Operation Iraqi Freedom Memorial

The Operation Iraqi Freedom Memorial is dedicated to the seven Marines of Milwaukee-based Fox Company of the Marine Reserves’ 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, of Chicago.

All were killed while conducting combat operations or as the result of enemy action during the Iraq War:

Cpl Richard Nelson, 23 years old, killed on April 14, 2008, in Anbar Province, Iraq

LCpl Dean Opicka, 29 years old, killed on April 14, 2008, in Anbar Province, Iraq

LCpl Travis Wichlacz, 22 years old, killed on February 5, 2005, in Babil Province, Iraq

LCpl Richard Warner, 22 years old, killed on December 13, 2004, in Babil Province, Iraq

PFC Brent Vroman, 21 years old, killed December 13, 2004, in Babil Province, Iraq

Cpl Brian Prening, 24 years old, killed on November 12, 2004, in Babil Province, Iraq

LCpl Daniel Wyatt, 22 years old, killed October 12, 2004, in Babil Province, Iraq

Since 9/11, 111 Wisconsin soldiers have been killed in the Middle East.

The main feature of this memorial is the Fallen Soldier Battle Cross. A tradition thought to have begun in the Civil War, the Battle Cross marked where a fallen soldier needed to be recovered. Now, the Battle Cross memorial is a visible reminder of those that lost their lives in conflict.