Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Ironically all these later came across this page on the 20th year after 9/11/01...John I remember when you came home from boot camp and all the things you were telling me and showed me. I was ready to join up. During the beginning of my senior year you put me in contact with a recruiter..If it wasn't for the senior year of football I had which gave me a chance to play college football, I would of been fresh outta boot camp around September 2001. I found the commitment letter just this past summer....Yet another one of my "Older Prospect Brothers from another mother" who was taken way to soon.....much love to you and the rest of the TODD family...Matt"
Matt F of Bridgeport, pa.19406

"Iconic all these later came across this page on the 20th of 9/11...John I remember when you came home from boot camp and all the things you were telling me and showed me. I was ready to join up. During the beginning of senior year you put me in contact with a recruiter..if it wasn't for the senior year of football I had which gave me a chance to play college football, I would of been fresh outta boot camp around September 2001. I found the comment letter just this summer....yet another one of my "Older Prospect Brothers from another mother" who was taken way to soon.....much love to you and the rest of the TODD family...Matt"
Matt F of Bridgeport, pa.19406

"Thinking of you."

"Some days I wake up and think of my boys playing with John Todd...all the laughter and fun. John went off to protect us all...I never got to say thank you....you maybe gone but you are never forgotten...we gratefully carry you in our hearts...thank you John Todd."
Trish Gates of Audubon, PA

"I think of you now more than ever. You impressed on my soul long ago and I knew I would always think of you, but never did I know the memories would come with this much sadness. You tried to save me a long time ago, you wanted my life to be better. Now you have fought for all our lives and it's a struggle to understand why you had to go. I always thought I'd see you again at a class reunion and we would chat about this and that, remember all the crazy young times we had. Forever my Romeo."
Someone of Pa

"I served in vietnam in the 128th assault helicopter company in 68-69 and i knew a pilot named John H. Todd. he was shot in the neck, but survived as far as i know. we lost contact. i was a crewchief on a huey helicopter. could this be the same family."
joe gaynor of naalehu hawaii

"John-we are keeping your wife safe and loved and protected..she misses you everyday and tries to just keep going and doing what she needs to do so you'll always be proud of her. You left this earth too soon + your memory will live on in our hearts for forever! And we "girls" from WC PA will always have your girls back!! For forever! Madd Love!! Xoxo"
WC GIRLS of WC PA

"John-we are keeping your wife safe and loved and protected..she misses you everyday and tries to just keep going and doing what she needs to do so you'll always be proud of her. You left this earth too soon + your memory will live on in our hearts for forever! And we "girls" from WC PA will always have your girls back!! For forever! Madd Love!! Xoxo"
WC GIRLS of WC PA

"Todd,

Happy Veterans Day brother! I will always remember you and your honorable service to our country. Thank you for your sacrifice so everyone's family can live in the land of the free. Alawys thinking of you and your family. NEVER FORGOTTEN!"
Joe Riggs of Conshohocken, Pa.

"”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!
Mothers and/or Fathers, 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

"August 10, 2009
To the family of Cpl. John H. Todd, III:
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

"John on this the 4th anniversary of you death I look back on the years that have past and how much we all love you and miss you. Please know you are not forgotten!! you will remain in our hearts forever. I love you"
Katie of Butler pa

"I wish I had something more to say... You will not be forgotten, Cpl. Todd."
Sgt. Clements of West Chester, PA

"I think about you everyday. I know that you are watching over us and helping us live our lives to the fullest. You were a great friend and I will never forget all of the good times we shared. You will always be in my heart."
Kerry of New Jersey

"Thinking of you makes me smile. Missing you makes me cry. Knowing you made me a better person. Loving you was easy."

"John,
I know you and Erik are together now. Please watch him, I miss you guys so much. I love you both. Love Aunt Kay"
Kay of conshohocken

"To the family of:John H. Todd 111 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 miss you, John. I wish we were still at camp goofin' off and listening to Zappa. I hope we see each other again. Your memory will live on through my artwork."
Stephen 160 of Philadelphia, PA

"To the Family of Cpl John Todd.
I was serving in Iraq at the same time as your son and to see someone killed with the same name and rank as myself was frighting. My first thought was to what you,his family must be going through with the sad news. I then decided that I would'nt put another Todd family on the other side of the Atlantic through this and kept myself alert and kept thinking about your son everytime I was in danger for the remainder of my tour and came home safley.
God bless"
Cpl John Todd of Glasgow , Scotland

"I will never forget you and all the good times we had up until those last couple of minutes.Rest in peace brother."
Sgt. Matt Crawford of Upper Darby, Pa

"We will never forget!"
LCPL Cacciola (CASS) of Philadelphia

"I send my deepest sorrow out to the Todd family. John and Patrick are watching over all of us now."
Kara Adle of Baltimore, Maryland

"I miss you, bro."
Rick Lanahan of Baltimore, MD

"Thank you Cpl. Todd for taking the fight to those cowards who would destroy America. Your loved ones well know that when they close their eyes for the last time,. standing before them smiling with open arms will be their John. God Bless you brave Marine and may He grant your loved ones peace. Semper Fi. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"John,
You always were a hero to Dad and I.
Every day of your short life we marveled at the wonderful person you were.
The terrible day when we got the news of your death, shook our world to no end. No words can describe the loss and the incredible lonliness we feel without you.
We will always love you and miss you.

The short time you had with us is truly a blessing to all of us, especially Dad and I, Katie and Stephen.
Thank you for sharing your life with us.
We will miss you and love you forever! Until we meet again.

You are always MY HERO!!

Love
Mom and Dad"
Carol & John Todd,JR of Bridgeport, Pa.

""John, I miss and love you, cousin. I never felt pain like I did losing you, but you are the one that makes me go on. You are such a hero to me and I will never forget you for that. I love to look back on all of the memories that I have of you and your family and how important all of them are to me. You were more than just a cousin to me but my brother. As I sit here sending you a message, I think about what you would be thinking and saying to me. I wish I could hear it instead of feeling it. I cannot wait to tell my unborn child what a great man you were and how special you are to this family. I miss you so much. I love you forever and always.""
Mary Reid of Gilbertsville, PA

"John,
You had one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever known. You are truely a Hero to me as your sister and to your nephew Ryan who although you didn't get a whole lot of time together, you will forever be alive in our memories. You have done so much in you 24 years on this earth and although we may not understand it, the Lord has rewarded you by bring you close to him. May you Rest in Peace."
Katie (Todd) Frazier of Pittsburgh PA

"John, I love you so much and miss you all the time. You are braver then anyone I have ever known or will ever know in my life. You are one of the sweetest, kindest, most loving people I have ever know as well. Laughing with you and having 23 years with you in my life was a wonderful experience and Im glad I had the chance to know you for so long. You are missed and loved forever. I am so proud of you."
Briana Rang of Pottstown, PA

"My thoughts and prayers are with you. John and my son Joe (LCPL Joe Maglione) were in the same unit at Folsom. It takes a very special person to serve in the Marines. I am so sorry for your loss. If you feel like getting together sometime please let me know. I would like to hear more about John. His courage goes beyond words. rcorr@erols.com"
Rose Corr of Flourtown, PA

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these guys as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace John, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest"
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"Our prayer for you... when your pain seems insurmountable that you take comfort in knowing we are praying for you and when you feel like the world has forgotten, that you remember: We will not forget."
Cheryl Leverett of Longmont, Colorado

"I was in the DEP with your son. We became Friends but lost contact after we both went to boot camp. There are no words to express the sorrow I feel for your loss. May God bless you and your family. If there is anything I can do for your family please do not hesitate to ask.
william.f.owen@usmc.mil

Semper Fidelis Cpl Todd You are a True Hero

"No one should pass an American in uniform without saying “Thank you, we are grateful.” Always mindful that they are prepared to risk all their dreams so that all of us can reach ours.”
- Secretary of Defense, William Cohen

From the halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli,

We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea.

First to fight for right and freedom,
And to keep our honor clean,

We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marines.

Our flag's unfurl'd to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;

We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun.

In the snow of far-off northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes,

You will find us always on the job -
The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;

In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve.

If the Army and the Navy
Ever gaze on Heaven's scenes,

They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines."
Sgt William Owen of Norristown, Pa

"GRIEVE NOT FOR ME:
Grieve not for me when I curve my last flight
And cast aside the shell that clothes my will.
Be not disturbed or wish me back in sight
Or contemplate my form on yonder hill.

Yet think of me where light rays slant their glow
With beaming gladness of the morning air,
My love of beauty then will let you know
Thin fragments of my soul still linger there.

Then listen to the music of the earth,
The voice of nature is my native tongue.
The rhythm of the rose is my rebirth,
And I am where the robin’s nest is hung.

All your tomorrows, something in each day,
Will let you know I am not far away.
______ _______ _____
This poem arrived in my mail upon my return home from my USMC father’s funeral, along with his birthday card to me. When I entered my home, I noticed something atop my wind chimes right at my back dinette window. When I approached, four baby Robin’s heads popped-up, chirping! There were four children in my family, and my father was a noted vocalist in California; so the musical wind chimes were apropos since he was known as “The Singing Marine” from WWII, Pacific Theatre. He was sending me a message because I was heartbroken and missed him terribly. Yesterday, 9-9-2004, I stopped for coffee at a shop and a stranger handed me his NY Times newspaper and said, "Look at the photos of all the fallen heroes in Iraq." I purchased my coffee, but was drawn to the paper... but to the backpage. I was stunned to see the name "John H. Todd III" and quickly phoned my elderly mother, also a United States Marine during WWII. My U.S. Marine parents had been instrumental in encouraging their dear friend's son, John Todd, to join the Marines during Vietnam. John became an outstanding career Marine, and his father, John Todd, also saw his grandson, John Todd III, become a Marine. I thought this young man was he. I learned your beloved is not the son and grandson of the John Todd's we know, but I have felt compelled to send you this poem. I believe my father wants you to know your fine United States Marine is in good care, and you are to have the above poem. Thank you for your son and your love of our country. ~ Shugee@aol.com"
Susanne Marino of Jax Beach, FL, USA

"John,

In your short lived life you touched more people than I ever will in my life. My life was changed by you, I was and am still proud of you. You were and still are a hero to your family and friends. I miss your smile, hugs and simply having some of the stupid conversations we had in the past. Rest in peace, my nephew. You are truly loved."
Aunt Kay of Conshohocken

"John,
You were a wonderful friend and made a lasting impression on everyone you came across. Your sense of humor, kindness and generousity were just a few of your amazing qualities. I will forever keep your memory alive. You will truly be missed by all."
Lela of Pennsylvania

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. For the family/friends: may time replace happy loving memories for present sorrows. God Bless you."
a grateful family in arizona

"You were like a brother to me. It was great growing up with you and sharing the memories we shared. I know that you are in a better place, but I want everyone to know that you are missed and you will always be in my heart."
Kerry of Horseheads, NY USA

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones
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 Montana "

"To John'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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

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

"To the family and friends of Corporal John H. Todd III,

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, California

"To John's Family:
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

"Thank you John Todd III, 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 Cpl. John Todd III:
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 Cpl. John Todd III:
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