Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army Sgt. Elijah Tai Wah Wong

42, of Mesa, Arizona.
Wong died in Sinjar, Iraq, when a collection of unexploded ordnance, rocket-propelled grenades and mortar rounds detonated while being moved to a demolition point. He was assigned to the 363rd Explosive Ordnance Company, Army National Guard, Casa Grande, Arizona. Died on February 9, 2004.

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"i knew Elijah at the age of 15 when he immigrated to Israel, we studied together, slept in one room.
I remember him as one who read a lot of books, and ran well.
He was quiet and introverted. Served in the IDF in a good and contributing place.
so sad remembering you today as always"
ovadia hatan of israel

"After all these years, I can still see you as if it was yesterday. Miss you brother. "Sine Pari""
anon of Mesa, AZ USA

"Eli - when I heard on the news that you gave your life for our country I was stunned. You worked across the hall from me at the Wells Fargo probation office. I remember you as a quiet but friendly man. You are missed."
JoAnn Roskoski of Phoenix, AZ

"my father was friends with Eli and was deployed with him. he loves to tell about how he and Eli would always play chess together when not running ops.once he told a story of how Eli built a table out of old four by fours and plywood and he says you couldn't balance a pillow on it but Eli was able to balance his stove and coffee on it every morning. all in all the unit misses him."
Ryan Schiller of casa grande, arizona

"My dear friend. Oh my G-d! I will always remember you as a decent and kind young man.You are in a far sweeter place now. A place of the sublime light. Rest in peace until Hashem sends his redeemer,the King Messiah. Until the resurrection."
Brian Kent of Queens,NY

"Thinking of you today Eli as I do every Veteran's Day. Thank You. I really enjoyed working with you in Juvenile Detention. I will never forget your smile or your laugh."
Susan Allen of Surprise, Az

"Eli, Just been thinking of you a lot recently. Really miss you on this Thanksgiving. I am Thankful for your sacrafice, but you know I would have switched places with you in a heartbeat.
I will see you soon my friend.
Scott"
Scott of Washington DC

"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"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"February 7, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Elijah Tai Wah Wong:
Elijah 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

"So sad, so sad. Remembering you today as always.
12/20/08"

"July 4 2008
Thank you for your sacrifice.
You are missed."

"Eli,
I served with you while we were stationed in Mosul. I was in the West Virginia National Guard and assigned as a combat medic with the 2nd Infantry Division. I went looking for you one day and was stunned to find out what had happened. I enjoyed working with you and were always in a good mood. You will be missed, my friend."
Sgt. Dana Rowsey of Charleston, WV

"Please know you are thought about each and every day.
Rest in peace.
1/12/2008"

"Thank you man for your service. Your family is in our prayers. Look out for me in the Box."
Wilkerson of 368th

"Sgt. Wong, your sacrifice is recognized and honored by those of us who never met you, but are blessed enough to recognize the quiet heroism of a life well-lived. I wear a bracelet with your name and face on it to remind me of your humanity, and your sacrifice. Shalom, lanzmann, hope to catch you on the other side. I'll say kaddish and light the yahrzeit on this side until then.

To your family, my deepest condolences, and the small comfort that comes from knowing that the depth of their grief cannot be understood but it can be recognized, even from a distance."
Bruce Menin of Newburyport, Massachusetts

"thanks for everything you taught me. you will never be forgoten."
AO2 Lowe of niceville,fl

"To the family of:Elijah Tai Wah Wong 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"

"Today is the 2d anniversary of your leaving Elijah. We'd known each other for only 2 years over the last 20, but I remember you Brother. Our Arizona days were a light memory, made firmer by remembering you as you were, and now as you always will be.

God Bless you, and all your Comrades. You are all heroes, Heroes."
E.M. (Ted) Dannemiller II of Evans, GA USA

"Veteran's Day 2005

SGT Wong - Kol Hakavod - All honor- to you. May your family be comforted among the mourners of Zion.

You helped bring light to a land that was languishing in the darkness of evil.

May G-d bless you. Thank you."
Scott Widitor of Beverly Hills CA, USA

"SGT Wong, I was there that day, and I will NEVER forget. Thank you for doing what you were doing. You have helped make the world a better place.
RIP brother.
God Bless You And Your Family.

SGT Paul Dayes
United States Army
Operation Iraqi Freedom 1 & 2"

"My friend Eli, We were work partners in the juvenile detention center, we both did surveillance on juvenile and adult offenders in the field after. I gave the eulogy on behalf of your friends and co-workers at your funeral next to Gov. Napolitano, and considered it one of the greatest honors I've ever had. I still miss you so much, and you'll never be forgotten. Your memory will always live within me and the many others whose lives were touched by your presence."
Michael S. Cini of Mesa, Arizona

"Eli, I couldn't breathe when I was told about your death. I was in a car traveling home past Bethlehem. We were friends since ages 7. You will be remembered for the great times we had together, the childhood mischief, and our good deeds. I miss you brother."
Norman Natan of Beitar Illit, West Bank, Israel

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

"I would like to take this moment to honor the men and women of our military who died while serving for our nation. The sacrifices Elijah made and the deeds he performed shall remain alive in our memories for generations to come. The VFW expresses sincerely our pride and gratitude for the tasks they fulfilled.

Raymond Wong
Wongrad@pacbell.net
US Navy, Retired
Vietnam War Veteran
Commander, VFW District 15, Department of California"
Raymond Wong of San Francisco, CA

"Eli, you've left behind a lot of people who cared about you and miss you. Thanks for looking out for me."
Richard McAroy of Merrimack, NH

"Please excuse our typo, we meant no disrespect to Elijah."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"SGT Wong, you certainly left an impression on everyone who was fortunate enough to know you. Our hearts go out to your family. May their saddness be eased by the knowledge that you were a great insipiration to so many others in the world."
1SG Scott Rogers

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

"Through marriage we got to know him, through his friendship and caring we got to love him, though his service to the country he became and American hero, now we share him we other fallen angels...."
the Gingello Family of Rochester, NY, USA

"Wong,
You'll be greatly missed. It was an honor to go through school with you and a lot more interesting and fun. Sorry I never got to buy you that lunch I owed you. Times would have been different for the sake of one pin. Your a great man and my heart goes out to your family. Blue skies buddy."
Rick Hofer of Melbourne, Florida

""RIP Brave Solider. You are now the beautiful star we see shining bright at night in the sky.""
The Taylors USMC of NC

"To Elijah's Family:
There are no words that can express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you and your family as Joshua watches over you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Wong, You are a good friend and will be missed. You helped me through some rough times. We rode together, dove together, shot together and RSPed together. Watch over us as we continue to do the work that you loved so much. Thank you for everything.

Mac"
Charles McClung of Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA

"Wong (as we called him),
Thanks for being there to help me study and pass EOD school. I will never forget your widsom, your kind soul, and your crazy ideas with rope tricks. I also still remember that Spicy Chicken Tortilla soup you made for us and we will always remember you when we cook it. Rest in peace my friend."
Bobby Sadler of Dayton, OH

"Thank you Elijah Wong, 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 Sgt. Elijah Wong:
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 Elijah 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 Sgt. Elijah Wong:
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 Elijah, 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