Gregory Belanger Narragansett, RI Army

From Andrea Panciera, xx xxxx, RI
Sgt. Gregory A. Belanger of Narragansett has become Rhode Island's first casualty in the war of Iraq. His death was announced Thursday, Aug. 28, by the Department of Defense. This tribute page is being created on his behalf for those who may wish to express their condolences.
Andrea Panciera, editor, projo.com, the Web site of The Providence Journal

From Muriel Cote, Tiverton, RI
My prayers are with you. May God give you the strength and love that you will need in the days ahead. My deepest sympathy.Muriel P. Cote mother of 1st LT Nicholas Pacheco of the 119th Military Police Unit

From Michele S., Bigfork, MT
To the Family of Gregory Belanger: I would like to send my love and support your way, and hope and pray that you all stay strong during this trying time. Memories are powerful things. Hang on to them, and cherish them. Know that Grregory is not forgotten. He is a true Hero, and for that we are forever grateful. God Bless, Michele in Montana (michele38mt@hotmail.com)

From Kimberly Urban, Riverside, RI
Your family is in my prayers. Gregory is a hero to our country, he will never be frogotten. No words I can offer will give you solace at this trying time. Hold on to eachother, your faith & Gregory's memory. God Bless you -sister of a RI Military Police Officer in Baghdad.

From Neal Costigan, Pawtucket, RI
To all of Gregory's family, Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss. God bless you and give you strength in what must be a very, very difficult time for all of you. Our hearts are with you. Thank God our country has brave man and women willing to serve in our military. Our son is serving in Iraq as a medic with the 912th Forward Surgical Team, attached to the 1st AD.

From Rebecca Tesar, Mesa, AZ
Dear Family of Gregory Belanger, Our deepest sympathy to all of you with your tragic loss! As a nurse battling a rare medical condition I continue to battle forward by helping pass along letters I receive to teachers and students to make people aware of their value and all the sacrifices that you and your family have made so we can live freely. I do this as a proud American citizen who realizes many of those serving go above and beyond the call of duty! May a guardian angel watch over all of you and bring you some comfort if there can be any during this difficult time. Sincerely, Mrs. Tesar at beckt74@yahoo.com a proud daughter of a deceased Korean War veteran, a proud cousin to a Navy sailor now serving, and a nurse who has done some research for the ex-curator of The American Museum of Nursing in AZ on Vietnam. I support all veterans and their families as I realize their unselfish acts do not go unnoticed. May God Bless your family,

From Miki Lawler, Rio Rancho, NM
Our thoughts and prayers are with Gregory's family. He's a true hero!

From Pat Shoukry, New York, NY
My deepest condolences to the family and all loves one of Gregory Belanger, my heart aches for you and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that the deep hurt you feel can be in some part eased by the feeling of great pride for Gregory’s valor and deep sense of patriotism.
Gregory, you have made the ultimate sacrifice and did so willingly and without hesitation. Thank you so very much for defending my freedom. It means so much to me, to the people of NYC and to the entire nation. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice in the service of the country that I love so very much.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Most Sincerely, Pat Shoukry

From Rhonda Clapprood, Narragansett, RI
Tara, I am so proud to have met you and Greg. He was a truly spirited person and I will truly miss him. I want the family to know I thought of Greg often, in my prayers daily and on my mind often. A fine chef, we all thought he was safely providing the finest cuisine to our military. Oh could he cook!!!! Those he fed will surely boast of the meals he cooked for them. Greg made my days sunnier when he worked at CGH, always a kind word, smiling, content, even during a fierce storm. As tears fall on my keyboard, I write to send love and to tell the world of this kind, gentle, uplifting kid. He is an inspiration to all who met him. Proud to serve his country. I am forever grateful to have known him and the sacrifice he made for our future. Thanks to his Mom and Dad for giving me the chance to meet such a fine young man..... Tara....I send my love. Be strong, he is by your side and will guide you. God be with you all and all those still there. Amen. Love, Rhonda CGH

From Peter Pinto, Singapore, Sg
Thanks Gregory, let your sacrifice be not in vain, as long as the American people support what you did and what other thousands GI's are doing... we are on the side of the angels.

From lt.col-retired Robert mantia, north kingstown, ri
Sgt Belanger exemplifies the best of the "citizen soldier." He was called to duty and served his country with great distinction. Unfortunately, he paid the ultimate price and I grieve for him. My heart goes out to his loved ones.

From Stacy Quen, Groton, CT
To the family and friends of Gregory, I would like to say how sorry I am to hear of your loss. My deepest condolences go to you and whom all Gregory has touched. I will never forget the greatest sacrifice that your son made to instill the freedoms that we have here and to keep them going for my son's generation. Gregory, is a true Hero to me and always will be. May God bless you in your time of need!

From Br Ronald Francis Crepeau-Cross MGC, NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI
Gregory, May the choirs of angels receive you into eternal life. You served your country with great courage and heroism. To your family, we pledge our thoughts and prayers at this time of grief. May God console you!

From Glenna Bottoms, Frankfort, KY
To the family of Gregory Belanger, may God be especially close to you at this time. May you feel His reassuring presence near you. I can't begin to understand you pain, only some one who has gone through a similar experience can. But Gregory is in a better place with no war and no hate and he has made this world better and closer to defeating the evil of tyrants. May God surround you with angels.

From David Grady, Hope, RI
May God bless all of Gregs loved ones. Our deepest sympathies are with you and our heartfelt thank you for the ultimate sacrifice he made for the future of our loved ones. May God bless Greg and reward him and every brave soldier that made that ultimate sacrifice for the love of this country and the protection of "the least of our brothers".

From maryjane heath, claremont, nh
Gregory Belanger.will never forget you.May your family know how proud the world is of you and all our heros.God Bless mjh&family

From Temple Mellinger, Glade Spring, Va
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and all who knew Gregory. He is a true hero who gave his life in defending our freedoms and helping others to regain theirs. It is people like him who make us proud to be Americans. May God continue to be with and bless all of you in these trying days. You are all in our thoughts and prayers daily. The Mellingers (tmell@naxs.com)

From Patrick Hinton, Providence, RI
Dear Family and Friends of Gregory Belanger,
As a parent of Sgt. Ryan Hinton, 101st Airborne Division, currently deployed somewhere in Iraq, I feel compelled on his behalf and my family to somehow communicate our deepest condolences. We as you folks I’m sure was swelled with pride as they graduated from Boot Camp. Then came the tears of war as they have left for places like “Task Force Falcon Kosovo, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. My family spends hours in tears and prayer not only for our son but for his Brothers wherever they are serving. While our hearts do not know the pain and emptiness the men in uniform have brought to your door. I do know as brothers we will not forget Sgt. Gregory and his service to bring Freedom, Peace and Justice to the Iraqi people. On their behalf, he has brought Honor to you and this Country. I am so sorry for your loss, Truly Sgt. Gregory was one of American’s Finest as he served and now forever in time. May his soul and all of the souls of his fallen Brothers now rest in eternal peace.
Sincerely The Hinton’s of Rhode Island

From Francine Weinandy, Agawam, MA
I am Gregory's father's cousin. Thank you to everyone for the kind messages of support. Our family has never suffered such a loss as this. I find some solace in knowing that Greg is with God now, and that my father and many other relatives that went before him were there to welcome him to God's home. He truly is a hero.

From Lori Vincent, West Warwick, RI
To the family of Gregory Belanger. May your higher power give you strenght in knowing that he is now with your higher power and is a hero for all that he and all the soldiers there have done for our freedom against the evil persons of this world. May he rest in pease and I give you all my sincere symphathy on such a tragedy.

From maria anglin, newport, RI
My heart goes out to the Belanger family.At this moment I feel as if am grieving for my own son who is serving in Iraq with the 4th infantry from Colorado. May you find the strength and faith to live through these upcoming days, and find comfort in the knowlege that your son fought honorably love and prayers Maria Anglin

From melissa guillemette, PROVIDENCE, R.
I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOST BUT HE WAS A VERY BRAVE MAN TO GIVE HIS LIFE FOR OUR FREEDOM WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM CAUSE HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR THE COUNTERY AND ALL OR OUR CHILDREN IN WSH THE FAMILY OF ONE OF OUR BRAVE SOLIDERS THE BEST OF LUCK IN THE FUTURE AND WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOST

From helen connors, pawtucket, ri
Thank you Gregory for fighting for our freedom. You gave the ultimate sacriface. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

From Heidi Narr, Pittsburgh, PA
To the family and friends of Gregory Belanger. Please accept our deepest sympathies and Love on the passing of your dear Gregory. The courage and bravery that he displayed by defending us all will always be appreciated by the USA. Greg and you will ALWAYS remain in our thoughts and prayers, and may the Love and Support of your friends and our dear Lord sustain you during this difficult time. GREGORY WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO TO US. With Love, Hugs and Thoughts Always, Heidi and Monica Narr - Pittsburgh, PA

From melissa Richard, Providence, RI
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the Belanger family.

From haydee bellina, chicago, IL
To the family of Sgt. Belanger, i am truely sorry for your lost. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

From Kyle Lord, Fleetwood, Pa
May God be with the family of this hero in their time of need. Be strong and proud as he was and know that he is not forgotten. Thank you from a grateful citizen and mother of a soldier.

From Lee Finneran, Coventry, RI
Dear Greg, Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice so that others may go in peace and freedom. Please know wherever you are that most of us don't take these priviledges lightly and are indeed grateful to people like you and your comrades. I hope that God comforts you and blesses the heavy hearts of your family and friends. Rhode Island and America thank you.

From Linda Judge, Norwich, CT
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

From Betty Taylor, Pawtucket, RI
To The Belanger Family and his Fiancee, My heatfelt sympathy to you all. There are no words that can be said I'm sure to comfort you all at this time. Your son/brother/fiance is a true hero be proud as you can be. I can imagine the heart ache you most be feeling as I also have a son over in Iraq with a Military Company from R.I. and I constantly worry about him and his fellow soldiers. At times like these we must all stand together and console each other. Your son sounded like a wonderful person and friend keep his memory going. You are all in my prayers. God Bless You... A proud mother of a soldier from Pawtucket, R.I.

From Matthew Jeffries, Wood River JCT, RI
The sacrifice made by Gregory Berlanger will never be forgot. I admire the proffesionalism and courage with which he served his country. My heart aches for those who knew and loved him.

From A brother, Providence, RI
I am a small and precious child, my dads been sent to fight... The only place I'll see his face, is in my dreams at night. He will be gone too many days For my young mind to keep track. I may be sad, but I am proud. My daddy's got your back.
I am a caring mother. My son has gone to war... My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before Everyday I try to keep my thoughts from turning black. I may be scared, but I am proud. My son has got your back.
I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go. There are times I'm terrified in a way most never know. I bite my lip, and force a smile as I watch my husband pack... My heart may break, but I am proud. My husbands got your back...
I am a soldier... Serving Proudly, standing tall. I fight for freedom, yours and mine by answering this call. I do my job while knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks. Say a prayer that I'll come home. It's me who's got your back. Greg, continue to Soldier Hard. Rest In Peace my brother in arms. --SGT R

From Peter Nonis, Washington, DC
My thoughts and prayers are with Greg's family. I lived in Narragansett for some time, and I know that the strength of that small community will help you all thoguh this tough time. Thank you Greg for protecting our freedom and your heroism inspires others to answer the call of duty.

From Colin Caron, Scituate, RI
None so brave! None so courageous! None so honorable, as he who stands in the face of evil for God, Country, Family, and, ye, for the freedom and hopes of mankind. God bless you Gregory Belanger.

From Lisa Parker, Rockford, MI
Heartfelt prayers to your family at this very difficult time. Please know that although your loss is very personal, there are many of us out there who feel sorrow for the loss of such a heroic young man as your son. Your cousin, Francine, told us wonderful things about Gregory. You will all be in our prayers.

From Joan / Don Perreault, Greenfield, MA
Cathy,Ed, Alison, Jeff,Rita / Art Our prayers and thoughts are with you.You have fond memories of Greg-let that be your strength Fondly, Joan / Don

From Ayla Ahlquist, Providence, RI
To all of Grgory's loving family members:
Think not of his death but of how many people he saved and what a beautiful person he was. Thank him for protecting you and his country and being a beautiful person. -Ayla

From Misty Delgado, Providence, RI
Dear Gregory, Thank you for your services as a cook in the war against freedom. You are a hero to us all and will be greatly missed by all who knew you in life and even those you have come to know of you after death. May you rest in pest and rest assured you will never be forgotten Misty & Mahogany

From anja tx eindhoven, eindhoven, nb
dear gregory, words never can say enough the way we feel and are hard to find. TNX hero for giving the iraqi ppl their freedom back. you will never be forgotten and always be a hero..god bless you hero!! may your fiance and families get all support and strenght they need. may this poem help with the mourn MATERIAL & SPIRIT i've known in the flesh a human, i'd cared for him/her. and suddenly an -"empty space"-, he/she went to "HIGHER LIFE". so many words never been said, so much 4gotten 2 say. regrets 4 what's never been answered..... the connection 4 ever been broken?? i've known in the flesh a human, i still know him/her. only the body died, but i still knows his/her spirit. never completely separated, never completely apart. the sense of humor and the warmth, i'll keep em in my heart. i've known in the flesh a human, i loved this him/her. i still knows this human, i can have faith in this. and when i think of him/her very strongly, then i can hear him/her. he/she says:" i didn't die , i was just born again anja

From David Mahon, West Warwick, RI
Our paths never cross but you are my brother in arms a member of a select group of men and woman. The ones willing to give some and some will give all. My prayers are with you and your family. Semper Fi.

From Mary Ann Janicki, Gorham, NH
May God take Gregory into his everlasting care and bring peace to his family and friends. Thank you brave honorable soldier. You are not forgotten. Mary Ann

From TOM & LINDA GILBERT, Crystal River, FL
Our prayers for your family and our sorrow at your loss may seem very small but our thoughts and prayers are very sincere. God Bless you all, Tom and Linda Gilbert

From MAJ Gabriel Troiano, US Army Reserve, IZ
Please accept my deepest, heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your son Gregory. I am stationed here in Iraq and his passing has left us all in the battalion with a deep sense of sadness and emptiness. I know I can't imagine your pain at this time but know that your son was one of the bravest, most courageous men I have ever known. His dedication to his fellow soldiers and friends was unyielding. I will never forget his smile, his wittiness, and everything he has done for this battalion. I will miss him as I would a member of my own family. He will always have a place in my heart and I will never forget him. God Bless you.

From Connie & Ron Sicard, Turners Falls, MA
We share in your sorrow today as another brave American, Gregory, gave his life to keep us free. Our brother Jim served and was wounded in Viet Nam so we can understand how your hearts are broken to lose such a fine, young family member.We are former neighbors of Art, Rita and the Belanger kids.

From Alice Giguere, Chicopee, Ma
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH Gregory's family. May the angels lead you into Paradise, may the Martyrs receive you at your coming and take you to Jerusalem, the holy city and the Angels receive you and may you with the once poor Lazarus, have rest everlasting. Amen Moe and Alice Giguere Chicopee,Ma

From Jodi Pew, Winfield, Ks
To all the family and friends of Gregory Belanger- My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you all. Greg was a shining example of an everyday hero who rises to the call of duty. His sacrifice will be forever remembered in my heart. May you all be blessed with peace and grace from the hand of God.

From Tonya Weaver, Matthews, NC
I am so sorry for your loss. I can't begin to know your feelings, but please know that my heart breaks w/ you. I pray you find comfort in knowing Greg is a hero! I thank God there are young people like Greg willing to die for our freedom. You are a hero, Greg! God Bless!

From Bryan Smith, APO, AE
Greetings from Iraq!
I am a member of Sergeant Belanger's unit, the 325th Military Intelligence Battalion. I am grateful to have served with him.
We honored SGT Belanger today with a memorial service. Fortunately, it was held in a large aircraft hanger, as more than 300 soldiers attended! I will never forget the impact of the First Sergeant's roll call, followed by Taps. We filed past his empty boots and helmet, and rendered a final salute. It was a privilege - but a privilege I hope to never repeat.
I did not have the opportunity to sample Belly's cooking prowess, as the Army only provided MREs and heat 'n' serve cuisine for many weeks. I knew him better for the many security escort missions for which he eagerly volunteered. These escort missions took him from the relative safety of our base and onto the dangerous Iraqi streets and highways. It was here he gave his life. He died working as a military policeman, protecting a large convoy of soldiers as they moved from Kuwait to begin their tour in Iraq. All arrived safely.
The blast that killed SGT Belanger was borne by him alone - the other two MPs in the vehicle walked away from the wreckage. I believe he died the way he lived, by sacrificing himself for the benefit of others.
Mr. and Mrs. Belanger and family, I can only imagine the heartbreak of losing a child. That he died in a noble cause is only a slight comfort. But he lives on in the members of the 325th MI Battalion, as we all try to live up to his example.
Tara, I cannot express how much you meant to your "buttercup". As Greg's cot was across the tent from mine, the first thing I saw each morning was his favorite picture of the two of you together. As you grieve, remember Greg wants you to be happy. Remember him always, but move on with your life when you're ready.
Belly, you know I love you, brother. Thank you for everything. Rest in peace.
SSG Bryan K. Smith U.S. Army Reserve

From Megan Rounds, Raleigh, NC
God bless you! May you know that Gregory is a hero to us all and that he will never be forgotten. I can only imagine the sadness you must feel and I hope that you find peace and comfort in God's arms

From Jeff Gervais, Wallingford, CT
Sgt Belanger was a true soldier. He volunteered to help bring other soldiers to safety even if it ment compromising his own. He knew the dangers but he faced them. I had the honor to serve with Sgt Belanger out here in Iraq and I beleive he is a hero... He gave his life for his country, friends and fellow soldiers... At the cermony yesterday, I had privilege to be able to pay my respects to a fallen brother in arms. More than 300 soldiers paid their respects and honored him as a hero. To SGT Belanger's family and fiance: Our prayers our with you and we will never forget your son and the ultimate sacrifice he made... SPC Gervais United States Army Reserve R.I.P Belly

From Theresa Johnson, Longmeadow, MA
To the Belanger Family...Gregory made the ultimate sacrifice to defend his country. What a brave and honorable young man. We are grateful to have such brave young people ready to protect our country at all cost. May we extend our condolences to Gregory's family members and friends who mourn his loss. We hope they can begin to heal their sorrow with fond memories of their hero. I especially extend my sympathy to Art and Rita, former neighbors in Montague City, MA, and to Gregory's father, Ed, who was a childhood friend. Gregory must have been a fine young man to have had so many dear and caring people in his life and to have been such a strong soldier in these dangerous times. May he rest in peace. Theresa "Tootie" Johnson

From Mary Williams, Cocoa, Fl
You and your family have given the greatest sacrifice that one can give for their country. We thank you, we are grateful to you and we will not forget you. Mark and Mary

From david sechrest, lawrenceville, IL
I served with Sgt Belanger in Iraq and would like to say thank you to him and his family. He was a great man who will never be forgotten. I will miss him forever even though I only knew him for a short time. He was a great soldier and I great person. I was lucky to spend the short time I did working with Sgt Belanger. Sincerly Sgt Sechrest 165 MI BN

From Brenda & Roger Perreault, Gardner, Ma
To The Family Of Gregory Belanger, We are truly sorry for your loss, Please accept our deepest condolences Roger, Brenda, Scott, Amy, and Mark Perreault

From Joseph Canuel, Gr, Ma
May God bless you Greg. May God bless our whole family. I pray that we all know that only because of the love of our Lord, Through the pain, comes the joy Through the day, comes the night Through the tears, comes a smile Through the dark, comes the light Through this night, comes the dawn all of our the love, The Canuels

From Nancy Pepin, Pawtucket, RI
To the family of SRG. Belanger, I send you my deepest heart felt sympathy. You will all be in my prayers. Remember that your son was a very brave and honerable man. We are all very proud of him and all he has done to help keep our fredom. My thoughts and prayers are with you always during this difficult time. N. Pepin the wife of a soldier serving in Iraq in the 115th MPCompany

From Barb Hallenbeck, Colorado Springs, co
To the Belanger family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. May Jesus surround you with His grace, comfort and peace. He will provide the strength.
Barb Hallenbeck

From rick jones, apo, ae
i am sgt rick jones from 1st mi bn in wiesbaden germany. i would like to express my deepest feelings for the loss of this soldier in iraq. i was one of the soldier in the convoy in which gregory was helping to protect and escort from kuwait to bagdad. i owe my life to him as does my family. my children will get to spend more of their life with me and i will be able to spend more years with my wife of 11 years. i thank you gregory belanger and i will never forget your sacrifice to our convoy and the fact you gave the ultimate to complete our trip. you are the soldier whom i will always strive to be and to whom will always be in my heart! You are truly a real Non- Commisioned Officer and a professional one at that! thank you and may god speed!!! Sgt RIck Jones

From mike masi, johnston, ri
We are all deeply saddened to learn of your loss. Our friend/co-worker Tom Doyle who is from APC was stationed with Greg and shared his picture and some background info on Greg. Our deepest sympathies go out to Greg's family and loved ones. May god be with you and offer you a source of comfort in thess trying times. We are extremely proud of Greg and all our servicemen friends for all their efforts. God Bless them all.

From elizabeth logee, narragansett, ri
To Tara and Greg's family - I send my deepest sympathy. Greg will be always remembered for his freespirit, smiling face and of course his cooking. He was always a joy to be around in and out of work. Tara stay strong Greg will always be with you he loves you he will guide you. - Liz

From Charlene Reynolds, Pawtucket, RI
I would like to extend my sympathies to the family of Gregory Belanger. My husband is serving in Iraq with a RI MP unit and is also a cook. My prayers are with you and all of your extended family of military and their familes. God Bless Charlene Reynolds

From Annmarie Hodge, n providence, ri
SGT Belanger is a true American hero. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this time of loss.
Family of SSG Michael Hodge, 115th MP Company.

From Harold and Felicia Finck, Turners Falls, Ma
To all the Belanger Family, You all have shown such remarkable strenght and courage in this most difficult time in your lives. Greg gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we may all live in a free land and for that we thank him. May you all find peace and healing in the gentle care of those who love you. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you all--Harold and Felicia

From Mark Napoleoni, coventry, ri
I salute your family Gregory, Thanks for giving your life for us. You will never be forgotten and we will see you again someday, I promise your family that. May God keep your faith strong and your heart comforted. Love ya man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From Brendalee McGovern, Woonsocket, ri
() [ ] May the light of this candle serve as a beacon of hope for this generation, and impart wisdom on the next.
And that, 'The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.'
My prayers go out to Officer Belangers family and friends
I am so very sorry that you will not be reunited with him in this life
I am very grateful for men and women like Gregory Belanger chose to fight for our freedoms
I will never forget his heroism I will never forget his name
I pray that there will be peace in the world soon and all the men and women in all the armed services will be home and reunited with their friends and family
Greg -- thanks for the greatest sacrifice anyone can give
with much love and deepest gratitude
Mother of 4 Patricia Nicholas Gracie Lynn Ethan Shayne
and wife of Tommy
Brendalee

From PL Weischet, madison, Ct
To the family and fiancee of Sgt. Gregory A. Belanger. Our prayer's and heartfelt sympathy will always be with you. Gregory- We thank you for your ultimate sacrifice in helping to keep us safe here in the USA. You will not be forgotten. The Weischets

From Betty Kusak, Depew, NY
My deepest Sympathy goes to the Family and Loved ones that Gregory has left behind. He truely is now in a better place, and the Lord has his arms around him and he is now safe from any more harm. God Bless you Gregory you're our Hero. Betty Kusak, Spc. Dennis Kusak's Mom.Buffalo, NY... US Army ..HOOAH !

From Cindy Doyle, Dayton, MN
To the family and friends of Gregory Belanger, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We truly appreciate all that he has done to protect our freedoms. He has a new journey to go on and we hope that you will remember all the good times you had with him. He is a true hero. The Doyle family

From Autumn Murray, Emporium, pa
To all of Gregory's family and friends, Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss.He gave the ultimate sacriface to his country and we will never forget him. He is a hero in my eyes! May god give you strength. God bless you

From Claudette Streigle, Norwich, CT
Dear Belanger Family, On this Veteran's day, please know our prayers are with you and yours. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by Gregory on behalf of his family, nation, and our world. Claudette M. Streigle Norwich, CT

From JENNIFER COOPER, FT. CARSON, CO
I am deeply sorry for the Belanger family and God Bless Gregory.

From Marc Remillard, Lincoln, RI
My daughter wrote this about our men and women in uniform the other night when she had trouble sleeping. I thought you may like to read it since it seems to hit home.
And Thank You!
Feel free to send this to others. Pride When you risk your own life, for another. When you take the coat right off your back, for someone else to cover.
When all you want is to be back with your kin, But you’re willing to fight, willing to win.
Willing to die for your own people’s sake, Knowing you have not made a mistake.
Sacrificing your own life in return for respect and pride, Knowing you’ll still be there, even after you’ve died.
Feeling courage melt away, Then hearing a voice from somewhere say:
“Stand tall because today my be the day, Believe in your heart, that if there’s a will, there’s a way.
And there’s always a will when it comes to believing in what you feel, But sometimes it’s hard to believe what your living is real.
Because when the bombs are flying, and the guns firing, life may get too terrifying to stand. You want to fly away, yet just long to land.
You can reach unreachable heights when crowned with strength. You can climb treacherous mountains, you can walk agonizing lengths.
But as far and long as you travel, you will always find this the same, War is so much better, when you don’t know anyone’s name.
When you will just fight for each other because they’re a fellow human being, Fight for one another because believing is better than seeing.
For you can believe in yourself, and in one another. Believe in fathers, believe in mothers.
Believe in children, far and wide, But don’t forget to believe in pride.
Pride in your nation, pride in your self, Not the kind of pride you keep on a shelf.
You keep this pride in your heart, where it is kept powerful and strong. You may start to doubt yourself, but not for long.
For the pride will burst out, you will fight, you will win. You will soon return with your family, your kin.
And remain brave and strong until you cease to remember, What strength and pride will do when joined together.
It will all be O.K., it will all be all right, After all the bombs have all flown, after the people all fight.
And all will become a hero, all who come home, and all who do not, You shall stand out in a sea of soldiers; you will be seen in a cluster of dots.
Because heroes don’t always come from the T.V., They can come from anywhere, as you can see.
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, They are not looking for money or prizes.
Though heroes may differ and not stay the same, They are not looking for attention or fame.
Heroes come in fire trucks, police cars, and planes, Heroes come from California, New York, and Maine.
There’s a hero in everyone, if you just look a bit, They may come with a pair of skates, or a baseball mitt.
Heroes have a sparkle in their eyes, as bright as stars, They have hopes and dreams that will bring them far.
But as far and wide as they go, Their courage and strengths will always show. -Rebecca

From Darla Estrada, Tiffin, OH
My family and I want to tell you how Proud we are of you. Thank You for protecting our Country and Freedom. It is Men and Women like you who has given us what we have in life today. Always be Proud of Yourself. Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless You
Frank & Darla Estrada Proud Parents of SPC Jacob Allison Serving In Iraq

From jen savoie, ATTLEBORO, MA
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From Rhonda Clapprood, Narragansett, RI
Greg, Today, Memorial Day, I think of you, your family, and others who have sacrificed their lives for freedom. Thank you, again. Tara and family, you are still in my thoughts and always will be. Rhonda from CGH in Narragansett

From Bea Planisek, Cleveland, oh
Hi I just saw your son's pic on the home page of tribute to our troops I wanted to post this to comment on his smile My first thought when I saw his pic was NICE SMILE then when I clicked on to post my message I saw that he had been kia How sorry I am for your loss May God be with you HOPE HE USED HIS SMILE A LOT and that you are remembering his wonderful smile I am sure that when he smiled every one had to smile Bea Cleve. Ohio Mom of a deployed Marine

From Ed Travers, Bristol, RI
To Greg's family... Why does God sometimes give us cross to bear such as this? How can life be so full of joy and then greeted with such sadness? With losses I have endured, I know feeling of loosing Greg. When this war started I went on this web site to seek out a solider to "adopt" as a friend or brother. I paged through each soliders profiles and pictures and remember seeing Greg's. I felt from his picture and great big smile he must have a wonderful family to support him and my goal was to find someone that might not be as fortunate...so I passed emailing Greg. As I revisted this web site I saw his picture again and his wonderful smile that again declared what a wonderful family he has. When I opened the message and learned of his loss...my stomach became one big knot. I wish I had met Greg even through this web site. My life will not be complete because of my passing on reaching out to him. You see, I believe everyone we meet, everyone we communicate with, we have a positive effect on people..I missed this one. I get comforting in hoping that I was right and that Greg did have a loving and supportive family...I can't imagine a man with such a smile that wouldn't have.
Peace and prayers to you all...those that knew Greg...are truly rich people today. Ed Travers - Bristol, RI eptraversii@fctvplus.net

From Dorothy Diorio, Williamstown, NJ
To the family of Gregory Belanger, We am so sorry to hear of the loss of this fine protector of our country. His unselfish service to insure the freedom that we all have come to appreciate is admirable. You should be very proud of his fine character and please try to take comfort in the fact that he is now in a better place where he will be wrapped in the arms of his Creator. We are sorry to say that we have not had the honor of knowing this fine man. Please do not let that diminish the fact that there are people across this country who are deeply saddened by his loss. May you find comfort in the fact that your loved one has done so much for so many in his short time here. With our deepest sympathy and endless appreciation, Andy McClave (USMC) and Dorothy, Jennifer, Anthony and Matthew Diorio

From rhonda clapprood, lady lake, fl
Memorial Day 2005. Already 1 year since my last post. Today you are remembered in a very special way. Never forgotten. Still in my thoughts, my prayers and my heart. To Gregs family: he sure was special, he did have a smile that I will always remember.... to Tara, I hope you are well..........if you ever get to Lady Lake, FL, look me up!! Rhonda, formerly from RI CGH

From j b, providence, ri
Smell, the kitchen , See greg smile, laughter, Sweat, and open ear, Honda fast, summer, Beer in a glass, checkered pants, 70 pushups in two minutes.

From Tom Doyle, Germantown, MD
We will never forget about you Greg. -CPT Tom Doyle (325th MI BN, OIF 2003)

From Rhonda Clapprood, Narragansett, RI
Thought of you again, today, but that is nothing new, for you are thought of often..... Tara and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers and want you to know I care. God Bless You All!!

From rhonda clapprood, lady lake, fl
To Gregs family and Tara, The date is 9-11-2008. A day to honor Greg. This site was started because of Gregs tragic death. I wanted you to know that I have sent this site on to many many people. Because of this site, soldiers, families and friends can keep in touch when their loved ones are deployed. Families can post memorials. Gregs demise opened a new world for other families and died for our freedom! You are in my thoughts and prayers and I want you to know how proud I am of Greg and that I miss him and think of all of you often! Love, Rhonda

To view a page or post a message
Search for troops using any of the boxes below

	Any Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming	Any Air Force Army Coast Guard Marine Corps Navy

Search for a serviceperson's tribute page. If it doesn't exist, add a serviceperson to the database and start their page. To add a serviceperson, you must register, as you become the keeper of that page (and we may need to contact you to ask a question or seek a clarification). Once approved by site administrators, tribute pages are live on the World Wide Web and available for public viewing.