Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Frank,
Not a day goes by without me missing you. I still remember that night I got woken up while deployed in Afghanistan. They told me that you had left this world in Iraq. I was devastated, but I recalled your words to me when I just got to Hawaii. I'll always miss our MWR Saturday broke hang outs and you forcing me to like cowboy movies. Miss you bro"
Paul Primero of Dumont, NJ

"Sweger, You are never forgotten. I remember SSGT Lazzzard making you yell goodbye to every airplane as they were passing by MCRD lol. You were the best of us. You are missed."
Lester Rodrigues of Chicago Il

"At a Selena tribute in El Paso, TX. She's doing a pretty good job brother. Miss the TCs in Oki where you made me watch the movie over and over lol. Semper Fi brother."
Van Eps S. of El Paso TX

"Franklin,
I visited Arlington National Cemetery Saturday and visitors were given names of heroes to honor. I was given your name and wore it on a yellow ribbon around my neck all day. Today is Memorial Day and I just want to take a moment to thank you for what you did for our country."
Laura G of Arlington, VA

"Every time I think of you my heart is heavy. You truly are missed brother. But I do remember the times on EPD we had competitions on who can pull the better pranks, lol good times."
Emiliano Canchola of San Antonio, TX.

"My mentor, my friend, and my brother. You were the first person who welcomed me when I reported to the unit. I miss those times when we hang out. You always hate it when I call you by your rank and prefer that I call you brother."
Paul P. of Jersey City, New jersey

"Thank you."
Kammie

"05/28/2012, Franklin it's been too long since I wrote. I miss you more than words can describe. U were always there for me as a brother and still r my brother to this day. Wish you here! Just want you to know that I still always think about you!"
Mitch C. of Eagle Pass, TX

"Is been so long yet it seems as if it were yesterday, you were listening to lil john with me in the barracks facing the bowling alley. you were my senior marine when i showed up to the fleet. I became your roomate and learn alot from you brother. I cant and will never forget you, words cant explain the pain we suffered on Dec 16th 2004. your always in my heart brother, it was good being your roomate before we fought the good fight. till we meet again "your Brother "Chavo""
Mr. Josue Echeverria of San Fernando CA

"Dec.16, 2011. Franklin, not a day goes by that I don't think of you. When things get tough in life, I think of you for inspiration,tenacity, and for your sense of humor. Miss you my guardian Angel Marine, love your uncle Chris."
Chris Hernandez of Seguin,Texas

"To the family of:Franklin A.Sweger
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""

"Its Veterans Day again and We miss you! You will never be forgotten. You dwell in our hearts and soul."
Jan Hernandez of Wylie, Texas/USA

"Lots of love and lots of pain brother. I still see that smiling face talking about home on the rooftops of Fallujah. Not a day goes by..."
Garrett Phillip Anderson of Portland, Or

"To the Family of Franklin Sweger, I had the pleasure of being his friend from high school,up until his passing. Frank and I were very close throught our years at MacArthur H.S. All I can say that he is truly missed in my heart. I miss his laugh and his weekly phone calls of loving words."
Re'Shaun Webb of San Antonio

"I miss you brother!"
garrick royster of chicago il

"Franklin---
We miss ya, cuz. Allison named her son after you. He was born
soon after we got home from your funeral. Christmas will never be the same. I am so proud to know you died not only fighting for the United States, but for the rights & freedom of the people of Iraq. You are a hero. Love you forever."
Kammie

"Damn bro. when i heard the news of you not making it, it struck me hard. I automatically remembered the the times we spent in SOI and the first days in the fleet. The picture swapping and long talks about future plans. You always were a clown and you will never be forgotten. My only regret is that I didn't transfer with you guys. I could of been by your side. I miss you bro. SEMPER FI! If your family gets to read this, I would just like to say that they should be proud to have raised such a great guy and an outstanding Marine."
Flavio Magana of Lake Elsinore, CA

"December 13, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Franklin A. Sweger:
Franklin 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

"Happy Birthday, my only Grandson would have been three, its hard when a loved one passes. God Bless."
Barbara A. Sumpter of Ft.Worth Texas

"Frank, its been a long time,Im so very sorry to read of the passing of your only son. I also have a dear son I love with all my heart. I dont have the words to say how sorry I am, if your still the Frank I knew when I was 18 I know how hard you are taking this, they say time heals all, but I truly wonder .He was a very handsome young man.He gave his all so others could be free, God Bless you and your loved ones.If you would like to email me-babs59@gmail.com. Love Barbara"
Barbara A. Sumpter of ft. worth texas

"hey frankie,
what can i say man is like just yesterday that we were out there. i know you are taking care of your brother and sister from where u are. i just wish u were here to party in san antonio like we had planned but now i just hope to see you again one day. like i said before look after your family and one day we shall see each other again. by the way frankie ill show u my new tat with ur name on it da day we see each other and for your family i wish you all the best no matter where you all at.....03/23/2008"
d of somewhre in the usa

"Franklin, it is February 2008 now. We will never forget that you are our Hero! I am free to be an individual and live life to the fullest potential because of your ultimate sacrifice. We go day to day remembering you and being proud to have had you in our lives no matter how short it was. It is so painful for all of us, especially for Susie and Steven, to try to live without you. You are always in our Hearts where ever we are. We miss your laughter, your unending love for everyone in our family and your friends. I hope that one day I will see you again and you will make me laugh at life like you always did. God Bless You. We miss you terribly. All Our Love Forever!!!"
Jan Hernandez of Wylie, TX /USA

"my son,theres not a day that gos by."
frank s. of yucatan,mex.

"frankie,
what can i say man, i think back and i can remember those momments when we use to talk bout going back to texas and parting. it seems like just yesterday that we were talking story and now is just like a dream. is hard saying goodbye to a good friend like you so i will not say good bye i will just say i will see you soon my friend. it hurts me so much that we wont hang out anytime soon but we will in the future. man i wish it was you i was writting this too but one thing i will say you are a true mexican in my eyes (lol) frankie j/k you are and will always be mexican. now my man look over your family and friends because your mom and dad are great people as well as your brother that i had the pleasure of meeting in hawaii. we will see each other soon so take care bro and keep writting them lines up in heaven just the way u did on ship laterz bro..."
d of usa

"Dear Fraklin,
You've never met me but I just wanted to say how proud I am of you. You gave up everything to fight for Freedom and to protect your country. You are my "Hero" young man. God took my grandson right after He took you, I hope you two get to meet in Heaven.
Watch over your mother, she misses you so much. Touch her with a gentle breeze as you whisper you love her.
God Bless you"
Shirley of Huntingdon, TN.

"Happy Belated Birthday love! RIP"
Monica of San Antonio, TX

"Man I wish we could have hung out more, I remember being in SOI with you man it was a trip you knew how to make everyone laugh, god speed marine!!!
Semper Fi !!!"
Robert Driotez of SLC, UT

"Sweger you and I go way back to the first day I got to Hawaii to the time we went to Japan. When I left Hawaii I had a hard time saying bye to you. I miss us playing PS2 and going to hang out in town. I will continue to have you in my heart as " MY BOY" I will see you in a better place."
charles Fullilove of Herndon, VA

"I still think about you everyday. When I see another Marine or a Marine on the news that was killed, I think about you. Its hard and I know we werent the best of friends, but you were still a sweetheart and a good friend to talk too. Now I am a Marine Wife and Its harder to think that my dearest Husband will someday go out there. I miss you and my thoughts and prayers are always with your family."
Kathryn Wendel - USMC Wife of Harrogate, England

"Franklin- I remember the day I got the phone call about your passing. I cried for what seemed like forever. I hadnt seen you since Jeb got married. I miss you and will always love you cousin! I know you are an angel up above and running around w/our grandparents. Please watch over baby Franklin. We miss you!"
Autumn of Austin, TX

"My Dearest Son,

It has been over a year now since you were called to heaven. You are always on my mind, day and night, and I miss you so very much. I know you are in a better place, but it does not stop the terrible pain. I look at your pictures every day and tell you how much I love you. You are my hero, until we meet again dearest son....your mom,"
Susie Hernandez of San Antonio, Texas

"Franklin, we all miss you so much. Thank you for the happiness you've brought so many people."

"To the family and friends of sweger, my prayers are with you..sweger may you rest in peace..may this country never forget the Marines like you who continue to make the ultimate sacrifice everyday. Semper Fi."
Joe Kelleher of Boston, MA

"On this the day of memoriam of Franklin's death, may I say our family wishes we could take away your pain and fill your void. Since we can't, we will keep you and Franklin in our prayers. Every day we tell our fallen heroes and their heroic families, thank you for another day of freedom in the USA...which we would not have had without their sacrifices...the greatest sacrifice a family could ever make."
The Troup Family of San Antonio, Tx.

"Thank you all. Franklin is part of my family.He was always there for me.I'ii miss you,And love you with all my heart."
Marc Hernandez of Frisco,Tx

"""As a veteren of K Co 3/3 and a very short stint (2 Months with G Co)(1986-1990)MCAS K-Bay it saddens me to hear of the loss of my brother Marine but I know he left us bravley fighting to keep my family safe from the evils of the world keeping with the highest traditions of the Corps. I'm now to old to reenlist but if I could I would."""
Lcpl. Robert Blaylock of Lakeside CA, USA

"Brother, you will always be remembered within 3/3 Weapons Co. as a hero. Semper Fidelis and I'll see you again someday."
Cpl. Paul Szoldra of MCBH Kaneohe Bay, HI

"I've finally developed my film from our deployment. One picture that I have of Sweger I'd like to share with his family before I post it. Will someone please give me his mother's contact info? U_dogg40@yahoo.com"
Doc Underwood of Hawaii

"Sweger,
Brother it has been awhile. I think back and remember to a time when you and I where roommates in Okinawa. I still remember you watching "Salina" movie every damn day man. I am sorry it was you and not me brother . Your a hero now and you'll never be forgotten. Semper Fi Brother.
Recon Jon
Gruntcorporal@yahoo.com"
Recon Jon of Franklin , TN

"sweger...you are missed and loved. thank you for your sacrifice. you will never be forgotten.
jon,samadhi,and timisha grandstaff."
the grandstaff family of wheeling, west virginia

"Franklin, Olive Juice! I hope you are okay and please make sure everyone is doing fine. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for us! I love you and always will!"
Ashley of San Antonio, TX.

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

"RIP Marine"
CDK of Florida

"I've known you since highschool and remember all the good times we had. I loved you like a brother and my heart was always with you as a friend. Every day you are missed and loved. To a very dear friend. Love,
Monica Morrissey and family.
You are in our prayers."
Monica Bianca Morrissey of San Antonio, TX

"May you know your son was an honorable Marine and Texan SSGT T. MCB Camp Ripper Iraq"
SSGT T of San Marcos Texas

"I also had the priveledge of serving with frank. we were really close even though were in seperate platoons. he was a good friend and i will miss him dearly"
S VanEps of Sheboygan, Wisconsin

"The last thing I said to him was "where's my f*cking lighter?... I'll see you when you get back." Then, we loaded on the tracks. We became friends the day he made fun of me for sucking in diesel to fill a jug, and we talked about college and life after the Corps, just outside a firm base in the northern section of Fallujah.
He was a good Marine, and a good man.
Don't forget.
Semper Fi, Sweger, and I'll see you at the gate."
Rich of Baltimore MD

"RIP BUDDY"
Drew Carlton of College Station,TX

"To Franklins Family,
I had a chance to server with Franklin in Hawaii. Being a Sgt. I didnt know him, I just knew him as being a good Marine. He will be missed, by all of us."
M. Rasher of Neenah, Wisconsin

"To Franklin and his family,
Franklin you will always be my best friend and you truly are the defintion of the word hero. You and your family will always be in my heart. You always made me feel special.
My family was your family and yours was mine. My Mom, sister, family, and friends all loved you Frank. To the greatest friend and brother in life. I will always pray for you and your family. Love,
Mitch"
Mitch C of San Antonio, TX

"To Franklin's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice as we lose yet another of Texas' sons.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

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

"Thank you Frank, you are a hero to my family and I. We will think of you each day we raise our flag in the front yard. Semper Fi Marine. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"Your picture was in our newspaper and I wanted to write and say you our in our prayers. My nephew died 1 year ago, so I feel your sorrow. May God be with you all. Thank you Frank for your sacrifice for our freedom."
Maureen Ledet of San Angelo, Texas

"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

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Franklin A. Sweger,

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 use our link and 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

"Dear Lance CPL Sweger thank you for your courage. I know I could not have done what you did by entering such a hostile place. Thank you for protecting me and America."
mark of northern VA

"To the friends and family of Franklin A. Sweger,
I would like to send my deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one. My husband was KIA in June in Iraq, and it breaks my heart every time I see that someone else must bare this pain. He died a hero and will live on forever in your hearts. God bless!"
Sarah Linden of Portland Oregon

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