Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Josh was my Squad Leader when I got to the fleet. I knew him as a mentor, friend, and as a brother. I used to DD for him so we could all go to Driftwood and hang out. I knew him in ways my other squad mates could not, and I feel privileged to have spent the time I did with him. His 9 year anniversary is in a few days and I cannot help but think of him. I miss you Cpl Wilfong and thank you for passing on to me what knowledge you could, it saved my life in Iraq and if it had not been for you and Eckard who has sadly passed as well, I would have died shortly after you.
Semper Fi.
SSgt Paul S. Powell III
USMC Retired"
Paul Powell of Vicenza, Italy

"Hey, Marine.
I'll never forget that image of you; guitar in hand in your berthing on the Austin, before we went in. I know all of us are proud to have known and served with you. I'll never forget the moment I found out we lost you.
Semper Fi, Brother."
Sgt Doneth

"To Josh and Family,
This is Dan, Josh’s roommate from NC. I think about you and your family often my friend; R.I.P. Most people can only wonder why I so often order a single shot of BV and put on some old Clapton…..
I wish your friends and family only the best my friend.
-Daniel"
Daniel of Ohio

"Small world. I was working the Sneads Fery Gate on Camp Lejeune checking IDs. Turned out one the IDs I checked was one of Joshua's cousins. I told him of my encounter with Joshua and he thought that was pretty cool. Semper Fi."
TONY BACON of RICHLANDS, NC

"DID'NT KNOW JOSHUA WELL. JUST STUMBLED UPON HIM ONE NIGHT IN THE CEB BRKS PLAYING HIS GUITAR. HE PLAYED SOME BROOKS AND DUNN "MARIA" FOR ME. I THINK ABOUT THAT MOMENT EVERY TIME I HEAR THE SONG. WELL WISHES AND PRAYERS TO HIS AND FRIENDS. SEMPER FI."
TONY BACON, GYSGT (RET) 2D CEB of RICHLANDS, NC

"I was there when Joshua went into boot camp. My uncle went in at the same time. Joshua gave me his lunch cake from his last meal that they give you. I can't remember a whole lot of what happend back then because I was only 5. But I do remember him giving me his lunch cake. I am so sorry for the loss of him. Semper Fi"

"April 22, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Joshua S. Wilfong:
Joshua 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 miss you and will never forget the sacrifice you made for all of us. Thank you. Semper FI"
Russell Zinke of Battle Creek, MI

"Today marks the fourth anniversary buddy. You are always remembered and missed. Keep looking down and save a place for us one day pal. "Unitl we meet again""
Patrick J Walsh of Bayonne, NJ

"Semper Fi Marine"
SgtMaj Sprague of Belle Chasse, La

"Bing-Bong,
First-off you'll be forever missed. We served a long time together, went to Iraq for the first time together. Had many nights drinking Black Velvet, listening to you play the guitar, jamming to Merle, Clapton, SRV. I think about you all the time, I always think why did such a great person like yourself have to go, but I know your in a better place brother. I seen your mom during hunting season, her being in good spirits kept me from losing it man. You were a great Marine and friend, I think I speak for all of us from A-2 when I say that we all loved you and will greatly miss you. Until we meet again, Forever your bro.

Joe Sykes"
Formerly Sgt. Sykes of Cleveland, Ohio

"To the family of:Joshua S. Wilfong 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"

"Hey Bro,
I only served with you a short time, but I will never forget you. You use to always make us laugh with your saying" God I love the Corps"."
Cpl A-Bear of Montana

"I NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING YOU ,BUT WE ARE STILL BROTHERS. WE BOTH SERVED OUR COUNTRY WITH HONOR. I FEEL FORYOUR FAMILY AND THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU GAVE. WE WERE CALLED UP FOR WHAT WE BELIEVED IN AND THAT IS WHAT WE DO.

WITH HONOR AND RESPECT FOR WHAT WE DO.

CPL B. DENNIS
2ND MAR DIV"
CPL B. DENNIS of PARKERSBURG,WV

"To the family of Josh Wilfong,I went to highschool with your son,and he was great to be friends with.It would be hard to find one anywhere better!You raised one heck of a good man.I am so proud of Josh,he will always be remembered for all the sacrifices he made,and the man that he was."
Amanda Linger of Walker,W.V.

"Josh,what can I say other then,I miss you buddy!You were the best kind a friend anyone could ever have.Sometimes it's still hard to believe you're gone,but I know you're looking out from above.You're a hero,and I will always remember the good times we shared.The bus ride home always went faster when you were around!I know I'll see you again someday,love ya bud,and miss you always!"
Amanda Linger of Walker,W.V.

"To the Wilfong family, our heartfelt love and caring we send to you. Your Josh went home just a month before our Juston. We talked about it when we heard not knowing only a few weeks and we faced the same pain and hurt. Know we care and will remember him. He is a WV hero who kept our mountaineer freedom for us. God Bless. Proud grandparents of LCpl Juston Thacker, Kia Afghanistan 6/24/04 Semper FI"
Tom & Dixie Sisk of Princeton WV

"Hey brother, you meant a great deal to me. We had good times together. You will always be remembered. RIP brother"
Cpl Hewitt 2nd LAR of Camp Lejeune

"Those of us who were there will never forget. Until we meet again, Rest in Peace."
Trevor of Pantego, TX

"Hey, Bro. It's the original "Bing-Bong" here. Man I don't even know where to start. I miss you so much every day. I've kicked my own * so many times for not trying harder to talk you outta being a Marine. I did what I could but you chose your path and I respect that. It was selfish on my part because I knew what might lay ahead for you. I miss our LONG nights of drinking the nectar (Black Velvet) and listening to Clapton,Merle, and Willie; playing guitars and acting like we could follow along.(The nectar will do that to ya')Ha! I just have a huge hole in my entire existance that will never be filled because you're gone. I think of you often and try to be strong. As you remember I'm kinda' a hard * but it seems like you always make me cry. I don't think I will ever totally believe you are gone. I miss you, bro, every single day. I look forward to the day we are pickin together again.I'm so proud of you and so is the rest of the family. Until we meet again, like I always told you- keep your head down and your powder dry. I love you Josh."
Shawn M. Wilfong, Sgt. USAF of Mineral Wells,WV USA

"You will live forever within us all! Thank you! God Bless. LAR"
Doc Appleby of New Albany, IN

"Bing-Bong,
You are a true hero to me. I remember just like it was yesterday me and you riding up to west virginia together, singing merle and hank all the way. I am sorry that i never got to say goodbye but i know i will see you in heaven pickin on your guitar. all of us boys from A-2 miss you dearly and you and your family are always in our thoughts and prayers.i miss you dearly friend. SEMPER FI."
SGT. Gerry "Fattie" Gann of Formerly of Terre Haute, IN now in Nashville, TN

"Josh,
It only seems like yesterday that you were over at my house, swimming in our pool. You loved that pool! Once when you were swimming, you were upset at me because it was lightening and I made you get out and go into the house. ha I remember the first time you came home from Iraq, we had a cook-out here for you. I was so proud of you. I never dreamed at that time that you would be going back to Iraq. But that is what you wanted to do, you wanted to serve your country.
My heart is broken and I miss you so much. I have your pictures in my office at church. People come in to see them and say, "He is our Hero." Nothing will ever be the same in our family now that you are gone. But, you believed in what you were doing and you were a true Marine. I have so much love and respect for the Marines. I never knew how much love they had for one another until now. I remember those guys, standing so straight and tall, and then after the funeral, seeing them crying because they loved you and had lost a dear friend.
I am still trying to get over my anger in losing you, but it doesn’t seem to get any easier. I’m sure you are up in heaven, looking down on us and saying, “Ok, people, get over it.” It was my choice to go back and I chose to do so. But that doesn’t help the hurt and believe me, people are still hurting. I just want to say again how proud I am of you. I know you graduated at the top of your class and you were so very proud to be a Marine. I miss you and will see you in heaven someday.
Love to my Nephew and my Hero,
1. Aunt Sharon (Sue)"
Sharon White of Parkersburg,WV

"josh,
hey buddy,seems just like yesterday when we all were out running around. The times we shared will never be forgotten, you were a GREAT friend. The first time i met you i thought you were different, so shy. But time showed me that you was different.You were one of a kind. I know you had to be one of the best marines cause you were such a caring friend, BUT mostly of all i want to thank you for you'r bravery. I am SO proud of you .YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS- A REAL AMERICAN HERO!!"
MATT HENDERSHOT of WALKER,WEST VIRGINIA

"It's still hard to believe that you're gone man... I know you're up there laughin at us right now. I talked to your mom on Christmas, she's such an amazingly strong woman. I know one of these days a bunch of us guys from the old A-2 will get together and come visit you up on your hill. Until then, know that we love ya man!"
David Wenig of Laramie, WY

"To the family and friends of Corporal Joshua S. Wilfong,

"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 the family member next of kin so we can send our "Love Stitched Together."

We need you to provide the address of the next of kin so the quilt can be delivered.

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

"hey bro i miss you very much but i know your at peace chillin up there watching waylon,cash,and hank siping on some of heavens wine and keeping a eye out for lil rascals......your in my thoughts and prayers"
Lcpl Snyder R.L. of parkersburg wv

""bing-bong" I went up to see your pops with Snyder the other day. You left everyone that you know with a lasting impression of what a real man is. Thinking of you man BLACK VELVET/MERREL HAGGARD.........."
Cpl Michael Mcdaniel 1/5 Feb 03-June 03 of Mountain View AR

""bing-bong" I went up to see your pops with Snyder the other day. You left everyone that you know with a lasting impression of what a real man is. Thinking of you man BLACK VELVET/MERREL HAGGARD.........."
Cpl Michael Mcdaniel 1/5 Feb 03-June 03 of Mountain View AR

"Josh just wanna let u know u will always be in my heart. Brother i miss u and i wish i would have been there with you I know I'll see you again brother just hold my spot for me."
Lcpl Rene A Mateus (2nd CEB A Co 2nd PLT) of Queens,NY

"R.I.P MY FRIEND. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED."
HM3 AARON FERGUSON of MANSFIELD OHIO

"To Joshua's family, we know you are proud of his honor, courage and sacrifice for his country. Our grandson, LCpl Juston Thacker, a fellow West Virginian gave his life in Afghanistan, 6/24/04 just a little while after Joshua. Our freedom comes at a price. May we always remember these brave young men and the dreams they had. "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem" President Ronald Reagon."
Tom & Dixie Sisk of Princeton WV (lcpljustontthacker.com)

"I knew Josh in high school and was a great guy and will be missed by all. Thank you Josh.You have played a huge part on the war on terror and your memory will remain forever.Rest in peace bro. See ya on the other side...."
Petty Officer Second Class Shane E. Stump U.S.N. of Virginia Beach ,Va.

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

"I met josh at the marine ball last november..i went there to visit my friends and his..his roomie Nava and his friend Noland..he was so nice to me.. he played a "mean" guitar and enjoyed hanging out with his friends, I know that he was truly a nice guy and his friends miss him very much..he was a good marine and passed away doing what he considered his job...I was very sad when i heard of the news, and really couldnt believe it. God took a very good person and im sure he is watching down on his family and friends every day of his eternal life.. i know i will see him again and when i do i will be sure to thank for him what he did for me......."
KLH>>> of TEXAS

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

"I hope that your famiy is filled with pride knowing that Joshua died protecting this great country. I lost my father, Joe Wilfong two weeks ago - he was also a Marine. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
B Wilfong Fletcher
Birmingham, AL"
BW Fletcher of Birmingham, AL USA

"We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of Josh Wilfong. Our son, Cpl. David Wenig, was a friend and served with your son a year ago on float. He told us that Josh was such a good guy. This Memorial Day I offered my Mass for him, and for you, the family. He will be remembered as a hero in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs across the miles."
Aggie and Brian Wenig of Gillette, WY

"Our son, a Marine for 13 years, was KIA March 21, 2003. We are terribly sorry for your loss."
Joe and Judy Childers of Powell, Wyoming

"To Joshua'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

"To the family of Joshua Wilfong: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. He is a hero, whose bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. A salute to a fallen soldier- THANK YOU, JOSHUA! May you rest peacefully in Heaven."
T. Rexroad of Moorefield, WV

"To Joshua'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

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden
The Taylors USMC NC"

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

"To the family and friends of Corporal Joshua S. Wilfong,

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, California

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