Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Jyl,I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, too. I have been trying to get in touch with you about a quilt that has been made for you in Ronnie's memory. Several volunteers from the state of Indiana made this civil war replica quilt to honor Ronnie's memory and to let you know that we share your grief and are so proud of his service to our country. I would like to give you this quilt if you would contact me via e-mail lmor11@msn.com You can go online, too, to check out the authenticity of our project: www.homeofthebravequilts.com
Hope to hear from you, Louise Morgan"
Louise Morgan of Indianapolis, IN (formerly from southern IN)

"March 18, 2008
To the family of Spc. Ronald D. Allen, Jr.:
Ronald 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 deepests sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"It is with great saddness that I pass on the news that Ron's father Derek Harrison has gone to be with our son Ron on 01-25-2008, he will be greatly missed. Derek and Ron watch over us from Heaven. I miss you both with all my heart, Love You Both, Mom"
Jyl Harrison of Mitchell, Indiana

"Ronnie,
I never got to meet you, but from what everyone tells me you were a wonderful young man. You know, when I first met your dad, Derek, he just scared me. An aged marine, harden from losing you. Yet over the past few years I was lucky enough to get to know him and realize that underneath that gruff exterior lay the heart of the sweetest man I have ever known. If you could have just seen his eyes when he talked about you....you were his hero. Please Ronnie, I know you don't know me, but please take care of your dad for me and let him know that I/we all love him and miss him so much. I know he is with you now, and that is where he wants to be. But tell him we miss him, I miss him so very much. Tell him that I loved him like a father, and I will never forget him. Please. Please take care of your dad for us, for me. Thank you...thank you, Ronnie, thank you."
Mary Jean Holwager of Cambridge City, Indiana

"To the family of my fellow comrade:
once again one more year since he left us,he is truly missed.
I pray and hope that I will see him one day in heaven."
LILY of FT CARSON,CO

"My name is SGT Dawn Barr and I was Ron's supervisor for quite some time, including during the time he was killed. I have been trying to contact someone from his family. The 502nd PSB just returned from our second tour in Iraq and while deployed there we created a memorial for Ron. Our unit is disbanding now and I have possession of the paintings that were created for the memorial. One is a soldier's memorial painting with the boots, rifle, and helmet. The other is a portrait of Ron in his service uniform. I would like to pass those on to the family of our fallen comrade. I can be contacted at GTOGRL77@YAHOO.COM. We all still grieve for your son. He was a very memorable man and his loss was a great loss to our unit and to us personally. Please contact me so that I may get these items to you, where they belong."
SGT Dawn M. Barr of Colorado Springs, CO

"You have a special place in my heart Ronald Allen, Jr. Thank you for your sacrifice ...for fighting for all of us. May God bless you valiant heroe."
Ive Nadal Ammoune of Houston, TX, USA

"Allen,i know i always promised u and the others that when you all came back i would cook some mexican food for u all,not that u are in heaven i guess u are just gonna have to wait for me to see u again.We miss u a lot.
Whenever God decides its my turn to go,i will see u there.SAVE A SPOT FOR ME IN HEAVEN"
LANY of COLORADO

"February 8, 2006

I came across information today about Ronald, while reviewing some information concerning the Iraq war. Although it has now been two and a half years since his death, I know that Ronald will always be missed and deeply loved by his family.

Even though I did not know Ronald, I feel that he was, in some ways, part of my family. I grew up in Mitchell, graduating from high school in 1974 and joining the Air Force in 1976, having served my country, as he so bravely did. Later, after leaving active duty some 16 years later, I eventually ended up working as a civilian at Fort Carson fom 1996 to 2003. Who knows, I may have bumped into Ronald in the PX on one occasion there at Fort Carson.

Anyway, I know how terrible losing a family member can be when he was in the prime of his life because I lost a brother at the age of 25 to a vehicle accident. The hurt lingers, but the love and memories endure much greater, which is what helped me so much to get through that terrible event.

I pray that you continue to celebrate the inspiration that Ronald brought to your family and always be able to cherish him for the hero that he truly is. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for a just and noble cause, making me very proud to be a veteran and a citizen of the United States of America. For this, I celebrate the short life that Ronald lived and I salute him for the hero that he became!"
Rick Rose [rickrose@hotmail.com] of Tulsa, Oklahoma

"He is still remembered."
anonymous of USA

"I was fortunate enough to know Ron for a couple short months. We were in the same basic training platoon together. I learned of his death through this website months later after I myself had returned home from Iraq. At that time I hadn't been in contact with him for over 4 years. However, my few memories of him are vivid. The day our families were supposed to come to see us at training, the day before we graduated, his family had showed up a little later. So, before they arrived, my family offered to let him hang around with us so he wouldn't be left to himself. We lived very close in the barracks. I was on a bottom bunk and he was on the top of the next bunk over, so we saw a lot of each other. I even have a video that my stepdad made the day they came to see us. I hadn't watched it in years until I saw Ron's picture on this site. And lo and behold, there he was sitting right next to me in the video. I couldn't believe it. It's amazing how someone can have a brief moment in your life, and you wouldn't even know that they had impacted it, but time reveals all things.

Though we were not the best of friends and did not keep in touch, I will always remember Ron how I knew him, a motivation to me when I needed it, and a buddy when I didn't have one. This war has taken alot from so many, but no other price as great as this. I cannot forget Ron or how he died, but I can only remember how I knew him as he lived.
There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends
josh_camp@hotmail.com"
Joshua W. Campbell of Ft. Hood, TX

"I Thank you Ronald Allen Jr For Doing your Best to Free Iraq and to sacrifice your life for me and millions of Amercians"
Jerry Samuels Jr of Charlestown Ind USA

"To The Allen Family,
I was at Ft Meade, MD when I found out that Ron was gone. I am sorry for your loss. I could not make it back to Ft Carson in time to pay my respects. Allen and I were in the same unit at Ft Carson, Co. I was only stationed there for only year and a half. During that time we were best-freinds. We use to do everything together. I have nothing but, great memories of our times together. Especially the one time in the mountains. He was a great person who would help anybody who need it. He was there for me for when I tore my knee. Or when he came over to hang out. He will never be forgotten. We all miss you, brother."
Eddie Roldan of Fort Bragg, NC/ USA

"Dear Ron's Family
As the anniversary nears of 2 years Spec. Ronald Allen Jr. will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!! I to have my sons- PFC Adam L. Thomas 2 year anniversary Aug 31, 2003 KIA Afghanistan. I think of our boys every minute of every day They are the heroes of Today and Always. I find comfort knowing these fine young men are together and safe and watching over all of us. I share your pain and your pride. God Bless
Proud Army MOM"
Ellen Thomas of Burbank, ILLINOIS

"TO SPC ALLEN'S FAMILY:
DEAR ALLEN FAMILY I CAN ONLY TELL YOU THAT I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE MET YOUR SON,HE WAS AN OUTSTANDING YOUNG MAN, HE LOVED COUNTRY MUSIC,AND HE LOVED LIFE. WE WERE IN THE SAME UNIT TOGETHER BUT I GOT OUT OF THE SERVICE RIGHT BEFORE HE LEFT TO GO TO WAR.
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIS LAUGH,AND HOW HE WAS ALWAYS SO KIND TO ALWAYS OFFER HIS BUDDYS A RIDE...HE LOVED TO LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC ALL LOUD IN THE BARRACKS,AND HE ALWAYS HANGED OUT WITH ROLLINS AND SIMONS...HE WAS ALWAYS SUCH A GENTLEMAN..I AM DEEPLY SORRY FOR HIS LOSS BUT I KNOW HE IS LOOKING OUT FOR US FROM HEAVEN...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
COBRA DET 502ND PSB"
SPC LANAGAN of OREGON

"SPC Allen was a great Soldier. I had the pleasure of going to AIT with him in Fort Jackson, SC from Oct 2000 to Dec 2000. I went on to Fort Hood and was assigned to the 502nd PSB. When my unit deployed to Iraq I never knew we had C Det out of Ft. Carson, CO. So when I seen SPC Allen for the first time since AIT I was in shock. We talked for some time about AIT, and what our plans were in the future. He was a very nice guy, and my condolenses go out to his family and friends."
SGT Raphael Riley of Fort Knox, KY

"At Ft. Carson, Ron was my neighbor and collegue. Ron was the kind of guy that you could turn to when you needed help. Before we went across the pond to Iraq, we use to sit around and absorb the moment, remember the good ol days growing up and hearing about Indiana. He was, and will always be a part of the "Barrack's Posse"(you still reserve a seat at the Mess hall table). When news reached our camp of that terrible day, each one of us knew that he would watch down upon us from above and out of harms way. To all of Ronnie's family, friends and all back home in Mitchell, I raise my glass and toast one of the very best, both soldier and gentleman, that I have ever had the honor to know. I truly miss having you around, but see you when I PCS to Heaven! Five-0 Deuce all the way!!!"
Jared Hopkins, SPC 502nd PSB of Greenville, SC

"YOUR SON WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN MY FRIEND YOUR SON IS JUST LIKE U A HERO A MAN OF PRINCIPLE AND WE WILL NEVER LET HIS MEMORY GOES"
ANN of NY

"Rest in peace sweet angel!"
Violet Sepulveda of San Diego Ca

"HE DREAMED OF A FARM FULL OF HORSES
------------------------------------
For Ronnie

Last night I opened a chat room
to pay tribute to our fallen warriors.

A man came in and told me
that his 22-year-old son had been killed
in combat,
and since the day he had learned the news, not even a day went by without crying for his boy.

He talked about the last time
his son was home on a couple-weeks vacation, and they had a wonderful time together,
you know, doing men stuff
hunting, fishing, having a couple beers,
and how in the canoe
his boy told him while brushed with his fingers the long hair of the river,
that his dream was to have someday a farm full of horses, and raise
there a family, and grow old,
an old fart -he said laughing-
who'd know more than anybody about horses.

There was a silence...
I knew he was crying now

There was a silence...
I was crying my eyes out


with love, Miriam"
MIRIAM of Boston, Massachusetts

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..8/25/04

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"We are Ron's parents it has been a year since we lost our beloved son.We miss him more everyday.We are proud of him and all of our men and women who have given the last full measure of devotion to this nation of freemen ,it is a high cost to lay down on the Alter of Freedom ,we all need to remember that our freedoms are not to be taken for granted many have given some and some have gave all God Bless America ,we love you Ronnie .semper fi Dad and mom Derek and Jyl Harrison"
Derek Harrison of Mitchell Indiana

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort during their time of sorrow and need. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. You will not be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"Ronald, I'm leaving in Sept. to go back to Iraq. I know you'll be by my side, just like in basic training. Thank you so much for being a great friend, soldier, and hero..It's my turn to return the favor. I know you'll watch over me..Outlaws to the end. RIP my friend, I'll never forget you."
SPC. Philip D. Snead of North Augusta, SC

"I am a seventh grade student. I go to Barker Central School. I am sorry about your loss. Ronald D. Allen Jr. was a brave man because he risked his life for our country. He is heroic because him and his friends fought hard to get Saddam."
Seventh Grade Student of Barker Middle School

"God bless you and RIP!"
Mike (USMC) of Indianapolis, Indiana

"Specialist Allen, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Ronald, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"You will not be forgotten. Even though I did not know you, I thank you and your family for the greatest sacrifice every made by an American"
Pat Walters of Cross Plains, WI

"RONALD AND I WENT THOROUGH BASIC TOGETHER...HE WAS AN "OUTLAW" ALL THE WAY AND TO THE END...MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY..WE NEVER FORGET OUR FALLEN BROTHERS.."
Spc Philip D. Snead of North Augusta, SC

"Thank you Ronald Allen, Jr., you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"My thoughts turned to you all and Ronnie this morning when I heard that it was the 4th Infantry boys that finally brought Saddam to his knees. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers each day. We love you!"
Angel Murphy of Scottsburg, IN/USA

"My thoughts & prayers go out to all the Military men and women who are at war and especially those who have lost their lives. May God bless you forever. Thank you for everything, you are my hero! Rest in peace"
Amanda K Casas of San Diego/Corpus Christi, Texas

"Our Thoughts and prayers for Ron and for your whole family, and please allow us to offer any assistance no matter how small."
Victory Reenacting, 5th Armored Div. of Michigan

"TO THE HARRISON FAMILY... WE ALL LOVE YOU LIKE OUR OWN FAMILY, WE WILL BE THERE WITH YOU THROUGH THE THICK AND THIN. IF THERE IS EVER ANYTHING YOU NEED, LET US KNOW AND WE WILL BE THERE FOR ALL OF YOU! RONNIE IS IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND WILL ALWAYS BE A BROTHER TO ME. LOVE YA POP! -DAN REGER AND WW2 4TH INF. REEINACTING GROUP"
DAN REGER of CARMEL, INDIANA, USA

"We ARE THE PARENTS OF RON ALLEN U.S.ARMY AND WE ARE PROUD OF OUR SON AND ALL OF HIS COMRADES WHO WATCH OVER US DAY AND NIGHT AND KEEP FREEDOM'S LIGHT BURNING BRIGHT AND FOR ALL OF OUR HEROES WHO HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR TOMORROWS FOR OUR TODAYS GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL OF HER BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN IN HARM'S WAY"
THE HARRISON FAMILY of MITCHELL IN. U.S.A.

"My name is Elisha Pahnke, wife of fallen soldier PFC Shawn Pahnke. I am deeply saddened by the loss of your loved one. I know that there are no words that can truely bring comfort to you at this time, but I want you to know that I am praying for your family. Your son is a hero, all of our boys are. May God Bless you and your family."
Elisha Pahnke of Shelbyville, IN

"To the family and friends of Spc. Ronald Allen, Jr.:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Ronald for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Spc. Ronald Allen, Jr.:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Ronald, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia