on Jesse's shoulders.

Andy Potter
WCAX
(In case you misplace my contacts):
652-6392
potter@wcax.com"
Andy Potter of Burlington, VT

"Just saw Vickie Strong on Fox News ad. Good show. Thank you for your son's efforts to protect American freedom. It ain't free. Best wishes to your family.
scott"
Scott of Candia, NH

"To the parent of Jesse
I just watched the documentary on CNN
i am an Iraqi man and i would like to say Thank you Jesse we won't forgot you and other heroes who help Iraqi people ."
mohammed of seattle WA

"To the Strong Family,
I've just been introduced to Jesse through CNN and I want to thank you for your faith and support that you've shown during your nightmare. As my nephew serves in Fallujah, your faith uplifted me as I pray for him."
Suzanne Newman of Chicago, IL

"God Bless You!
Semper FI Brother"
JR of St. Joseph, IL

"To the Strong Family,

Our fallen patriot, a child of God, beloved son and brother, will never be forgotten. Peace be with you."
Ken Strong of Tucson, AZ

"I want to thank jesse for his sacrifice for our county and for the Mother who gave us a hero."
Nelson Riley of San Diego, CA

"Jesse,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other Marines from your unit(C/4th CEB) who were killed in that ambush for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I too saw the documentary on CNN about the ambush and after reading all the reflections left here for you, I wish that I had the opportunity to have served with you.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"To the Parents of Jesse, 1/4/07

I just watched Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN - Ambush at the River of Secrets Episode. I was so touched by your responses and entire outlook on this situation, I had to find a way to contact you. I don't know how much this will mean but I thank you for your sacrifice and handling such a hard situation with such grace. I am proud and humbled by extraodinary human beings like you."
Emaiza Cheng of Chicago, IL

"To The Family Of Sgt. Strong:
Know that your son has taken his place in the Marine Corps' hall of heroes. He has joined the ranks guarding heavens gates. For those of us who knew him, our lives are forever changed without him. In the famous Marine Corps movie "Full Metal Jacket" former Marine GySgt R. Lee Ermey states "But always remember this, Marines die, that's what we're here for. But the Marine Corps lives forever, and that means you live forever." Jesse will forever be a part of us, and our ranks are now a lesser place without him.
--Semper Fidelis and OO-Rah Sgt Strong"
Sgt B. A. Webb of Barnard, Vermont

"To Family and Friends of Jesse,
Remembering when we first met you and watched Jesse playing with friends at Lake Salem in '89, I had just accepted the call to pastor the EFC church which Nate had faithfully shepherded during the interim. Much love and prayers to you all."
Rev. Bill LeFort and wife, Cherie of Kirkwood, Missouri

"To Jesse's Family,
I just read your story in Guidepost's and want you to know that I am praying for you today. I noticed that it has been 1 year since Jesse's death, and I just re-read the story today. God bless and comfort you - from a fellow-Christian in Texas."
Kathy Abrahamson of Arlington, TX

"Dear Jesse, I love you and miss you so much. I am so proud of you and I will have you in my heart always until we see each other again face to face in the presence of the Lord. You were a wonderful son to raise, and it was my privilege to be your mom. You gave me so much joy and pleasure. Thank you, Jesse. I have peace and comfort knowing that you are safe in the arms of the Lord, dancing and smiling there. I love you!! See you soon, Mom"
Vicki Strong of Albany, Vermont

"I have just finished your story in Guideposts. I have never written about any story in any magazine before, but your story touched my heart. What a wonderful man your Jesse was. It does my heart good to hear of a young man loving the Lord as he did. With his sense of humor and loving for others, I know God is rejoicing over his life. I pray for your family to have the blessings of the season and the wonderful memories of this special guy."
Patti Benedict of Asheboro, NC

"While we didn't know Jesse personally, we read about him in GuidePosts. We wanted to thank him and his family for giving us a most precious gift, his life. We also honor all the men & women in our miltary for protecting our freedoms especially at this special time of year...without him and many others, we would not be able to openly celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Thank you and God Bless!

Joe, Jenn, Megan, Matt & Madison"
The Bocchino Family of Orange County, CA

"Someone goes to my Church that was a very very close friend of Jesse. I am praying for you guys. Jesse is in Heaven. And i hope that you can take confort in knowing that."
Pennsylavania of Pensylavania

"I knew Sgt Strong personally I remember when he put on Cpl stripes. He was the first Marine in "C" Co. that I really got to know. He was an outstanding Marine and was an ecxample for us all I will always remember Sgt. Strongs sacrifice and will never forget his love for his family friends and country Semper Fi Devil Dog "...for he today that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother""
Lcpl Munshausen USMC of Lynchburg Va

"Jesse was a friend of my brothers when they were both attending Liberty University. Jesse always was able to make me work harder in myself and in school and had many words of encouragement for me when he would come to visit our family at thanksgiving. When Jesse became a marine, I thought to myself that maybe Id like to try. Throughout my entire time at PI, in platoon 1066, Jesse would encourage me that I could make it through, encouraged me to shoot well eventho I was having trouble, I ended up shooting a 216, sharpshooter becuase he told me to just focus. Jesse will be very much missed by me and Im sure everyone,his smile and his good attitude about any situation is something that I remember even when im doing something I dont want to be doing. Semper Fi Sgt. Strong."
LCPL Brown, Joe of 4th CEB, Baltimore, Maryland

"MARINE SGT JESSE W. STRONG
You are an American Hero whose ultimate sacrifice will be be forgotten by a grateful nation. You will be remembered for always being faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps.
I salute you MARINE SGT JESSE W. STRONG for your supreme sacrifice.
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem". ~President Ronald Reagan, 1985~
Jesse you have made a difference to which I am very grateful."
Dorothy Burt of Rhode Island

"Nathan, Vicki, Matthew and sister,

It has been six long months since Jesse was taken from you and we want you to know that he will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to you, knowing what you are going through and understanding how difficult it is and will continue to be for a long time. But please also know that you have the love and support of so many people who think of you and your sacrifice. Jesse will always be our hero for the ultimate sacrifice he made for our country and the freedoms we all sometimes take for granted. This family knows the heartbreak and pain you feel, but offer you our words of praise for Jesse and you for all Jesse has done for us all. Our country will be forever indebted to you for Jesse's service for the greater good of all Americans and the people of Iraq."
Stephen and Marion Gray, parents of Fallen Hero SSGT Jamie A. Gray KIA June 7, 2004 of E. Calais, Vt July 25, 2005

"Jesse; what to say, so many thoughts and things should have been said. As my SLD at liberty you taught love and joy through daily experience, that happiness and joy aren't an exhaustible resource, but they stem from our daily experiencing the best of what God has in store for us. And you, my friend, are a veritable wellspring of all of the above!

To your family, Jesse is my hero. I can't say anything more, the kindest, nicest, gentlest person I've ever met, someone who wouldn't tell a joke that might hurt another person, instead making fun of himself. Time and time again protecting those he cared about from hurt, placing himself between them and harm. This guiding principle, this selflessness… well someone I rather respect said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”(John 15:13) Jesse remained committed to this principle his whole life, and remains, my hero."
MM3 Hay, Peter M. - USN of Charleston, SC

"To Nate and
Vicki.I hope that God has given you the gift of peace during this trying time. I am praying for you and everyone who has lost a loved one."
someone who loved Jesse

"I did not know him, but I know he died fighting for a good cause.
May HE give peace to Jesse's soul and those left behind."
anonymous of Germany

"RIP Devil Dog....

J AND T in NC USMC"

"To the family of Sgt. Strong,
My deepest condolences for your loss. Not only are our Marine Corps ranks a lesser place without him but this country as well. Know your son however, has joined the ranks in our corridor of heroes. He has bore his burdens and fought the foes, and is now guarding heavens gates. In the infamous movie "Full Metal Jacket" the words of GySgt Hartman (R.LEE ERMEY) reign ever true..."But always remember this, Marines die, that's what we're here for, but the Marine Corps lives forever and that means you live forever" May he forever remain in the arms of the father and at peace with the angels. OO-RAH and Semper Fidelis Sgt. Strong."
Sgt Webb, USMC of Camp Lejeune, NC

"I went to school with Jesse and he brought me so much joy. The impact that this has personaly had will always stay with me forever. I never understood why he was wanting to go overseas, but I realize he had a special love for our country and was willing to serve and die for all of us. I now understand why he wanted to go. We weren't always hanging out together through school, but the times we got to talk in passing were very special. His death will not be in vain."
Tim of Manassas, Va

"We think of you and miss you everyday. We know that the day will come when we will see you again. We thank you for giving your life for our freedom. Be ready for the next game of wiffle ball that we will play. You are our true HERO!"
Chad and Jennifer of Albany,Vermont

"To the Strong Famliy,
My heart just goes out to you all. I thought so much of Jesse. He was always so kind to me and my brother Matthew. Even though I haven't see you guys in a while I still think of you all as family. I love you all and I will be praying for you guys."
Jennifer Dorn of Birmingham, AL

"I'm Jesse's brother, Matthew. While my life will never be the same from not having my best friend with me, I know with certainty that this is a temporary separation and that I will see Jesse again in Heaven with our Lord. God has given us so much that it is hard to be bitter or angry, we have so many amazing memories, we have felt the prayers of everyone, and the Lord has given us so much strength to continue on. Thank you to those who have prayed for us and continue to do so, it is your prayers that sustain us. I'm working on a website for Jesse and I invite everyone to check it out; www.jessestrong.com

I love you Jesse, I feel your strength with me every day, and I know that I will see you again!"
Matthew Strong of Pittsbrugh, PA

"I just watched "Fallen Heroes" on CBS News and they profiled Jesse Strong.

God, how my heart goes out to his parents, other family members and friends of this fallen Marine. He seemed to be everything that this country needs in our young people and when I see losses like these of Americas finest my heart just breaks. I'm glad that his soul is with Jesus in Heaven.

R.I.P and Semper Fi Marine."
Dan Weakley of Peoria, IL.

"To the family of Sgt. Jesse Strong.
I had the great honor of becoming a Marine alongside Strong as a fellow member of Platoon 1062 at Parris Island. Strong and I were in constant competition at the Rifle Range. After two weeks of grueling training, Strong succeded in beating me on qualification day by one point to recieve Company High Shooter. He surpassed me in not only expertise with his weapon, but also in his unwaivering faith in His Lord. We spent many nights discussing spiritual matters by the red glow of our "Moonbeams" upon the worn pages of our Testaments. I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a great man, a Mighty Marine, and a wonderful friend. One day when I reach the Gates of Heaven, It will my honor to properly relieve him of his post."
Cpl James P. Mason of Jefferson, GA

"Thank you Jesse for sacrificing your life for freedom. So many of us in America do not realize what goes on in the world, or realize what a difference our troops make. For you and for the many others, we are grateful for your selflessness and devotion. Your death has not been in vain for I know that many have been touched by the message of Christ through your love for the Savior. I can attest to that. It's hard to believe of the many people who go to Liberty, not all of us are saved or living how we should live. Thank you, because of you, I am determined to live my life to the fullest and make my life a shining example as you have done."
Magdalene Kong of Palm Coast, Florida

"To the loving parents of Jesse ----Rev. Pastor Nathan and Vicki and loving brother Matthew and only sister--our family share in your grief, thank you for the opportunity of having met Jesse as a real and true friend of my son. His unselfishness and finding time to be a friend, disciple of Christ has made Jesse alive in the life of my son David. I am glad that we can still feel him alive.We salute you as a hero for Christ and our country. Greatly missed indeed!!! But God's ways are not our ways and to Him be the glory. You are now at peace with the Lord."
Lourdes Angela Clasara of Lynchburg, VA

"Thanks Jesse for your sacrifice,you are truly a hero.Good Bye Marine"
Mike of NJ

"Jesse was one of those rare individuals on whom the sun always appears to shine! His laugh and smile would brighten the darkest day. He was proud to be a Marine and we are proud to have known him."
L & D of Albany, VT

"I just want everyone to know what an absolutely wonderful young man Jesse was. You will be greatly missed in this community. But we will be with you again. Thank you for your courageous service to our country."
Cora Powell of Albany, Vermont

"There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

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

"to Jesse's family and friends
You continue to be in my prayers as you grieve the loss of your son, brother and friend. I met Jesse a couple of times, through his sister, and I remember him as a funny, confident, God-loving man. And I remember that he loved his sister very much. I will contine to pray for God's comfort and peace for you."
Ellen Ferris of Pennsylvania

"To Jesse's family, I pray for you in this time of sorrow for the loss of your loved one. I went to school with Jesse and will miss him much. I too served two tours in Iraq as a Marine, but unfortunately did not have the oppurtunity to serve with Jesse. I will miss his friendship and will honor his life by celebrating the good things that he has taught us. I am glad to know that he is in heaven smiling down on us."
Toby Williamson of Lynchburg, VA

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