Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I miss you brother. I know one day I will see you again."
Chris sharpe of Glenrock Wyoming

"Having a drink to you as i do every year on this day"
MSG (ret) Darrell Taylor of Germantown, MD

"Freddy, I miss you brother. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I wear a bracelet in your honor everyday. Not for me to remember, but for others to ask me why I'm wearing it. It's so that I may share your story of bravery and sacrifice that you made for your brothers. You are my Hero. What brings me peace is that I know you’re probably smiling from ear to ear right now as you always were. I took a little trip to your favorite national park Big Bend, Tx. What an amazing place. A place that I will be visiting again soon. I know you're always with us and sharing our adventures which brings me great joy. The time we spent together was short, but it was long enough to make an everlasting impression that I will remember it forever. Love you bud. Goodbye Battle Buddy. Until we meet again."
SGT Brian.d.mccluskey@gmail.com of Round Rock, Texas

"I miss you brother, Garry Owen"
Ssg Tapia of San Antonio,Tx

"I miss you brother"
SSG Eli Rich of FT Bliss TX

"Thank you and bless your family"
Darlene Curtin of San Clemente,CA

"dog from your roommate to battle buddy to teammate, rollin me up in kuwait what else can i say but you will be forever missed. you were and inspiration to anyone you came in contact with, because you were that much of a good person as well as soldier. i love you and miss you big dog."
marvin keller of killeen

"November 23, 2008
To the family of Spc. Jose A. Velez:
Jose 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 family of:Jose A. Velez 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"

"RIP young soldier, god bless you and your family."
Brian of Austin, Tx

"Sorry i wasnt there. I regret leaving.
Miss you , and the rest of you guys.
Rest in peace brother."
Paul Roberts A22 of Doudlassville Pa. 19518

"fredy whats up bro it your nephew josh i miss you and andrew both so much every day you couldnt imagine it. you guys were every thing me and x want to be. well bro gtg til i see you again love you and peace be with you...out."
Joshua Ancira of Lubbock,Tx

"R.I.P brother..."
Brian of Austin, tx

"I was Jose's Tm Ldr in Kuwait 01-02 he was great to just be around and always had a smile on his face.I'll never forget him and his stories this world is truly a worse place without him and I am a better person having known him."
Len Cassidy of Philadelphia,PA

"I, and hopefully all Americans, are grateful for your sacrifice and wish to give my condolences to your family. You are a true hero."
Kyle Walpole of Evergreen, CO

"God bless you and your family Jose. I am proud of you. You were a brave soul."
Rodney of Diamond Bar, Ca

"Hero is a term too often used to describe athletes, actors and others who merely create diversions from the realities of life.
HERO.."a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds". Keep this in mind when you hear or speak of those who stand in the elite company of Jose A. Velez. Jose is a hero who gave all he had for what he believed in.
Also admirable are the parents, family members and friends who helped raise and nurture Jose to be such an exceptional young man, such an exemplary patriot. Your loss is America's loss just as your pride is America's pride. May God Bless America and Jose A. Velez."
Rick Wiseman of Milan, Michigan

"I just saw the History Channel report of your actions in Fallujah. What a hero and role model for young Latinos.
God bless you in your rest."
Joe Wallace, Sergeant, USMC of Highland Park, Illinois

"Saw Mr. Velez's story on The History Channel. Outstanding!!! People like this make me proud to be an American!
Thank you for your service to our country and to the people of Iraq"
Rainey Buscher of Raleigh N.C.

""Not a day goes by without thoughts of that day. You are Y we keep up the fight. God keep you close and keep that huge grin up tell we see you on the other side.""
SSG Taveis Stevens of Muncie, IN

"Its getting close to the 2 year mark since the last time I saw you and felt that I should say good bye to you. I haven't written anything here because I felt bad for leaving the Platoon to go to a different company. Maybe thinks would have been different if I had stayed and maybe not but you will always be a brother to me and I wouldn't have wanted to go over there with anyone else but you and the rest of 1st platoon. Bye for now and we'll all meet up again another day one way or the other."
SFC Darrell Taylor of Ft Campbell Ky (soon)

"I proudly served with SPC. Andrew Velez in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait from Feb.04 - Feb.2005. He always was the "go to" soldier on countless occasions. After his older brother was killed in combat, Andrew had the choice of not seeing combat again, but he chose to continue to serve and fight for what is right. He was an outstanding soldier and friend, I will truely miss him.
My deepest condolences to his family."
Staff Sergeant Keith R. Wickham of Fort Carson, Colorado

"I am just now discovering the valiance and honor of your wonderful son. Please remember that you will see him again in Heaven and we are thankful for the sacrifice. He is a hero."
Andrew Holmes of Houston, Texas

"I cannot find the words to express how deeply sorry I am that your pain has to be repeated in the passing of a second loved one. May you find strength and peace somehow, someday. God bless you for the sacrifice you and your loved ones have made. Jose and Andrew will not be forgotten."
B. Wall of Woodbury, Conn

"To the Velez family. I can only inmagine the pain that you are going at this time. I was a recruiter down in Lubbock and met most of the soldiers that enlisted from Estacado. Jose and Andrew were and are still special, their desired to get ahead was not only obvious but contagious.
Fue un honor el poder conocerles, aunque nuestros caminos cruzaron por poco tiempo, both of them left a legacy, for everytime I see the "old Glory" waving in the land of the free, where a person can become the best he or she can be, I will remember them. Every time I see a child laugh, I will give thanks to you and others like you, for you are making it possible for their innocence to continue. Thank you for given us something so precious yet not appreciated, FREEDOM. I know that the big Engineer in the sky is letting you rest, Que Dios los tenga en su reino.
Rene Colocho"
Rene Colocho of Lincoln, NE

"To the Velez Family, My heart broke when I heard the news of the loss of your youngest son, Andrew. We lost our youngest son, also Andrew, in Oct of 2004 in Iraq. Know that many people feel your pain and are praying for you. I truly cannot comprehend the loss of a second son though. I know these special angels are watching over us and we will see them some day, that keeps us going. My husband and I send our prayers to you. We all belong to a special club, parents of these wonderful young people taken before their time. God Bless"
Jan Ehrlich of Mesa, Az

"What more can a family offer to its Country. Jose and Andrew have given the ultimate and supreme sacrifice. I offer my belated but, sincere sympathies, condolences and pray that the entire family is doing well. We must honor their Service, Courage and Sacrifice. En Paz Descansen los dos heroes. They are indeed Heros. We Must Not Forget."
Arturo Treto Garza of Harlingen, TX

"I read of the loss of your second son today and I wept. I too have lost, not my bological son but one that God had brought into my family to care for "a little while."(LCpl Andrew G. Patton, 19, KIA 12/1/05) Yet as I wept, I believe the Holy Spirit once again reminded me as He constantly does when I weep at the loss of my Andy, that this is "only for a little while." For in God's perfect time, He will wipe away EVERY tear!(Revelation 7:17) Hold onto your faith, keep your trust in the Lord and may our God who knows infinitely more than we ever will, bring you comfort and hold you in the palm of His hand as you mourn the loss of your dear sons."
Theresa Englert of Chana, Illinois USA

"To the Velez Family. As a father of three sons I cannot say anything that will comfort you. As a veteran, the loss of a "brother" never leaves you. All of us who write to you on this memorial page will keep you in our prayers. I ask St. Jude to hold and comfort you. May our prayers find their way into your hearts to give you some comfort. May God find a way to end this war so other families will not suffer your loss. God Bless you. Standing with you and your family."
Ben Riggi, Former USAF of Destin, Florida

"Deeply sadden of news of "JOSE" brother Andrew. I attended Jose wake very emotional as with our son. An news of Andrew just had tears flowing down my face. My heart and prays are with JOSE, ANDREW, GREGORY and every fallen soldier. You are not alone every fallen family are praying for Jose, Andrew and you very loving family. Your family has given so much to "their" country. As an American, Veteran, And father of a fallen son. I appreciate the service both your son's have given our COUNTRY. Andrew is not alone! He is with Jose. Both your son's would not want you unhappy. An these are the most diffucult days to endure. Please be supportive to one another. we much understanding. Each of you loved Andrew and Jose very much. An both your son's loved you. reflect on the very fond and precious memorable times you each shared together with ANDREW AND JOSE. You realize both are stll very close. Place your hand on your heart. I am so thankful Andrew and Jose had been a military brother to our son Gregory. As I can assure you he felt toward them. Soldiers understood that in the military, you are not just soldiers, you are FAMILY. You can be extremely proud of Andrew and Jose. Both grew up with very loving parents and the entire Velez family. Both became very special young men. That remembered everything their mother and father taught them. An have accomplished more in life then many AMERICAN"S. very few AMERICAN"s ever answer the call to serve his or her COUNTRY. It's a calling that both Jose and Andrew understood. Fully knowing he would risk everything for us all. As I heard the news of Andrew. I wanted to call you! Andrew and Jose are AMERICAN HEROES! One's that will never ever be forgotten not today and all the tomorrow's. To those that read these message's. Please leave a message. It honors the fallen soldier and helps the family heal. After all these are somebodies someone and someone to us all as AMERICAN's. GOD BLESS!"
leonard_wahl@hotmail.com of Spring, Texas

"Mr. and Mrs. Velez: I just learned of the death of your youngest son, Andrew. I cannot imagine the pain you feel losing him such a short time after losing Jose. My heart breaks for you. If words could take the pain away, I'd write all day. And if wishing could bring your sons back, I'd close my eyes so tightly that only the wish was visible. Please know your sons will never be forgotten. Thank you for giving the world such wonderful, selfless heroes. 27 July 06"
Genie Krull of Roseville, Ca.

"V-Lo,
where do I begin. Seems like just yesterday I was yelling at you and Eric to get off of the play station. LOL You guys would hang out for hours playing those games. Now looking back I wish I would have let you stayed longer. I wish Eric would have had more time with you. Eric misses you so much. We think about you all the time. We tell Jacey about you. You will always be her Uncle Jose. Jose, you had a smile that went on for ever and a heart of gold. You could always make someone smile no matter what, that is what I miss about you the most. Eric rides with you everyday he gets on that motorcycle. He will forever miss you and love you. I want to thank you for giving the ulimate sacrafice, but most of all I want to thank you for what you gave Eric. You gave him a friendship and a brotherly bond that could never be replaced. Thank you for letting him know what it is like to truly have a BEST FRIEND. I love you and miss you Jose. Rest in peace."
Sarah Kinlaw of Killeen,Tx

"My thoughts and prayers are with you, I share only half your pain, I lost my oldest son( US ARMY ) in Oct 2003, while I did share your fears of having both of my sons deployed at the same time and to add to my fears I also had a 3rd a daughter (both USMC) Thank God she never went over there. I know that the PROUD you feel in your heart will never fill the hole from your loss, but please know that there are many of us out here with your family in our thoughts and prayers."
Nanci of Tulsa, OK

"To the Valez family: Today I read how you lost your second son, Jose's brother, to this war.
My wife and I wept and prayed for your family. Your sons are heroes and will not be forgotten.
God be with you during this time."
RoberT Sylvia of Raleigh, NC

"You were that which others did not want to be. You went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. You are a true friend that I will never forget."
SGT Sever, Lance of Madison, Indiana

"V-LO IT WAS THE GREATEST HONOR OF MY LIFE TO FIGHT SIDE BY SIDE WITH YOU. NOT A DAY GOES BY WHEN I DONT THINK ABOUT YOU. I MISS YOU BROTHER. ILL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE."
SPC RICHARD DOLLARHIDE of FT. HOOD TX

"JOSE EL DIA DE TU MUERTE NUNCA LO OLVIDARE, ERES UN HEROE TU ALMA ESTA CON DIOS QUE DIOS TE DE LA PAZ QUE TE MERESES GRACIAS POR LA LIBERTAD DE HOY DE AMERICA NOV 13 2004 I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT DAY,, BROTHERS IN ARMS 4 LIVES......"
SGT CASTILLO of KILLEEN TX

"TO JOSE,
I WOULD LIKE TO THINK THAT THERE IS A GREATER PLACE IN LIFE, THAN THE "LIFE" THAT WE LIVE. GOD KNOWS NO GREATER LOVE THAN FOR ONE WHO WOULD LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS BROTHER IN ARMS. THE DAY YOU DIED; I CRIED OVER YOU, WONDERING WHY THE MEDICS CARRIED YOU OUT BACK WITHOUT TREATING YOU. I HATED AND DESPISED THEM FOR NOT TRYING TO SAVE YOU. YOU SERVED UNDER ME FOR SO MANY YEARS.. IT WAS HARD TO LET YOUR MEMORIES GO..... I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR V-LO #$$ ON THE OTHER SIDE, AND SHOW YOU THE PIC. TO PROVE IT...... TAKE CARE MY BOROTHER..... I KILLED ONE OF THEM SORRY FUKERS FOR YOU."
SSG QUEEN of COLUMBUS, GA

"Vee, Velez, v-lo, I remember that huge grin from ear to ear you would have whether it would be in the motor pool or in the arms room drawing out weapons. No matter what you always stayed cool and had a way just to cool down any situation. You were always so passionate about the things you loved dearest like your wife nikki, food, and your brand new motorcycle. You used to keep your pistol(nina) under your bed to protect nikki which I thought was awesome. During our tour to kuwait we entertained ourselfs with pretending we were tony montana. I remember You used to be so entertained by my sound effects we would crack up for days. I thought it was so cool of you when you would follow me back to base from lubbuck your home town. You used to be so excited about nikki and how you guys were getting married. I was happy for you and still am. It seems just like yesterday we were at your house playing Halo with spisaK, Howard, and all the FNG's drinking beer having a good ol' time. I remember the long discussions we had about the military and the things we had in mind when we ETS. To say that I have lost a Dear friend it may be, Forever you will always be in my head brother. Thanks for being my Hero Vee!!"
Spc "Tito" Ortiz of Arvada Co, USA

"jose' you have been a truly good friend and always will be remembered we miss you a lot and hope to see you again some day on the other side we love you and miss you we will always remember you as that good friend who always kept everybody laughing when they were down and we will always remember your smiling face"
SGT.STOKES AND FAMILY of FORT HOOD,TX, USA

"i always think about you v-lo, i know you are watching over all of us. cant wait to see you again"
Spc. Henery, Jesse of Ft. Myer, VA.

"You were a super friend and a great person, and are truly missed. Not a day goes by without you in my thoughts. Miss you, bro."
SGT Bezdziecki, Michael D. of Fort Hood, TX

"Velez, you are my hero.
I know I used to hound you alot when you were the A Co armorer, but I have always known you as a good soldier and great man.
Not a day goes by that I don't think about your heroism and your love for your brothers that fateful day.
I am honored to have known you and I pray everyday for you and your family."
CPT Eric Balough of Fort Benning, GA

"Thank you very much for your ultimate sacrifice to keep our beloved country free.

"Greater love has no man than this: that he lay down his own life for a friend.""
Kim De Villa of Washington

"i miss you v-lo you are the greatest hero ive ever met ,thank you for you sacrifice if not for you alot of us wouldnt be here today.i think about the last time we spoke, all the time just before we rolled out on 13 nov 04 you climed in the back of my track and shook my hand, thank you for that. i love you velez r.i.p. brother"
sgt. rich, eli of ft lewis ,wa,usa

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

"Jose,
It seems like only yesterday we were running around Kuwait playing pranks on each other and wrestling around, your two favorite things to do. I never got to say good bye, I miss you bro and I think about you all the time. I always remember how you would drive home to Lubbock to see your wife before you were married and just how happy that made you. I know you loved her with all your heart and I know she will find comfort in that. We had a lot of good times at ol' Fort Hood. I feel like I let you down, because I wasn't there for you or for my boys in Alpha Company. You were the best soldier on my team and you made my job so easy. I miss all of you guys. Thank you for doing what you did best and making the ultimate sacrifice for me and my family. I hope you are looking down on me and smiling. You were one of the most giving and all around great people that I have ever known. Your family should be very proud Jose. I knew you inside and out and you deserve every amount of recognition that comes your way. I pray that you will spend eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I love you bro and no one can ever take away those memories form me."
Brett Van Herpe ( Spc.) of Temecula, CA, USA

"Thank you, Soldier Velez, for your sacrifice. May God be with you and your family. We won't forget."
Sabra Crowe of Lubbock, Tx

"Velez, you'll be missed bro, it was a pleasure to be side by side you that day, and a honor to be in your platoon. we miss you lots and won't forget the scarfice you made.....RIP Jose Velez."
Chris of Austin, TX

"I am so very sorry for your loss. I too know what it is to lose a loved one in this terrible conflict. I am a widow now four months and feel your pain. I am here in Lubbock and will always be there for the family. I thank your soldier for his dedication to his country and I am sure my Daniel is with him in heaven. I visit my husband and also your loved one, as they are so close to one another as they rest. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers everyday."
Sonya Galvan- wife of SGT Daniel L Galvan of Lubbock, Texas

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

"To José'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 another of Texas' sons.

Sincerely,

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

"to the VELEZ family. The Wahl family of Houston and New York are deeply sadden by your lost. An our heart and prays are with you. God Bless!"
leonard wahl of valley stream ny

"to the VELEZ family. The Wahl family of Houston and New York are deeply sadden by your lost. An our heart and prays are with you. God Bless!"
leonard wahl of valley stream ny

"To Jose'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 for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon, Ga

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