Pvt. Jonathan I. Falaniko

Pvt. Jonathan I. Falaniko

Jonathan I. Falaniko Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 9, 2005.
Pvt. Jonathan I. Falaniko had been in the Army for only a few months. His father had served 26 years. Both were assigned to Iraq, and in October they spent two nights together and spoke to other family members by video conferencing. "It was one of the proudest moments for my family. My son was pretty proud of his tour of duty," said Command Sgt. Maj. Ioakimo Falaniko. The elder Falaniko spoke to his wife and two daughters in Germany again by video teleconference to tell them Jonathan died. The 20-year-old Falaniko was killed Oct. 25 when a bomb-laden vehicle blew up near him at a police station in downtown Baghdad. He was based at Fort Riley. Although Falaniko was born in Germany, he claimed his parents' home of American Samoa as his home. He had a tattoo on his arm with the word 'Samoan' his father said. "My son and I talked about the war. He and I understood the danger in our chosen profession," Falaniko said.

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July 8, 2023

Jacqueline, Jessica, Tiffany, and Ashlee Craig posted to the memorial.

August 8, 2015

Someone posted to the memorial.

August 8, 2015

Robert Ahrens posted to the memorial.

Jacqueline, Jessica, Tiffany, and Ashlee Craig

July 8, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. My Girls, (The Craig Girls) attended Reid Ross Middle School in Fayetteville, NC with Johnny and Nico. I served as a School Volunteer in various capacities; Both Johnny and his Brother, Nico were eager to assist me when I needed a helping hand. Although his career was cut short, I’m sure he poured his heart into it and represented his Family with Honor and Dignity. Rest easy, Johnny. Jacqueline Craig #Friends4Lyfe#Reid Ross MiddleSchool#FortBraggNC Jessica, Tiffany and Ashlee Craig

August 8, 2015

Never forgotten

Robert Ahrens

August 8, 2015

Hello to the wonderful Falaniko family. I would just like to pay my respects and condolences. And to say Jonathan is still very much thought about. I was in Jonathan's basic training class. Some of us still laugh about the times we had together in basic an ait training. Just wanted to relay my thoughts and let you know he will never be forgotten. My sincerest well blessings.

January 20, 2013

In memory & recogniton of Jonathan. Forever remembered for his service and sacrifice.

Peggy Childers

October 27, 2011

To the family and friends of Pvt. Jonathan I. Falaniko:
Please accept my remembrance of Jonathan on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

January 10, 2011

To the Falaniko family,
Rarely a day passes when I do not think of the example of courage and duty that I had the opportunity to witness in both father and son while serving with you in Iraq. God bless and keep each of you always.
-the former SSG Crystal Morse

Peggy Childers

October 27, 2010

To the family and friends of Pvt. Jonathan I. Falaniko:
Remembering Jonathan on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

J Tinsman

March 23, 2010

I served under CSM Falaniko. Nobody deserves to have to bury their son, let alone that man. Nowhere will you find a truer example of Duty, Honor & Country than in the Falaniko family. I thank you both for your service.

Tiffany Alford

March 4, 2010

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

~Author Unknown~

We miss you Johnny!

Kenna Larra

December 28, 2009

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,850 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna

In Memory of Jonathan ~ (Debra Estep)

October 27, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Jonathan, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Peggy Childers

October 23, 2008

To the family of Pvt. Jonathan I. Falaniko:
Jonathan 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

R Collis

July 21, 2008

It is difficult to know what to say since I want to express my sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Pvt Falaniko. Please know that your loved one is not forgotten. I wish everyone impacted by this tragic loss strength and peace. I hope that Pvt Falaniko knew that there are people in America who respect his great courage in serving as a member of the US military. Although I did not know him, I know that he must have been a very special person to be willing to do something that most Americans will never have to experience, and for that we can never say thank you enough.
Thank you Pvt Falaniko!

November 26, 2007

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Pvt Falaniko!

Althea B

July 26, 2007

I want to thank you for your courage and bravery in standing up for what you believe in. May your soul rest in peace.

July 7, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Pvt Falaniko and thank you for the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless you all!

Gary Allain

April 10, 2007

Pvt. Jonathan I. Falaniko
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Djonovan Dobbins

March 6, 2007

John,
Its been a long time since you have been gone and I still miss ya bra. You were always cool with me even when I got to your head of being to loud. But you always stayed true too me, the fam, and friends. You were taken to early from us and I value the short time we knew each other. We had fun times, Me, You, and Niko always found a way to make our parents happy and also a little dissappointed also. I know you know we know we lost a soilder to our knoweledge but your soul is in heaven and a part of you is here watching over yo brother, sisters, the homies, Mom and Dad(I miss the food). I miss you a lot bro and I will never ever forgot the times we did cherish because they are memories I can cherish forever. Aight J, I love ya and keep a spot for me in Heavan.

Djonovan Dobbins
Electrician

Jesus Arroyo

January 24, 2007

Sincerely I have no words. I especially can't compare to what his fellow soldiers have written nor I will not try. I knew little of Pvt. Jonathan I. Falaniko, except that he was a kind hearted, but devoted to his profession from when I spoke to him in Basic. Always have you in my prayers.

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

November 5, 2006

Jonathan it has been 3 years since you were taken. You are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. To the Falaniko family; I previously signed Jonathan's guest book. Each time I am at ANC I always stop by and visit/honor Jonathan. From the most inner part of my heart I am so sorry he was taken from you.

Garnet Jenkins

October 27, 2006

Paying tribute to Pvt. Jonathan I. Falaniko on this third anniversay of the day he gave his life for our country.
Rest Well Jonathan in the Hands of God.
You will never be forgotten.
You have paid the Ultimate Price for so many.
As with my brother, whom I lost in Vietnam, you will always be loved and missed by everyone whose life you touched.

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2

May your memories of Jonathan, live in your heart always.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

June 20, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Falaniko family in the loss of Jonathan. I did not know Jonathan, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Jonathan you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. I live close to Arlington National Cemetery and I go there often. While I am at ANC I stop by and visit/honor Jonathan.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

djonovan dobbins

January 28, 2006

Jon,

THis is Djonovan and Me and my family still miss you. I still kick it with yo bro and your nephew carries your name proudly. You will always be in our minds and heart. Love ya bra and thank god i had a chance of knowing you.



Djonovan Dobbins

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July 8, 2023

Jacqueline, Jessica, Tiffany, and Ashlee Craig posted to the memorial.

August 8, 2015

Someone posted to the memorial.

August 8, 2015

Robert Ahrens posted to the memorial.