Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I just thought of you and how wonderful you are and how i wish i could say hello and i miss you always"
marie of georgia

"Whit,
Its been a long time since we lost you but not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I talk to my co-workers about how great you are and that smile that brought light onto our sadness "TOP FLIGHT" for life. Pray for us saint Marquis..."
Adriana McGraw (SPC Ruiz,Adriana) of Baldwin Park,CA,USA

"Hard to believe it has been this long, think a lot about you. I guess I always will. One day my son will know about you as well. God bless your family and all your friends bud."
SSG Jon Thor Baldvinsson of Ft. Carson, CO, USA

"i love you cousin and miss u... i remember u used to show me how to play the new video games... happy veteran's day... u r not forgotten"
LaShonda Grimsley of Shorterville, AL

"To the Family and loved one of PFC Whitaker, it has been seven years since the tragic accident in Scania, Iraq and I still remember and feel it like it was yesterday...I still am not able to express in words your lost. PFC Whitaker was a loved, loyal to all. He was a team player that always tried to maintain his bearing regardless of he situation. I still think of him and have a lot of ifs...I am still working though them but I send the family my love always....I miss you PFC Whitaker...once a soldier always a soldier...."
Shirley Ann Rouse-Rainey of Columbia, SC

"Whitaker Bro I will never forget you. You was a good friend i still remember the talk we had right be for that mission. Im so sorry it took me so long to write this and to Whitaker family i wish you all the best."
kelly Vickers of florence SC

"WHIT,
I just want to say that no matter how many years have passed bro it gets no easier I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT DAY /I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.WE ALL LEFT OUT ON THE THAT MISSION NEVER THINKING ONE OF US WOULDNT COME BACK, YOU WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN MY HEART"DSGB".
TO THE WHITAKER FAMILY
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO KEEP YOU STRONG AS YOU KEEP WHIT'S MEMORY ALIVE"
(SPC) MICHAEL WILLIAMS US ARMY VETERAN 2 ARMORED CALVARY REGIMENT FT POLK LA of gainesville fla

"April 22, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Marquis A. Whitaker:
Marquis 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

"To the Parents and family of PFC Whitaker. My condolences for such a great loss. I will never forget your son. We served together in the same unit in Iraq. I reported to Iraq after most of our unit was already there. Your son PFC Whitaker was the first person to help me and show me around the base. He helped me settle down and even showed me where the Chow tent was. He was a great person. As it turned out, Marquis and I would be posted on guard together. We spent many hours and many days posted on guard. We discussed everything. After our tour of guard duty was over, i would not see Marquis again for a few months. I saw him a few times after that and would always say whats up. Then news came of a accident. Its hard for me to write this as it must be hard to read. I was one of the soldiers assigned to
locate your son, and my friend on the search and rescue team. PFC Marquis A Whitaker is a name I will never forget. May he rest in peace."
Paul of South Carolina

"To the family of Marquis Whitaker,
On 25 November 2008 at 11:00 AM the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment and the 2d Cavalry Association will gather in Vilseck, Germany, to commemorate a monument to our fallen brothers from Operation Iraqi Freedom. PFC Marquis Whitaker will be honored on that day. His name will be engraved on the face of a permanent black marble monument along with his fallen comrades. The monument will be located in a park of 50 trees which will form a living memorial to these fine young Soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation.
On that date and at that ceremony we will also honor the families of these Soldiers. We truly hope that the families can participate in the ceremony. It is the wish of the 2d Cavalry Association and the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment to place a personalized flag case and flag for each of these fallen heroes in the hands of a family member.
We are requesting that these families contact us via email at deddygetty1@comcast.net to learn more about the ceremony and how they can participate.
Toujours Pret!
Dave Gettman
2d Cavalry Association"
"Tacoma Dave" of Washington

"I CAN REMEMBER DAY I SEEN MARQUIS ON THE ROAD READY TO LEAVE OUT THE GATE FOR HIS MISSION, AND I SAW THE SMILE ON HIS FACE AND SPOKE TO HIM AND TOLD HIM TO BE SAFE AND THAT I WOULD SEE LATER, NOT KNOWING THAT HE WOULD BE KILED. HE WAS QUIET GUY AND DID'NT MUCH BUT HIS SMILE TOLD IT ALL. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS."
SSG THORPE, CHARLES of FT. POLK, LA

"Hey man. Hope things are going good for you, wherever you are. Toujours pret."
SPC Thomas Anderson (retired) of Kerrville, TX

"I attend Western Washington University and today a group passed out over 3,000 name tags of fallen soldiers in Iraq. I received Marquis A. Whitaker 4/27/2004 and I just wanted to send my condolences during this Memorial Day time."
Andrew H. Roberts of Bellingham, WA/USA

"To honor the Georgia soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, the professional portrait artists of the Atlanta Fine Arts League are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family. These 16 X 20” original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families’ loss. Please visit our website www.atlantafineartsleague.org or email us at AtlantaFineArtsLeague@Yahoo.com for further information. –The Atlanta Fine Arts League"
Geraldine Zaki of Lawrenceville, GA

"Whit- I went to visit you about a month ago. Not in the literal sense of the word at all. I wear a bracelet inscibed with you name so as to never forget...not that any of us ever could. My daughter asked who you were and I took her to see you. We drove for 3 hours to Arlington National Cemetary where I took her to the Faces of the Fallen exhibit. I couldn't hold back...as much as I tried I just couldn't. It brought back so much from that day. She didn't understand but I tried my best to explain. There isn't a day that goes by that you are not in someone's thoughts. You are not forgotten!"
SGT Shane M. Wood of Fort Lee, VA, USA

"Whit- I went to visit you about a month ago. Not in the literal sense of the word at all. I wear a bracelet inscibed with you name so as to never forget...not that any of us ever could. My daughter asked who you were and I took her to see you. We drove for 3 hours to Arlington National Cemetary where I took her to the Faces of the Fallen exhibit. I couldn't hold back...as much as I tried I just couldn't. It brought back so much from that day. She didn't understand but I tried my best to explain. There isn't a day that goes by that you are not in someone's thoughts. You are not forgotten!"
SGT Shane M. Wood of Fort Lee, VA, USA

"MARQUIS,
THER HAS BEEN ONE EMPTY SPACE IN MY HEART SINCE YOU LEFT US.I'VE THOUGHT ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY, WITH TEARS IN MY EYES AND PAIN IN MY HEART.BUT I NOW KNOW AS TIME HAS PASSED BY,YOU'RE IN THE BETTER PLACE.WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU.R.I.P BABY YOUR STEPMOTHER TANYA WHITAKER"
TANYA WHITAKER of COLUMBUS GEORGIA.

"To the family of:Marquis A. Whitaker 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"

"To the Whitaker Family:
It took this long to gather my thoughts concerning the loss of such a great young man. It was a great loss for all of us. His quiet ways and heartfelt smile was a light for all of us who served with him in the Regiment. I pray that my Lord continues to comfort all of you. I will never forget Whit. He is a treasure and we all cherished him."
CH (CPT) White of OIF 3

"To the Family of "Whit." I helped train Whit on the gun truck and he was an outstanding soldier. The man was never afraid of speaking his mind. I am honored to have known and served with a man so loyal to his family, and I will never forget Marquis. I thank his family for bringing him into this world so that we could all know Marquis Whitaker. God Bless."
Sgt Gilbert Phelps of Anchorag, AK

"November 8, 2005
Hey there Whitaker. I am doing a speech on you tonight. I ran across this site when i trying to remember dates. I miss you so much. Everyone who knew you talks about your smile! You are such a wonderful person with the most beautiful smile. No one can ever replace a man like you. Its weird, i looked up to you, and you were younger than me. You are really a positive person in many peoples lives. I miss you a lot. Words can't express that. My heart is still torn for you and your family. We all miss you so much.God bless you, and I'll see you in Heaven, if I make there. Pray for me. Love you Marquis.
Love,
Kelly Rios"
Kelly of Laplace, La

"PFC Marquis A Whitaker,
The day you came to Iraq and joined our "TOP FLIGHT SECURITY" was a bright day. No matter how bad the day you always brought a smile to my face and the rest of the crew. As I go into Iraq once again with 4ID i will remember you always and the great smile you had to keep the rest of your people up. Miss You and watch over us. "TOP FLIGHT" and to the family of Marquis you are always in my prayers for the healing over your family. SPC Ruiz,Adriana"
SPC Adriana Ruiz of Ft Carson,CO

"I will never forget that day and the long night that followed.
Searching day and night , I'll always remember your name.
I will never forget the sadness that struck our troops and the memorial ceremony that followed in Camp Delta.
It was a sad day for us all and will not be forgotten, your name lives on with the former and present troops of 2nd ACR.RSS
God bless you and may you go in peace my brother in arms, I will see you someday."
Spc-Jon Thor Baldvinsson of 2nd CR Ft. Lewis, WA USA

"1/21/05
Thank you brave soldier for protecting the freedoms that we all cherish. America owes you our sincere gratitute and we will not forget what you did for all of us. God Bless you Marguis and may He grant your loved ones peace. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"God bless you, Marquis. I'll wear your name with pride and honor your memory to those who never knew you. Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men."
Joel C. of Missouri

"Marquis,
Words will never express the way I am feeling right now. I miss you so much and hope that you know that. You are my best friend and no one will ever replace you. Your name will live on forever and always. You have a smile that would light up any room. You are the most generous person that I know. I am very proud of the man that you have become. But in my heart you will always be my baby brother. I love you so much. I know that GOD has better plans for you.
Love always and forever,
your sister"
Vaquetta Whitaker of Columbus, Georgia/USA

"Pfc. Marquis A. Whitaker,

Thank you and God Bless!"
Angel of Fairhope, AL USA

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

"To the family of Marquis Whitaker,
I am extremely saddened to hear of the loss of Marquis. I only knew him for a brief time as his teacher at KHS, but I want you to know that your family will always be in our thoughts and prayers."
CPT and Mrs. Lynn of Fort Benning, GA

"Whit-

Your smile under pressure and your silent approach was one of a kind. Roberts, Rios, Spraggs, EVERYONE...we all miss you and it has been an honor to serve along side of you. Soldiers, NCO's and Officers of S&T Troop, RSS, 2nd ACR offer our support to Marquis' family in their most difficult time. He and you are in our thoughts and prayers!"
SGT Shane M. Wood of Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq

"To Marquis'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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.

Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX"
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com

"Marquis

hey marquis this is ya classmate sylvia Martinez, it makes me sad to know what happened to you because you were a good person and never deserved what happened to you. but we wont forget you. We love ya and will miss you. R.I.P marquis"
Sylvia Martinez of Columbus, Ga

"PFC Marquis

Hey this is your friend Xavier Pabon from high school. God has blessed you and know you are roaming the ranks of God himself. Keep those angels on their toes for one day ill join you and so will your loved ones.

Defendor Fortis
78th Security Forces Squadron"
Xavier A Pabon of Robins AFB, Ga

"PFC Whitaker,
I will never forget you. You were a great soldier! Regimental Support Squadron,2nd ACR became a better unit when you joined our ranks. May God continue to bless your family. You are Forever in our hearts."
CSM Vera F. Harris (Muleskinner 7) of Al Kut, Iraq

"To Marquis' 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

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

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