Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"10/31/2020
May we honor the lives of those who have fought for our freedom with the way we choose to live our own, I was chosen because of a very close friend who served with the 48 Marines and Corpsmen who sacrificed it all; to read each story, to get to know a small piece of their lives through families and friends. I chose to honor each of them with a bible verse:

Kevin G. Waruinge 8/3/05
"When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said." - Numbers 30:2 (Dependability)"
Haleigh Kilgore of West Virginia

"As i was walking through a street named after you (General Waruinge st.)here in home country Kenya... i shed tears of shame and self pity since i googled who You were,it's a shame that you fought for my freedom and yet i never new...God will reward you..sleep soundly Marine, as a World Hero..God bless Kenya,God bless America"
Antony of Kenya Nairobi

"Thinking about you Brother! You are never forgotten! - De Opresso Liber"
Staff Sergeant J MacFarlane of Tampa, FL

"I was a fellow church member of the Waruinge family at West Gate Baptist Church. A wonderful family--Patrick is still one of my favorite people on earth---and a family that appreciates Freedom and the United States' commitment to it. On Memorial Day, 2011, I think yet again of the sacrifice of a young man who loved our Country so much that he died for it, even though it wasn't his "homeland". Kevin, I remind my son Zack that your life is a life to be emulated--one that was dedicated to God, Country, and family to the end. I look foward to meeting you in the air at the rapture, and getting the chance to thank you in person."
The Braddock Family of Madison, AL by way of Tampa, FL

"To those who knew Waruinge, a quite individual who seemed to always have a smile on his face. Never one to shy away from duty and always there when you needed him, even if you didn't think you did. I will miss you brother, but will see you in the end."
Cpl Smith of Hattiesburg, MS

"I was the crew chief and the one responsible for Kevin in 2003. The first impression I recall of Waruinge, forgive me as we do not use first names in the Corps, was that he was a very quiet Marine. I remember trying to make him relax by being funny or actually telling him to be at ease. Waruinge never questioned anything I asked of him, he always did his part to fulfill the mission. I took great pride of my amtrack and held everyone accountable in making sure the mission we were assigned would be obtainable. Waruinge was a young Marine but eager to learn. He became not only a fellow Marine, but also a friend of mine over time. He never spoke ill of anyone and always had a positive attitude. I transferred from the Marines in 2004 and in 2005, my brother lost his life in the amtrack I was assigned to and not a day goes by without me thinking about Waruinge and Stewart and that I should of been there. I miss him and think of him and my other brothers daily that were killed or injured while defending our country but I promise you this, I will NEVER forget them for their sacrifice. Semper Fi my brothers, thank you for your sacrifice. I will NEVER forget you. We will embrace again one day."
David Barringer of Gulfport, MS

"I didn't personally know anyone who was killed fighting to defend our country. But I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry at times. 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 grieving families and friends 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 Edward Steiner (6/10/10) of Worthington, OH USA

"Kevin was my rommate at PCC. Kevin I will miss you very much, thank you for your service and love of America. I think of your family often. "some give all" Kevin I'll see you one day. I love you brother!"
Leo Burkhardt of Manassas, VA

"Mr & Mrs Waruinge
It was a joy to know, teach, and coach Kevin. I think of your family often, and have use Kevin's Story many times while preaching. I will do so again tonight. He was a great man and an example to us all."
Richard Rossiter of Spring Hill, Fl

"I'm deeply saddened by the death of Kevin Waruinge.As a former classmate, close friend and neighbour in Kenya, I wish to send my condolenses to the family members. Hope God can restore your lives and heal the wounds of the painfull loss. Life is but a journey, we all have different stops. You can never know until you get there!"
Stephen Atati Moturi of Nairobi, Kenya

"July 15, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Kevin G. Waruinge:
Kevin 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 had the honor of serving with Lcpl Waruinge in Iraq. A quiet Marine, he had a huge heart and was truly dependable. He will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Semper Fi Marine"
Gysgt Jack H Pierce Jr of Portsmouth, VA

"It is your day today. Our family thought of you and your family all day. We are overwhelmed by your bravery. We want you to know that we will NEVER forget what you did for us. We will always have this day set aside to celebrate your life. Thank you for your sacrifice and hug my boy for me."
Aileen Payne of Lakeland, Florida

"How can I begin to thank you for bringing your family to this family. We never knew each other, you never spoke or met our son until you entered Heaven. We have no doubt that you and our son have become fast friends. We would have never met your beautiful family had it not been for the Lord taken you in Iraq and our son in Afghanistan. Your family has been such a blessing to this family. When they speak of you, we feel as though we have always known you. You and our Ron's lives are parrell in so many ways, it's amazing. Two Christians, Two Marines, Two lives ...One passion. I am very proud of you and equally proud you left a beautiful testimony that your family can share with so many people the Lord brings down their path. I can't wait to meet you. Please continue to surround us with your love, enjoy Heaven until we can all be together again.

From the Proud Momma of a Fallen Marine
Cpl Ron R Payne Jr.
KIA 5-7-04 Afghanistan

ronpaynefamily@yahoo.com"
Aileen Payne of Lakeland, Florida

"you are my hero kevo though we hadnt met.thanks for honouring the marines and kenya."
putney fondo of nairobi,nairobi,kenya

"To the family of:Kevin G. Waruinge 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"

"Im sorry for your loss hope you get well"
Andrew of nebraska

"Kevin,
God bless you and keep you. You, one of the unsung heroes of this war, a maintenance man, maintining the tracks that would protect so many Marine's lives, and yet, could not keep all safe. You are loved and missed, sleep soundly, Marine."
Mark Blanchard of Springfield, VA

"You fought and died for a country that you were new to. You joined the corps and America lost her new son. Yat Yas my brother"
Jayme Patton of Keller, tx

"To the family of my friend kevin, i can only say that no words could have ever expressed the emotions i felt this summer when i heard that Kevin had given himself for our country and for his fellow warriors. I heard of his death while i was in fort leonard wood and it hit me even harder when i got to my locker and i saw a picture of the color guard that i participated in with kevin at PCC. I know i cant do or say anything to replace kevin, but i know he died doing the right thing and that he is with God and heaven is a better place with him there now."
PFC Matthew Scudder of Vallejo Ca.

"I had heard several weeks ago that Pensacola Christian College had lost one its students in Iraq. It was only today (092805)that I found out that it was Kevin.It hurt me to learn this because I was one of his criminal justice instructors. I remember him as a sharp quiet young man who was always achieving "A"s. I just want to express my love and pride for my young brother in Christ. I will cherish the honor of having been allowed to have been his teacher. I am not worthy to have been honored by the presence of this hero in my life. He is a blessing from God and I look forward to one day seeing Kevin once again in heaven through tears of joy. My condolences to you, his family."
John Heckel of Pensacola, FL, USA

"I just want to say to Kevin's family I am very sorry for your loss. My brother Chris and I are very proud of Kevin. It is very encouraging to hear about Kevin's faith and we are so encouraged to hear of his powerful witness. I think about my brother Chris and the Gulfport Marines all the time.

Thank you Kevin for your service to the United States, and against evil. Thank you for being a shining example of what it means to be a U.S. Marine. May God Bless and protect the U.S. Marines.

The Apostle Paul says, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to seperate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.""
Ray Nothstine of Wilmore, Ky

"we are kenyan twin brothers serving in the English Navy.we are personally very proud of kevin waruinge service in the United states marine corp and the way he lived a God fearing life.
we would like to encourage his family to know that his life is in the safe hands of our lord and saviour Jesus christ,one day soon u will meet again
REST IN PEACE KEVIN."
cheluget Twins. of London

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Kevin G. Waruinge,

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

"Kevin Waruinge comes from a people group who value individual freedom for every human being. In the 1950s, this people group (the Gikuyu) spearheaded the war for Kenyan's independence from British colonialism. Many Gikuyu young men and women died in the vicious bush war and also in concentration camps set up in various parts of Kenya. There is a new book/film on this forgotten war entitled: The KENYA GULAG. Every Gikuyu family still has missing persons and maimed veterans from that bitter period of our history.

In the 1980s/1990s, many of us faced another painful challenge when we had to uproot ourselves/our families in order to escape an increasingly repressive government quite similar to Saddam Hussein's regime. Consider for a moment the numerous Kenyans who simply disappeared or were tortured to death in the dank basement of Nyayo House.

Therefore freedom for Kenyans is not a theoretical concept, but a practical reality that we have pursued with every fiber of our beings. Having come from this living historical background, it is not surprising that Kevin Waruinge made the choice to serve in Iraq twice. First as the duty owed to his adopted nation which opened the door of unlimited freedoms to his family. Second as a memorial to the millions of oppressed people all over the world who die without ever tasting basic human freedoms.

Lance Corporal Kevin G. Waruinge has joined the immortal ranks of brave Gikuyu men like General China, General Chui, General Kago, Field-Marshall Dedan Kimathi, etc. They were citizen-soldiers who went into battle under the Mau Mau slogan: Ni kaba tukue turuungie - handu ha gutuura tukurumaga na maru (We choose premature deaths standing upright - rather than grow old slaving on our knees)."
Margaret S. Maringa of Elkridge, MD, USA

"To my freinds Antony and Raphael, Your brother was the ultimate patriot! Never forget his words "When God wants me he will find me, whether it be in tampa or in iraq." He did what he believed to be his duty. Oh what patriotism, that was expressed form one who only lived here since 1997.
I love you guys, stay strong.
bravehost.jwepersonel.com"
jarod workman, creator of "the True Patriot" a tribute to kevin of tampa fl.

"7 Aug 2005
MARINE LANCE CPL KEVIN G. WARUINGE -
You are an American Hero whose ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten by a grateful nation. Rest in peace Marine. You will be remembered for always being faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kevin and may memories comfort you always during this most difficul time and always.
AMERICA SALUTES LANCE CPL KEVIN G. WARUINGE"
DOROTHY E. BURT of PORTSMOUTH, RI

"Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin G. Waruinge, "thank you" isn't enough for the ultimate sacrifice you gave to each of us. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family during this difficult time."
Jerry & Toni Longville of Akron, Ohio

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, OHio

"Dear Family of Kevin Waruinge: I lost my son, LCpl Chad Maynard, on June 15, 2005 in Ramadi. When I heard the news on the radio about your son, it was like I was reliving that day all over again. It's hard for me to type this even now. I'm so sorry for your loss. On the temporary head stone on my son's grave is the saying, "Not In Vain". That is truly what my son believed and what we, as his family, have to believe every day. Please know that I feel your pain and loss, and I cry with you. They say time eases the pain, and I guess they may be right, but with every new report, I feel the ache of missing my son so much. Always remember, you are not alone. There are others who love you and care about you and know exactly what you are going through. Thank you for your son and his service to us all."
Cindy Maynard, mother of LCpl Chad Maynard and Cpl Jacob Maynard of Kennewick, WA

"Rest In Peace Tuefelhunden.
J and T USMC NC"

"To the Waruinge Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your Kevin is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and God Bless Kevin."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

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

"To my AAV brothers,
May you Rest In Peace and thank you, you will never be forgotten."
Sgt. Colón of Northern Virginia

"The Salute


To those who have died,
And to those who have cried.
We Salute You.

To those who have lost,
Paid the ultimate cost.
We Salute You.

And to those who still serve,
The Red White and Blue.
Our grateful Nation,
Proudly Salutes You."
Tom Balstad of West Warwick RI

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