Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Jake, we were inseparable growing up, and I still miss you every day. Thank you for being the best friend I've ever had and even more thank you for your service and sacrifice."
Matt Kujawa of St. Paul, MN

"Jake, My Jacob is getting his braces on tomorrow. Knowing you and working with you I know he will grow to be strong and secure with you looking over his shoulder. God Bless you. Thinking of you and Bryan everyday."
Randy of Chicago

"Not a day goes by I don't think of you. It's been 6 years, I can't believe it. You changed my life in so many wonderful ways and I can't thank you enough! You were my best friend, my rock and I miss you so much! I love you Jake!"
Mrs. Doe

"We are thinking of you and your family today, 5 years later! We will always remember!"
Pamela Shucart of Saint Louis, MO

"There are so many days were I miss you so much, it kills me! Where I wish you were here with me to give me guidance and you always did...I wish you were here with me!"
Mrs. Doe

"Not a day goes by Bosch when I don't think of you and the rest of D-53. I'll see you again when the time is right."
SGT C

"Memorial Day takes on so much more of a meaning when you lose a great friend! I miss you buddy, but I know I'll see you again...Thanks so much for everything you did and everything you were!"
David of White Bear

"Today is memorial day, but I don't need a selected day to remember you, you will never be forgotten."
Anthony Boone of Minnesota

"I miss you brother, till we meet gain"
Ssg Dinelle of Ft Bragg, Nc

"Jake it's coming up on that time again, hard to believe its' been so long, I just wanted you and your loved ones to know there are so many, to include myself that miss you dearly and cherish the sacrifice in which you've made. Thoughts are with you and your family during this time..."
Matt Hamel of Bethel Park, PA

"To My Brother Jake:
I have always looked up to you. Your the reason i went in to the army. You are my hero and best friend. i pray you are happy and i can live up to your standards. Brother you will NEVER be forgoten. I miss you everyday and cant wait to see you again. Ad for the family my email is william.mezzano.hotmail.com i would love to hear from you i think of a lot and miss you. phone 651 276 6903 love always and forever Billplease call"
william mezzano of White Bear MN

"September 29, 2008
To the family of Spc. Jacob T. Vanderbosch:
Jacob 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

"I saw you before we went on that mission in Al Asad, and I will see you again in heaven, you will NEVER be forgotten."
Anthony Boone of Minnesota

"I recognized Jake's name on the memorial of brave soldiers who had made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq. Having grown up in White Bear Lake, it opens your eyes to how very real the conflict in this region has become. I am greatful for what he has done to protect the freedom for my family and the many others accross the country. God Bless."
Tony Stanius of Minnetonka, Minnesota

"To The Vanderbosch Family,
I never really knew your son except for a few instances he came to sick call, but he is forever etched into my soul. I was the medic that first treated him immediately after the explosion. I remember that day vividly as if it happened yesterday. We were so motivated and eager to go to that town pretty much to avenge the marines that died there before us and to take that town back for the people living there in fear. I was in a vehicle that was three back from Jake’s. When the IED exploded it was confusing for every one even on the radio was mass garble. The only thing I really picked out was IED and being a medic with ears tuned in for that all daunting call “WE NEED A MEDIC UP HERE”. When I heard screams in the radio about wounded and a medic call without any hesitation I told my driver to drive, I saw a body in the glow of a blazing fire on the ground not knowing who it was grabbed my bag jumped out of the truck and rushed to give him aide. I was with Jake there on the ground as well as his platoon sergeant giving him words of encouragement saying you’re going to be ok and don’t worry it DOC Proctor I’m going to get you out of here. When the bird finally came to get him and the other wounded paratrooper, I told him you’re good now the bird is here and you are going to make it. The next day when I received word that he didn’t was hard for me to take. I trained for this, this was my third deployment, and what did I do wrong? I will never know I guess until we meet again in heaven. What I’m trying to say is I’m sorry for you’re lost and I’m extremely sorry I wasn’t able to do more!"
SSG PROCTOR CHRIS "Blue Devil Medic" of Fort Bragg, NC

"Sorry For your loss, i didnt really know him but when anything bad happens in a Battailon it touches everyone. All give some, Some give all. He wont be forgotten. We have a memorial outside our Battalion HQs and inside, he wont be Forgotten. Once again sorry for your Loss. SGT Eric Haley B CO 3/504TH PIR "BLUE DEVILS""
Eric Haley of Fayetteville, NC

"I'm so sorry for your loss. Your son was a brave, brave man."
Andrea of Onalaska, WI

"I just watched the article on the news and was very deeply touched by the story. I didn't know Jacob but was moved by his remarkable bravery and sense of purpose and conviction. I'm sure his memory will serve as inspiration and hope for many lives, including mine. May his soul rest in perfect peace"
Eugene of Brooklyn Park MN

"For years now, when I googled my family members, Jacob's name has come up. I never knew him but was was deeply saddened to read the news. I've always assumed that we were family, given the small number of Vanderbosch's in the USA. Heartfelt condolences to the parents of Jacob. It could just have easily have been one of my brothers."
Willow Vanderbosch of Madrid, Spain

"My deepest condolences to the family of a solider who risked everything for our country. Even though I don't know him we share a common bond somewhere in the past from our familys history. Jacob Thank you and God Bless!!"
The Vanderbosch family of Buffalo NY

"To the family of:Jacob T Vanderbosch 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"

"jacob was a great guy. i was sad to hear about it. it was the same day we took are first K.I.A. i went to basic training with him. he was suck a good person. i prey for him and his family every night and i hope that you are well"
spc mark szyman of san antonio TX

"TO THE FAMILY OF JACOB, I AM GREATLY SADDEND BY YOUR LOSS I KNEW JACOB VERY WELL ME AND HIM WENT OUT ALOT TOGETHER I HAVE TO SAY I AM NOT PROUD OF THIS AT ALL BUT I AM THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR JACOBS TEETH. I AM VERY SORRY THIS HAPPEND IM SURE YOU KNEW THIS. I WILL WEAR THE SCAR VERY PROUDLY BECAUSE IT IS A EVERYDAY REMINDER OF HIM. ME AND HIM JOKED ALL THE TIME ABOUT IT BECAUSE INCIDENTLY I GOT ONE OF MY FRONT TEETH KNOCKED OUT ABOUT TWO WEEKS AFTER OUR INCIDENT AGAIN IM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS HE WAS A DAMN GOOD SOLDIER. I WILL WEAR HIS BRACELET WITH PRIDE EVERYDAY. HE IS IN MY THOUGHTS EVERYDAY. I WILL PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY EVERYDAY GOD BLESS!!"
ACO NCO of FT. BRAGG NC

"Jake,

It has been one year to the day, I sit here in this * hole remembering you this day, and I remember all the good times back in highschool before * was to messed up and the world made more sense. I miss you so much bro, keep your eye on me. I hope to see you again one day. I love you bro."
SGT Jeffrey Cowell of Iraq

"I was the Executive Officer of Vanderbosch's company in Iraq and was very close when the IED detonated.

He was a great guy. We shared a bunk during the deployment to West Point that summer, and I'll always remember his kindness and enthusiasm for life.

My condolences and best wishes to the Vanderbosh family."
Jeff of Fort Bragg

"from your brother in the 504,
I was waiting for my bird when your bird came in. The mission was barely under way and seeing the bird you were in gave me strenght to do what had to be done. I'll never forget that night or the people who passed on only a soldier knows. You'll never be forgotten.
from a blue devil"

"my name is Cassidy and i am a volunteer for the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run. We are a group of people that have built a memorial wall in Marsielles Illinois for all the fallen soldiers in Mideast conflicts since Beriut. Your loved one's name will be permenently added to this wall. For any further information visit our website www.ilfreedomrun.org please e-mail me at me1196@aol.com to let me know that you have recived this message. If you decide to come to this memorial on June 19th, 2006, you will recieve VIP seating and treatment for the cermonies that day. ALL OUR WELCOMING TO HONOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS
**Cassidy"
Cassidy of Brookfield/ILL/red,white,blue

"John 15:13
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.""

"to the family of jacob vanderbosch.

my deepest sorrows go out to you. I am a person lucky enough to meet jake... me and him went to basic training together and until i left for afghanistan and him iraq were good friends... i have just returned and am very sad to here about your great loss. he was a great kind hearted individual you worked hard and who new how to have a great time. The world needs more people like hime"
Spc Solis (docsolaris@yahoo.com of Fort Bragg

"To the Family of Jake,
I send you my love, there has been no night that has gone by that I dont pray for you and for him. I miss him dearly. When him and I talked he would love talking about his family, he expressed himself with so much love towards you. He was a very moral man. Something that's really hard to find in young men now. He had it all. He was my advice, he was my friend, he was an incredible man. I want to let you know that I'm deeply sorry, and I will keep praying for you."
Nidia Badillo of Tucson, Arizona

"I just wanted to let the family of Jacob know that he is a hero and I am so sorry that you had to lose him. I lost one of my good friends, in C co. of the 3/504, in october, so I know it must be hard for you. My boyfriend, Michael was friends with Jacob. I'm sorry for your loss and know that I am prayin for you."
Jaimie of Hamlet, NC

"TO The Vanderbosch Family, I am so sorry it took this much time to write to you and tell you how sorry i am about your loss i know he will be missed so much from the 3/504 also my son is over there still with the 3/504 he was friends as well with your son he sure had some rough days i did not know him the times that i had talked to him i was so worried he was not going to come back the same I cannot even imagine how those young men go on but they do and so will you. i know those words cannot help but god will. I hope and pray that GOD will help you heal in your time of loss.. If you ever need to talk just email me BethC3293@yahoo.com Mother of Steven Silver he was good friends with him. Your son did not die for nothing he died for all of us and we can never Thank him enough for what he has done. But just know your son died as a HUGE HERO..GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!"
Beth Craycraft of Bartlesville, Ok USA

"To the Vanderbosch family,
We extend our thoughts and prayers to you during this time of sorrow for the loss of your beloved JACOB. May you take comfort in knowing that he is an American Hero and we celebrate his life.
JACOB - God's Speed Brave Soldier and thank you for your service and sacrifice. You will Always be Remembered as a Hero.
From the family of an American Soldier, stationed at Ft. Campbell with the 101st AVN REGT, now serving in Iraq. 10-19-2005.""
---The Erwin Family of Oregon, United States of America

"To Jake's family. My baby brother, Eric, was good friends with Jake and was there with your son when the attack happened. We just found out this morning when my brother had his first chance in several weeks to call my parents for a few minutes. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. On behalf of my brother, I know Jake will be missed. He is devistated about the loss of his friends. Before being redeployed, I talked with my brother every day and every day your son found his way into one of my brother's stories or would be in the background waiting for a food delivery. I just don't know what else to say other than I am heartbroken for your loss and continue to pray for your family."
Chrissy Bath of Charleston, SC

"May God bless the family of Jacob.Thank you Jacob for your unselfish sacrifice,Because of you and others we are safe and free.May God smile on you for all eternity."
Rob Cole of Frederick,Md

"To Jacob'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 mourn the loss of yet another Red Devil. Our boys are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne 504 PIR
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gloria.caldas@sbcglobal.net"

"To the Vonderbosch family, I broke down when i heard the news about Jacob. My husband is with the 3/504th as well. I appreciate so much what your son/husband/brother has done for me and my family. The guys from 3/504 will not give up the will continue for Jacob and the other 2 men that were killed with the 3/504."
Erin of Fort Bragg, Nc.

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

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