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:

Andre L. Williams 7/28/05
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." - Hebrews 6:10 (Service)"
Haleigh Kilgore of West Virginia

"Came across your story on Youtube. You struck me as an unusually kind and strong person. Bless you and your daughter.
RIP Andre Williams"
john falk of Pittsburgh, PA

"Rest in peace buddy, I hope your little girl grows up safe and well and loved."
Rhys of Dublin, Ireland

"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"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH / USA

"Dre, it has been 3 1/2 years since you were taken from us. We talk of you often remembering all the great times we've shared. You still fill our hearts with warm memories and lots of laughter. We will never forget you, you are still part of our lives and hold a part of our heart. We keep you with us everyday, we love you."
MC of Ohio

"Dre you will always be remembered for your kindness, your smile and the happiness you brought to others. Aaliyah is a beautiful young girl- you did good! :) we miss and love you!"
Brittany, Nicole and Sue of Johnstown, Ohio

"July 16, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Andre L. Williams:
Andre 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

"Andre, i read what happened to you.and all i can say is thank you.you paid the altimate sacrifice and for that we will never forget you.and we who are about to become marines and those who are alredy marines will always have you in their hearts"
Nicholas Obioha of richmond,tx

"Andre,
I saw the documentary on A&E about your unit and that is how I learned what happened to you. I would just like to say thank you to you and the other Marine from your unit(L/3/25) who was also KIA that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, loved ones, and fellow Marines from Lima Company, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"I discovered your grave and your story when a friend of mine was murdered and we buried her right in front of you. I knew you had something to do with the war, and it was before you had a headstone...other than a military plaque. I looked up your name, and saw how young you were, and how quickly you gave up your freedom to fight for our country. How do you thank someone for that? Your about the same age as me, and I cannot fathom giving up all I have to go fight. Your mother is a strong woman, and she raised a respectable young man. I hope that in reading this, she finds some peace in knowing that a tragedy in MY life brought me to know more about the tragedy in HER life, and gave me a lot of respect for the men and women across seas fighting so that I can make choices, live a life without fear...honestly, they are over there just so we can LIVE. I pray for your mother and all you left behind, that they may all one day see thru their grief, and know that strangers can see what an honorable life was given up that day in Iraq...and how I will remember that everytime I visit Angie's grave. I will be sure to lay a flower or a prayer on the grave of this brave young man, and whisper thank you for all you did, and the life you gave up. Rest in Peace Andre Williams, and thank you..."
Linds of C-bus, OH

"I am proud to have the opportunity to leave a message. I am proud of you, and I just want to say thank you. Thank You Andre.

Sincerely,



Willie Lee Green
U.S. Navy (Ret.)"
Willie Lee Green of Corpus Christi, Texas

"To the family of:Andre L. Williams 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"

"Thanks, Marine! I saw the documentary on Lima Company a few days ago. I had to post this in remeberance of your sacrifice. Semper Fi!"
James Carter of California

"To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Andre was a true HERO and he will be deeply missed by all whos lives he touched....and to Josh , I miss our friendship and I hope you are doing okay....."
Angie

"Dre,We miss you brother!
See you on the other side"
Vitti of Galloway

"Hey bro! You weren't only a brother in law, you were a brother who will be deeply missed, but for sure not forgotten. Dre Aalyah loves her daddy and the family will make sure she remembers her daddy as well as little "D". I will walk with you again my friend, so hold the fort down up there and I'll see you again. Not a day goes by my friend that we all don't talk about you. You touched us all in many of ways bro. Love you dre day."
Scott McCarty of Galloway, OH

"Hey, Phyllis and Bethany. I know that losing someone you love is the hardess thing in the world and its not the best thing. But He was someone to me too. He was my best friend and my hero. But Christopher wouldn't want you to be like this. He would want you to live life like it would be if nothing ever happened to him, and stay strong. I know I didn't know him as well as you guys did, and you may say that you have a right to be the way you are because you lost your son, or husband, or father, at 24 but he still would want you to go on. And besides Christopher probaly would hav said to you " Besides everyone has to die at some point in there life." I'm really sorry for the of Christopher, but stay stong.
Love with all my heart,
McKallah, your family!!!!"
McKallah Back of Greenwich, Ohio

"Though fallen you are not forgotten,
Remebered...
In every American flag across the nation
In every patriotic song that will be sung.
Remebered..
In every twinkle of your children's eye
In every tear that your battle brothers cry.
And although freedom is supposed to be free,
You have paid the ultimate price for the people like me.
The goverment rewards you with a flag and a purple heart,
But we pray for your families that have been torn apart.
Rest in peace Dre, knowing you are remembered always,
And because you've sacraficed your life,
A legacy you'll be even after our days.

To all of Dre's family and friends, we will not forget Dre's laugh, his smile, and his sense of humor. I am praying for you all."
Tinisha Tolber of Galloway, OH

"To the family of Dre. I loved Dre very much and I have many happy memories with him. Please know that he was loved by many, many people and we will never forget him. I will definitely miss his smile and laugh the most as they were both very infectious. Happy Birthday Dre, as today is your day! You will live in my heart forever."
Carla Fountaine of Galloway, 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, Andre will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Dear Family of Andre Williams: I lost my son, Marine 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 Marine LCpl Chad Maynard and Marine Cpl Jacob Maynard of Kennewick, WA

"I am thinking of all of you today, the Williams' Family, and share in your pain as I prepare to bury my son also, Lcpl Christopher P. Lyons who fell at your sons side with him. I am proud of our young men - they truly are our heroes. I pray you may find some comfort in knowing I truly know how you feel and pray God grants you peace, strength, and courage to be strong for your son at this time as you lay him to rest as He has me. Respectively,"
Phyllis Lyons of Ontario, OH

"Rest in Peace Devil Dog
J and T USMC NC"

"Semper Fi Marine. May God bless you, your family and friends and all Marines of the 3/25th."
SK1 Spenn, USN of Columbus, Ohio

"Just know that I love you all so much and my heart aches for you. He was loved by so many. Dre will never be forgotten!"
Connie

"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

"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

"God bless the family of Andre. He lost his life with my good friend, Christopher, and I only take comfort knowing that they were and are together now on eternal patrol. Thank you Andre, for serving our country!"
Heather Pohlabel of Shelby, Ohio

"Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. You are a true American Hero!"
Proud Sister of a 3/25 Marine of Massillon, Ohio

"Marine Cpl. Andre L. Williams, "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

"Words I know at this time that stangers words can't even begin to mend your broken hearts. I share in your loss becuase I know that he was a hero. And he lost his life defending me and my children. So remember, "If God brought you to it, he will lead you thru it"."
Tyshiba Jones & Kids of Lumberton , NC USA

"To the family and friends of Corporal Andre L. Williams,

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

"To the Williams Family, I wish to offer my deepest condolences to you. You have raised a fine young Marine. Your Andre is a true American Hero. Andre will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and God Bless Andre."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

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