Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Heard about you from Ben on MTV The challenge USA. I could not help myself but to leave a message. I have read several great things about you and I hope you are resting easy up there. You will be truly missed Hero <3"
Rashidat Salaam of Toronto, Canada

"I've thought about Blake throughout these past years, which is why I am sending this brief message. I stood alongside Champions Forest Drive, like many other people during his funeral procession. I only know him because he visited my home a few times in Glen Haven subdivision, as he was a friend of my then step daughter. I just wish I would have taken time from my pre-occupied life to speak with him (I knew him as Blake and I just found out today 06/07/2016 that his name was Michael Wafford). Nonetheless, I am honored that a brave young hero like Blake visited my home, albeit for a short while."
R. G. Gonzalez of Spring, Texas, USA

"I remember that day like it was only minutes ago. 12 years later it's hard to believe. Blake's Style was cool and calm along with that slightly sideways grin when he was bsing. What a fighter he was, what a man, what a Marine. As the anniversary comes I will remember you his family and the life Blake lived. And our blessed freedom that my brother paid for. To his family, he will never be forgotten, he lives on in us forever. Thank you for allowing me and others the opportunity to know a hero. Guard those gates for one day we will all meet again."
Phillip Swanner, Cpl USMC of Killeen, Tx

"You saved me in many ways, your a brother I didn't know I had til you came back for me. I thanked you smiled said no problem with a thumbs up, jumped the wall and our time was over. Wafford was a hero. When I jumped the wall he was upstairs gone. I was one of the Marines that carried him back under fire. I broke down after that. The whole situation not many people knew about. I don't know why I write now. I do not have his families address and don't want to hurt anybody. He was truly a good human being and the least deserving of what happened. And I truly live with it everyday."
Tedder of Florida

"I was pregnant with my second child back in 2004. I was folding clothes one day and the news came on with a picture of this young marine who had payed the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Something about him just got to me. I sat down and started crying. When my son was born, i decided to make his middle name Blake after the young man I saw on TV that day....Michael Blake Wafford. I will never forget his name or his face. I don't know why now, after 9 years I decided to look him up, but I think about him often. My prayers for your family!!!!"
Stefanie Tang of League City, TX

"We will never forget..."
Ben Sensenbach

"April 16, 2012

8 years ago today, I held your hand, kissed your forehead, and said goodbye to you for the last time. I still get sad sometimes, but don't worry, I'm okay. I know how much you love me. I miss you like crazy and can't wait to see you again. Give Grandma, Grandpa, & Uncle Ron a hug for me. Love you, Bubby.

Your Sister

P.S. I'm still a little mad at you for leaving me to figure all this out on my own. Everyone knows you were the one w/ all the answers. Just saying."
Brooke Wafford McAdams of Houston, TX

"This was one of the smartest people we knew in the Marine Corps. The day of his passing was very sobering. God bless his family on this honored Memorial Day 2011. Your sacrifice is not in vain."
Justin Kane of Clinton Twp. MI

"i am sorry for your loss but remember he didnt die in vain or alone we will always remember the ones who gave all and ask for nothing in return"
william c wafford of kennett mo dunklin co

"To the family of:Michael B. Wafford
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" 1-4-11"

"To Blake's family, I've felt your loss for the past six years as well. My deepest symphaty to you. Brooke, I know he loved you so much. I'm heart broken for not being there for him as I was on his first tour in Iraq. Until we meet again little buddy, Semper Fi"
M. Castellon ~ "Cas" of Monarch Beach, California

"April 8 is a day each year that sticks in my mind. I was in disbelief when I heard the news. I went to Klein with Blake and knew just how smart he was and knew about the amazing gifts God had given him. I think about him often, he was an amazing person."
Katy McClanahan of Spring, TX

"Over 5 Yrs later I still remember a young Lance Corporal who was very mature and always striving to do his best. I was the squad leader leading the squad he was attached to. We were kicking some butt in the south part of Fallujah. I relied on Michael's expertice to blow up a hole on a wall so we could go in. He never hesitated. When he went down I was the only one left on the second floor with him. CPR did not work so I knew he went the way he wanted, fighting. God bless you Lcpl Wafford."
Joel of Temecula, CA

"Regina,

You are always in our thought and prayers.
We were neighbors on Eday Dr. I didn't know your son personally but I remember seeing him help you in all ways, mow the yard, spend time with his sister and friends and I remember how excited he was when he was getting ready to leave for the Marines! You had told me he wanted to be a Marine every since he was a young kid. We thank him for his bravery and sacrifice.

Hometown-Spring, Tx.
mindioverstreet@comcast.net"
mindi of mobile, al.

"To a friend and a brother that all of us miss and will never forget we miss you brother more then anything and your always in our thoughts and conversation whether they be sober or tipsy. Love your old school Brothers"
Ssgt Jones Rusty L of San Clemente CA

"April 22, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Michael B. Wafford:
Michael 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

"It's been 5 years today since we lost you. I'm trying to be positive but I just miss you so much. You wouldn't believe how everything has changed. You were the glue holding us all together. Without you, everything fell apart. Some things instantly, some over time. But we will never be able to return to the way things were before. We just have to rely on your memory to get us through another day. That's the only thing getting me through today. I love you, Bubby."
Brooke Wafford of Houston, TX

"I'm a Disable Vet who served for 16 years 10 months and 21 days "For he who gives his life for me will always be my Brother". I'm sorry for your loss."
George Taylor of Doniphan,Missouri

"I never met Blake, but only knew him through his (now departed) Uncle Ron. Ron was a co-worker of mine and what a blessing it was to have someone to share stories with as my brother was “over there” with Blake as part of the I MEF during OIF I.

I can’t begin to tell you how much grief so many of us felt at his passing, though none of us could have picked him out of a line up of one.

I thought it may warm your hearts to know that I used Blake as part of our Memorial Day sermon at our church today. I told his story as I heard it from Ron. So, though none of us ever met him, today 125+ people took some time to remember him and honor his memory, and he became more than just a name on “the list”.

RIP Blake and RIP Ron."
CLD of Fort Worth, TX

"I can not say how thankful I am to Blake for who he was and the sacrifice he made. I am proud to be Blake's cousin and to have known him. You are so loved and so missed, Blake. Thank you to all of our service men and women. God bless you and God bless America."
Summer Brannon of Newalla, OK

"I still him everyday. The best friend anyone could ever hope for."
R Hunt of Houston

"Blake,
We all still miss you every single day and not a day goes by that you aren't in my thoughts or prayers. You were an unbelievable friend, a brave Marine and one of the smartest people I've ever known. I know that you've watched over your fellow Marines on their return trips to Iraq, including my husband. I can take comfort in the thought that we will all see you again one day."
Jessica Harnish of Tacoma, WA

"Bubby,
You would have turned 24 yrs old 2 days ago. I've been thinking about all the things that I've missed without you ... sharing your first (legal) drink at 21, starting college at UT (because we all know you were going to follow in my footsteps regardless of how much grief you gave me over TX/OU football), and having you come visit me in NYC. But even though I miss you like crazy I know in my heart that everything has happened according to God's plan for you. His purpose for you went far beyond what you did in Iraq, although I know there are several boys out there that thank you for sacrificing your life for theirs. The best part is that what you did on April 7, 2004 earned you a Bronze Star but to you it was simply, "... a good day's work." As your sister, I am so incredibly proud of the way you lived your life. You worked, played, loved, laughed, and even fought to the very fullest of your ability. Thank you for everything that you were and still continue to be. I love you with all of my broken heart. Brookie"
Brooke Wafford of New York, NY (home is in TX)

"Blake was a friend and a brother who will be missed and loved always. I'm sorry I was not there for you but I will be with you soon. RIP my good friend"
Mike Mullane of Beaufort,SC

"Blake was a great friend and Marine. I was his section leader during OIF II. I had not had a chance to get to know Blake as well as I would have wanted during OIF I, but we spent a lot of time together during OIF II. He was by far the smartest and most loyal Marine and friend I have ever had. I miss you Blake. "Learn like your gonna live forever, Live like your going to die tomorrow"

wsmc923@verizon.net
918-231-4867"
Sgt. Ryan Long of Menifee, CA

"Wafford was a friend and a brother, who never had a picture without him giving a finger. He was there to put you in your place. He forced you to be a man and know your stuff. He never put you down and was the first to give you a beer when you needed it. He was the smartest man i have ever met and ever will meet. He was smarter than most officers. Which made many wonder why he wasnt a officer. Wafford couldn't be an officer he had to much pride and fun being an enlisted man. Wafford loved the people he fought along side and we loved him. I dont look back at we had done but what we did do together. Because of him i have done things that i thought i couldnt do. Wafford motivates me in a lot of things such as school, and life. Wafford when we were alone told me that i was a smart man and that i will mount up to something. He was the only man besides another to tell me that and meant it. For that i thank him. And we will all be back together in weapons platoon getting ready for another hike."
Daneil Krenz of Boise, Id

"Oh and he went by Blake"

"I miss him so. Not a night goes by that I don't dream about him. I don't even know what this site is, but I remember most of his address:

Eday Dr.
Spring, TX 77379
His mother uses her maiden name
Regina White

I see him in crowds, and I then I look back and he's gone. I will never forget him. He was the love of my life."
Keri Rogers of Spring, TX

"I served with A 1/5 during the invasion with 2nd PLT. i knew Wafford a little. He was a good kid. RIP Marine
Semper Fi"
Todd Espinoza of Pasco, WA

"TO MICHAEL AND HIS HIS FAMILY. 4TH OF JULY IN GATLINBURG TENNESSEE IS THE MIDNIGHT PARADE AND FIREWORKS. I ALONG WITH OTHER FALLEN FAMILIES WILL BE ATTENDING. TO ENTER A FLOAT TO HONOUR OUR FALLEN AND TO MAKE A MESSAGE VERY CLEAR SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! MICHAEL AND OUR SON HAD NOT KNOWN ONE ANOTHER, TODAY BOTH ARE TOGETHER WITH ALL OUR FALLEN. JUST DON'T WANT THEM FORGOTTEN LIKE THE VIETNAM VETERANS."
leonard_wahl@hotmail.com of Spring Texas

"To Cpl. Wafford's family:
My maiden name is Wafford, and we are always looking for more of our family. Just having our same last name makes him OURS. I do hope that you have the comfort of knowing you will see him again. Your loss is ours also. Without brave and wonderful soldiers like him, though, I shudder to think what we would be facing here on our own beloved soil. Thank you for your sacrifice."
Lavonne (Wafford) Pistole of Fort Gibson, OK, USA

"I am Blake's Father and want to tell all the wonderful people who have shown their support and sympathy towards us by their kind and thoughtful words how very appreciative I am for it. God Bless America. Semper Fi"
M. H. wafford of Canton,Texas

"Lest we forget the Heros."
anonymous of USA

"what a great american one who left everthing in america to serve in the greatest military on earth and he died defending the liberty we all take for granted. years will pass and the days and nights as well but michael will never pass away. the ones who knew him went to battle with him woke up on early mornings in bootcamp and thow he died in iraq , his life began so long ago he walk to high school went to the movies and malls with friends drove on fridays night and woke up on saterday mornings and had buddys and those are the times that will be remembered for all time forever and ever. its said that marins die becouse thats what they do but the united states military is remembered for ever and ever which means blake will be remembered for ever we only get to see the latter day and god bless his family friens and all of those who fought with him and served with him there are memorys of blake to remember for all time for ever and ever."
ERIC FLORES of BARSTOW CALIFORNIA

"To the family of:Michael B. Wafford I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"Blake You were my brother. You meant more to me than most will ever know, I cannot wait to see you again old friend, although it has been almost 2 years since you passed not a day goes by for me without you. I will see you soon and I thank god for the time spent with you. I love you and your family"
Ryan Deady of Chicago

"You are not forgotten. I am sorry for your family."
Cpl. Sandell, Jon R. of Hayward, CA. USA

"Blakero, you were the best 51, marine, and man I ever knew. There is not a day that goes by that I dont think of you. Words cant explain what you ment to me. You our gone but never forgotten."
Sgt Ryan Harnish USMC of Tacoma, Wa

"Words can't express the regret I feel for your loss.everyone spoke so highly of "Blake". He is a hero."
Doc Benjamin Sensenbach, USN of Oceanside, CA

"We will feel your embrace when the breeze touches our face, we will hear you when the birds sing their songs, we will see you in all the good and beautiful things God has given us and we will keep you in our hearts, FOREVER."
Ron and Becky Dori of Millstadt, Illinois

"im so sorry to the family who lost somebody . i know how you feel i lost my uncle gary in april.sorry to hear he died .hope you find peace."
amanda jones of missouri

"I only knew you as a shot my friend left at the end of the table... every time. To be remembered so vividly in such good times you must have been one hell of a guy, and on hell of a friend. I wish I could have known you myself."
anonymous of Tacoma, WA

"To the family of Michael Wafford, I will never forget the sacrifice that your son and you gave for this country. Michael was a friend of my son's in Alpha Co 1/5. Matt has lost one of his brothers and we mourn the loss of your awesome son and brother. May God give you peace and the knowledge that Michael will NOT be forgotten."
Debbie Duncan of Pueblo CO

"You are not forgotten, hero. We miss you."
Christine 1/5 mom of Rome GA

"To the family of Michael Wafford:
I wear Michael's hero bracelet on my wrist every day. It reminds me of the incomparable sacrifice he and you have made for our country. Though I never knew him, I know him well. He was an American G.I., thoughtlessly brave, diligent in his duties, loyal to his country and his comrades and willing to risk his life for those of us who can't or won't. I am a Vietnam veteran and I can only tell you this: if I could have taken Michael's place, I would have. Governments start wars, but it is our brightest and best who have to fight them. God Bless You All and may you find peace."
Bill McNew of Fayetteville, Georgia

"I remember blake from when I was young we used to play together in Choctaw, Oklahoma. His grandparents are my great aunt and uncle. He will be and is missed by many from the Redus family. We share alot of your pain. You are forever in our prayers."
Kathy and Michelle Rikard and the rest of the Redus Family of Del City, Oklahoma

"I served with Lcpl Wafford in his first tour in Iraq, and can tell you he was no slouch when it came to doing his job and looking out for his fellow Marines. There's no doubt that several of us came home only do to his efforts. "MARINE I can only feebly offer my prayers for your family for I know you are in a better place. Knowing Gunny Bohr you are right now reading this message on guard duty on the streets of heaven and listening to all the bs the media is putting out down here." To the family of this and all fallen heros during this war against terrorism, I pray Your sacrafice will not go uncounted when you get to the gates of heaven, Because afterall the gate guard may very well be one of our beloved service members."
Mike Cash of Tacoma Wa,

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Michael B. Wafford,

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

We need you to provide the address of the next of kin so it 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

"To Blake’s Mom & Sister,
My husband and I knew Blake through our son CPL Ryan Harnish. Blake was one of Ryan’s best friends and we had the honor of meeting Blake on numerous occasions. Blake was in the Track when Ryan was injured in Iraq in April 2003 and he was with Blake in Fallujah April of 2004. The sadness we feel by loss of such a great kid is only made worse by knowing the sorrow you must feel every day. You are in our prayers.
Rob & Debbie Adams
Proud Marine Parents of
CLP Ryan Harnish
1/5 A-Co. Wpns"
of Tacoma, WA

"Blake was my cousin and my friend. I loved him dearly and I miss him. But he died for me and for every one of you, and for that I will always call him my hero. I love you Blakey. See you again someday. And I thank everyone for their comforting words. God bless."
Cindy Griffith of Edmond, OK

"My husband is in Charlie Co. 1/5 1MEF and the day they returned home from Iraq, I only wished all of you could have made it home. All gave some, you gave all, you gave the ultimate sacrafice, and you and your family will forever remain in my prayers."
Randi of Camp Pendleton, California

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

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

"TO THE PARENTS OF MICHAEL B. WAFFORD FROM THE ENTER WAHL FAMILY OUR CONDOLENCES. WORDS ARE EXTREMELY DIFFUCULT TO EXPRESS OUR LOST FOR OUR SON'S. SOMEHOW, IT'S A COMFORT THAT BOTH ARE TOGETHER. ALTHOUGH, MICHAEL AND GREGORY NEVER CROSSED PATHS IN SPRING, TEXAS. AS GREGORY'S MOTHER AND BROTHERS LIVE IN SPRING. SO YOUR LOST OF YOUR SON. IS DEAR TO MY HEART . MICHAEL IS MORE THEN A HERO!"
leonard wahl of valley stream ny usa

"To Blake's Family, Friends, and Loved one's:
I did not know Blake very well at all, however I did have the opporuntity to meet him. He was a good friend to my husband in thier time together in the Corp. I always heard stories about them and what fun times they had together. Brandon and all of the other guys of 1/5 will miss him terribly. You should be so proud of your son. He was a happy person with so much to offer the world and he did... He will always remain in our hearts. May he rest in peace, and may god give you the strength to know that he may be gone, but he will NEVER be forgotten!
Lyndsay
~*Semper Fi to Hubby LCPL Wingle*~"
Lyndsay Wingle of Breckenridge, MI

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Michael B. Wafford,

I remember Blake from elementry school where I sat next to him in the fifth grade. He was a kind soul and a happy person. You should have nothing but joyful memories of him and faith that he is in God's hands now. Trust in God to help you through this and you will not be let down.

I'm so very sorry for your loss."
Craig Mitchell of Spring, Texas

"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time. Our grief is your grief as we lost our brother-in-law on the same day you lost Michael. Our brother-in-law SSgt. William Harrell "Billy" also worked for the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment in Camp Pendleton. May God be your strength as he is ours."
The Lanksbury Family of Yorba Linda, California

"From one Marine family to another
"Though you cannot always see the bird singing, if you listen with your heart, you can always hear his song.
Though the ones we love may leave life as we know it, in our memory, the love we knew will always carry on." unknown author
Our heart and thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Your precious Michael will not be forgotten. He was a true American!"
Charles Davis family of Kailua, Hawaii

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Michael B. Wafford,

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

""Rest in Peace Hero"
The Taylors USMC of NC"

"To Michael's Family:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. May God bless you all!"
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To Michael's Family

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincere condolences to you. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

From the family of Capt. Ernesto M. 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, Michael, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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