Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Marine Lance Cpl. Dion M. Whitley

21, of Los Angeles, California.
Whitley died when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations near Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was operating with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, which was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). Died on June 15, 2005.

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"You are not forgotten. Honor and sacrifice. June 15 2024"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"In honor and remembrance. Memorial Day 2024"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Happy birthday Marine. I love you and think about you everyday...."
DELAROSA of Ramadi

"Again we remember you and the sacrifice you made. Never forgotten. June 15 2023"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Remember and Honor. Memorial Day 2023"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"We remember your life and sacrifice. June 15 2022"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Another year is past and your life story is remembered and shared. June 15 2021"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Your story will be remembered and shared. Your sacrifice is not forgotten. Memorial Day 2021"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"You are not forgotten friend."
Austin Adams

"Memories. Tears. Prayers. June 15 2020"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"We remember and are forever grateful. Memorial Day 2020"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Dion- You are remembered and your story has been told again. Prayers. June 15 2019"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Remembering the sacrifice you made and sending prayers to your family...Memorial Day 2019"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"You are remembered. God Bless your family. June 15 2018"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude...Remembering you and yours. Memorial Day 2018"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Dion- A Hero Remembered. June 15, 2017"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"We Reflect-Honor-and Remember. Memorial Day 2017"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Dion- Thinking of you and your family as another year goes by. June 15, 2016"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Dion- Your sacrifice is forever etched in our souls. Memorial Day 2016"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Remembering a hero in our hearts on this day. June 15 2015"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Remembering- Honoring. Memorial Day 2015"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"I didn't know you. I was walking up Raymond Ave. in Pasadena and saw your gold star flag. I took note of your name so I could look you up. My condolences to your family. We lost our soldier on 3/23/03. Keep your heads up. Gone but not forgotten."
Cynthia Wyatt of Pasadena, CA USA

"Thoughts today for the sacrifice you made and for those that love you-June 15, 2014."
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Memorial Day 2014- Honor and Remember."
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis Mo

"Dion- Some gave all, remembering your sacrifice. June 15, 2013"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Dion- Remembering your sacrifice and your family on this Memorial Day 2013."
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Dion, Because of your sacrifice, June 15 will always be a day of reflection. Thank you for your service. Semper Fi 2012"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Remembering a hero and his family.
Memorial Day 2012"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"05/28/12 I served with Whitley in 1/5 2nd Platoon. Anyone that knew Whitley knew he had a heart of gold. He never gave up and his strength and courage gives me strength everyday I think of him. My heart goes out to his family and friends that knew him, his life had a permanent impact on mine.God Bless!"
Sean Lamb of Dallas,GA, U.S.

"05/27/2012
Just want you and the family to know we are thinking of you. Your brothers that served with you from 1/5 Alpha Co. 2nd Platoon."

"As long as we live, they shall live- they are part of us. Remember them- June 15, 2011 Semper Fi"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"We're flying our flags at half mast for you today at Camp Cherry Valley Dion. We remember our camp brother and think about you and the lives you changed here daily."
Alex Calkins of Camp Cherry Valley

"Happy Memorial Day Whitley! It's certainly your day brother. Thank you for your sacrifice my man. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication that I remember you giving your fellow marines. You never let anything slow you down and had the heart of a lion. I wish there were more like you in this world Marine! Semper Fi!"
Justin Smith of San Antonio, TX, USA

"Dion- Remembering your sacrifice. God bless your family. Memorial Day 2011"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"so many of our brothers and sisters are lost everyday, Whitleys not alone in heaven, and his family he left behind here arent alone either, much love and respect to everyone who knew him."
nik of oceanside california

"To the family of Dion Whitley/ I know your son we where both 0331 with Alpha 1/5 your son/brother we both received shoulder injuries during the same training operation. and I switched are gun trucks with each other every 4 days during that time in Iraq I also helped train your son I thought of him kind of like a little brother always trying to give him advice trying to do what I could to make sure he came back.

I think of your son a lot and what a great Marine and friend he was. I will never forget him or the rest of my brothers I lost."
Nathan Campbell of Herrin IL

"Dion Whitley- You are not forgotten. We remember. June 15, 2010"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"We remember your family today, Memorial Day 2010. Prayers are with them."
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. 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 families 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 E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"June 15, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Dion M. Whitley:
Dion 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

"Remembering the sacrifice made and prayers for Dion's family, June 15, 2009."
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO

"Tonight I'm thinking about Dion Whitley. In the summer of 2004, I took a group of 20 Boy Scouts to a week-long summer camp at Cherry Valley on Catalina Island near Los Angeles. Dion was an Eagle Scout and Marine who was spending his three-week leave from the Marines to work at the summer camp. He was one of three young men who were assigned to us as "Troop Friends". That week, he and the two others spent all of their free time in our campsite helping us and working with our boys.

I remember Dion as a big, strong young man who was gentle and almost shy who was a great friend and mentor to our young Scouts that week. As we were leaving, I shook his hand and thanked him for his service in the Marines. Characteristically, he responded, "It's no big deal", to which I said "No, it's a very big deal!"

Dion died June 15, 2005 when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations near Ar Ramadi, Iraq.

Dion, once again, Thank You and Rest in Peace."
Bruce Wilcox of Los Angeles

"To Dion's family, Memorial Day 2009,

Remembering you on this day of service and sacrifice. Blessings to you."
Carla and Mark Myers of Memphis MO

"Dion is remembered at www.eaglescoutbadge.com"
DFM of Modesto CA

"To Dion's family, we honor the sacrifice made by Dion for his country. We hope you have many good memories to carry you thru this time of remembrance. June 15, 2008"
Mark and Carla Myers and Lcpl. Joel Myers of Memphis, MO

"To Dion's family- we are thinking of you on this Memorial Day 2008. Blessings to you."
Carla and Mark Myers of Memphis MO

"To Dion's family, Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time as another year passes by."
Carla and Mark Myers of Memphis MO

"Dion,

My fondest memory of you is in the Boy Scouts and the OA. I was a year older at Muir and we were cool on campus but we were friends through scouts. I remember Catalina island, Trask camp, and the Park in Monrovia. You were so motivated to help and encourage others, now your sacrifice encourage me to reflect and pray for peace. I am honored to have been in your life, you will always be in mine."
Nicholas Yovanovich of Altadena, CA

"Dear Dion , It's me Your bestfriend in the whole wide world. I can't believe you're gone. I'll never forget you. remember back in the days at Longfellow and Muir we had a blast . Well baby I hope your resting in peace . I know you're in heaven now ,so don't trip We will all be there someday partying like it was 2002.- I LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH!!!! NEVER FORGET ABOUT ME BECAUSE I won't forget you. LoVE YA ALWAYS AND FOREVER."
Metztli Montiel Rodriguez of Altadena ,California, United States

"To the family of Dion-- We want you to know that we remember daily. We remembered on Memorial Day, we remember as 1/5 prepares to deploy again and we remember as June 15 approaches. We will remember with our son Joel as he is home on predeployment leave. I am glad that we can be with him during this time. He mentioned today that somehow he wants to honor his fallen friends on the anniversary date. Dion is not forgotten. We will continue to pray for your family as we are sure the tears and laughter will continue to flow at this time of many memories. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice made by your son. We will remember, we will not forget. 1/5 parents, Mark and Carla Myers"
Mark and Carla Myers of Memphis MO USA

"Whitley- from one of your Drill Instructors...
Semper Fidelis"
GySgt T of Camp Pen CA

"To the family of:Dion M. Whitley 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"

"Dion,
May you live in my heart forever. I didn't know you for very long, but you made a long lasting impression. I ain't scurred if you ain't scurred. You can always sleep with my bright pink blanket."
Anali Rappleye of Layton, UT/ Catalina Island, CA

"we shared so much, but knew so little: we both were MARINES and we both have the same last name! Semper Fi! Kin folks stand-up!"
Jonathan Whitley of Brenham. Tx./ USA

"I first found about you the same time I learned of your death, in the Memorial section of the Eagletter. Thought I never met you we were brothers the moment you became an Eagle Scout in 2002. I am proud of you and thankful of your dedication and service to our country. You will be remembered not only as great son, friend and Marine but also as a Scout. God bless you and your family."
Roman Bernal of Houston, Texas

"Dion, my son has told me so many funny stories of the times you guys had in Ramadi. I thank you for all the times you had his back and served your country so bravely and unselfishly. I have your memorial picture displayed in our home and though I don't know your family, I have prayed much for them, especially over these past holidays. Thank you for all that you were and all that you gave."
Sherry & Geoge Tager of Houston, Texas

"Big "D" ..I will carry you in my heart till the day that I pass.. Marine. I will always remember our last conversation buddy. I will never forget how strong of a person you were. I admire your will to stand up for what you believed in bro ..Ive seen you hold your ground many times and not once did you give in... Im headed back to the war here pretty soon and who knows we might meet up again.. ill try not to be late for formation.... God bless you and your familly.
Rest in peace my brothers--USMC"
LCPL DENNIS JR -3rd Plt Alpha Company 1st Bttln 5th Marines..... of San Diego California

"I grew up with Dion. We went to the same church. When I heard about his death I was deeply saddend for his family. I know his family and they are great people. With God on their side each day they will grow stronger. I lift them up in prayer. Dion will never be forgotten.

Christine"
Christine Shay of Pasadena, Ca

"Dion and Family,
Dion, what a true joy it was to know you. You and I worked together on 'the island' for several years and I cannot help but feeling like brothers. You are a hero, which in these times, are desperately needed. You have always been an inspiration to everyone who knew you. To your family, God bless all of you!! I know that Dion is being rewarded right now for his valiant efforts here on earth. His memory and example will always live on in the lives of those who knew him."
Daniel Riley of Washington, DC

"Dear Flores Family,
My brother was Chad B Maynard and he was in the same vehicle as Dion. Although I don't know him, I am proud just the same. He and all the rest of those Marines in the humvee were very brave and honerable. May God give our souls peace as we share this burden together. My deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Dion M. Whitley."
Breanne Maynard of (breanne_lanae@hotmail.com) Fresno, CA

"Dion-

Although you may be gone from our presence, you are never gone from our hearts. Camp will never be the same without your subtle humor. Long live the "Dew Run"s. We all miss and love you greatly, but we will all be together again in the future. Thank you for your example, service, and sacrifice."
Monte Miller of Templeton, California

"Dion: my hero. having served with you for an entire summer has taught me much, and i miss you greatly. I thank you for the times we shared and still have the board we painted together. Long live the mine. May god bless your mother and Arian. Arian you are a strong man for going through what you have gone through, and i admire you for it. Look forward to seeing you up there D. Semper Fi."
Adam Christensen of Camp Cherry Valley, Catalina Island, CA

"To Dion's family, We are deeply sorry for your loss. Dion is a true American hero that made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Our son Joel, thought of him as a friend as he served alongside Dion. He will be missed but not forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time."
Carla and Mark Myers of Memphis MO

"To Dion's Family, I wish to offer my deepest condolences on the loss of your fine young son. He is a true American Hero who will always be remembred and honored. May God Bless all of you."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Dion, you were the tip top. Working with you at Camp Cherry Valley was a blast, you've got a spirit of hard work and dedication and obligation that none can beat. You were a hero to me then, you are a hero to me now. Thank you Dion for giving your all."
Cory Smith of Colmar, France

"CaDiLLaC, is what i knew Dion Whitley as..I playd football with him at John Muir. Real coo cat and great guy. He wasnt ur typical stuck up jock who only thinks of themself, but rather a team player who was always willn to help his peers, even his younger peers, such as myself...Thank You. I salute you and your service to our country, Dion "Cadillac" Whitley, and your family is in my prayers."
Dennis Robinson of Pasadena, CA

"Dion,
Though we weren't in the same graduating class in high school, we shared many a laugh in 5th period Spanish. I will always remember your sense of humor, your strong will, and your big smile. You never ceased to make me laugh. God bless you and your family. You were a brave and wonderful man."
Heather Bell of Pasadena, CA

"Dion, I'm sorry we never became close friends. There were plenty of opportunities for our friendship to flourish, but we never acted on them. Though we weren't the closest of friends, I know how great of a friend you were to our mutual friends. You have a beautiful soul that infuses everyone with positive energy. You are a very strong man and I have always respected you for that. I’m sad to see you go, but I know that you are still here. There is a small piece of you in each and every one of us that will continue to thrive. I wish I had more memories of you to cherish, but I guess what they say is true about those rare gems; they have the most value because they are absolutely priceless. I will hold onto the friendship we have and I will continue to work on it even though you aren’t here by my side. I know you’re probably busy up there doing more positive work, but when you get a chance, hit me up and let me know you’re doing well! By the way, I found out where you got your strength from. Your mom is an incredible woman! I wish I had her strength and endurance. Hopefully, I can be like her when I grow up! Until we meet again, I will push myself to live my life to the fullest and improve this world I live in. Thank you for your motivation!"
Kristan Wilson of Pasadena, CA

"To the family of Dion Whitley,

We would like to say THANK YOU for your courage on honor in protecting our country. I realized that I attended school with Dion and he was a great guy. I remember that he was always sweet and funny, he will be greatly missed. My god bless Dion and your family."
Mrs. L King of La Verne, Ca/United States

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Dion M. Whitley,

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, California USA

"My deepest condolences go to the family of Dion Whitley for their loss of a REAL American hero"
Reuben Dsilva (usmc) of Las Vegas, NV

"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

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

"DION YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS. YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS WILL MISS YOU. BUT I KNOW THAT YOU WILL SHINE IN HEAVEN LIKE YOU DID ON EARTH.KEEP LOOKING OVER US ALL.
YOU MAY HAVE LEFT THIS LIFE BEHIND BUT YOU WILL LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER."
ANGIE MAGDALENO of ALTADENA CA LOS ANGELES

"Marine Lance Cpl. Dion M. Whitley,"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

"DION MY HEART AND PRAYS AREW ITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU ARE A HERO! AN YOU MADE AMERICA ALOT SAFER SINCE 911. AN YOU GIVEN THOSE IN IRAQ A NEW BEGINNING. SO DION YOU HAVE BECOME A MAJOR PART OF WORLD HISTORY AS WITH AMERICAN HISTORY. SOMETIME'S HISTORY SPEAKS VOLUME'S. DION YOU A PROFESSIONAL SOLDIER, DOING WHAT? YOU ENJOYED. AN NOT MANY AMERICANS CAN SAY THAT. THE VERY SAME THAT HAVE NO IDEA ALL YOU SOLDIER'S ENDURE. JUST TO KEEP ALL SAFE IN AMERICA. AN I AM SO THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL TO YOU DION. FOR SERVING ALONG SIDE OUR SON. TO ALWAYS WATCH OVER ONE ANOTHER AS MILITARY BROTHERS'. I REALIZE DION AND GREGORY DIDN'T KNOW ONE ANOTHER. THE FACTS ARE CLEAR, TWO DIFFERNT PEOPLE SERVING TOGETHER FROM TWO SIDE'S OF AMERICA. PROTECTING EACH OTHER FOR THE SAME COMMON GOAL. AN NOW BOTH ARE TOGETHER. MY TEARS FOR MY SON, ARE TEARS FOR YOU DION AND ALL THE WOUNDED AND FALLEN. YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN NEVER!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on