Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I've seen you dirty, scared, loving, compassionate and kind. We played as children, ran, ate PB& J while we sang "I think we're alone now". I'll never forget, you live on in my heart! Growing up we grew apart, but not a day went by where we didn't think of you, want to see you, hear you, hug you...we love you Gary, your cousin Heather, Micky and Tyrel Espy. Happy Memorial Day Love, it's just for you 💋"
Heather Feather of Milwaukie Oregon

"Speechless. Honored. Regretful. Thinking about you."
Aunt Tani of Seattle, WA 2013

"Mr, Mrs VanLeuven and family,
We met more than 8 years ago (SSgt Champion) and since then I have not forgotten your son, brother or servie member for a single day, I miss him always. I can not express how I feel on this post and am truly sorry I did not make this clear when we last met. But, I love Garry. He was a great man, great Marine and frankly just a great example of a American. April 17th is forever engraved in my thoughts, actions, and regrets, it will always be the worst day, the hardest day, and the day of the most regrets in my life. I will forever serve in your sons/brothers grace till the day I die. I miss him, and miss him so much more having meet you all, I to this day am not over the 17th. I miss the Marines and families like your's. I love you all as I do him and am to this day over 8 years later still sorry, and still cry on the 17th. As I am writting this, God Bless you! (champion_w@msn.com)-(william.champion@usmc.mil)"
William Champion of 29 Palms Ca.

"I still to this day can't read or talk about you without crying. You were and are still one of my best friends. I miss you more and more everyday that passes. I can't believe your gone but your in a better place. I remember when I was little you use to play monster with me and how you had me flip Robby off when I was little. I miss you more then anything uncle. I miss you taking me to the park and telling grand that I was you way to pick up chicks Hahaha. I love you uncle."
Devynne Krossman of junction city, Oregon

"Uncle gary,
i miss you so much! you are my hero. i will always reamber the good times we had together.Beana has a chest for you and sometimes me and Evalee will look in it and she will start to ask about you but i dont know how to awnser i am olny 13.. but i tell her the best i can about how great you are and how much fun we had and how funny your jokes are.but i try not to cry.. about 2 years ago she told me that you told her she is your angle. i belive it. i miss you and i love you. i always have and i always will. i love you<3"
kylea krossman of coosbay, oregon

"Im thinking alot of you today brother. Miss you more and more each day pal. Grousome foursome forever !!!!!"
Andrew of Rochester. MN

"Gary, it has been six years and I still miss you buddy. I will never forgot all the good times we shared together. "Tougn as nails with a heart of gold""
Derek of Klamath Falls

"6 1/2 yrs later my memorys and thoughts still go out to the family of gary f. vanleuven april 17th is a day that goes over in my head every day all my best wishes you will always be in my heart and and memories"
villegas, (ret) usmc of maysville,nc

""Gary I still miss you to this day. It's been a long time since I have seen you and heard your voice. I miss you bud. I will see you on the streets of heaven one day when we are both on guard. I miss you and love you bud. God bless you and all marines who serve this country and give freedom to all. You make us all proud."
Cpl. Jeffery K. Grant of Hamilton, OH

"We remember you Gary. You are gone but not forgotten. Jeff and I still talk of you and when in Coos Bay we remember to visit your resting place.

Gary and my son Jeff joined the USMC from Mazama HS."
Grant Family of Eugene, OR

"Garebear..this is your honey bunny..I love you so much and it's been so long since I saw you. I hope you are happy for me and the life I've chosen. You must know I'm married and have a little baby boy, Hayden. Zack and I talk about you and he knows I love you. Please know I will always love you and you will always have a piece of my heart.."
Jacqueline Trujillo Miles of Las Vegas, NV

"April 22, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Gary F. VanLeuven:
Gary 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 miss and love you brother!"
Derek of Central Point, OR

"gary you mean so much to me i looked up to you ever since we were kids i miss you so much i wish i had one more day tell you how much i look up to you and tell you how much i love you . well i will see you in the future love you bro"

"Thinking about you today. Do often."
Aunt Tani of Seattle, WA, USA

"I knew Gary when he was in the DEP preparing to ship for boot camp. I was the Recruiter in Grants Pass. Honestly I met alot of young men during that time and only a few stand out and Gary was definitley one of them. When I heard Gary got hit my heart went out to his family and friends. I still get a lump in my throat when I think about him or see his picture; Gary makes me proud and he touched alot of lives during his short time here and I feel honored to of known him. Semper Fi Marine"
SGT. Hazlett, Ryan M. of Portland, OR

"To the Family and Friends of Gary VanLeuven. Please know that we will never forget Gary. We think of him often and pray for you."
Chris & Stephanie Bailey of Klamath Falls, OR

"Gary, We love and miss you always! You and your family gave the ultimate to for our country, your life. God bless!
With love, The Bogard, Schwartz, Root, Albertson,Goonan and VanLueven families"
Your loving cousins of Callifornia, Oregon and Washington

"You will always be my hero Gary. Im fighting for our country because you gave me a reason to. Thank you for everything"
PV2 Shelby Putman of Washington, DC

"I love you Gary"
Jeanie of Coos Bay, Oregon

"Rmembering you today 4/20/2008. You are missed."

"Merry Christmas Gary. Putting up the christmas tree lights, so bright, I thought of you and the smiles and joy that you brought to those around you."
Aunt Tani, 2007 of Seattle, Washington, USA

"I miss you with everything I have every day little Bro, I just wish that I could have had one more day to tell you that I love you. See you sometime in the future Bubba."
John of Klamath Falls, Oregon

"gary it has been over three years and not have forgotten that day i still remeber you and your jokes messing around and haveing fun i think of you eaver day all the time you made a great impact on my life and i thank you gary"
sgt villegas of 29 palms ca usa

"gary, the world misses ya man but the streets of heaven needed you we hated seeing you go but i know the guys and are are looking forward to the party you guys are waitng to throw for us when the time of reuniting comes thanks for looking out for us in nawleans this year we couldnt have gotten through that without you guys"
cpl komora of too far from my best friends

"Gary was my best friend and even though I have many great memories of our friendship, the only one that brings me complete peace about his death is knowing that he was a Marine who died doing his job. For me, it still hurts too much to think about the good times, but knowing that he gave his life for his fellow Marines and Country makes me feel admiration, not sadness. Vanleuvens, I know you miss him and will forever, but I hope you can find comfort in knowing that Gary is the reason why our country is so great."
Robbie Kerman of Camp Pendleton, CA.

"To the family of:Gary F. VanLeuven 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"

"Lima 3/7 forever, true americans.
Sgt ANtista"
Sgt Antista of Atlanta, Ga. USA

""Gar Bear" its hard without you i miss you coming to me each morning to bum a smoke its the little things that matter i will never forget you as long as i live your friend and plt. member Herbel"
Austin Herbel of Colby KS

"As Gary said to St. Peter at the gates of Heaven, another Marine reporting for duty Sir."
Cody Van Leuven of Portland Oregon

"hey gary... its been two years to the day and i still remember the way you make everyone smile when youre around even in the toughest times after that horrendous day no one i knew could tell a story about you without cracking a smile as grievous as that day was you were already making people smile at life again i thank you for that and i thank you for the extreme honor of serving next to you througfh your time in the marine corps we will never forget the wonderful things youve done and the courageous acts you performed today while you are up there watching those of us toast to your memory and the laughs you broguth realize that we truly appreciate every moment we were blessed to share with you"
CPL Kyle Komora

"Gary~
There are not enough words to express how much you have meant me. I have known you since 7th grade. You have become a special part of my life.I see you in every flag that flies in the wind. I will remember you for the rest of my life. I am just grateful for everything you have given me, my family, and this country. You are truly the bravest man I know. I miss you and I think of you often. My heart goes out to your family."
Kaylene of K. Falls, Or

"i knew gary very well in infantry school and while he was staged in kuwait on his first deployment i am a wounded marine i lost my right leg this january if there is anyhting i can do to help let me know semperfi1116@yahoo.com gary was a very good friend and marine"
Isaiah of Long Beach, CA

"I am praying for garys family. Tomorrow will be 1 year since your tragic loss. I pray for strength for you to get thru tomorrow as you have the past year, I pray that Garys spirit is with you tomorrow, more so than any other day. I didnt know Gary but I know your pain. I lost my husband almost 2 years ago to the war. I find some of my peace in knowing they are all up there watching over us and keeping us safe."
Elisha Pahnke, wife of fallen soldier PFC Shanw Pahnke KIA 6-17-05 of Shelbyville, IN

"LCPL VANLEUVEN WAS A WONDERFUL FRIEND HE SHOWED ME HOW TO HAVE FUN HE WAS THE JOKESTER OF THE PLATOON HE WAS BIG TALL BUT DEEP DOWN HE WAS A TEDDY BEAR.HE JUST ALWAYS KNEW HOW TO MAKE YOU LAUGH HE ALWAYS WATCH OUT FOR THE OTHERS FIRST HE INSPIRED ME SO MUCH HE BEING MUCH YOUNG THAN ME HE SHOWED ME SO MUCH IN THE TIME I KNEW HIM HIS THOUGHTS AND LOVE , MEMORIES WILL ALWAYS LIVE ON IN MY LIFE I NAMED MY NEW BORN CHILD AFTER HIM FOR HE CHANGED MY LIFE FOR EVER AND FOR THAT MY FAMILY WILL ALWAYS CARRY HIS NAME IN MEMORY I MISS GARY SO MUCH THAT A YEAR LATER I STILL SHED TEARS FOR HIM AND ALL MY FRIENDS THAT WERE LOST GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY FOR HE IS WATCHING OVER US EVERY DAY CRACKING HIS JOKES AND KEEPING US SAFE MISS YOU VANLEUVEN"
LCPL VILLEGAS of 3/7 LIMA COMPANY WEAPONS PLATOON

"First, I would like to say that my prayers and thoughts go out to Gary's friends and family.

Yesterday I recieved my Hero Bracelet. I was proud to see that I will be honoring Gary. His memory will never be forgotton.

Thank You and God Bless


God bless."
Melissa of Edison, NJ

"Thank you Gary for the gift of freedom that we all enjoy. You will be thought of each day we raise our flag in the front yard. Semper Fi Marine. From a grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"Gary, You'll never know how much you are loved and missed. I can't believe that tomorrow will be one year since the last time that I saw your face. If only I would have known that it would have been the last...There's not a single day that goes by that you aren't in my thoughts. We miss the laughter that you filled our house with. I'm so thankful for all of the times that we all shared, from the family vacations to simple things like taking you and Robbie to school. You'll always be our "banjo boy." I miss you so much."
Lindsay K of Medford, OR

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

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

"Lance Cpl. Gary VanLeuven,
You are HONORED and REMEMBERED this Memorial Day and everyday."
Norma Pate (aunt of Maj. Richard J Gannon KIA Iraq 4-17-04) of Capistrano Beach, CA USA

"To the family of Lance Corporal Gary VanLeuven; My deepest sympathies go out to you. My family suffered the loss of our loved one in the same battle. And as I have witnessed since their deaths, the Marines are one big family... and I feel like a part of your family, and share in your grief of Gary's death. Gary will forever be a hero to me and I will forever be indebted to his courage to fight for my freedom and the freedom of others. May God be your comfort in the days ahead. Semper Fidelis."
C. Brady (mother in law of Cpl. Chris Gibson KIA 4-17-04) of Simi Valley, CA USA

"Our sympathy is extened to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
Robert VanLeuven Family of Lake Ariel, PA

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

"To Gary'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

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden. You are an angel in Heaven...."
The Taylors USMC NC

"To the family and friends of Corporal Gary F. VanLeuven,

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, Ca USA

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