Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It's been 18 yrs since your watch ended. I have relived that night again and I am not sure why. But know that your memory is always honored."
HM2(FMF) A. of FLORIDA

"It’s been awhile buddy, I was able to make it down and see where you rest now a couple years back. I named my girls middle name Torrence because you were one of the best guys I got to meet. From boot camp, to schools you always had a smile. I remember you showing me around your town in your little red s10 that you loved so much. I’ll never forget a lot of our memories and I hope you’re proud of what I’ve done so far."
An old friend of Michigan

"Me and Anthony Ballance was the(One's that are in the photo of us sleeping.) Do you remember? "Is Aunt Debby here?""
Joshua Grubbs of Greenevillle, TN

"hey Josh im just the son of Stephen Parry. glad you served! im on the WKHS rotc. thinking about you all the time"
evan parry of lexington SC

"Hey Joshua, just wanted to say you are never forgotten. March 14, 2005 is a date that has stayed with me. I remember that day like yesterday. May
God keep you in his graces. Semper Fi"
HM2(FMF) J. R. Ayala, Jr USN Ret of Jax, Fl

"Torrence you will never be forgotten devil..."
abdul nance of ny

"I hope all is well, not a day goes by that I dont think of josh. God bless ."
Sgt Alan Yao of Los Angeles, ca

"to the torrence family your son is not forgotten."
sgt alan yao of Los angeles , ca

"Oct 1, 2011 720pm: sittin in stands watching my niece's band comp. Turn to the right and saw your name. Thank you and your family for your svc and sacrifice. Such a young life to give so much for USA. Brock, 5484 buck hill dr, myrtle beach SC 29588 I will add your family to my prayer list"
brock of mbeach. sc

"Brother just wanted to say you are not forgotten, I miss you and think about you all the time. Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you made for our great country. Semper Fi."
LCPL David O'Quinn of Lexington, SC

"GOD BLESS SEMPER FIDELIS I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU TORRENCE."
BRYAN ZENTEK of SOUTHINGTON, CT

"Hey,
Its Alivia, Mike and Roberta's neice. I miss you guys so much. We are so proud of what your son did. He and Artie, Mike's son, served at the same time in Iraq. Josh was so special to everyone he met. We miss you and re- enacting. Talk to you soon."
Alivia of Sumter, SC

"February 28, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Joshua L. Torrence:
Joshua 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 Torrence Family,
I personally didnt know Josh all that well, but my sister was not only friends with him but his sisters. After I graduated high school I joined the Air Force. I think the only reason that I made it through basic is because I knew that it would have made Josh proud to know that his fellow alumni answered the nation's call in this time of need. I know it was really tough on my sister so i cant imagine how your family felt. Your family is always in my thoughts and prayers. To Josh, THANK YOU for making a sacrifice that is greater than words couldnt begin to describe!"
Nicole R. of Lexington, SC 29073

"To The family of Joshua Torrence...
My husband and I think of your son daily and pray for you all. Torrence was an outstanding marine and good friend of my husband. They were together in Iraq and shared many good memories. He will forever be remembered in our hearts. Love and God Bless.
Sgt R.L & Joy Petersen"
Petersen Family of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Hey Josh! I think of you often! I miss you and your laugh. I always think of that one day when I was up in the attic with you. We were looking at all the drawings on the walls. I miss you always but I know you are looking over me and keeping me safe! You are always in my heart! I love you!"
Krystal J. of Columbia, South Carolina

"hey Josh its yao your old roommate and friend.. just want to say i miss u and you will always be in my heart. rememeber the endless nights of standing guard with u haha good times.. rememeber the cracker challenge.. you beat me.well i know your in a better place watching over us i'll see u soon buddy . semper fi
to the torrence family. its yao im sorry i didnt make it to the memorial for josh.. i heard it was really nice .. my heart goes out to u guys.
sgt yao alan"
sgt yao alan of temple city , Ca/US

"God needed another angel in dress blues for His special services. The scarifices Josh made will not be in vain. I've only known Josh thru his Uncle Jeff. Just from the stories I have been told, he was a wonderful person, and very proud to be a Marine. Thank you, and may God continue to bless your family."
Karen Parkerson (kayronnie@aol. com) of Rossville GA

"Hey Josh your memory still lives today. I still remember playin football with you in high school, and how much dedication you had to the Marines. Miss you man. Thank you for everything you did for us."
Matt Dowell of Lexington, SC

"Dear Vernon,
This is Bradford Lee Ellis. I stood side by side with you and your son during re-enactments. I would have been proud to have stood with him in any battle.
He was a true soldier in all the spirit of the Marines.
I remember how proud he was when he joined. How proud he was to wear the uniform of not only a Marine but a Confederate soldier. I am proud to have known both him and you.
Sincerely,
Your friend
Bradford Lee Ellis

P.S: Vernon...I grieve for your families loss and am humiliated it has taken so long for me to say a word.
You and he are and were true friends."
Bradford Lee Ellis of Lexington, SC/ USA

"Hello, My husbands name is Jason, He was one of the men in the Amtrack on March 14th. I would like to know if there is anyway to reach the family of Joshua? We are both so very sorry for your loss, my husband carries it with him everyday. Please contact us at jasonandroni8468@yahoo.com with an email address or phone number. Thank you so very much."
Roni of Jacksonville, NC

"To all who come here to read about and honor Josh we need your help. We are trying to raise $150,000 to name the new White Knoll High School Field House in memory of Josh. Please go to the following link for White Knoll High School and more information on how you can help. Click on the JLT memorial field house page. Thank you!
https://www.edline.net/pages/White_Knoll_High_School"
NL of Lexington, SC

"Hi, I wrote a while back and I was trying to get an address or number (if I could). A real good friend of mine (Josh knew him as well) was wanting to talk to the parents of Josh. If there is anyways you can contact me, please do. My email is nomolevis@aol.com or you can call me anytime (678) 480-2320"
Sgt Glen Tiberghien of Lawrenceville, Ga

"HEY BUDDY WE MISS U ALOT BROTHER, IT WAS GREAT SERVING BY YOURSIDE. JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW 2D PLT HAS NEVER FORGOTTEN YOU AND NEVER WILL YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS."
jose salinas of stonepark il us

"To the family of:Joshua L. Torrence 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"

"To The Torrence Family
I was in your sons Unit. I was out of the marine corp before he got there by like 2 weeks. My buddy I still talk to is in that unit he said your son was a great marine. My deepest regrets to you all. God needed another marine to guard the gates of heaven. Semper FI Torrence"
Dan

"To the family
Hi, I was one of the Marines working with Josh while we were in Iraq. He was a great person to be around. He kept us smiling no matter what was going on. He never seemed to quit smiling. I never could figure out how he did it. He will be missed."
Glen J. Tiberghien CPL USMC of Lawrenceville, GA

"Josh was the most amazing guy. He always kept us laughing on the track and field team, and we had a lot of time to hang out between both classes and track events. Josh was so sweet. When my sister almost died my sophmore year, he walked out of a class just to let me cry on his shoulder. He was the only guy at WK who would help me change a flat tire in the pouring rain. I am so proud of him and feel so honored to tell people that I knew him. I miss him so much, but he left with honor. Josh, I miss and love you!!"
Christina M. of Lexington, SC

"To the family of Josh Torrence,
Josh was one person that you can never forget. Everytime you'd see him he'd bring a smile to your face. I enjoyed being in classes with him and I enjoyed and am blessed that I had and have the chance to call him a friend. WE LOVE YOU JOSH AND MISS YOU!!!!


Also to the rest of the soldiers out there, BE CAREFUL, BE SMART, and JUST KNOW THAT WE ARE ALL HERE FOR YOU, WE ARE YOUR BACK UP!!!"
Melissa Heath of Lexington, South Carolina

"hey josh.. its crystal i just wanted to say i miss u man! ive never met anybody like u before..u were such a smart kid.. u always knew how to put a smile on my face and ur definitely one of a kind! u r definitely a hero in my eyes and i will never forget u josh. rest in peace..."
crystal of lexington, south carolina

"hey mom this is the other son just wanted to let u know that im doing well and that i miss josh very much he was like a brother to me"
PFC REIGLE

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

"Hi
I am Josh's Grandfather
I have read your messages, and even through tear filled eyes I managed to read all of them. I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of you and my deepest sympathy to the ones that have had to bear the same greif of having a loved one lost.
Thank You All"
Louis Torrence of Wooster, OH

"To the Torrence Family: I want you to know that I do not have the ability to properly express my condolences and grief for your loss. You are not alone and you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Josh was a fine young man and I am proud to have known him and to call him my friend. We will miss all the good times sitting around the campfire and all the jokes and laughter that Josh gave us. Please know that we will never forget him, and that his sacrifice was not in vain. Josh, from one veteran to another, May God Bless You And Keep You Always, You will always be my Friend. You are a true Hero."
Eddie & Wanda & Kids of Batesburg, SC/USA

"(To the Torrence family and friends)
Im truely sorry for your loss. Josh is my hero, Football Brother, Great friend. I'm going to miss ya buddy."
Zack Howard of Lexington, SC

"((To the Torrence Family & Friends))
I had the oppurtunity of being friends with Josh Torrence. He was an awesome guy. He was our friend, our leader, our hero. He joined the Marines, and he fought, made many sacrifices, and died for our country. I know he is now in a better place, and watching over us everday. I also had the privilage of being friends with Jennifer, his girlfriend. She was so proud of him. We were all glad that he was suppose to be coming home soon. My boyfriend,Ken, joined the Marines also. He was one of Josh's very good friends. Our prayers are with the Torrence family as well as with his friends. *To Josh: You are our hero. We know that you are in a better place now and we will miss you!! You will be in our hearts forever. RIP Josh*"
Kirsten *Friend from high school* of Lexington, South Carolina

"To the Torrence Family

Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our son, too, is with the 2nd Assault Amp. Tank Batt. in Fallujah. He, along with us, send our sincere condolences."
Mrs. Huffstutler of Greenville, SC

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

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Joshua L. Torrence,

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

"Thank you Joshua for your great sacrifice for my freedom, and that of every other American. Your bravery goes beyond words, and you are truly a hero. May you rest in peace with God our Savior."
Webster and Ruth Reed (Father and stepmom of Jonathan Ray Reed who died in Iraq on January 28, 2005) of Krotz Springs, LA

"To Joshua's family,

I, too, was in Iraq (2003-2004). Just the other night I saw on the news that a fellow South Carolinian was lost. As a combat veteran, I have lost some of the finest brothers to ever walk the Earth. My heart goes out to you and yours. From this side of the fence, we may appear humble at times from the generosity and respect we recieve from our nation's great citizens, but it is never ignored, shrugged or taken for granted. Joshua did the one thing that most people shy away from, he answered his nation's call to arms to defend our very noble way of life. He stood tall before our adversaries without hesitation and stared in the eyes of countless victims of tyranny with one word on his mind... freedom. Nothing could be finer! Joshua, our paths have never crossed, but know you will always have a brother in me!"
Jared Hopkins, SPC 502nd PSB of Ft. Carson, Colorado

"Dear Torrence Family,
I am really some for the lose of Josh Sam and Venessa spoke really well of him. They talked about him coming home and i was like i really got to meet this guy. I believe that since he fought with the best of the best he is resting with the best of the best. Well agian i am sorry for your loss and best wishes."
Cameron Thompson of Lexington, South Carolina

"Dear Torrence Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one. Know that we are a grateful nation, and that we are praying for you and your family. May Gods grace get you through the hard days and months ahead. We pray that God will wrap his arms around you, and give you strength and courage for the days ahead. God Bless you and your family."
The Edward Todd Family of Springfield, GA USA

"Josh was my best friend and i have always been close with him and his family. It has came to a great shock to me, and I know the realization of this hasn't yet set in. Josh was always the guy that never held a grudge and always wanted to see people happy!He was the best man I have ever gotten to know and im so happy that i had the chance. Josh has stamped my life forever, and i'll always love him. Josh had many dreams and hopes for his future. When he went into the marines he seemed fully aware of what he was doing and he felt that they needed him over their and that he would make a difference. I remember, in the whole time i knew Josh he wanted to be a cop one day and that seemed to be the reason why he was doing everything he could do to make sure he reached that goal. I wish it was all just a dream sometimes and that he was really going to come home just like he had planned. I would just love to have one more late night at the Waffle House with all our buddies. Josh tought me many things and one of them was patients and anyone that knows me, knows what kind of accomplishment that was. To Josh, I'll miss you everyday for the rest of my life. I want you to rest in that better place and before you know it we'll be coming to join you. I'm sure Josh is enjoying looking down on us all. To all of Josh's family, close friends, and To Jen! I'm hear for ya'll and I really do understand how hard it is! I love you all!

P.S. Thank you to everyone that has been their to help me through this, you know who you are."
SAM (Pillsbury) of RedBank, SC

"TO THE TORRENCE FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. JOSHUA WAS AN AMAZING INDIVIDUAL, SON, SOLDIER AND AMERICAN HERO! HE HAS TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES. MANY THAT DIDN'T KNOW HIM. THOSE IN IRAQ WILL REMEMBER OUR SON'S AND DAUGHTER. FOR GIVEN THEM HOPE AND A NEW LIFE. JOSHUA WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR FAMILY HEART AND PRAYS. SO THANKFUL THAT OUR SON'S SERVED TOGETHER. ALTHOUGH, BOTH DIDN'T KNOW ONE ANOTHER MAKES NO DIFFERENCE. BOTH ARE BROTHERS IN THE MILITARY; REGARDLESS OF THE BRANCH. WE UNDERSTAND YOUR LOST. WE LOST OUR SON TEN MONTHS AGO. AN ALL THIS IS HARD. SO JOSUHA I SALUTED YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBER ALONG WITH ALL YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTER'S. THANK YOU FOR BEING THE ELITE OF ALL AMERICANS. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To the family of Joshua, my family honors your hero. He was a brave man who gave his life for the most precious gift of freedom. We honor his bravery, valor and courage. We are grateful for his loyal service and that we will never forget the sacrifice that Joshua made for his country. All of our prayers are with you and please know that you are not alone.
God Bless Joshua and his family"
Jennifer and SSG Larry Mays and family of Massillon, Ohio

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