Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Miss you Nacho. I still think about when we were jacking steel in the bfc and I was going to get out and you were trying to talk me into staying. I was heading back over to the shitbox with the agency when I found out you passed, I think about it all the time my dude. I guess the older we get the more sentimental we get. Love you brother"
John of Rapid City SD

"I miss you buddy. You showed me what earning respect was. I remember when you broke your nose just doing combatives with JL. This is your day."
Old School of ER Alaska

"Ranger,,, we love and miss you very much...Thank you for sharing your Heart with everyone we all love,,,Honor,,,and miss you always..You will never be Forgotten..."
Frank B. of Sunnyside, WA.

"Rick, you honestly left impressions every where. This showed wht type of man you were..Brother i am eternaly gratefull for your greatest sacrifice, however i just .wishe'd i had a chance to thank you in person for everything you did for me..Brother I'm sorry for taking you for granted a lot when we were younger, i. love and miss you always...P.s Aaron says you'll always be his "HERO""
FRANK of SUNNYSIDE

"To the family of:Ricardo Barraza
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga""

"Barraza,
Hey bro, yeah its been awhile. I have not been in Ca lately. Once I do I will swing by your family. I have thought about you lately. We had some good times, trips to Yakima, out in Tacoma, overseas singing songs while out on patrol. All good memories. Damn, those were the good ole' times. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family bro. M.. you take care. It was nice runing into you. RLTW!"
"V" of Everywhere, World

"hey ricky,so guess what I have a family know I'm not the little girl you always pushed around.. I miss you and think about you all the time I tell my kids about there crazy Tio Ricky,One of my son's wants to become a Ranger just like you, He looks up to you, and he never even meet you.. I soo sorry I wasn't able to see one last time.. I so wish I could change back time, and listen to you when I was younger I'm sorry and I love an miss lots."
Michele Ledezma of sunnyside,WA

"With Veteran's Day approaching, my thoughts have been going back to my friends who didn't make it home. You were a great Ranger and a wonderful person. I'll be raising a glass to you down at the VFW in a couple days; you're still missed."
Kevin Hedahl of Sacramento, CA

"Hey primo just chillin here at work and you crossed my mind, just wanted to say we miss you and we are always thinking about you. Thanks for the great times."
Gustavo Barraza of Bakersfield, CA

"There are not words to pay tribute to a man that made "Boys" into "Rangers". Rick was not the best at what he did..... He was a God among Men in the place that he gave his Life to. I was not only a subordinate to Rick, but a friend and a pupil. I have yet to meet another man that could hold a torch to the Ranger that Rick was....... I will FOREVER remember SSG Barraza. He is, and will always will be, my true American Hero and friend."
Joshua Peterson of Savannah, Georgia

"I had the honor of serving with Rick Barraza in Aco 2/75. He was a great Ranger, and a great friend to many. He could always be counted on for a good laugh with his crazy jokes and endless sense of humor which was always ready even when everyone was "sucking".
Rangers Lead the Way. You will always be remembered."
C.J. Schmidt of Glendale, AZ

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Hey Ricky. We knew each other for a long time and even though we were never really that close, you left an impression. You were always so nice and funny; a genuinely good person. I feel lucky to have known you. Thank you for your service to our country."
C of CA

"Barraza, it's late and I'm drunk. I haven't been a Ranger in a long time, but I got to thinking about you, brother. And while you weren't an Earthpig, I love you and I'll never forget you. Though I be the lone survivor. RLTW."
Brian Wilson of OC, CA

"thinking about u today and always."
me of wa

"My son (Cheeks) serves in A Co. 2/75 He gave me a memorial bracelet to wear which bears the names: Ricardo Barraza & Dale Brehm.
I wear the bracelet 24/7 to always remember the sacrifice made. God Bless you."
Dan of Bow, NH

"Hey Mocoso,
I miss you so much. Because of you little brother I am a better person. I think about you everyday and I will for the rest if my life. Tre said the other day "it's weird without uncle Ricky". I replied "I know" "but he's still around watching us.". I told him "just remember everything your uncle ricky told you and taught you." He's 14 now and reminds me so much of you. He always looked up to you. Thank you because of you I have a new sister ha ha "my sister from another mother" Meghan and a neice, I love you and miss u so much."
Jamie Rosalez of Sunnyside, WA, USA

"April 13, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Ricardo Barraza:
Ricardo 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

"I joined the military with Rick after high school. That was the best time of my life. I loved Rick like a brother and kept in touch with him while we both had success in the army. I got out before him. he loved being a ranger in the army, I alway loved to share war stories with him he was like abrother to me.He always was so positive about everything. He could laugh about anything in the world, I still laugh about some things he laughed about. Rick was the only brother i have ever had."
Dion Bailey of Shafter, Ca

"Not knowing exactly what I want to say other than this brave man saved the life of someone who I have fallen deeply in love with. I will honor your memory always, and words cannot express the feeling of thankfulness that you protected him that night. I know you are with angels now, and watch those whom you loved until you are reunited with them."
Rebekka of Florida

"I've been thinking about you alot lately. It's funny how people come into you're life for different reasons.I thank you so very much for being a GREAT friend, my son will always know who u as "TIO" ricky. thanks for the memories."
m of washington

"hey ricky---my birthday is coming up and i was just remembering the time meghan had made you sing happy birthday to me in spanish! that was a fun night. you could always make me laugh when you guys would come home and i would be watching kayla. you are missed!"
brooke of las animas, co

"The Ranger Creed
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my Ranger Regiment.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move farther, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be. One-hundred-Percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially trained selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarass my country.

Readily I wll display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!

Ricardo,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OIF, but also for your service in Afghanistan as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

RLTW"

"Rick-

I think about you often even though we lost touch years before your deployment. Remember the cheerio, softer tounges, naked paratroopers?!=) I was sad to hear the news of your passing and still am. I feel so honored to have known you. You were a great soldier and a dedicated and loyal friend. I remember you saying you couldn't wait to get over there and let em have it, I'm sure you did! I don't know if I ever told you this or not, but I love you my friend, I will never forget you! Thank you for your sacrifice. It will always be remembered. I will always have a place for you in my heart!"
Sarah Kennedy of Maple Valley, Washington, USA

"You will always be in my heart....Wild Bunch for life....I send all that I am to you and your family.... Your son was one of the finest and most dedicated soldiers to train and serve in combat ...He will forever be remembered."Rangers Lead the way-All the way"
SSG Giscombe of Leesburg, virginia

"Barraza,

The first time I met you, you were drunk. I was so nervous about meeting my first team leader in batallion. You just returned from SFOUT or some other close quarters combat school and were boozing it up on the off-limits 1sg roof with some of the other "tabs".

I was a skinny, wet behind the ears, Army Ranger private. If I had only known how important you were going to be in my life and how big of an impact your influence would have on me - I would of climbed up on that roof. I would of looked you square in the eye and said "thank you" - before it was too late.

I was 4 years your elder. Yet, when you spoke, the room hushed and people listened. For four years I ran as hard as I could, fought as hard as I could, and worked as hard as I could, just to keep up with you.

You taught me how to be a Ranger. Not only with a weapon, fighting style, urban combat techniques, Ranger SOPs - but most importantly, with my mind.

A unique bond develops between men who suffer together. That bond is solidified in a war zone. We deployed to combat 5 times together. We suffered together, starved together, hurt together, jumped out of airplanes together. But please know that you didn't die alone. I was with you until the end - just as a part of you will always be with me until I die.

You are the single most influential person in my adult life. I looked up to you - even though I told you to "* off" once in a while. I couldn't attend your funeral but I heard that hundreds of people were in attendance. A true testiment to your character and charisma.

I have finally come to terms with your untimely parting and have made peace with myself. For so long I wished I was there and maybe things would be different. I have finally accepted what happened to you and Dale. Rest in peace Ranger Buddy.

Scott"
Scott Chpaman of Kamuela, Hawaii

"To the family of Rick Barraza, my name is joe kent, i had the privlage and honor of serving with Rick. Rick was one of the most positave and enthusiastic people i have ever been around, alway quick with a joke to make the most out of any situation, and the type of Ranger and friend you wanted by your side in bad situations. Rick was killed while engaugeing the enemys of our nation and defending his friends. Not a day has gone by that Rick is not missed and remebered with honor, as well as found memories of a great man and Ranger. with respect, Joe kent"
Joe Kent of Ft. Campbell KY

"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.
Our nations HERO, Ricardo will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "

"Thank you Ricardo Barraza, 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

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Ricardo Barraza:
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 Ricardo 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 Staff Sgt. Ricardo Barraza:
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 Ricardo, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia