Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Mrs. Venegas and to Juan’s entire family,

I served in Iraq’s Al Anbar, Province in April 2005. As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, I wanted you to know that although I never knew Juan personally; his sacrifice will never be forgotten by me or our Corps of Marines. You and your family are in my prayers this weekend.

God bless you and Semper Fidelis!

David"
David of Virgina

"I served with Venegas and remember him vividly. I laid him to rest and said goodbye, but have never forgotten him. May he rest in peace. Semper Fi."
Benjamin M. Vance of Soquel, Ca

"I love and miss you bro!!! I think of you everday!!!"
David Ventura of Houston, Tx

"Went to Assumption today to leave flowers for my grandma.. I always think of you while I'm there. You are not forgotten friend."
Serena of Simi Valley

"Its been six years since we’ve lost Juan Carlos. We’ve read everyones messages and we want to thank everyone for all your words, thoughts, and prayers. We also would like to take this time to thank 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twenty nine Palms, Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division, and II Marine Expeditionary Force. Many people including us weren’t aware of how he passed away. We were told in the beginning that he was only struck by a vehicle. A couple months later Juans friends, who were with him at the time, informed us of what really took place on April 7, 2005. We would like to thank these friends who took their time to visit us after their tour in Iraq. And thank you to his friends, relatives, and the city of Simi Valley. Very recently Simi Valley has put up a banner in remembrance of Juan on Alamo Street. We greatly appreciate everyones support. Juan was a very caring and lovable person, he always thought of others before himself. Juan will always be in our hearts and will never be forgotten. ♥♥♥"
Venegas Family of Simi Valley, Ca

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Hey Juan.. just thinking of you. I can't believe next year will be 5 years.. your life was cut too short.. what a brave man you were. Much love.."
Serena Schad of Simi Valley, California

"April 22, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Juan C. Venegas:
Juan 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

"Peace Be with you and your family."
SSG Rodriguez, Raeanne of Simi Valley, CA

"I AM BRINGING YOU SUNFLOWERS TOMORROW. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT IT WILL BE 4 YEARS, THANKS HOMIE FOR YOUR LAST WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMNT."
LUCY of LOS ANGELES, CA

"To the Venegas Family: My heart goes out to all of you for your loss. Juan was a good Marine and a good man. I will always remember him."
Brian Van Gorden of Lancaster, CA.

"The memory you have will get you through. Everyday we pray. I salute our fallen brothers and sisters."
SGT Careyette of North Carolina

"Hi sweetie. I was just at Assumption visiting my aunt and I came across your grave. I had no idea that you were even buried there. You are truly loved and very missed. Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you."
Serena Schad of Simi, Valley, CA

"To Family of LCPL VENEGAS:

MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY BUT ESPECIALLY THE MOTHER.

MRS. VENEGAS I'M SO SORRY FOR THE LOST OF YOUR SON I KNOW MY WORDS ARE NOT MUCH BUT YOUR SON DIED AS A HERO IN OUR EYES BECAUSE HE GAVE HE'S LIFE FOR THIS GREAT NATION AND FOR WHAT IT STANDS FOR FREEDOM. I KNOW THE PAIN WILL NEVER GO AWAY NO MATTER HOW MANYS DAYS, MONTHS AND YEARS GO BYE BUT HOLD YOUR HEAD UP AND PROUD FOR YOU RAISED A TRUE MAN AND ONE FINE WARRIOR FOR THIS NATION. MY FAMILY AND I THANK YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR SHARING THIS GREAT WARRIOR WITH OUR NATION IN WHICH HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I KNOW YOUR PAIN BECAUSE I LOST MY BABY BROTHER IN THE WAR 2 YEARS AGO AND SEEMS JUST LIKE YESTERDAY, BUT REMEMBER HE'S IN BETTER PLACE WAITING TO MEET WITH YOU SOMEDAY. GOD BLESS YALL ALL AND REMEMBER THERE'S ANGEL WATCHING YALL ALWAYS."
JULIA of FORT WORTH ,TEXAS

"To the family of:Juan C. Venegas 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"

"Juan hey buddy I'll never forget the day you came to the machinegun section and we met up. You were always full of pride and always wanting to do better than anyone else at our jobs. You were also a big family man, you would never stop talking about your fiance and family, they were number one in your life and it showed even to the last day. To have been your Section Leader and more importantly a Friend I"m blessed and Honored to have served with you. To the family I"m sadden by your loss, Juan was an amazing person and what more Marines should strive to become. God bless."
Ricardo W. Lulves of Orlando, Florida

"i miss my brother, v"
tim of texas

"Yo Soy Christian de Reno Nevada el hijo de Yolenda"
Christian Sanchez of Reno Nevada United States

"Juan~
It has been a year since you left us, and we still have not forgotten you. We miss you everyday and your spirit will always be with us. Until we meet again...Keep watch over us
We Love You Always..."
Elisia of Simi Valley, Ca

"Juan it has been a year since you have passed. I still can not believe it. I know your with us in spirit. You are missed by all you friends and family. I hope you are resting in peace and some day we will see you again."
Ivan Lopez of Simi Valley, Ca

"Juan, the influences you had on your friends and family and the sacrifices you made are too great to be put into words. The Juan Venegas we knew as a civilian and as a Marine will never be forgotten. You are a hero and I will miss you, but I know I will see you again someday. I feel so lucky to have had you as a friend and your presence will always remain with me. Rest In Peace."
Pat, A.K.A. "Beaver" Haskins of Simi Valley, CA

"god bless you all"
mike of simi valley

"Juan not a day goes by where I haven't thought about you I miss you so much,I hope you know that i always considered you a great friend, You'll always be a hero to me. God Bless you Juan, see you on the other side."
Jack Anderson of Granada Hills

"To the Venegas Family:
It may still be too painful at this time to even read these messages, but there will be a time when you can. And although your heart will always and forever mourn your beloved Juan, one day, when you do read our messages, I pray you find some comfort and feel great pride and tremendous awe in how Juan touched the lives of others, from all over the world, people you don't even know, people he didn't even know, but he impacted us none the less. What an awesome thing, an incredible accomplishment that your son, Juan Carlos, achieved. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for people a world away from us, for their freedom, and ultimately, for ours. My son-in-law, Marine Cpl. Chris Gibson, was KIA on April 17, 2004,(also from Simi Valley), so I know your pain... Our sons are great heros and will forever and always be remembered. "No greater love is there than that a man lay down his life for his brother."
Semper Fi Juan Carlos...Rest in Peace."
Collette Brady of Simi Valley, CA

"Juan Carlos,
I miss you! It's still hard to believe that you are no longer with us. No sabes cuanta falta nos haces a todos, a tu familia y a tus amigos que te quieren tanto. You were (are) one of my best friends, you looked out for me like a sister and I appreciate it dearly and I hope you continue to do so. We have been friends since we were five and not a lot people are so lucky as to say they've been friends with someone for so long. You are one of those people you can never forget. What I miss the most is your laugh, it was great. I always knew when you were around just by your laugh. I love you and I miss you! See you when I get there."
Christina Ornelas of Simi Valley, CA

"Juan,
I knew you briefly in high school and had a couple of classes with you. my cousin was 21 and also just passed away in Iraq. You are such a brave person and I will never forget what you did for this country."
Serena Renee Schad of Simi Valley, CA

"Hey Juan! Wow, I found you on the internet!lol. Well I just wanted to let you know that I miss you very much and that I can't stop thinking about all the good times we all had together =) Like the day we went to the snow & sang to the Backstreet Boys CD (oh what? Telling people the truth! Can't deny it now)But I also wanted to thank you for giving me the strengh to get through this and to be able to help Jules get through this. She said that she will never take the ring off as a reminder that she will always have a part of you. And I know now that it was you who kept me safe the day of my accident. You will always be in my heart, my memories and in my dreams. Love you always. =)"
Angelica Angel of Simi Valley, CA

"Beloved Juan Carlos, there is not a day that goes by when I do not stop and reflect upon the happiness I experienced in watching you alongside your fiance and soulmate,'Your Mariam.' You were a true brother to me on this earth, and will remain so in heaven. Our families have been struck with an infinately painful loss. We mourn you. May the Lord rest your soul as you sit on his right arm with the angels. I love you. "..Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me..."(Psalm 23)."
Sally Khoury of Northridge, CA

"Hey Juan (a.k.a. Wonton hahahaha)
It's hard to believe you're gone! I think about you everyday. It's crazy to see that the same funny and carefree guy I hung around with every day in high school turned out to be such a courageous and honorable person. You have always been my best friend, hero and now, my guardian angel =) I miss you and I love you 637."
Julia Velez of Simi Valley, Ca

"Semper Fi Brother."
Paul Molé, Teacher, Royal High School of Simi Valley, CA

"We met your son when he graduated from boot camp in San Diego. Our Grandson Roni Vogler was his friend and spoke very highly of him. We too were impressed. It was terrible to hear the sad news. We pray that the Lord will comfort you during this very difficult time and give you the assurance that you WILL see your precious son again in heaven."
Joyce and Bill Henry of Madison New Jersey

"Querido Juan
There are no words that can describe how much you are missed by your family and friends. When I heard that you passed away, childhood memories started flowing. I remember the time in Jr. high when the eighth grade class went to the YMCA at Lemon Park and the school bus left some of us behind. We had to walk back to school. I also remember when you and our friends went to my quinceanera. What I most remember is the way you always carried your backpack. I am very grateful to have had you in my life and thank you for the wonderful memories you left behind. I am going to miss you very much."
love, Alyce Ocampo of Anderson,IN

"yo this is for my homie juan who was not just a friend to me but he was like an older brother who watched over me and took care of me in any problems that i had and faced i will truly missed you homie see you in heaven when we will all be together again laughing are heads off like the good old days I LOVE YOU for life ese."
Bryan Rubio of Simi Valley,Ca

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

"Familia Venegas: Mi pesamne para ustedes en este momento tan dificil. Yo vivi con ustedes cuando tenia 18 anos en la calle Angela. Ahora vivo en Indiana y siempre los recuerdo con mucho carino porque Maria tu siempre fuiste muy buena conmigo, me dabas consejos, platicabas conmigo, y siempre demostraste lo que era ser una buena madre. Ahora que yo tambien soy madre, solamente me puedo imajinar tu dolor. Yo estoy rezando por ti y tu familia. Yo se que quizasa no sea mucho consuelo pero creeme que me duele mucho que hemos perdido a otro joven en esta guerra pero el no murio en vano, es un verdadero heroe.
Grissel Navarro-Rodriguez"
Grissel Navarro - Rodriguez of Anderson ,Indiana

"To the Venegas Family,
I knew your son through school, and through church. He was an incredible young man. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed."
Heidi Witeby of Simi Valley, Ca

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

"LCPL Venegas, from the bottom of my heart i would like to thank you for defending my freedom, i know it is not an easy thing to do, but you are among the courageous who take part in it on a daily basis. I know you are in heaven shining down on your friends and family. To the Venegas family I want you to know that my prayers are with you in this difficult time. Mariam I love you girl and if you need anything just let me know. Juan you are a true american hero and thank you for making the ultimate sacrafice for me and my fellow americans. God Bless!"
Christina Daugherty of Mohegan Lake, NY

"Dear friend,
Juan I just want to say I am going to miss you very much. Your family and friends are very sad now that you have passed away. I saw you a few months ago and i remember how happy you looked with your friends and family. Juan we miss you so much. One day we will be together again to think about all the great times we had when we were little kids and when we grew up.I still can not believe you have passed away. Bye Bro"
Ivan Lopez of Simi Valley, Ca

"Semper Fidelis"
Lcpl Peeples of MWCS 48/4th MAW

"My prayers go out to you for your loss. I lost my son on 3/25/05 so I share your grief. Keep me in your prayers and I will do the same."
Janie Richardson of Summersville, WV

"I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. THE VENEGAS FAMILY IS IN MY PRAYERS DURING THIS TIME OF GRIEF. JUAN IS IN HEAVEN SMILING DOWN ON EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US RIGHT NOW. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR RAISING A TRUE AMERICAN HERO. MAY GOD BLESS YOU."
KATHRYN of WARNER ROBINS, GA

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Juan C. Venegas,

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

"TO THE VENEGAS FAMILY, YOU ARE IN MY DAILY PRAYERS. I KNOW THAT MY MESSAGE IS PROBABLY NOT OF MUCH COMFORT TO YOU,BUT I WILL SAY THIS ANYWAY, "THANK YOU" FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. A BRAVE SOLDIER GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US, AND FOR THAT I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL. MAY GOD HOLD YOU CLOSE AND KEEP JUAN CLOSE AS WELL."
RHONDA , MARINE SISTER of HOUSTON, TX

"I'm sorry for your loss...and ever so grateful that he was willing to serve our country. May we somehow be worthy of the bravery and honor."
Christine, Marine mom of Rome GA

"To the Venegas family. Bravery, Valor and Courage those words describe Juan. He was a brave man who gave the ultimate sacrifice for Freedom and we will never forget. America will Honor your HERO forever. Our prayers and support are with you in this time as we know the pain you are going through.
God Bless Juan and his family"
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays and family of Massillon, Ohio

"TO THE VENEGAS FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE LOST OF JUAN. HE HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF MANY. HE IS THE ELITE OF ALL AMERICANS. HE WILL NOT HAVE GIVEN HIS LIFE IN VAIN!!! FOR HE IS AN AMERICAN HERO!!!!! AN ALTHOUGH, OUR SON'S SERVED IN TO DIFFERENT BRANCHES. IT IS TRUE, BOTH ARE BROTHERS. SERVING TOGETHER PROTECTING ONE ANOTHER. WE LOST OUR SON ELEVEN MONTHS AGO. JUAN HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, HIS MILITARY FAMILY AND HIS OWN. AN HIS COMMUNITY WILL SO HONOR HIM. FOR PROTECTING US AGAINST TERRORISM. AN THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ WILL REMEMBER ALL AMERICANS GIVEN THEM A NEW LIFE. JUAN WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND PRAYS. JUAN HAS ACCOMPLISHED MUCH IN HIS LIFE. FOR HE WAS A PROFESSIONAL SOLDIER. THAT NOT MANY AMERICANS ARE WILLING TO DO. HE WILL BE MISSED BY HIS BROTHER AND SISTERS IN THE MILITARY AND A FAMILY THAT LOVED HIM. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To the family of this soldier, I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you, and may you find comfort in the fact that Juan is in Heaven and will never again feel anything but happiness.

To Juan, I wish that we lived in a world where peace was natural and these websites did not have to exist. Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for finding my and all fellow Americans' freedom worth fighting for. God bless you."
Anonymous of Georgia

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