Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"20 years. 2024 what can i say?? I found God again today. God Bless US"
Michael Iannaccone of Naples FL USA

"04 14 2023 1120pm Saturday night here we are. Now what???"
MICHAEL iannaccone of Naples FL

"Hey Mom what's up? I just typed this out and came up with it in about an hour. What do you think??

That IED blast was loud as hell
it really rang my bell.
I can still smell and hear the yells.
When I put it on rewind I can hear my Battle buddies call sign; I heard he wasn't fine.
We had to leave him behind.
That really blew my mind.
That's when my reality was never going to be mine.
We all banded as the Blackhawk landed; hand and hand they tried to save that young man but that just wasn't in the plan.
His spirit was not from this land;
his body was to never leave the sand.
As we look up to pray for those taken on that dreadful day remember those who were chosen to stay."
Michael iannaccone of Naples Florida usa

"04 14 2022 what has changed since we left down range?Still alive and striving to survive. Life is not a game we are not all the same; different races, different faces, different places. But I'm still four aces high, high as a kite thought war was right. Went from patrolling, to killing, to pop another pill in. Guns given to sons and daughters to fight and slaughter for our father's. I had my gun and no one to blame or put in my sights as the radio chatter was silent waiting for the order. I heard your name come across the air but where did it come from? I saw everything and felt nothing...but here I am feeling it all again again. That was what we trained to do, to push through the IED no matter who made it too. But now what do I do, the blast was from the past and it was fast but time slowed down and my world turned upside down. No future no hope just tie the area up with engineer rope, now I am tied to dope. No soap can clean these wounds, I will never understand it, or stand for it. I know now why we are kneeling; because we are tired of standing and fighting."
Michael Anthony Iannaccone of El Cajon California

"Still on are minds my brother. RIP. We miss you."

"Miss you buddy. You were a awesome cook when we worked together at fuddruckers and a even funnier guy outside of work. R.I.P"
JoeB of Flint, MI

"Tick tick Boom, guess who is back in the room! Well here we are April 14, 2020 and a lot has changed. We are signing peace deals with the Taliban, covid-19, Donald Trump president, Purdue pharmaceuticals kills millions with OxyContin and Purdue is still doing it and now the World Famous Netflix TigerKing. I’m still raving hardcore, bro your my light. Oh I saw a Space X launch from sugarloaf mountain a few weeks ago, overlooking to cape Canaveral.... unbelievably beautiful, thinking about you. 0:) There is a space program now a branch with armed forces called Space Force a division of the Air Force like Marines are of the Navy. Their first launch was aborted and I missed their second launch a few days later. I have 3 kids now; a 13 year old son named Michael Anthony and two 9 year old twins Emma Lynn Rose and Isabella Maria Diamante. Man, I was on the phone with my Mom the other night for 10 hours and I was talking about what happened that horrible unforgettable day when God took you to Heaven. God, I cried so much talking to my Mom about you and how everything went down, still to this day and I’m getting tears in my eyes now writing this message to you. If somebody told where I was gonna be 16 years from back when we were at the club talking about you getting married to your fiancé I would’ve never accepted it. Deep breathe, I wanna go on and on but it’s 4 in the morning. My eyes hurt from crying, I gotta go buddy, I’m sorry it was you Tick. God Bless you brother. If anyone out there reads this I’m looking forward to hear back from ya, I feel pretty lonely suffering these past years. My email is motorboy820@gmail.com and I wanna give my prayers to SFC Villanueva, my other hero. You guys are Angels. Talk y’all later, peace be with US. - Mike “Ponyboy”"
Michael Iannaccone of Astatula FL USA

"You are still being remembered. Yesterday (5/31/2016) I was getting top soil at Fick Landscaping and the young man Matt Kenney who took my order and loaded me brought up your name and friendship. My son Lowell T. Miller II was killed Aug 31, 2005. I remember you when I drive down Gran Blanc Rd in Gains Township. I remember you often."
Tom Miller of Flint, Township, MI

"Today in Panama City, the Global War on Terror Wall of Remembrance is here. A great woman I used to serve with was a key speaker at the event. She was fortunate enough to come but was scarred on the inside from what she had experienced. I took my little ladies there and tried my best to explain to them what this wall meant to their mommy. I am honored to have known you from school and to serve beside you in the Armed Forces. I know you are missed by your family but know you are never forgotten by those who met you. Until we meet again, I will never forget you nor your sacrifice."
SSgt Leighann Blanchard of Panama City, FL

"hey Buddy, I am still here trying to tell your story about how much of a HERO you are to me.... I survived the war and was sent home for a purpose and I now know why... TO make sure YOUR legend is told and YOU are NEVER forgotten. GOD knows what he is doing I trust everything GOD does, good or bad everything happens for a reason. I will NEVER give up on you!"
Mike Iannaccone of naples, fl

"10 years I am still here, Richard you would love Ultra Music fest!!! I am here fist pumping hardcore because of you. Damn I still hurt, I still remember the day. Goddamn us ALL, what are we doing??? How can we fix this? I can not justify what the hell this WAR was all about but I tried to complete the mission and I failed. But I am still fighting the good fight, you may be gone but your not out and will NEVER be out of my head. I am sooo sorry for your family and friends. Many prayers!! All I can do is live for today and share your story. Always thinking of you."
Michael Iannaccone of Ft Lauderdale, FL

"My name is Pauline and I deliver Civil War replica quilts, to our families of our Fallen Heros. The organization is called Home of the Brave Quilt Project. If you would like a quilt in memory of your son please contact me. Any one that knows this family please contact them to contact me. Pauline Keiser
h.keiser@sbcglobal.net""
Pauline Keiser of kalamazoo, MI

"I was so moved to hear of his death, I attended his funeral. I never met him, but felt that I had to do something. I think of him often. I pray for his soul and for his family."
Kevin Sadaj of Rochester Hills, Mich.

"Remembering your family's ultimate sacrifice for our country. I just wanted to say thank you. My husband serves and I cannot imagine the loss Kristin and your family has had to endure. He will not be forgotten."
Emily (Whittaker) VanVeelen of Fort Gordon, GA

"Killed in vain over a unjust war"
Chris of Swartz Creek

"22 may 2011

This morning in Baghdad I took part at the Fallen Hero Run....I was proud to carry the name of Richard K. Trevithick on my tshirt.
Never forget the name of the people died in Iraq for the freedom!!!!
Giorgio E. - Italian Army"
Giorgio of Italy

"When we talk or get upset remember we are a wounded Vet.  Whether shot or not. Survior guilt keeps me warm like our grandma's favorite quilt.  Hot or cold the stories must be told, listen or not just don't reply like a robot.  Have compassion, this is really hard to ration.  This will never go away, alive or dead, remembering and thanking YOU ALL before I go to bed.  From SFC Villanueva to Spc Richard K Trevithick I am going to stick with it. I will never quit.  Our game was spades after doing house to house raids.  It was all so silly, I really miss my Battleboy Willy.  My brother compared me to Pat Tilly.  This is all so unreal, who's turn is it to deal.  Still in the game, I am the only one to blame.  But please try to remember a fallen Hero's name.  Thankyou Richard for my freedom and beautiful kids, if it was not for Angels as yourself none of US would be here.  I am still waiting to see you again but next time I will NOT let anything happen to you.  We screwed up big time letting God take you so soon.  But its ok, your legend shall go on.  Happy Anniversary to our new lives.  It kills me knowing I am alive you are not, I would do anything to go back; a part of me was taken away with you to heaven that day.  Please ask God to send a sign to let me know you are ok.  My deepest prayers to your family.  May God have mercy on ALL our souls.  "
Michael Iannaccone of Ft Lauderdale FL

"ANOTHER YEAR HAS COME AND GONE, AND YOU ARE STILL IN MY MEMORIES MAN. I WILL ALWAYS KEEP YOUR MEMORIES ALIVE BY TALKING ABOUT HOW GOOD OF A MAN YOU WERE.

YOU TAKE CARE UP THERE, AS I AM SURE WE WILL MEET AGAIN BROTHER!!!"
IDRIS M. SMITH of PEORIA,AZ/ USA

"I have been living everyday still thinking about the day he was taken from this earth. I am still confused about his early departure, he was GREAT & AMAZING person. Also just to let his fiance know, he LOVED you so much. I am hurt and WILL NEVER FORGET his great sacrifice. Godspeed Richard (Tick)"
michael iannaccone HHC 9th eng bn. 1 ID of naples, fl USA

"To the Trevithick family, Kristin, but most of all Rich, it's taken me a long time to do this, a long time to face reality but I guess everything has to become real at some point, you knew me as Bucky and I knew you as Tick, to this day I have never had a better friend, to this day no one could ever replace you. Since you've past it seems as though i've been lost in some way, like something is missing. What we had wasn't a friendship, it was more like two brothers. Knowing you and serving with you has been the greatest honor of my life, you are to this day my hero, my inspiration and the reason I continue to serve in the military. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten by me, you gave the greatest thing so others could have a better life, you believed in what we were doing and never questioned it. You taught me more than you will ever know and I have grown so much because of you. To a best friend, a brother I love you and miss you! Most importantly I thank you for watching over me and keeping me safe giving me that smile just like after you'd beat me in 18 on Tiger! To your family, i'm sorry it's taken me this long to do this, I can't imagine what any of this has been like for you and I feel like I let you down. You are so much stronger than me, but I pray for all of you everyday and thank God that you gave me the opportunity to have such an amazing friend in my life, you as well as Richard are my hero's. I wish I could put into words how much Tick meant to me and how good of friends we were, but it's a reflection of the great family and support he had back home, you are all amazing and I want you to know that you are never alone and that his sacrifice means more to me than anything, again I'm sorry for not doing this sooner."
Sean of FLW, MO US

"June 8, 2009

to the family of spc. richard k. trevithick.

please know that your richard was in my thoughts today. my husband and i are patriot guard members (www.patriotguard.org) and our mission today was to escort pvt. william long of conway, arkansas to his final resting place. he is the young soldier that was killed june 1, in little rock, arkansas, by the islamic man.

the flag i carried for the flag line had a yellow ribbon and tag attached with richards name, and the date and place of his death.

as prayers were said at the gravesite, i also offered a prayer for you, richard's family. the many flags in the flag line were gently flapping in the wind, but my flag was suddenly filled with the breezes and i like to think it was richard's spirit.

be strong and know that richard's life and sacrifice are not forgotten."
kathy herrick of bella vista, arkansas

"April 22, 2009
To the family of Spc. Richard K. Trevithick:
Richard 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

"Rich,
Its been 5 years already. I can't believe it. I guess I still can't believe that you are gone. Everyone in our family misses you so much! We all wish you were here with us. Ryan and I are getting married. Can you believe it? Wish you could be here to see the weddings...physically at least. I know you'll be there in spirit. Rich i miss you. There is never a day when I don't think about you. Your never far from anyone in our families hearts. Know that your presence is deeply missed. Love you brother!"
Rachel of Swartz Creek, MI

"Tick,
So young and brave, I think of you and your actions on that day and pray for you and your family. You will always be a hero to me
Your former Commander"
COL Dave Hubner of For Knox

"Rich you are a HERO! prayers still going out for youre family, and kristin. I remember the good times, and knowing you are in heaven I now know i will be able to share more good times when that day comes! Like Rachel said i can only imagine! Youre a hero that is greatly missed!See ya in heaven buddy! miss ya and love ya man!"
Played sports with Ryan, and Rich was a person i always looked up to! of Swartz Creek

"“TICK”
HEY BROTHER. SORRY I NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE AND IT REALLY HIT ME HARD. THANKS FOR ALL THE GOOD TIMES AND BAD TIMES. THANKS FOR ALL THE GOOD LAUGHS ON GUARD DUTY AND LISTENING TO YOU AND THE BOYS PLAY YUKER IN 2ND PLT “ROGUE SAPPERS”. THOUGH YOU ARE GONE YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN. YOU ARE THE EPITOME OF A HERO. LOVE YOU MAN!!!"
SSG. SMITH, IDRIS 158TH INF AZNAG of Peoria, AZ, United States

"Richard, We love & miss you so much. We
have so many memories of our life with you while you were growing up. No one can take your place in our hearts. We will see you again in heaven, that we know for sure. Once again we love & miss you.
Gramma & Grampa Trevithick"
Barbara Trevithick of Flint, MI

"Since the day I heard of Spc Trevithick's death I have tried many times to write his family a letter. Though thousands of miles away, his death hit our family too. My husband was part of his unit's convoy that day. He tried and tried to save his life. My husband was heartbroken with his failure to do so. Spc Trevithick lives on in our family too."
Lisa of Kansas

"Rich, if only you were here so I could get to know you a little better. since I am marring your little sister you would be my brother-in law but I will never get to know you all I have is story’s that Rachel tells me but I wish you could still be with us it would make everything so much better but God needed you and your in a better place. Now you’re watching over your friends and family. Some people in your family say I look like you sometimes but I don’t see it. I wish you could be there to see your little sister walk down the isle.
Wish I could know you better."
Andrew Griffin of Swartz Creek, Michigan

"Rickerd, I am the only one who called you that, it was my special name for you.
Grandpa & I miss you so much,you were so much part of our lives. We will love you forever & will see you in heaven.That keeps us going. Again we miss & love you. Gramma & Grandpa Trevithick"
Barbara Trevithick of Flint, MI

"To the family of:Richard K. Trevithick 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"

"We still talk & think of you. We very often think of the things you are missing here . But we know you are now with God and WE are the ones that are missing. Our hearts are heavy missing the sight of you or the sound of your voice. We ache for what WE are missing. Please God give us who miss him so the strength to carry on here. That we may continue what you would have us do without Rich."
Aunt Cindy of Byron Mi 48418

"I'm still having dreams about you. They actually come pretty often. You've come home from Iraq and I'm trying to find you, but I can't.
I'm still waiting for you. To some it may not seem like it, but I'm still waiting for you. I don't think the time will ever come when I quit waiting. I just wait...."
unknown of Leesburg, Florida

"I am so very proud to have known and been of friend of Rich's. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for his family, wife, and friends. I guess it is true, that "Only the good die young," because Rich was truely good in every sense of the word. He had a heart of gold, and we were all so lucky to have ever known him, and we should all be so very thankful that he defeneded us in this war. Thank you Rich, thank you. Until next time we meet again...."
Becky of Swartz Creek, MI

"I WAS LOOKING IN MY BIBLE TONIGHT AND YOUR PICTURE WAS IN THERE. YOU ARE STILL SO MISSED."
DARLA of NAVARRE FLA

"Rich, you being gone has devastated so much of what used to make sense in life. We miss you like you wouldn't believe, and there are still moments that seem unbearable. I was so excited to have you as a brother. You had the courage to turn your face toward the things that many turn away from. There's a lot of ways I remember you, but courageous seems most appropriate here. I'm so sorry things were cut short for you. We really miss you.

Love your brother"
Brad of Grand Rapids, Michigan

"Brothers for life. You will forever be missed,loved and a friend. I will keep you in my thoughts.
SGT McMillan, Isaac USArmy (original 2nd platoon) Rogue Sappers for Life C co. 9E"
SGT McMillan, Isaac of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

"Richard was a great guy with a good personality. I always will remeber you Richard you are a hero. Remember that you will always be in our heart "Dawgs of War""
SPC Quinteros, Jose of C co 9th Eng Bn Schweinfurt Germany

"My heart is tired
My eyes are heavy
Don’t think I can carry on

My skin is clammy
My hands are sweaty
I am here but I am gone

It seems it’s always raining but
My eyes are always dry
It only rains on certain days
Except I don’t know why

Don’t know where I’m going
And I don’t know where you are
If here is where I’m closest
Then I’ve made it pretty far

But it’s still not close enough

Went away so fast
Couldn’t even follow
Tried but you were too far gone

Glimpses of your death
Running thru my head
Every thought until the dawn

It seems it’s always raining but
My eyes are always dry
It only rains on certain days
Except I don’t know why

Don’t know where I’m going
And I don’t know where you are
If here is where I’m closest
Then I’ve made it pretty far

But it’s still not close enough"
unknown of Grand Rapids, Michigan

"I really didnt' know him that well, but I came across the site today, and have been struck with saddness, I'm sorry..."
Chad Higgins of Swartz Creek, MI, USA

"To the family,

I wear Richard's bracelet from the herobracelets.org website (generated randomly) Being a fellow Michigander, it is with pride that I wear this band remembering a fallen solder"
Kim H of South Lyon, MI

"To the family of Richard Trevithick:
Though I didn't know him, I wear a hero bracelet with his name on my wrist to remember his sacrifice. I'm sure he was a great son, husband, brother, and friend. I'm sorry for your loss and I constantly keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember. Thanks for your bravery Richard. lizardmn@uga.edu"
Tim Linder of Athens, GA

"God Bless you. You are my hero and the bravest person i've ever known. I only hope to see you in Heaven someday and thank you for all you've sacraficed for our Country."
of Swartz Creek, MI

"To a beloved Brother
Rich you were my brother and you will never be forgotten. I love you so much and miss you terribly. Look and see how many people are here to support us and are so proud of you. The country is gratful and you will never be forgotten, and forever you will be honored. Thank you brother for making the greatest sacrific ever!! I will see you in heaven someday. I can only imagine!!! That song was your favorite. Now you know. You dont' have to imagine anymore.
We miss you so much!!!!
I love you so much,
Your little sister,
Rachel Elizabeth Trevithick"
Rachel Elizabeth Trevithick of Gaines, MI, USA

"To the family and friends of Tick, I wanted to express my sincere condolences. May God be with you."
Major John Cisney of Balad Iraq

""Dawgs of War"
We will never forget you Tick you will always be in our hearts and minds, look after us and be our guardian angel from above. And to his family my deapest sympathy we will miss him. "Dawgs of War""
Spc. Michael J Rose of C co. 9th Eng. Bn. Tikrit, Iraq

""Only The Good Die Young - Rich, you are my hero""

"To Richie T's family, Kristen, and Cam,

Rich and all of you are in my thoughts everyday. He was an amazing guy and I am so thankful that I had the chance to know him. I thank him and all of our soldiers for being so brave. My family and I will always miss Rich and are very proud of him. You will forever stay in my thoughts and prayers."
Sarah Brady of Owosso, MI

"thinking of you from the trevithick family in cornwall uk"

"To the Trevithick family. I didn't know him personally, but he was in the same high school as my sister, Brandi and I. The news of his passing hit close to home, making war seem personal. High regards to Richard and my sincere condolences to the Trevithick family"
Petty Officer 3rd Class (USN) Jamie McAboy of Swartz Creek, MI / USS Carl Vinson

"My deepest sympathy's go out to Ticks family and Kristen, i will never forget Tick and the memorys we had together all we talked about was are girls back home that would be you Kristen and my girl Christina we would always talk about the day we would get married and im glad he got his one wish he would just daydream about when we talked about you. To his younger brother Tick and i would kick back in the room and watch your games on take good ball player he was too, all my memorys of Rich will never fade"
spc christopher r martinez of san antonio tx

"My deepest sympathy's go out to Ticks family and Kristen. I was in his squad for 7 months and I learned so much from him. He was not only a good man but a great freind and mentor. You are deeply missed Tick. I will NEVER forget you."
Spc William Hess of Balad, Iraq

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

"To the Trevithick family I send my heartfelt sympathy. I know what you are going through--I lost my son in November. It is something no one will ever know unless you have gone through it yourself. May God bless you"
Patricia Riedel of Port Huron, MI

"To friends and family of Rich Trevithick,
Rich was a great person and I consider myself lucky to have known him. His bravery will never be forgotten."
Rachel Gordon of Swartz Creek, MI

"my deepest sympathy goes out to Ticks family ,especially his wife Kristian.He was a good man and an even better freind,i will miss him terribly and will never forget his sacrifice."
Spc. Chad Oliver of Iraq

"my deepest sympathy goes out to Ticks family ,especially his wife Kristian.He was a good man and an even better freind,i will miss him terribly and will never forget his sacrifice."
Spc. Chad Oliver of Iraq

"To Richard's wife and family,
My heart hurts for you. You continue to be in my prayers."
Tami of Swartz Creek, MI

"Rick been trying to get through to your e-mail address can get through j52dennis@aol.com"
Dawn Dennis of Davison Michigan

"I know there is nothing in the world that will take your pain away. I wish I had those magical words. All I can say that my prays are with the family. May you know that rich is in a better place watching over you."
Liane of Swartz Creek/MI

"Kristen, for a brief time we were related. Richard's Grandpa Trevithick is my mother-in law's cousin.
What a blessing that you were able to enjoy a marriage to Richard, however brief. What a blessing that you helped him make preparations for his Eternal Home.
What a blessing it will be to see him again, forever.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you mourn your loss, that God will lead you through this time of sorrow until you finally make it through this dark valley and back into His sunlight."
Dan Buck of Elkhart County, Indiana

"Rest in Peace Brave Soldier"
The Taylors USMC NC

"To Rich's Family, and especially his wife Kristin,
I was brought back to reality when I heard of the tragedy that hit your family. Nothing seemed so real until it hit so close to home. I remember Richard to be an awesome, fun guy to be around. Though I was not good friends with him, he had always proven himself to be kind and considerate of everyone around him. And to Kristin, I pray for you to stay strong and know that you will have endless love and prayers from all of the people who knew you both and also from the many people you didn't know who's lives have been touched by this awful tragedy.
Stay strong, and don't be afraid to lean on those who are there to support you."
Carri Bobchik of Grand Blanc, Michigan

"To Rich's Family and his wife Kristin-

I'm so sorry for your loss. I didn't know him well, but I am very sad that someone from our class died so young. His bravery will be remembered."
Rachel Cronover of Novi, Michigan

"To Richard's Family:
Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one. May God bless you help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To richard's family,
Your son's scarifice was not in vain. The courage it takes to fight in a foreign land is immeasurable. Very few people have what it takes to display the courage of your son. americans like myself are extremely grateful for his service. Your son is a true hero."
mark reif of winchester, VA

"To Richard's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send you our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

From the family of Capt. Ernesto Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

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

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