Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Thinking of you on Memorial Day Nathan."
Capt Michael J Wish, USMC of Lawton, Ok

"Looking back then I remember the pain my Aunt and Uncle had to go threw. Almost 7years have gone by, Nine since the last time Ive seen my cousin. And looking back on this now, it just flashs at the memories. Never once thought or even looked back on it. And now, this family has changed. Not mentally, but motionally. And I know my cousin is looking down on us and is happy to have made both his mom and dad proud. I miss ya cousin."
Jessica Wood of Greatfalls, Montana, United States

"I wear a herobraclet in memory of Nathan R. Wood for several reasons. His name has a certain ring, his date of death (Nov. 11) is easy to remember, and finally I have an emotional attachment to his age(19). I teach American culture at a Japanese university and most of my students are 19. Since the end of World War II, the Japanese government renounced war and under the constitution the country can only have a self defense force. I want my students to understand that freedom and democracy has a price. Nathan R. Wood paid the ultimate price by losing his life in battle. With all the uncertainties going on around the world, I remind my students that they may have to make sacrifices and harsh decisions."
Dale Araki of Tokyo, Japan

"We miss you Nathan.....
Amanda Lopez & Derick Lowe"
Amanda Lopez of Ankeny, IA

""To the family of Nathan R. Wood ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"DeEtte, Rex and Gretchen, we're in December, past birthdays and death days, facing holidays and a new year. Five years with out your precious boy.I am blessed to know you and thank you for Nathan's service (I know the back story)and the sacrifice you all bear. We love you."
Shellie Starr of Snohomish

"after 5 years your memory is still vivid. The sacrifice you gave for your country will never be forgotten. My prayers to your family. Your final journey home was the most humbling event in my life."
TSgt Craig Johnson of Renton, WA /313th AS McChord AFB WA

"To the Family of LCpl Wood... I pray that God will one day soften the anguish of you great loss. I pray He has bestowed upon you only cherished and proud memories of your son. Please know that I keep a picture of your son near that of my uncle also a fallen patriot, so that when I leave my home each day I never forget his sacrifice and the cost of our freedom"

"hey nathan i just learned about this site and wrote mike hanks and wanted to say Semper Fi. we were only roommates at those "5-star" barracks on Horno for a few months but I miss throwing back some cold ones with you and wade. I'll write you again soon take care up there bro."
Joe Thomas of Lancaster CA

"November 24, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Nathan R. Wood:
Nathan 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

"Hey, I was Nick Larsons girlfriend...Just wanted to write and let you know their are people thinking about you guys. I miss him more than anything. Eventhough you and I never met I remember talking to you on the phone while you were in Iraq a few times. You all are heros...We'll never forget you."
Cpl Christensen of Cherry point, Nc

"Hey Nathan Man It just seems like yesterday Me you and Wade were bullshitting at Abu Guraib talking about what were going to do when we got home and I remember you telling us all the things you were going to do with that truck. Those were good times man. I just wanted to say I missed you and ask you to keep looking out for all us down here brother. Keep holding it down til were all back together again.
Semper Fi Bro"
Sgt Michael Lopez of Rancho Cucamonga Ca, USA (Present Al Anbar Province Habbaniyah Iraq)

"I went to school with Nathan; he was such a nice boy. I remember I had a crush on him in the sixth grade. I had a dream about him the other night and he told me he was doing fine. I will never forget you Nathan and I know you are resting in peace."
Samantha Valleau of Fort Rucker, AL (originally Kirkland, WA)

"I SEE YOUR PICTURE EVERY DAY I HEAR KENNY CHESNEYS SONG WHO YOUD BE TODAY AND IT OVERWHELMS ME WITH SADDNESS.IT IT TAKES ME TO A TIME WHEN YOU WERE 2 YEARS OLD WITH ME BABYSITTING THE BUSY LIL RED HEAD ANGEL.NATHAN I MISS YOU SO MUCH AND I WILL NEVER SAY GOODBYE OR FORGET THE SPARKLE IN YOUR EYES GOD SPEED NATHAN LOTS OF LOVE YOUR COUSIN AMY"
AMY of GREATFALLS MONTANA CASCADE

"Never will let anyone forget the dedication you displayed in the face of the enemy.
Semper Fi"
SSG Cook US Army of Baltimore

"love you wood. cant explain the feeling of being back bro. i couldn't of done it without you by my side. love you man."
Garrett Ware (0311 3/1 India Sgt. Ware) of Kirkland Wa

"I miss you man. I was fortunate enough to get accepted to the Naval Academy last year and I wish you were here going through it with me, like we went through boot camp together. You will forever have my respect and admiration. God bless and Semper Fidelis."
Midshipman Wish (Formerly CPL Wish) of Annapolis, MD

"Nathen, you were more than a cousin to me, you were more than a friend, you were like a big brother. I grew up my whole life with you as the person I looked up to and wanted to be like when I got older. I remember the all time we spent having fun together. From running around in diapers in the park at family get togethers, to playing legos and teaching me to throw the frisbee, to talking about girls and parties and how our lives are going to be when we get older. I only wish your life could have turned out the way you had planned. You were one of the funniest people i ever knew. I grew up looking up to you and trying to be like you, and i know i would not be who i am today if it weren't for you. I miss you, and you will always be in my heart. God speed..."
Kyle King of Monroe Washington

"Nathan, I just read about your courage and sacrifice in "We Were One." Thank you for so unselfishly giving the greatest gift you had to give. We will never forget."
David Deardorff of Austin, TX

"LCPL Nathan R. Wood was 1 of 7 U.S.Marines of Lima Company, 1st Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment (3/1) KIA in the battle for Fallajuh,Iraq in Nov 2004. The bravery & courage of these Marines is well documented in the book entitled "We Were One" written by Patrick K. O'Donnell. It's recommended this book be read by all Americans to get a true feeling of what these Marines encountered in this battle. Thank YOU, Nathan, for YOUR service & sacrifice to our great country."
Anonymous Veteran of Melrose Park, Illinois/USA

"LCpl Wood,
November 9th is just a few days away. The Marine Reserves are being re-deployed to Iraq. You will never be forgotten. Semper Fi my brother and Godspeed."
Cpl Swearingen, USMCR of Redmond, WA

"Nathan, it was an honor and a privilege to have you stay with us for a year. Sometimes I have dreams that you are still alive. I cannot begin to tell you how much we miss you. I think of you every day. Cody came over the other day and we talked about the Dodge Charger we were building in the garage before you left. I have decided to finish it in your honor, and I have something very special planned for it. I will put some pictures up on your web site when it gets done. Godspeed, little man. - Bill, Lisa & Benjamin -"
Bill Olson of Bothell, WA

"Nathan it has been a year sence yove been gone it seems so much longer than that i miss you nathan and i always will. u were a great cosin and will be remembered by a lot of people. you will be remembered as strong,couragous,loving and being all that you could be."
Amber Jo Olson of Great falls Montana

"To Nathan's friends and family, I saw Nathan for the first time today. I had never met him before but i visited him today, a year after he passed. I have a long story about Nate's ties to me but i won't go into that. I just happened to meet two of Nathan's best friends and it seems like i finally got to know him a little. His memory has affected my life in ways which I cannot begin to explain. His friends said he was one of the greatest people they knew, I kind of feel that way too. I would like to express my deepest regrets to his family and friends on this day full of grief, but know that him and all of the other "fallen angels" are still keeping the rest of us safe. Semper Fi Nate."
LCpl Brandon R. Mitalas of Brier, Wa.

"Nathan, I always referred to you and your sister as "Jack and Jill" because you were so very precious. I'm so very sad for your family and I wish now that I'd gotten to know you better. I'll always remember the young neighbor boy, so handsome, so polite. God bless."
Leslie of Caldwell, Idaho USA

"Nathan, i diddnt get to talk to you much once we both left for the military, which i regret, i wish i would have kept in contact with you. i will never forget that last christmas we sent together at aunt kellys, that was the last time i saw you. i just fond out im going to iraq in january of 06 with 5th special forces group, and im scared. scared for what might happen, and scared for putting the family through more pain if i also fall in combat. you will always be in my heart. i miss you man..."
sgt olson thylor s. of ft bragg nc

"To the family of LCPL Woods,
I am LCPL Wish stationed at Kaneohe Bay Hawaii and I found out today about the death of Nathan. I knew him as recruit Woods at MCRD San Diego between 9 September 2003 and 5 December 2003. He was my rackmate at boot camp. Eventhough I have not spoken to him or seen him since graduation, I feel as if I have lost a brother. I only wish that I were there to fight beside him on that day. LCpl Nathan Woods is a marine and a hero and always will be.
Semper Fidelis"
LCpl Michael J Wish of MCBH Kaneohe Bay Hawaii

"Nathan you were my cousin and will always be that. you are my hero nathan i love you sooo much. you brought so much joy into this family. and you still do! i have a photo of you by my bed, and at night i try to tell you the best i can that we all miss you and i wish you were here for just one more day so i could tell you everything i should have told you before you left . one more time to say my finel goodbye to you!!


Love always Amber"
Amber Jo Olson of Everett , Washington

"I will never forget you.YOU are with GOD now and forever.Brave men like you give meaning to the USA."
David P. Ranney of 13003 105 th pl. kirkland wa 98034

"I will never forget you.YOU are with GOD now and forever.Brave men like you give meaning to the USA."
David P. Ranney of 13003 105 th pl. kirkland wa 98034

"I miss you Nathan. It was an honor to have you stay at my home. I am proud to be your uncle. I will never forget you."
Bill Olson of Bothell, WA

"Nathan will be GREATLY missed and always loved by everyone who knew him. He wouldn't have been the man he was without the parents he had and the way they brought him up. Thank you for making him such a wonderful friend and solider. I miss you Nathan. Love always."
Michaela of Kirkland, Washington

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

"Today is Dec. 20th, Nathan's 20th birthday. My deepest respects and condolences. May God be with your family. Just a note from a grateful American that prays this will all be over very soon."
Charles of Santa Barbara, CA, USA

"To Nathan'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 your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

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

"To Nathan'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

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Nathan R. Wood,

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, Ca

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