Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I was the C Co. 1/8 C.O. when we deployed into Mosul, Iraq. Cpl Ziolkowski's sniper team was attached to my company. They were in an over-watch site on top of my company HQ building at the Mosul airfield. Suddenly, I hear an AK-47 round fired (distinctive sound). I run up to the roof top and ask the snipers if they saw anything. Cpl Ziolkowski answers, "Yes Sir, I saw an Iraqi stand up behind the airfield wall, point an AK at us and fire." I then asked Ziolkowski, "If you saw an Iraqi blatantly committing a hostile act under the ROE, why didn't you shoot him?" Ziolkowski looked at me and answered, "I was about to take the shot, when your Platoon Commander stood up from his position at the edge of the roof, which put his head in the right lower quadrant of my scope. If I shot, my round probably would have passed harmlessly by his left ear, but it would have been uncomfortably close". Thanks for having the wisdom to not fire Sgt Ziolkowski. S/F & RIP."
John Miles of Jacksonville, NC

"I was the C Co. 1/8 C.O. when we deployed into Mosul, Iraq. Cpl Ziolkowski's sniper team was attached to my company. They were in an over-watch site on top of my company HQ building at the Mosul airfield. Suddenly, I hear an AK-47 round fired (distinctive sound). I run up to the roof top and ask the snipers if they saw anything. Cpl Ziolkowski answers, "Yes Sir, I saw an Iraqi stand up behind the airfield wall, point an AK at us and fire." I then asked Ziolkowski, "If you saw an Iraqi blatantly committing a hostile act under the ROE, why didn't you shoot him?" Ziolkowski looked at me and answered, "I was about to take the shot, when your Platoon Commander stood up from his position at the edge of the roof, which put his head in the right lower quadrant of my scope. If I shot, my round probably would have passed harmlessly by his left ear, but it would have been uncomfortably close". Thanks for having the wisdom to not fire Sgt Ziolkowski. S/F & RIP."
John Miles of Jacksonville, NC

"Missed, never forgotten!!"
Dan of Parkton, Maryland

"Love you BROSKI."
Alex Ziolkowski. Ski's lil bro of Germantown, Maryland, United States

"I love you BROSKI."
Alex Ziolkowski. Ski's lil bro of Germantown, Maryland, United States

"I will always respect and love you for the protection you brought to our unit, our Corps, and freedom. Rest in Peace, brother."
Lyon - 1/8 2003 of Prescott, AZ, USA

"The road to freedom is paved with grave markers of brave men and women, who gave their lives for their country, never to come marching home, except in the hearts of the loved ones they left behind.Rest in peace.A fellow Ziolkowski and a fellow Vet"
anthony ziolkowski of lincoln RI

"To the family of:Nicholas L.Ziolkowski
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""

"Tracy, Andy and Peter,

It has taken me a while to find this page but I think about "Nicky" all the time and all the wonderful memories of spending my college years renting the third floor of your lovely home back in the 80's. My memories of Nicky are as a baby and young child, as I baby-sat and read to him, and as he used to tell me "you certainly may not" go out in the evenings sometimes. Know that his legacy lives on as he inspired me with his wonderful spirit and laughter to name our first son Nicholas in honor of him. We'll keep him in our prayers this Memorial Day and I send many hugs and condolences to you for this great loss. I feel lucky to have known you all. With love,"
Carolyn of Orlando, FL

"I miss you so much! you were one of the most amazing people i have ever known. I love you and miss you each and every day. your smile is always with me and i know that i will always be safe with my angel watching over me! RIP Nicky"
Cameron of CA

"Nick, thought I would tell you that I appreciate the kind of person you were. I have some great pictures of us around the world. Years later even, we still embrace you, and we always will."
Cpl. Ward 1/8 C. Co. of Monterey, CA

"To the Ziolkowski family: my son served with your son and my prayers are with you. Jayson will be remembering Nicholas this Memorial Day."
Annette Hares of New Castle, KY

"November 15, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Nicholas L. Ziolkowski:
Nicholas 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 had the distinct pleasure to know Jake, I was with 1/8 Charlie Company and was honored enough to go out with Ziolkowski and his viper team on a few occasions. I remember siting in a hide in the middle of nowhere for days... bored as hell while he took everything in stride. We were also in the Same Humvee just south of the city when we came under fire, a couple of my Marines sustained injuries and I credit him along with the other Devil Dogs for providing the cover I needed to get to the wounded worriors. to this day when I teach a Combat Life Saver class to junior Marines, I tell the story and I honestly feel it brings an aire of reality to my classes. 4 years after the fact his sacrifices are not forgotten."
HM2 ( FMF ) McLain of Indian head ,MD

"Thanks to all who still keep Nick with them. He is with me every day.

His mom"
Tracy Miller of Towson, MD

"Still missin' you like crazy, Man."
"Biff" of Parkville

"Hey brother was thinking of you today and thought i would say hello. Semper Fi"
Dave Carlini of Dayton, TN

"Nick was my brother brave and strong and knew what he has to do to save are world ."
Julia Ziolkowski of germantown MD

"hey brother, i dont go thru a single day without you man, i even went and got a tattoo in your honor. i miss you terribly. my last memory of you was a few days before i got hurt over there and we played categories while on post. you were the best person i will ever know. so genuine and sincere with everything you did. even though its been three years its like just yesterday we were sitting outside the chow hall in fallujah talking about one of your friends that passed away and i promised you i had your back and you promised me you had mine. sometimes we dont get to keep our promises and for that im sorry bro. but just know you will always be in my heart and every day i strive to be as good a person as you ski. my condolences go to your family i cant imagine what they have gone thru. till i see you on the other side brother ill miss you. save me a spot next to you."
daniel weathers of cartersville georgia

"Nick,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I saw the CNN documentary about Bravo Company at Fallujah and what you and your fellow Marines had to go through. I served with Bravo 1/8 in the 80's and fortunately it was peacetime but I feel honored to be able to say that I was a member an organization that has brave men like Nick and his his fellow Bravo Company Marines in it.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow Marine;former member of Bravo 1/8 '85-'89"

"God Bless You, Brother. We still miss you like crazy. - Biff."
Frederic "Biff" Lahourcade III of Baltimore, MD

"ol ski, man it was such a great ride brother, you were always the guy who brought a certain comfort or just laughter to crappy situations, from cold weather to sweating in the desert heat you always had that smile and go get it done attitude. you gave people encouragement when there was none to give. i dont know if there are surfboards in heaven but im sure you are up there riding the clouds man. you were the best marine i have ever had the pleasure of serving with. you were a go to guy and life isnt the same man. once in awhile people come along that are just genuine great people and you were at the top of the list man. thanks for being a great friend a great marine and a great brother. i will never forget you and im proud that i was able to spend the time i did with you. maybe God needed you more than we did down here and i know heaven is a better place for that so until we meet again semper fi man."
Chris Rocha of arkansas

"I saw the CNN Special on the Marine Invasion of Fallujah the other night, and could not believe the bravery of those fine young Marines. I want you to know personally, from the bottom of my heart how much I appreciate the sacrifice that Cpl. Nicholas L. Ziolkowski has made for me, my family, and my country. I can totally relate to the type of person he was and only wish that I could have met him to shake his hand. I will mention him during this years Thanksgiving prayers. Thank you, and thank God for Cpl. Nicholas L. Ziolkowski. God Bless Him, God Bless You, God Bless the Marines, and God Bless America."
Jerome B. Stanley Sr. of Basking Ridge, New Jersey USA

"Nicholas L Ziolkowski, Thank You , You are in my prayers. May You Rest In Peace."
Bill Krystiniak of Pentwater, Michigan

"Nick, I don't know if talking to you this way works better than any other...But there isn't a day goes by that you're not in my thoughts and dreams man. I miss you brother. I went and saw you the past two years and I just don't know if I can make the trip again. Please forgive me..."

"Nick
hey man just wanted to drop by and say hey, we came in the fleet together in dec of 2001, 1/8 Marines, we served in super squad together, what alot of great days them were, than we became roommates, me you and phil, i will never forget the night you came into the rooma and said you went and got a tattoo, and i said let me see it, and you started laughing and said no, than i got you to take off the towel and it was a sheep you had drawn and a piece of paper, and i started cracking up, and you just stood their and than told me how it was gods, way of looking over you, cause we are all one of gods little sheep. so many great times with you, i remember days for we went into fuallugiah you were my only friend that came up to me huged me and said good luck, you were my only friend i never had to worry about, cause i know where you are now, their is no doubt in my mind, god was looking for another warrior when he called on you, love you man."
Korey Vendetti of Enid Ok

"I was Ski's fireteam leader when he first came to BLT 1/8 2nd PLT. I was a LCPL at the time, and he was one of 100 new Marines to the fleet. He was a very motivated individual, and would do what was asked of him with no complaint. We endured the cold weather training together and he would sit and talk about the food that he wanted to eat at that moment, and it would make me really hungry for something other than a MRE. I would see him occasionaly after he transferred to the snipers, where I'm sure he was very happy to be. I am very saddened to hear of his untimely death, and would wish to offer my condolences to his parents. He died for his county, there is no greater honor."
(former) SGT. Kyle Lewis of New Jersey

""To Nick`s Family"
Today I`ve been reading about Your Son in a polish edition of "Newsweek". Story of His life really touched me. I`m 23 and I also have a brother, so Nick`s death made me realised how frail is human`s life.I really admire Your Son`s courage and determination in fighting for his country. I pray for His soul..."
Bernadeta Ćwikła of Stary Pożóg, Poland

"Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord... may he rest in peace"
Marjanna Gilchrist (nee Ziolkowski) of Little Hartley, Australia

"Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord... may he rest in peace"
Marjanna Gilchrist (nee Ziolkowski) of Little Hartley, Australia

"I am saddened for your loss. Know you are not alone in your grief. He will live on in your memory. We share the same last name. I will pray for him and for his family."
John F. Ziolkowski of BECKLEY, WEST VIRGINIA

"Thank You,I continue to look up to you."
Segeant John Paul Merson USA of Fort Stewart ,Georgia

"Today is Nicholas' Birthday 04/21/06. A year and a half has passed since he was killed in Fallujah. Much has happened in that time. Many more of his comrades in arms have been killed. Three more rows of heroes are lined up in front of Nicholas in Arlington. So many more families suffer and more will come to know that sorrow. My thoughts and prayers go out to those families. We are united in grief. When will it stop?"
ANDREW ZIOLKOWSKI of Germantown, MD

"thank you Nick. I hardly knew you at all, but as the wife of your history teacher at BL I heard much about you. My own son, Chris considers you a hero and looks to your example as he enters the armed forces upon his graduation in 2008. I think of you often and I don't really know why. You live on in our hearts. Janet Maisel"
janet masiel of Eldersburg .MD

"God broke our hearts to prove he only takes the best...we miss you so much!!"

"I know that we can never go through the month of November without you in our hearts and minds. Thank you and God Bless."
Joseph Scalia of Raleigh, NC

"To The Family Of Nick,

I just wanted to say I served with Nick in Iraq and he was an outstanding guy and a wonderful sniper. Him and I were starting to develop a pretty good friendship before he selflessly gave his life so that we could all live free. I am thankful everyday that I was able to know such an extraordinary man."
Josh Ray of Knoxville, TN

"As a Towson kid (35) myself, I am proud that you represented the United State of America with dignity and honor. You accomplished more in your young life than most that have lived three times your age. My heart goes out to your family and friends. So many young people have no direction in life. We are lucky that you knew what you wanted from a very young age and fulfilled your goal of becoming a Marine. You are obviously the product of wonderful parents. You and your fallen brothers will always be in my thoughts and prayers."
Matt Diehl of Towson, Maryland

"I watched this remarkable young man grow up and took pride in all of his accomplishments. He called me "Mom M" and while not a child of my body, he will eternally be a child of my heart."
Christine Murphy of Baltimiore MD

"This came as very hard news for me not only cause it was extremely late but cause Nick influenced my life so much. My names Kyle Robert Isaacs and I was in the same boot camp platoon as Nick. We all called him Ski cause none of us really could figure out how to say his name. I remember him and I used to stay up talking about going home and getting that good home cooked food and so many other stories. We even talked about opening a restraunt or something after the Marines. I called my mom and she still has my letters home from boot camp that talk about what an amazing guy and a great friend he was. I had been looking for him ever since I got back from Japan and was never able to locate him. I would really appriciate if the family could contact me. I would love to stop by and thank you personally for everything Nick did for Me and this Country. My email is isaacs2848@hotmail.com.

No Fears, Ski is gaurding the streets of Heaven"
Kyle Robert Isaacs of Cherry Point, NC USA

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

"To all those who have given their condolences here, Thank You for your thoughts and prayers. I considered Nick one of my best friends in high school. His Mom said when I visited her house after I heard the horrible news that I was Nick's first friend at the school from where we graduated. Although I never got to see him after graduation, I still managed to get hold of him over the phone on a few occasions. He loved his country, was willing to give his life for it, and unfortunately he did. He was one of the most considerate, thoughtful, warm-hearted human beings on earth, and not to mention outgoing. Nick was the type of person who would look at a protester right in the eye and say 'I'm fighting for your right to protest', even though he didn't agree with them. On the day Nick was buried at Arlington, after the ceremony, I walked over to the urn that held his ashes, put my hand on it, and promised him that my first son would be named after him. I will tell my son that he is named after not only my friend, but my hero, who was a God-fearing man, truly a patriotic man, with a heart of pure gold and a wit of solid steel.
The world is a lesser place without Nick but his presence in heaven has without a doubt made it a greater place. If you didn't like Nick, you didn't like anybody.
ALL GAVE SOME, NICK GAVE ALL!
God Bless You, Nick. Rest in peace, bro."
Jeff Horsley of Linthicum, Md.

"For Nick's family: I met Nick once when I went to visit his best friend Daniel Weathers at Camp Lejeune. He and I hit it off and had a blast. Although I didn't know him very well, from what I DID know, he was a VERY great guy and very fun to be around. My thoughts are with your family. I am deeply saddened for your loss. I want to thank you personally for the sacrafice that Nick made."
Heather Wilson of Cartersville, GA

"Thank you all for your condelences and kind words. Yes, it is very difficult to deal with this loss, particualry since Nick was such a remarkable young man."
Andrew Ziolkowski (Dad to Nick) of Germantown, MD USA

"Thank you Nickolas for the freedom we enjoy today, I know how very proud your family must be. My family shares in your loss and takes solice in knowing that you will all be together again. A grateful American family."
The Shaw Family of Pasadena, Maryland

"I cry for the loss of Nicolas Ziolkowski and for the loss of all our fallen soldiers. I will not forget! May God bless the Ziolkowski family."
Sheila Grable - Army Veteran & Marine Mom of Elkridge, MD

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

"To Nicholas' 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"

"To Nicholas' 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

"Thank You for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"To the family and friends of Corporal Nicholas L. Ziolkowski,

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 Nicholas Ziolkowski, 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. Nicholas Ziolkowski:
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 Nicholas 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. Nicholas Ziolkowski:
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 Nicholas, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia