Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"March 28, 2008
To the family of Spc. Richard Arriaga:
Richard 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"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Tody is september the 18 2007. It has been 4 years today that God took my little boy home. Not a day goes by that I dont think about him. His sisters talk about their hero all the time.They were just 4&2 at the time. I know he is in abetter place now, where no one can hurt him. Ilove you& miss you my boy. LOVE MOM, LINDSEY, HANA"
Barbara Falcon of Ganado, Texas

"Yo Richie, what's up on the other side lil cuz? You know, I was a few days away from leaving Iraq when Sidebottom woke me up cause I was late for KP and he says to me, "Golf troop got attacked last night. Arriaga's dead." Yeah, he was never much for subtlety. Took a minute to register but you know I was always a musician. Man, I wrote a song in your memory that day...things will be changed around a bit if it ever gets out. Your name doesn't need to be thrown out there on the radio making the ones you love cry every time...I think about you a lot man. Me and some of the boys close to you, like Ribas, talked a lot about you after that news came. We loved you then and we'll love you always. Sucks, at the time I was in trouble and they didn't even let me go to your funeral but what's a silly ritual for the moment you passed on? I'd rather a celebration for the life you lived. I hope that wherever you are, you're happy. I know you're looking out for your wife and kid and you always will. Much love man, and that's for real."
El Chachi of USA

"My dearest Richie it has been 3 long tearful years since you went to be with our lord .Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and wish you were here.But I won't be selfish I will hope to see you one day. Love and Hugs Aunt lucy"
Lucy Eastlick of Ganado,Tx

"hey rich, its me bata, man everyday all i do is cry because we used to be so close when we younger. since we were in the same grade, born the same year and month. but all i think about is that the last time i saw u, we had just turned 17. that makes me feel crappy. im a crappy aunt.it just sucks that, thats the last memory of u that i have. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND MISS YOU. IM SO SORRY THAT THINGS TURNED OUT LIKE THIS. i wish it would all go away."
melissa hernandez (tia Bata) of austin texas

"Hey Richard I miss you alot. we moved to Hobbs New Mexico. We never really talked when I got the chance to maybe I should have sent you more messages well I'll write you later."
Bessie Sowders of Hobbs,New mexico

"I serveed with Richie at Hood and in Iraq. I will never forget the good times we had. You always had a way of cheering me up and making me laugh. I will always remember you! To the family of SPC Arriaga I am sorry for your loss,he will never be forgotten!"
SSG Martin, Jeffery S of Camp Casey Korea

"Hey Richard, I just wanted to say that I miss you and I'll never forget all the crazy times! I love ya cuz!"
Destiny Sless of Louise, Texas, USA

"Hey Richard,It's me Chelsea I know you barely knew me but I knew yaou and I luv ya I can't talk long so Bye"
Chelsea Delgado of Giddings, Tx

"Hey Richard it's me Bessie again I luv ya to the bottom of my heart and when ever me and the other girls got in a fight your problem you had whith when Jr. wouldn't talk to you and he said how he failed his chance to talk to you before you died and that is why I cied during the count down.The last time I saw you was at my B-day party.Jedemias said hi I miss you alot and well Happy Birthday Merry Christmasl and Happy New Years!!!My mom ,my dad, and Chelsea said hi and that they miss you Luv ya you are my hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -Bessie"
Bessie Sowders of Giddings, Tx

"Hey Richard Its me Leanna I just wanted to say Merry Christmas, Happy New year and Happy Birthday. I love you from the bottom of my heart, and even though its been two years since you died I still sometimes cry at night because I know that your not coming back. Bianca Mia is now two years old and she knows that you are her daddy. When I show her a picture of you and I say who is this she will say Daddy Richard. Sometimes just out of the blue she will say Nana Daddy Richard. So i give her a picture of you and she will walk around with it in her hand and talk to the picture. Luv ya always your my hero."
Leanna Delgado of Giddings, Tx

"Hey Richard I couldn't go to your funeral because I had a football game. I'm so sad cause' I barely even knew you, and I'm so mad because I missed out on a great person/hero. Love always, you're my hero!!"
kenneth Sowders of Giddings, Tx

"Hey Richard I couldn't go to your funeral because I had a football game. I'm so sad cause' I barely even knew you, and I'm so mad because I missed out on a great person/hero. Love always, you're my hero!!"
kenneth Sowders of Giddings, Tx

"Dear Richard,
I barley even knew you. I didn't even get to go to your funeral, Because I had a football game, I would've canceled it but my dad told me not to. I'll always love you from the bottom of my heart. Love always, you're my hero"
Roman delgado of Giddings, Tx

"Hey Richard I'ts me bessie I know you really don't know me but I know you. I miss you a lot and I wish you were here. I'm here and it's the first of Janurary, oh god well when we were about to do the countdown me, shyanne, Leanna, and Bianca were crying down waterfalls because you weren't there and Everyone didn't seem to care, but in your heart you should always know that we do and When I say "we" I mean Me, Shyanne, Leanna, and Bianca. Luv ya always, You're my hero!!"
Bessie Sowders of Giddings, Tx

"Hey Richard it's me shyanne Well Today is new years eve and I really wish you were here the whole family spent Christmas without you and it hurt really bad knowing you weren't there anymore. Me leanna And Bonx missed you we talked and talked saying how much we missed you and Bonx felt bad because she said you never really KNEW her so I send hugs and kisses from her to you and wish you a happy new year! Your my hero! Love always"
shyanne leigh Ortega of RoundRock,tx

"Well lets see, I have only known you a little while before you left to war, you were a sweet person and I could tell you were very much in love with Maggie. I really havent seen Bianca but I have seen pictures and she is very beautiful. God Bless Richard"
Jessica Bonin of Austin, Tx USA

"Hey Richard It's me shy I'm doing really good and I wanted to talk to you because Somethings on the other hand are going a little shaky , but I just wanted to tell you whats been going on. Well where do I start Aunt Tammie is having a baby oh I can't wait. One more cousin will do it, or should I say one more little boy. Then Dolores just had her sweet sixteen she looked sooooo beautiful if only if only you were there. I hate seeing your army picture, you look so sad and with you being sad I'm sad as well and I miss you so much please guide me through life to make the right decisions.Your my hero"
Shyanne Ortega of Round Rock, Tx

"I was Spc. Arriaga's Gunner on the night of the ambush. Arriaga was a good man, high spirited, and always happy. I don’t think I've seen a day where he wasn’t. He was a good friend; we always would find something to do to pass the time. I loved him like a brother; he will forever be in my memories and never be forgotten."
Spc. Cross of Bay City, MI

"we miss you and love you, you are like a son to me and Tc. We love you, you are always in our mind."
Francisco & Aracelis Mejorado of Houston, TX

"He was my friend and I miss him, I knew him shortly in Iraq but he made an impact on me, Derrick and everyone else he talked to. Still think of him and the candle that was extinguished too soon."
David Vazquez of El Monte, California

"dear richard,
I miss you,you were always a good cousin.I love you richard,and your always going to be my hero!"
savannah of round rock,tx

"Richard it's shy I miss you so much I pray to you everynight hoping you hear them I wish you would come back, knowing you can't, I still hold your love and care in my heart I just wanted to tell you that the note I gave you was supposed to be for when you came back but I just put it in your hand I miss you and hope to see you in my dreams.Your my hero!!!!"
Shyanne Ortega of Round Rock, tx

"Richie, I miss you so much, I know you are looking down on your beautiful baby girl right now. You are never forgotten."
Jeremy Hafer of Baytown, Tx

"hey richard i didnt get to meet you but i know your parents rosie and richard arriaga and your brothers carlos and joey im family by enis arriaga hes my g-pa.youll always be in my prayers."
rebecca guajardo of freeport, texas

"Just wanted to say that I miss you so much, I wish you were here to help me get through the dayz. I hope and pray that Lil Richie turns out to be like you. And learns how to be as kind and caring as you were. Love Always your sister SHERRIE CORTEZ And Nephew Richard"
Sherrie Cortez of Ganado Texas

"To the family and friends of Richard "Ray Ray" Arriaga:
I knew Ray Ray (as we called him) for a short while. He was one of my AIT and BFIST students when I was an instructor. It was an honor and a pleasure teaching someone who wanted to learn so much about the Army. He will always be remembered as an outstanding soldier, brother-in-arms, and friend. He will be sorely missed."
CW2 Lee Sutton of Fort Irwin, CA

"This is for the family of Richard Arriaga. My name is angel richards and I am a member of American Soldier Memorial project, we stitch a beautiful picture for the family in memory of the fallen soldier. I have just finish one for this family but we dont have an address to mail it to. If anyone could help, that would be greatly appriecated. You can email me at bouncy_tigger@comcast.net. Thank you so much."
angel richards of wixom, MI

"You'll always be remembered. You've touch the hearts of everyone you come in contact with. You'll always be our hero. We love you Richard."
Donna Mae, Shyanne & Savannah of Round Rock, Texas

"I miss you so much and all i can seem to think about is you. Richard you are our hero and i love you so much. I know you are lookig down on Bianca and I but I need you!! Love you always and forever, your wife, maggie arriaga"
Maggie Arriaga of Dime Box Tx

"Richard was all my best friend his sister in law talked about.He will never be forgotten in anyone's heart in Dime Box.We love you Maggie and Beyonca!Richards my Hero!"
Tiffany Dawson of Dime Box,Tx,United States

"Richard Arriaga will be remembered as a hero."
Dolores Arriaga Slater of Suffolk, England

"I really miss my brother-in-law Richard Arriaga because he was a very good person and very good husband to my big sister Maggie Arriaga.He is my Hero."
Leanna Delgado of Giddings Tx U.S.A

"I really miss my brother-in-law Richard Arriaga because he was a very good person a very good husband to my big sister Maggie Arriaga."
Leanna Delgado of Giddings Tx U.S.A

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

"May almighty God comfort Richard and his family, and may his service to this country never be forgotten. God bless America and God bless you Richard."
Miguel A. Lopez of Fresno, California

"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, Richard, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"May Jesus give you strength to go on without the brave soldier. Nothing can bring him back, but the Bible says you can go to where he is someday. In Christ, a mother of a soldier in Iraq"
Barbara iaz of Colorado

"I served with richie at hood and in Iraq. He was a very mature and good natured young man. Not a day goes by that he is not thought of by his fellow fisters still in country. His spirit and bravery will not be forgotten."
SSG Charles W. Henderson of FT Hood, Tx

"May you rest in peace and thank you for your sacrifice for our country."
Marlena of killeen, Tx

"Thank you Richard Arriaga, 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

"Richard is my step-brother. He was a very smart guy. He was very polite and always willing to lend someone a hand. I am very proud of Richard. I know he's in heaven cheering on his division for capturing Saddam. We all miss you very much Richard!!!"
Amy of Boling, Tx

"TO THE FAMILY OF SPC.RICHARD ARRIAGA HE WILL BE REMEMBERED AS A HERO,WE WILL ALWAY'S BE IN OUR HEART'S I GOT TO MEET HIM AT FORT HOOD MY SON IS WITH THE SAME UNIT HHB442FA HOME FOR R&R TILL DEC 19,OUR PRAYER'S ARE YOUR'S"
DONNIE LAWRENCE SR. of DOUGLASVILLE GA

"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, Texas

"to the family of richard arriaga, i am sorry for your loss. i knew richard from the army, we were in the same unit,but i got out right before they left for iraq. i must tell you richard was the maturist 20 year old i have ever met. he was very smart and witty. he was a favorite among his leaders becouse he was so responsable.in closing, once again, iam sorry and richard, god bless you, you will be missed"
spc. sean blanton of tulsa ok

"I am sure that Richard's loss is something that we will all feel. I would like his family to know that someone is thinking about them and sending them warm wishes during this difficult time. God bless you."
Michelle of Canada

"I sorry for the loss of your son, SPC Richard Arriaga. He will be remember as a hero to our country and to Ganado. I knew him for a brief moment at one time when visiting my family in Edna. May God bless you and your family for he is watching you from Heaven."
Army SPC Lisa Parrish of Mannheim, Germany

"I sorry for the loss of your son, SPC Richard Arriaga. He will be remember as a hero to our country and to Ganado. I knew him for a brief moment at one time when I was down visiting my family in Edna. He will be never forgotten. May God bless you and your family for he has Richard watching over you from the sky."
Lisa Parrish of Mannheim, Germany

"To the family and friends of Spc. Richard Arriaga:
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 Richard 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. Richard Arriaga:
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 Richard, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia