Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"June 7th, 2007
David, theres not a day that goes by when I dont think of you. I miss you so much! Even though you arent physically here, your here in the hearts, memories, and minds of everyone you touched. I wish we could go back to the times when we would have family get togethers at the house and you would be in the garage drinking all the coca-cola... or teaching my sister and I how to use the remote control cars. Times were so innocent back then, I'd give everything to get those back. I miss you my gaurdian angel... Your with me Always <3 I Love You <3"
Brittney of Manchester, NH

"I remember when it happened and i couldnt describe how i felt. My heart stopped. He was the first in our company to give it all. I didnt know him very well but we were in the same company and it seemed our squad couldnt get there fast enough. My heart goes out to his family. I am truly sorry for your lose."
2/7 echo 3rd platoon Lcpl. Dunn of Charlotte, NC

"To the family of:David M. Vicente 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"

"i was in his boot camp platoon... this is a shock, he was a great leader. i'm sorry i never got to know him better..."
Cpl. Lang C.M. of Phila P.A.

"dave words cant express how much i miss you i think about you everyday.you were my leperchan twin.I'll never forget the christmas in okinawa or the talks we had in 29. so i just want to say i love you and miss you bro ...."
Cpl John E. Henry of Camp Penleton, Ca

"I WAS THERE I WAS IN A 7TON NOT A FIVE TON THAT PULLED THEM OUT THEN I CLEARED THE WAY AS I DROVE BACK TO FOB HIT THE HUMMER IS SMALLER AND COULDN'T STAY IN THE 7TON TRACKS AS HE WAS STRUCK BY A MINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SGT DAY WAS WITH HIM..."
SGT MOODY of QUANTICO VA

"I WAS THERE I WAS IN A 7TON NOT A FIVE TON THAT PULLED THEM OUT THEN I CLEARED THE WAY AS I DROVE BACK TO FOB HIT THE HUMMER IS SMALLER AND COULDN'T STAY IN THE 7TON TRACKS AS HE WAS STRUCK BY A MINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SGT DAY WAS DRIVING..."
SGT MOODY of QUANTICO VA

"David,
I cant help but feel responsible sometimes, but they tell me thats normal. I wonder "what if" what if we hadnt got stuck in the mud that night and you didnt have to go out to escort the 5 tons to pull us out. Would things be different? no one knows and that drives me crazy. We talked that morning, mostly about home, what we missed. Well now im home, i have been for a while and I miss you. It seems when someones gone everybody has nothing but nice things to say about that person. But you my friend truly desearve it, the shining example of a good person. See you on the other side brother..."
mario of sacramento, ca

"thank you for leaving america and defending the great name of this nation and he will be remembered with those that came before him and those that will come after him. a hero thats remembered every day forever and ever and god bless his great family for all time."
eric flores of barstow ca

"You don't know me, I hope your family is healing, I hope you are in peace and that you can smile knowing that what you gave... Freedom, this freedom is worth dying for...it's heroes like you that have taught me that."
S.F. Operator from Methuen, MA of currently OIF III

"When I think of Dave, I think of the time when we were boots and a group of us hiked to the top of a hill in 29 Palms on a Saturday morning to celebrate the Marine Corps birthday, or the times he let me take his dirtbike out without hesitation. He was one of the few people whose company I enjoyed and I considered a great friend. I miss him dearly and he will be in my memory forever."
Cpl Willams, 2/7 Echo Co Wpns Plt

"To the Vicente family,
I served with David while I was in Wpns Plt, 2/7 Echo Co with him. He was in Machine Gunner plt and I was in Mortars Plt. I have a story that I would like to share with you. When we went on deployment to Japan we had a 72 hour liberty in the Rapungi District. David, me, and a few other Marines from Wpns Platoon got a hotel room right near the "party" area and it was funny because the room itself was smaller than our barracks rooms which are not big at all. There were 5 of us staying there in this one small room and yet the cost was nearly 400 US dollars a night!. We went out every night we could and partied at various bars and clubs. I remember David video taping us while we all danced and had a grand old time. Then when we all returned to the hotel David ended up sleeping in the bathtub because there wasn't any room for all of us to sleep in the main small bedroom. I still have the picture of him crashed out in the tub and it makes me smile everytime I look at it. I would be more than happy to send you pictures from Japan that I have of the WPNS plt boys. We hung out in Korea, and the Phillipines as well. David always knew how to make everyones morale jump up if we were grumpy or down. And he was liked by all he met or ran into. David was a great friend, and an outstanding Marine. He will never be forgotten.

Semper Fi

Brother from Wpns Plt. 2/7 Echo Co"

"goodbye cousin... I will never forget you... and forgive me if my english isn't good.... rest well out there..."
Marco Henriques Vicente of Montreal, Quebec/Canada

"I was very sadden when I heard the news of the fatality of David. May God give strength and hope to his family and friends. Thank you David for defending our country."
Rosemary of Methuen, MA

"03/16/05
David, My Baby, I Miss and Love you so much. My feelings for you have grown and become stronger then ever in the last year. im Wishing you a Happy 26th Birthday. i hope you had a good day in Heavan.
Love Always & Forever Yours"
Alexandria of Methuen, MA

"This time of the year will probably be the toughest. I pray for David's family and friends to find peace.
God Bless and Happy Holidays!"
Christine

"To the family and friends of Corporal David M. Vicente,


"Perhaps they are not the stars,
but rather openings in Heaven
where the love of our lost ones
pours through and shines down upon us
to let us know they are happy."

Eskimo Legend


The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

We need you to provide the address of the next of kin so the quilt can be sent.

http://www.marinecomfortquilts.us/

click register, or

https://oxygen.vhnoc.com/~pmmquilt/register.htm

Proud Member Of Marine Comfort Quilt group, and Proud Marine Mom"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca

"VICENTE YOU WILL BE MISSED I REMEBER BEING DEPLOYED WITH YOU IN OKINAWA FOR ALMOST A YEAR. IN THE WHOLE 2 YRS I KNEW YOU YOU WERE TRUELY SOME ONE TO LOOK UP TO. I HOPE THAT YPUR FAMILY ONE DAY CAN FIND PEACE ONE DAY KNOWING THAT YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND"
HN MARTIN of TWENTYNINE PALMS

"We were both in boot camp together, David in plt 1041 and I in 1040. We didnt talk at all until we were in forming waiting on infantry school to begin. He was a funny guy, real laid back and easy to get along with. He knew his purpose and died for it. those intangibles hardley exist anymore it seems. He IS someone to look up to and mold yourself towards being like. rest in peace Dave and know there are people out there who knew how good you were."
Aaron Reinsberg of north carolina

"CPL David M. Vicente,
I wear your memorial bracelet proudly to show the world that you are truely an American hero. You gave the ultimate sacrafice to preserve the freedoms that I as an American citizen enjoy. Thanks be to God for people such as you. I thank God for you. You will never be forgotten. Sir you have inspired me to become a Marine and serve our beloved country. I hope one day I can show the world honor, sacrafice, and loyalty just as you have shown me. Thank you Sir. You are truely a hero!"
Dan Di Vincenzo of Libertyville, Illinois

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

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

"David já não estás comnosco na vida. Mas continuas vivo no nosso amor consciente. Não podendo falar contigo guarda-nos um lugar ao teu lado."
Rogério e Maria e filhas Vicente of Alcobaça, Portugal

"A Tribute to Cpl. David M. Vicente

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starst without me and I'm not there to see.
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say,
I know how much you love me,
I know you'll miss me too,
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand, that an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand and said my place was ready in heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind, all those I dearly love,
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye, for all my life,
I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die,
I had so much to live for,
So much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss your cheek,
And maybe see you smile,
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be, for emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me,
And when I though of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you,
And when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow,
But when I walked through heaven's gates I felt so much at home.
Then God looked down and smiled at me,
There from his golden throne.
He said this is eternity,
And all I've promised you,
Today your life on Earth is passed,
But here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same,
There's no longing for the past,
But you have been so faithful,
So trusting,
and so true,
Though there were times you did some things,
You knew you shouldn't do,
But you been forgiven,
And at last you are free,
So won't you take my hand and share your life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For everything you think of me,
I'm right here,
Foevere always in your heart!"
CJ. US Navy Vietnam of California

"To David,
I just want to say you are still in my everyday thoughts. You are missed very much by so many and you will never be forgotten. To your family and close friends who are still suffering today, I wish you peace and you are always in my prayers."
Christine of Methuen, MA

"Estamos muito tristes com a tua partida. Agora separados por um céu, encontrar-nos-emos por sonhos! Até um dia. Fica em paz."
Ângela e Teresa of Alcobaça, Portugal

"To the family and friends of Corporal David M. Vicente,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort
in love's everlasting connection.

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. 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. Please register so we can send you
our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Member Of Marine Comfort Quilt group, and Proud Marine Mom"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"David, agora que estás ao lado de Deus, protege-nos de todo o mal que existe. Jamais te esquecerei, primo!! Permanecerás sempre vivo dentro de mim..."
Mónica Vicente Caiado of Alcobaça, Leiria, Portugal

"David,
We all know that you always wanted to be a marine and your dream came true. I wish that you could have got through and lived to tell but nothing in the world can bring you back. You are still here with all of us, you live in our thoughts and our hearts. Honestly, I wish they would get those troops out of there. There are so many dying! May God be with you Orlando, Celeste, and Dan Vicente. For all who will miss Dave and for all who suffer his loss, God bless! Your son was brave and all I can say is thank you."
Christine of Methuen, MA

"Dear Vicente Family,

I did not know your son but from what I have read he seems like a great guy and a great Marine. I know nothing anyone says can alleviate the pain that the death of child bears but I want to let you all know that you are not alone. One of my friends was recently killed in Iraq Pfc. Dustin Sekula and it's a shock like no other. I want to thank your son for all the good he did for this country and I want to thank you for raising a great son. Your son and your family are in my prayers and I hope I will be in yours as I too will be a U.S. Marine this year and I might possibly be sent to Iraq. Once again thank you and may God Bless You.
SEMPER FI"
Robert Zepeda III of McAllen, TX

""I had the pleasure of meeting David Vicente on March 12 2001 at the Boston MEPS, the day we left for Recruit Training. Everyone in there had no clue what was going on and what it was going be like, except Vicente. As crazy as everything was there that day nothing bothered him that day at all. I noticed this and we started talking about where we were from and about how Training was going to be. He like myself couldn't wait for training to start. on the flight down there we sat together on plane. Basically, David was my support in the first stages of training. He was given the position of platoon guide and did his job with excellence. Shortly there after I was given the position within the platoon of 1st Squad leader. That ment that Vicente and I would bunk together, Something we both said would be cool prior to arriving on the island. For more the 8 weeks David and myself were rack mates and became good friends. During bootcamp you get close to the people in your platoon and some more then other. David was whom I became close to and who was my support throughit all. I'll never forget his stone cold attitude when things needed to get done. But once those Drill Instructors weren't in the immediate area thefunny and quirky things he use to do. He helped make recruit training one of the best expierences of my life.

June 8th 2001 was the last time I saw David, It was graduation day and we were all excited to leave and see out families. All the Marines in the platoon who lived in the general area of Boston all exchanged numbers and addresses so we could keep in touch over the years, I have spoken a few times to others in the platoon but not David, which is something I regret. He was an excellent Marine I am sure of that. He was an excellent friend to me and to many others. David will be missed by many.

One of many thing I remember from him was this:

"Soroka, it sucks now but it'll get better. Wait for the fun stuff to begin and think of it as a game. When we get out of here think of this, We'll be the best and the bravest not to mention the uniforms gonna get you all the chicks."

"SEMPER FI Brother"

LCpl Soroka OCT-1 4th btl 4th FSSG
Devens ma"
LCpl Soroka Anthony F of Wilmington MA

"To David's Family:
There are no words that can express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"We did not know your brave son, David, personally but kindly accept our sincerest condolences on your loss. He will forever be remembered in our hearts and you will be in our prayers. Our daughter will be raised knowing she is safer in America because of your remarkable and brave son, David, our hero."
of Methuen, MA

"I want everyone to know how I remember Dave. I remember the first time I met him. He was at work and I walked right up and introduced my self. He was smiling that day and we have been friends ever since. He had to be one of the nicest most laid back guys I knew. It was some much fun working with him. I wasn't in the same building as him but I used to sneak over to hang out with him and one of his best friends Jeremy. We would sit in the office and goof off. He normally would joke on me or tease me about something but it was always light hearted. I can't remember Dave getting mad one single time. He would always listen to me when I was having a bad day and let me vent about how upset I was. He always new when I needed a hug, and when a joke would make me feel better.
He came to my birthday party when I turned 20. He was always up to hang and have a beer or two with his friends and when one of his friends needed him he was always there for them. He even came over early one Sunday morning to change a flat tire for me because I couldn't. One time we had a cook out at his house and there were no chairs to sit on so we snagged the lawn chairs from the pool in his neighborhood. The next week I helped him get a couch and a kitchn table because any time we came over there was no where to sit or eat at. Like most guys his house had a tv, stero computer, and a playstation but no chairs.
I absolutely loved hanging out with Dave. He and my husband went dirt biking together sometimes and we had little cook outs.
The last time we hung out before he went to Iraq it was just me, Dave and his friend Jeremy. Dave built a BBQ pit and we had lamp chops and listened to music out by his truck till 2 in the morning. I remember frezzing because it was cold, but Dave had on shorts because to him California weather is not cold. We just sat out by the fire all night and joked about times at work and things that we had done as friends. I really miss Dave and I think about him everyday. I had a picture of him from my birthday party enlarged and framed and it sits at his old office. I keep Saint Micheal and Mother Mary candles burning for him, and when I pray everynight for the return of all our Marines I ask him to watch over Jeremy and all the other guys in 2/7 and from 29 Palms. I know that he is in Heaven with God and he feels no pain, but I can't stop wishing that he would have been able to come home to Ali. I was planning on going to his wedding.
Ali, I just want you to know that Dave loved you so much. I remember when he was ring shopping and I gave him some tips on what is popular and what styles girls like. I know he was looking forward to coming home to you. I just remember how excited he was when he had finally decided on when and how to ask you to be his wife. Ali am am so sorry for your loss. I know there is nothing I can say that will make it better ever but know that you are in my prayers. And to the Vicente's, I just want you to know that I don't think you could have raised a better son then Dave. His picture sits on my night stand and I talk to him sometimes like I used to do when I would be having a bad day at work. I know he listens, because he always did.
Know that you are in my hearts.
I miss you Dave."
Amber Poe of 29 Palms, CA

"o meu coracao esta muito triste quando
sube que o David vicente falceu.
Que deus dé coragem a familia Vicente
sinceros sentimentos"
Anabella e familia of Montreal,Que,Canada

"I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Marine Coporal David Vicente. His bravery and sacrifice will always be rembered. Semper Fi."
M P of Salisbury, Mass

"REST IN PEACE Tufelhuden....May God Bless your family and friends"
The Taylors USMC of NC

""Let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall take any price bear any burden meet any harship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and achieve the success of Liberty".
Thank You for your braveness and be assure David that this nation and its people are thankful and will always be remembered. May God comfort your hearts in this time of sorrow."
Michael E. of Miami, FL USA

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones
in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, David will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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