Army Spc. Jared D. Hartley

Jared D. Hartley was so outgoing and friendly that he would have likely been amused that one of the mourners who attended his funeral suffered a flat tire.

"That was the way he was; he was a character," said the Rev. Jim Hollifield, pastor of First United Methodist Church. "If Jed were here he would laugh, then get up and fix it."

Hartley, 22, of Newkirk, Okla., died July 15 in Taji when an explosive detonated near his vehicle. He was based at Fort Riley.

Hartley's nickname was "The Mighty Mosquito" because of his small size but fierce competitiveness in athletics.

"He was fearless in football and basketball," Hollifield said. "He would take anybody on; he swarmed them and that's how he got his nickname."

Hartley was a 2002 high school graduate and a skilled mechanic. He was serving his second tour after being deployed for 13 months in Iraq, said his brother, Alex.

"When he came back, he was going to get out of the military, but they told him they needed him," his brother said. "He said, 'No problem, I'll stay in as long as you need me."'

He also is survived by his parents, Doug and Kathie Hartley.

Army Pfc. Tim Hines

After being wounded on Father's Day when a bomb detonated on a Baghdad highway, Tim Hines had three things on his mind: his pregnant wife, Katy; his 2-year-old daughter, Lily; and the expected baby.

Pfc. Hines

"A buddy who stayed with him while they waited for help said all he talked about was Lily, Katy and the coming baby," said Kathi Wessel, Hines' mother-in-law. "He's the kind of young man any mother would want her daughter to marry."

Hines, 21, of Fairfield, Ohio, died July 14 from the injuries he sustained in the bombing. As he fought against death, he communicated by blinking.

"He communicated that he wanted a kiss," Wessel said.

A 2002 high school graduate, Hines was based at Fort Hood.

Classmate Erin Fagin remembered Hines as a prankster who matured by his senior year into a "religious young man who was very understanding and loving. Everybody looked up to him."

After the bombing, Hines' right leg was amputated, he underwent 30 hours of surgery and received 300 pints of blood.

"Tim was a fighter. He fought hard for his country, family and ultimately, his life. He was a loyal husband and father and an incredible American," Katy said.

Army Staff Sgt. Tricia L. Jameson

Tricia L. Jameson's overwhelming desire to help people showed itself in her work as a medic and in her decision to volunteer to help developmentally disabled children -- even in the medical kit she kept in her car.

"She would have everything in there in case of a wreck or something," said Holly Freeman, a friend. "She would call me and say, 'I almost got to help someone but someone beat me there.' It's what she wanted."

Jameson, 34, of Omaha, Neb., was killed July 14 when a roadside explosive detonated near her ambulance near Trebil as she rushed to the aid of three wounded Marines. She was based at Lincoln.

Jameson was a 1989 high school graduate and attended Central Community College at Columbus in 1990-91. She had been a health care specialist at the Nebraska National Guard air base clinic in Lincoln before volunteering for deployment to Iraq.

Freeman said her friend thrived on adventure. The two of them would push themselves to the limit when they would go skiing, "getting-up early, wearing yourself out, then going out and doing it again the next day."

She is survived by her mother, Patricia Marsh.

Army Capt. Benjamin D. Jansky

So calm and strong was Benjamin D. Jansky that even a man of the cloth took to calling him Gentle Ben.

Jansky, 28, of Oshkosh, Wis., died July 27 in Taqaddum when his vehicle was accidentally struck by another military vehicle. He was assigned to Monclova.

"He placed a high value on why he was in Iraq and believed in it very strongly, yet he had torn feelings," said Joe Grier, the pastor of Grace Chapel who gave Jansky his nickname. "He really didn't like being away from his family, and he didn't like being in unfamiliar territory. But he never complained about the sacrifice."

Jansky was a stay-at-home dad while his wife taught special education at a middle school. The couple met while both attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. They were married in 1998.

He is survived by his wife, Kate, and two daughters, Emma, 3, and Reyna, just shy of 1 year old.

Jansky was a devoted Chicago Cubs fan who loved baseball and reading. He and his wife worked to establish a ministry program for college students.

"Kids knew they could stop at Ben and Kate's house anytime, and eat or study," Grier said. "They were just fantastic for those kids."

Army Pvt. Lavena L. Johnson

It wasn't Lavena L. Johnson's grades that got her high school principal's attention. It was her spark.

"She was focused on what she did. But I couldn't tell you if she got five A's or five B's; it was her personality that was the winner," said Frank Smith. "Even if she had a problem with a class, she would just say, 'Mr. Smith, I'll work it out.' That's the type of child she was."

Johnson, 19, of Florissant, Mo., died July 19 in Balad of non-combat related injuries. A 2004 high school graduate, she was assigned to Fort Campbell.

Johnson was an honor roll student who had straight A's in her senior year. She played the violin in the school orchestra and volunteered for American Heart Association walks, donated blood and made sure she recycled paper.

For her volunteer work and good grades, she received commendations from members of the Missouri Senate and Congress, her family said.

"She was just a good kid," said her father, John Johnson. "I used to call her Miss America."

She also is survived by her mother, Linda Johnson, a sister and three brothers.

Army Sgt. James O. Kinlow

Sgt. Kinlow

Several months before James O. Kinlow went to war, he summoned his wife and two children into a bedroom. "Daddy wants to show y'all something," he said.

Ever the practical father, he had written out his own obituary and wanted to talk about final arrangements in case he didn't come home.

"It was almost as if he knew what was going to happen," said his wife, Daphanie.

Kinlow, 35, of Thomson, Ga., died July 24 in Baghdad when an explosive detonated near his vehicle. He graduated high school in 1988 and was based at Albany.

He met his wife in high school -- but it didn't initially go well.

"He was real skinny, and I wasn't sure I wanted to date someone that scrawny," Daphanie said. But they were soon inseparable. "He was my best friend. He liked to dance and he liked to joke around. We sort of grew up together."

They called each other "Bay," short for Baby.

He also is survived by his children, 15-year-old Chauncey and 10-year-old Chelsea.

According to Kinlow's wishes, the First Baptist Church, where he was married, was the site for his funeral. Most of the other details were right there in his own handwriting.

Marine Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Kovacicek

Cpl. Kovacicek

In a tragic twist, funeral rites for Ryan J. Kovacicek were performed in the same church where he had stood as godfather to his only sister's child.

"He was a funny kid, a sweet kid," said Jackie Coleman, a friend.

Kovacicek, 22, of Washington, Pa., was killed July 10 by indirect enemy fire in Hit. He was assigned to Moundsville.

"He was a brother to everyone, especially to those that didn't have one," said Kovacicek's best friend, Raymond Marinpetro. "He was there whenever and wherever you needed him."

He graduated high school in 2001 and lettered in hockey. He continued to play hockey after enrolling at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was in his third year of study pursuing a degree in criminology.

He enlisted in the military in 2003. His father, Joseph Kovacicek Jr., of Washington, is a veteran of the Vietnam War.

"He was a happy-go-lucky kid," said Kathy Smith, a friend.

He also is survived by his mother Judy.

"Ryan had a great sense of humor," said Kovacicek's brother-in-law, Ron Salvitti. "He was a well-liked kid."

Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher P. Lyons

Cpl. Lyons

Christopher P. Lyons never got to hold his 3-month-old daughter, but he glimpsed her over the Internet.

Bethany Lyons said she saw tears in her husband's eyes when he looked at their daughter Ella through a Web camera.

"He said she was beautiful, just like me," Bethany Lyons said. "I'm so glad he at least got to see her once."

Christopher Lyons, 24, of Shelby, Ohio, died July 28 when his unit was attacked in Cykla. He was assigned to Columbus.

A 1999 high school graduate, Lyons attended Pioneer Career and Technology Center and was in the Tech Prep program. He also was a sales representative in the advertising department at the News Journal in Mansfield.

Tom Brennan, publisher of the News Journal and the Telegraph-Forum, said, "Chris was an outstanding young man. He was the ultimate professional. Simply put, he was polite and positive. Any employer would have found a spot for him. The staff here will surely miss him."

Bethany Lyons said her husband was kindhearted and goofy. "He made everybody laugh. He used to tickle me to make me laugh and I would get irritated," she said.

Army Pvt. Anthony M. Mazzarella

Anthony M. Mazzarella had plans with his dad for next year: They would take off somewhere -- maybe cruise the Mediterranean, or "jump in the car, drive south and hang out together," Michael Mazzarella said.

Instead, the father made plans for a memorial service.

Anthony Mazzarella, 22, of Blue Springs, Mo., was killed July 5 in Taji when his vehicle accidentally rolled over. He was based at Fort Riley.

In high school, Mazzarella had been in Junior ROTC as a freshman, then delivered pizzas and played guitar with a small band.

"He was a real sociable person," Michael Mazzarella said. "Anthony had a joy for life. He did what he wanted to do."

He graduated high school in 2001 and decided to enlist two years ago.

"After the invasion into Iraq he talked about going into the Army ... seeing the world ... driving a tank," his father said. "I felt a sense of pride when he told me."

Army Sgt. Arthur R. McGill

Arthur R. McGill went off to war with a superhero -- and, to those who knew him, became one himself.

"He loved Spider-Man. It seemed like everything we ever got him revolved around Spider-Man," said his aunt, Jamie Gilstrap. So she found a CD-ROM that had the first 500 issues of "The Amazing Spider-Man" comic and he took it to Iraq.

McGill, 26, of Gentry, Ark., was killed July 19 in Baghdad when a bomb detonated near his patrol. He was based at Fort Stewart.

McGill earned a GED diploma and joined the National Guard in 1997 and the Army in 2003.

"He wanted to do something with his life that he could be proud of and that his daughter could be proud of. When he was younger, he didn't feel like he had much, but he was really proud of how his career was turning out," Gilstrap said.

Packages were always arriving from Iraq -- collector's knives, undeveloped film, a videotape -- bound for his large family. He bought his sister her first car for her 15th birthday, sent money home for school clothes and sent Gilstrap, who is in college, a laptop computer.

"He was always thinking of other people," she said.

He also is survived by his daughter, Kaylee, 7.

Army Sgt. Chad M. Mercer

Sgt. Mercer

Chad Mercer signed up for the National Guard so he could get a scholarship to Georgia Military College. Married with three young children, he worked at a hardware store after he graduated.

"He did what he had to do to get by. He worked six, seven days a week to provide for his family," said Casey Caswell, a childhood friend.

Mercer, 25, of Waycross, Ga., was killed June 30 in Baghdad, where his vehicle rolled over during combat operations. He was based in Fitzgerald, Ga.

Mercer is survived by his wife, Pam, and three children -- Gavin 2, Amber 5 and Alanna 8.

He was on the competitive rifle team in high school and at the Georgia Military College, where he graduated in 2000.

"He was a great cadet," said Col. Pat Beer, the commandant of cadets. "He had the biggest smile you could possibly believe, always very friendly."

Army Staff Sgt. Jason W. Montefering

Even while in high school, it was quickly apparent that Jason W. Montefering was someone you could count on. He even took his part-time job at an auto repair store with gusto.

"He was somebody that if you told him to be there at 8:00, he'd be there. Sometimes, he'd be waiting on us. He wasn't afraid to get in there and get dirty with the rest of us," said John Murtha, owner of Murtha Repair. "He'd help out no matter what."

Montefering, 27, of Parkston, S.D., died July 24 when a bomb detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad. He was stationed at Fort Carson and was on his second tour of Iraq.

His priest, the Rev. Bob Krantz, said Montefering was a quiet man who preferred the background. "He was pretty quiet. His presence told you he was military," Krantz said.

Montefering graduated high school in 1997. "He never had any discipline problems, and he was always real polite and courteous," said his principal, Joseph Kollmann.

His mother, Lorraine Montefering, said her son had been scheduled for a break from duty early next month.

"He was looking forward to coming back here," she said. "He loved farm life. He loved coming here and spending time."

Army Sgt. Ryan J. Montgomery

Sgt. Montgomery

Ryan J. Montgomery and his twin brother, Bryan, had been together from band camp to boot camp to Iraq, where they served in the same unit. The pair were known for their infectious laughter.

"My brother and I always lived like a laugh could solve anything," Bryan Montgomery wrote in a letter read at his brother's funeral.

Ryan Montgomery, 22, of Greensburg, Ky., was killed July 3 when an explosive detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad. He was based in Campbellsville, Ky.

Montgomery joined the military in September 2000, during his senior year of high school. Musically inclined, Montgomery played in the marching band and jazz band.

"Ryan Montgomery was killed in Iraq serving the country he loved," his family said in a statement. "Ryan was proud of his unit and believed in what he was doing. He was loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten."

Marine Cpl. Clifton B. Mounce

Clifton B. Mounce was happiest fishing, hunting or riding dirt bikes. He also loved to laugh.

"We had our best times sitting on the couch and watching 'Will and Grace.' He loved that show," recalled Tiffany Owen, his wife of three years.

Mounce, 22, who went by the name Blake, of Pontotoc, Miss., died July 14 when his vehicle was struck by an explosive near Trebil. He was based at Camp Lejeune.

Pat Mounce said her son had worked at a furniture factory and a Wal-Mart distribution center, but after the 2001 terrorist attacks, he decided he wanted to do something good with his life and joined the Marines.

"He loved the guys he was out there with. When he called home and asked for prayer, he didn't just ask for it for himself, but for everyone serving," she said.

When Rhonda Owen, his mother-in-law, asked him if he was sure he wanted to sign up, she got a glimpse of his thinking.

"He has two younger brothers and I think maybe he was thinking about if he could help end the war, maybe they wouldn't have to go. He put everybody before him," said Owen.

"He was the best and he always has been," said Tiffany.

Army Spc. Edward L. Myers

It wasn't enough for Edward L. Myers to be part of the JROTC program. He had to have his hand in virtually every activity it offered, including drill team, rifle marksmanship, color guard and other teams.

"He was a highly motivated student with a lot of self-discipline," said retired Lt. Col. Russell Cleveland, senior army instructor. "He was a highly patriotic young man."

Myers, 21, of St. Joseph, Mo., died July 27 in Samarra when an explosive detonated near his vehicle. He graduated from high school in 2002 and was based at Fort Stewart.

Myers planned to make a lifelong career out of his service with the military, said Danette Peters, a family friend. "This is what he wanted to do for life," she said. "It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision."

"He always wanted to enlist in the military," retired Master Sgt. Jesse Rivera said. "When 9-11 happened, he knew he had to go and do what he thought he was required to do."

He is survived by his wife, Imojean, whom he met at JROTC, and their children, James, 5, and Rebekah, 8 months.

Marine Sgt. Bryan J. Opskar

Sgt. Opskar

On Bryan J. Opskar's wedding day, his bride-to-be went to their condo a few hours before the ceremony and found her groom crying. "He didn't cry often, so I knew something was up," recalled Leandra Opskar.

She asked him what was the matter. He replied that he was just so overwhelmed and overjoyed that he was marrying her. They embraced.

"It was the best 15 minutes ever," she said.

Bryan Opskar, 32, of Princeton, Minn., was killed July 23 when his vehicle was struck by an explosive in Rutbah. He was based at Camp Lejeune.

He graduated high school in 1991 and played junior hockey for two years before attending Concordia College, where he joined the hockey team for two seasons.

Opskar was engaged last Thanksgiving and married on New Year's Eve. He and Leandra knew each other for 12 years after working together at a local grocery store.

"He had me at paper or plastic," Leandra said.

Opskar was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish and golf, family members said. He owned two Harley-Davidson motorcycles, his wife said.

"I think what I'll miss most about him are his smile and his giggle," Leandra said.