Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It's been another year without you. I blew a kiss to you as I passed Gene Autry the other day. I always do. Still Love you and miss you and always will."
Jeanie of Oklahoma

"Chaz,

Proud that we were there to help you out and glad that we were able to foster you during the hard times. You turned out to be a good kid and was really proud of you when you joined the Marines. Glad you dropped by the house that December on leave to come see us. If id have known it would be the last time I might have not let go. Anyway, Johnny and Zelma dropped off some flowers at your grave Memorial weekend 2017. Just to let you know we are always thinking about you. I am currently in Erbil Iraq. Yep, still fighting as of 13 July 2017. Miss ya man, gone but not forgotten."
Phillip Self of Stringtown, OK

"It's another year Chez! Thinking of you on this Memorial Day. I will love and miss you always!"
Jeanie Friesen of Moore, Oklahoma

"I love you brother! Semper Fi! You're here with us today and always!"
Manny E. Vega of Chesterfield, VA

"A flag flies in your honor on Art Hill in St. Louis MO. It flies among 7,000 others in memory of all the service members lost in the fight for freedom from tyranny since 9/11. As the son of a Marine from Oklahoma and a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, I will fly your flag in honor and memory of all who gave their lives in search of peace for the world. God Bless all who serve and their families who share the sacrifice."
Kent of St. Louis, MO

"Well Sweetie it's Memorial Weekend again and I'm missing you as I will the rest of my life! You will NEVER be forgotten as long as I am alive. Thinking about those walks we took down to the lake with Winston stalking us through the woods! You really were by birthday present!"
Jeanie of Moore, Ok

"Chez,
Thank you today and every day. You were our family by choice. We miss you everyday."
Jennifer Elam of Duncan, OK

"I served with PFC Washalanta in Iraq. First off, sorry for your loss. Nachez was a good person, funny guy. My last name being similar to his, Washalanta and I's name was often mistaken for each other. I bow to my fallen Brother and Pray he is doing ok in Heaven... :("
CPL Vernon Wungnema jr. of Carson, NV

"Missy, if you happen to read this I would like to talk to you about Chez and look at some of the pics you may have. I am his half sister, we have the same father. Please contact me at suncerrae@gmail.com"
suncerrae giese of Pennsylvania

"Chez,

Thinking of you this Memorial Day weekend! You will always be my number 1 HERO! I told you that you were going to be special! I love you!"
Jeanie of Oklahoma

"Wash, it's 4:33 in the morning. Today is May 19th, 2013. I think of you everyday. Not a day goes by that you are not on my mind. I cried that day. We all cried that day. Hell, I cry today. Back in 2009 I got your name tattooed over my heart. Just WASH! People ask why I have wash tattooed on my chest. That opens the door to me showing them your picture and telling them who you are. I went to visit you twice last year. Oh, your name is high above New York City in the Freedom Tower. Upon my request Gunny Nick Popaditch asked the NYPA to write it on there. I love you brother, forever!"
Manuel E. Vega of Fredericksburg, VA

"Chez was my best friend. My husband was the last of us here to see him alive as he got back on the plane after coming home for his foster parents funeral . I carry his dog tag with me everyday and miss him. All these stories make me cry and smile at the same time. I'm glad he ment so much to you all as he was considered family to me and my husband. Our 6 yr. Old looks at his pictures everyday and talks about him and how he too wants to be a soldier one day. He never got to meet him ,but still plays a strong roll. I miss him dearly. Please if any of u read this. I would love to talk and hear some stories of that crazy friend of mine who was one of a kind and loyal As could be. I miss you Chez . Also I have tons of picturse to any friend or family who may want them and would lobe to see some pic. If any of u had them. What a blessing that would be. Thank you all."
missy philips of norman,ok

"Chez today is Memorial Day and as with every year you are my hero! I told you that you were going to be somebody! I'm proud of you and miss you more than you could know. Love you kiddo!"
Jeanie of Oklahoma City

"Wash I still think about you and Cook and you will be remembered forever by your friends. From the crazy tats to the hard working Marine that you were. It seemed like every time we were hanging outside the birthing at the picnic tables you were covered in grease. You never let things get you down. I know you and Cook are hanging out and I know that one day I will see the two of you again one day. Aug 21,2004 was one of the hardest days and you will always be remembered."
Sgt. Paul Johnson of Lexington, NC

"You are forever with me and missed dearly my friend!"
Cpl Dahan - 1st LAR of Lisle, IL

"Wash,
It's been 6 years since you left this world for the next one. I cannot express how deeply you're loss still affects me. I added you're name to the USMC tattoo on my arm, so that when people ask me who you are I can say you is my brother who gave his life in the service of his country. YOU SHALL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!"
Ryan Logan of Riverside, Ca

"Dear PVT Washalanta Nachez's family: I would like to share with you that today, on Long Island, NY I ran a 4 mile race in honor of Cpl Christopher G. Scherer, from the USMC who died in action on July 21, 2007. On my race bib under my number was the name of Pvt Nachez, along with two other fallen heroes. I just wanted you to know that I felt compelled to look him up and let you know that a complete stranger far away was honored to wear his name as I ran. He inspired me today!"
Kim Tyburski of Shoreham, NY

"My friend, My brother. I carry you in my heart every day and in my mind every night. There are no words to express my gratitude for your sacrifice. If I knew it was going to be our last words i would have made them better. Forever you are seared into my sole. Your Wingman in both life and death Cpl. Dahan"
Cpl. Dahan of Lisle, Il

"July 15, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Nachez Washalanta:
Nachez 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

"Nachez,

I found out to late you are my brother. I wish we could have had the chance and time to get to know eachother. The friends of yours I have had the privledge to talk to maintain what a wonderful and brave person you were and how blessed they were to have you in their lives, even if for only a short time. So, I thank you and love you...."
Suncerrae of Phoenix, AZ

"Chez,

I learned of your death only a year ago. It has taken me this long to find the words to expess my feelings. I knew you briefly, as your teacher. My most fond memory of you was on our field trip to Grapevine Mills Mall and the Ft. Worth zoo. I don't know if you'd been included on any field trips before that time. You acted surprised that I invited you to go. But I was very happy that you went. When we returned, you and I had time to visit with each other while we waited for Christine to pick you put. I enjoyed that time very much. I was happy to have the chance to get to know you a little better.

I am so so very proud of you and what you made of yourself. You followed your dream. You made it come true. You are the reason I love to teach. You were taken from us too soon. The world is made less by losing you. But I know in my heart that you have no regrets. So I have no regrets for you.

Thank you for your time with me."
Ms. Vanessa Chappell of Smithville, Texas

"Wash,

From when I first met you at the school, you always kept your head up. It was an honor to serve by your side. You are missed."
Cpl. Kam Waling, LAV-AD, 1st LAR C Co of Ft. Lewis, WA

"Wash,

From when I first met you at the school, you always kept your head up. It was an honor to serve by your side. You are missed."
Cpl. Kam Waling

"Wash,

God bless you Marine, you were stronger than all of us and never backed down from anything. You are greatly missed by everyone you ever came in contact with. Semper Fi

Sgt. Chad L. Lisdahl Praetorian Guard, WPNS Co., 1st LAR BN, USMC"
of Superior, WI

"Wash,
Hey man. You were the first person in LAR that I became friends with. You were an awsome Marine, you were the best at your job, and well respected. You taught me how to be a marine. I cannot say how proud of you I am. God Bless You.
Semper Fi, Ryan Logan, USMC"
Ryan Logan of San Bernardino, Ca

"Wash I am sorry for what happen to you. I think of you everyday and can't sleep a night with out that day replaying in my head. The truth is you were there because you were the best for the job. You were respected and loved by all of us Wash. I saw how important you were to every one that day and how important you were to me in the thoughts I have about you all the day. It hurts to know you are gone but I gain strenght from know you were with the people you wanted to be with that day."
Sgt. Anthony Jones Nightcrawler 4 1st LAR PRT Guard of Norco Ca

"I miss you Chez'.

I found out after I got out, and couldn't believe it. I remembered when we were in school, and we'd look out for each other. We had some great times in Oceanside during SOI. I know you remember those 2 dollar pitchers of Margaritas at the Margarita Rocks. I remember us trying to see if we could both get stationed with LAR, but as you knew, I ended up going to 3/7 out at the stumps. It didn't work out between me and that girl May that I was always yakkin' your ear off about. I remember you always talkin' about people getting their chins checked...Now there are 2 Boxers whose nicknames are "The Chin Checkers". They make me think of you. I took my Boot Camp yearbook, and left a memorandum to you. I am no artist, but anyone who happens on that book will know that you are a friend a warrior, and a hero. I wish that you were here so I could tell you all about what I have been up to since I got out, but I know you have seen it all. I guess it's going to be awhile before I get to see you again, but we'll get caught up when my time comes. Thanks for keeping me sane during school, and thanks for always watching my back like I did yours. That dip that you gave me that one time was still nasty though, but it's all good. Man, we had some great times, and you were and still are one of the best friends I have ever known. You always were a no BS type of guy, and you are a great Marine. My heart goes out to your family, and I know that your folks know that you left this world the best you had ever been. Semper Fidelis, Devildog, or "Devilnuts" as Corporal Freestone used to say. Corporal Freestone was a trip. We got lucky to have him as our instructor during SOI. I just want you to know that you are my hero, and I will always have you in my thoughts and prayers, as well as your family. People are probably reading this and shaking their heads, but this is how Chez' and I used to talk, and will talk when we meet up again. Until next time, Little Fawn.


Your Friend,
-LCpl Weaver"
Garth of Houston

"To Chez and his Family:

I went to school with you and I always thought you were quite a guy, You were quiet yes, but a very nice guy, Thank you for defending our country, You will be missed."
School days of Oklahoma

": To the family of:Nachez Washalanta 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 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"Chez:

Today we went to a memorial to honor your life. What a big to do it was! You would have just quietly shrugged and said, "It was not big deal, that was my job." You were such a blessing to us Chez. You showed me what a hero truly is. You taught me the past is exactly that, the past. The future and what we choose to do with it is the only thing that matters. Darrien and Jackson loved you so. Through your eyes they saw the whole world. Inside your bible they found their picture. It put them atop the world. Although it is so difficult to say, I am truly thankful you are finally at peace. Thank you for loving us enough to defend this country...so Jackson may never have to. I thank God for the time you spent with us. You are and will remain our precious hero.
Semper Fi"
David, Jennifer, Darrien and Jackson of Norman, OK

"To the Washalanta Family,

My most sincere condolences go to your family. I met young PFC Nachez Washalanta in Iraq. My unit was attached to his battalion. We shared a helicopter ride back to Kuwait and later the freedom bird back to the USA, where I met his brother. We shared stories of our units’ exploits during the “march up” to Baghdad and spoke as peers despite our age difference. He was a fine young man and a credit to the Marine Corps and to his country. Semper Fidelis."
Staff Sergeant Guevarra of 4th LAR Bn.

"I have no words for the loss of your son. I met him breifly when we went out to see our son they were in the same unit. He was a very quiet young man. I am very proud to have met him. God Bless Nachez and his family and friends."
C. Yanny of Wauwatosa ,Wi

"To the family and friends of Private First Class Nachez Washalanta,

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 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

"Private Washalanta, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, 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, Nachez, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To Nachez'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.

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"

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"To Nachez'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

"To the family of Nachez,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered a loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Nachez is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to this country. May God bless you during this difficult time. I pray you find some peace and comfort."
The McClain family--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

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