Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

foxnews.com ^ | Dec. 12, 2003. | foxnews.com

[CMClay]

During the holidays please pray for the families of our brave men and women. May we never forget.

There have been 535 confirmed coalition deaths, 461 Americans, 53 Britons, one Dane, 17 Italians, one Pole, one Spaniard and one Ukrainian, in the war as of December 18, 2003. There also have been 2,622 Americans wounded in the war, according to the Pentagon.

Also see:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/world/iraq/casualties/facesofthefallen.htm
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/

[agitator]

Taps performed by the USAF Heritage of America Band

[Chief_Joe]

Thank you for this very fitting tribute. Those who've paid the ultimate price defending our country deserve to at least be known. The people who are dying over there are not just some nameless chess pieces or generic soldiers as their deaths are often reported: they're people of fortitude, from all ranks and specialties, who were highly motivated, professional, and committed to defending our country. May God bless them and allow them to rest in peace. Their service and sacrifices make me proud, rejuvenated, and focused on the blessings they've given me. My thoughts and prayers will be with them, their families, and the military personal and families of those still over there as I rejoice during the Christmas holiday season, Amen.

[KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle]

Army Lt. Col. Kim S. Orlando, 43, of Tennessee. Killed in Karbala, Iraq, when attempting to negotiate with armed men who were congregating on a road near a mosque after curfew and the Iraqis opened fire. Assigned to the 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based in Fort Campbell, Ky.

My younger brother: a true hero, and sorely, grievously missed... both by myself, and the wife (Sherry) and sons (Greg, Jason) he left behind.

Obviously, this is going to be an agonizingly difficult holiday season for my late brother's widow and children. If any fellow FReepers have any messages of thanks and/or comfort they'd like passed on to Kim's family -- even just a simple "He was a hero, and honor his bravery" -- please post them here, and I'll see to it that they receive them, As Is.

Two months later... and the loss of my little brother still feels like something feral gnawing away at me, from within.

[Miss Marple]

Please accept my condolences for the loss of your brother. His sacrifice will always be remembered and honored by my family.

Not only did he help to free the Iraqi people, but I believe the success in Iraq caused the Libyans to get rid of their WMD, and I believe in the months and years to come the Iraqi campaign will prove to be a pivotal point in world history.

But for those left behind, the loneliness and grief are a great burden. May God comfort you, his wife and children. God bless you all.

[KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle]

My brother: Lt. Col. Kim S. Orlando

Note To Miss Marple: G-d bless you for your wonderful kindness. I will pass your sentiments to Sherry and the boys.

[Eagle Eye]

Bump TTT

[KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle]

BTTT

[Miss Marple]

Please see reply #4.

[agitator]

Please accept and pass along my condolences as well. Your brother's family should know that what he sacrificed for was as honorable a calling as there is and there *are* people who remember and appreciate them. Bless you all.

[Northern Yankee]

God Bless you my friend!

Words can't express the loss you must be feeling, but please know that there are so many of us that are grateful for your brother's devotion and last full measure to this country.

Without men like him we would not be free today.

God Bless you, and your family!

[MEG33]

You and his family have my eternal gratitude for the service and sacrifice of your brother,Lt.Col.Kim Orlando.

May God bring comfort to your heavy hearts.

Our country is safer,the world is safer because of men like this.God bless all of you as you struggle with this great loss.

[Iowa Granny]

Please extend my sympathies to your brother's widow and his children. My God wrap his loving arms around them.

Your brother was truely a War Hero. Please help to instill that image to his children.

Your family has paid the supreme sacrifice. Please know there is a family out here in the middle of a cornfield who deeply appreciates the efforts of your brother, and those like him.

[Guenevere]

We all are so indepted to your brother and all the others who have given the ultimate sacrifice....I am in tears.

God bless your family, especially this season ...and may they find true comfort from our Lord.

He has given his life that we may be free.....

[matrix2225]

On the hands of love they left this world, to meet beloved Lord. As time passes by they will be what they are; true heroes of life, dignity and honor. On my behalf, I would like to express my condolence for lost of your brother, and others who passed away fighting for freedom, and liberty. Rest assured that his sacrifice was not in vein, neither those who passed away in this conflict. As Christmas approaches, be hopeful, he is in safe place now, and he never left you or his family, for after all he is in your heart. Marry Christmas and Happy New Year. Each day is a gift, and that gift is love.

Sincerely
Matrix2225

[kayak]

Lord, we ask Your blessings on Kim's family. Help them to find some small measure of consolation in knowing that others care about the great sacrifice with which they are dealing. Comfort them in their grief, O Lord, and walk with them as they go through the grieving process so that they always know that they are not alone.

We thank You, God, that we live in a great nation with ideals that call our finest in service to defend us and to liberate the oppressed. We thank You for the life and service of Kim and all those others who have fallen in battle for a noble cause. Touch their families with Your loving embrace and give them the strength to make it through each day.

Guide Sherry as she raises Greg and Jason and let them grow up to live lives that bring honor and glory to their family. Comfort them especially during this holiday season. Amen.

[Texagirl4W]

Lord, be with this family in their time of need. Wrap Your loving arms around them and give them the comfort they need to sustain them through this difficult time. Amen. RIP Kim.

[mtbopfuyn]

Thank you. Prayers to the families.

Does anyone remember the soldier Geraldo interviewed at the beginning who was looking forward to getting his citizenship? I often think of him and wonder what happened with him.

[SwatTeam]

I am so sorry for your loss. I know that words bring little relief from your grief but I will pray for God to grant you peace and acceptance. Brave and herioc men like your brother have a special place in Heaven and in the hearts of all freedom loving people everywhere. God bless you and your family.

[Liberty Valance]

Thanks for posting this list of Heroes. Our prayers go out to all the families of these Brave Soldiers. They will never be forgotten.