Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Ryan is my hero. He is always in my heart. 💕"
Laura Hardy of Detroit, MI

"I graduated flight school with Ryan. I remember I was at sea when I heard of his mishap. He was literally the nicest guy I had ever met. He constantly had a smile on his face. We TRULY lost one of the best of "US.""
Daniel Vicario of Dallas-Fort Worth Texas

"Memorial Day 2015... We still remember you Ryan. Andreas and I send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Andreas went to flight school with Ryan and he's now a CO of a squadron. There's not a minute that doesn't go by that Ryan is still thought of in his memory. Recently in a letter to the families while they prepare for deployment, he wrote Ryan's quote: "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." It brings comfort to us"
Jennifer Lavat of MCAS Miramar

"Ayy lmao"
alien of nevada

"Memorial Day...2014. I can't believe it's been 11 years since that day. Not a day goes that I don't think of you and the others....I was present that day when he went down and as a Corpsman, it broke my heart that there was nothing I could do except handle them all the love and care that I know. I remember everything about that day and that very hard moment....it was the longest day of my life. I haven't really spoken about it except to my wife, but I just wanted to say that there are no finer men than those like Ryan. Who steadily go into the unknown for something greater than himself and all of us. I'll always remember you brother...never above you, never below you, always beside you. Thank you.

Semper,
Doc"
Doc

"Words Cannot express the gratitude I have for you Ryan. I remember that fateful day, seems like yesterday. I was raised in the same town as you and your family. It hit home. Thank you for your utlimate sacrifice THANK YOU.
My son joined the military the very next year and I am proud that he was inspired by YOU!
Thank you RYAN, THANK YOU!
you will NEVER be forgotten!"
Susaine of Clifton, Il

"Memorial Day, 2013. It's hard to believe it's been 10 years. Can't find the words to properly express how much you're missed but it was an honor serving together and calling you a friend. I'll never forget."
Erik of California

"Memorial Day weekend, 2013..How can it possibly be 10 yrs? We still look across the street and wish Ryan was out there shooting baskets or mowing the lawn. No, we see the flag flying and then chat of the great Ryan. We will never forget or ever quit missing a chat with him."
The Sutherlands of St. Anne, IL, USA

"10 years, a decade. I never forget. You are always with me."
Shaun of Michigan

"My condolences to the family of CAPT. Beaupre. I served along side during USS BOXER 2001 Western/Arabian Deployment. I was an Air Traffic Control Airman at the time. I briefed all pilots prior to taking off. They always listened to what i had to say but ever more cared where we were in the world.
I knew CAPT as not only a funny and spunky man but a man that cared and had a cause! Men like CAPT Beaupre inspired me to not only live life with cause but rather to take advantage of opportunities. Forever he will be in prayers. Thank you."
AC1 Lorenzo Lopez of NAS Whidbey Island, WA

"my hero - Ryan Beaupray - nice article in todays Kankakee Daily Journal"
Springer of Murfreesboro, TN

"my hero - Ryan Beaupray - nice article in todays Kankakee Daily Journal"
Springer of Murfreesboro, TN

"Once a brother at Sigma Pi, always a brother. We still remember you, Ryan"
Sigma Pi of Epsilon-Gamma Chapter

"Thinking of you today. Thank you for your sacrifice."
Vicki Doctor of Arizona

"I am in tears right now. It is my birthday, and today, one of my best friends was promoted to Master Gunnery Sergeant. His co-worker came up to me and stated he went to jump school with one of the other marines who was with Beaup on that fatefull day. It made me realize what a small world it is, and reminded me to appreciate what Beaup and all the marines / military who have made the ultimate sacrifice gave up for our freedoms. Thank you Beaup, you are missed."
Ryan "Manu" Heal of Jacksonville, FL

"To the Family of Marine Capt. Ryan Anthony Beaupre, I am truly sorry for your lost, on behalf of my family thank you for your service and our freedom.

Martinez Family"
adolfo martinez of San Marcos, ca

"Although we never met, Ryan was my distant cousin. I just want your family to know that we still think of Ryan's sacrifice and I remember him in my prayers."
Mary Saindon Grzywa of Marseilles, IL

"”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! Almost 2,100 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 wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com 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
Projectcompassion@manti.com"
Project Compassion of Manti, Utah USA

"Ryan,

We all miss you."
Major Michael Boccolucci, USMC of Al Asad, Iraq

"To the family of Ryan... On this Memorial Day, 2009, please know that we have not forgotten the ultimate sacrifice that Ryan gave for our country, and for the freedom we all enjoy today because of that. Let this Memorial Day serve as a reminder to all the debt we owe to Ryan, and to you his family for your sacrifice."
-a United States citizen enjoying freedom due to people like Ryan of Bloomington, Illinois

"I want Ryan's family to know that his life touched so many people - and that he will never be forgotten. I still have a photo hanging on my wall of him that I see everyday. The world was a better place because he was in it."
Maureen Wattelet (a former classmate at Illinois Wesleyan) of San Diego, CA

"In a tiny town in Illinois
A little boy was playing
He had bright red hair
And was quick to smile

But he didn’t know
That in a few short years
He would be serving his country

Well the time came
And he was a marine
Compassionate and loving
And was still quick to smile

Then one day
While he was on a flight
The tools decided to test him
They whipped his skill
And beat his brains
Until they finally got him

As the helicopter fell
The machine knew it had won
Then the CRASH
And it was done

But the machine had not won
No, the boy fought back
The machine was destroyed
But along with the boy himself"
Taylor Gestwick of Yorktown, VA USA

"To the family of:Ryan Anthony Beaupre 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"

"I didn't know you personally, but we went to the same high school. I to have deployed. And will deploy again in June 2009. Not a day goes bye that I don't think about you and your family. Your sacrifice will NOT be in vain."
SGT Simulick U S Army of Fort Benning, GA

"A friend of mine gave me Ryan's name to honor in the Run for the Fallen Finale today. I am proud to have his name on my running bib. As a mom, I am deeply sorry for the sacrifice your family has given. Thank you Ryan! May you rest in peace."
a runner among many of those who wish to honor and remember Brea, CA

"Coming upon the 5th year anniversary of this war, I just wanted to say, as a former Bishop McNamara classmate of Ryan's, I think about him often and what a great person he was when I knew him in his formative years, and the great, honorable and brave person he became afterwards. All of my best, and prayers to his family--he is still honored and not forgotten."
A former classmate of Illionois

"To the family:
It has been over four years and Ryan, Jay, Kendall, and Brian have crossed my mind so many times. I still remember getting the word that their bird had crashed and I just couldn't believe it. I had just sat down in the chow hall next to Ryan a few days earlier. Since I was prior enlisted he always asked me about my experiences as a drill instructor. For some reason he seemed impressed by that. Being a ground maintenance officer (AAMO), I was proud to be serving with the pilots of 268 but I always had a special respect for Ryan. I never heard a cross word out of him and I don't recall ever seeing him without a smile. In fact the last time I saw him alive, he was smiling. CWO Wennes, the MMCO, and I were driving a vehicle out on the flight line prior to launching that first mission to the staging area. We were taking some of the air crews and their equipment to the helicopters. As we dropped Ryan off I told him to take care. He smiled, waved and said he would. He was about to go to war and yet he was as happy and care free as ever. I never talked to him about Christ but I believe he had placed his life and hope in Him and was at peace. Ryan was a great Marine but more importantly, he was a great guy. May God bless you all."
James E. Rollins III (Trey) of Sewanee, TN

"To The family of Capt. Ryan Beaupre

My son Joseph served with Ryan as a fellow "Red Dragon" with HMM 268. I remember Ryan and his fellow Marines every Sunday at Mass as we express our Petition of Faith and thank them for their ultimate sacrifice. Know he is "Guarding the streets of Heaven".
God bless you."
Denise of Juneau, Alaska

"He was the finest Marine and aviator I have ever known. You are missed Ryan... I will never forget your sacrifice."
Matt Belisle of Gainesville, FL

"Please keep Ryan, and all those who have given that last full measure of devotion on our behalf, in your thoughts this Memorial Day."
Michael Fitzgerald of Normal, IL

"May 22, 2007
To the family of Ryan Anthony Beaupre. Ryan 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

"May you always remember him for the hero that he was"
Lorene Meacham of Monument, CO, USA

"Thank you for your sacrifice. Although we didn't know one another, I know that we are family in Christ Jesus. I pray you are at peace with God in heaven and enjoying every moment of it. Again, thank you for the legacy you have left in the hearts of many."
Timothy J. Hines of Cypress, TX, USA

"You always smiled sir. PT, oohrah!
I will always remember, I promise to live my life for the memory of 01."
Shaun Kelley of Vista, CA

"Dear Ryan,

You have been on my mind this week, as I know you are on the minds of all those that loved you. You will never be forgotten. Your sacrifice was great, but you are a hero. As long as I teach, as long as I continue to do "hero" programs, you will be there...your strength and courage sets an example for us all. And your pictures will be there too, especially the one with your mom and dad and your smile so big your eyes were closed. Your mom told me that was the day you got your wings. I guess God needed you in Heaven more than we need you here. My prayers stay with your family. I know you are in good hands now."
Debi Bucher of Sterling, VA

"Thank you for your sacrifice. I'm sure you will be missed greatly."
Nicholas Beaupre' AS3 AW ( vet) of Harrisburg,Illinois

"I was one of the pallbearers for Capt Beaupre and it has always been something that has stuck with me.I saw how truly the community so loved it's son that the entire town of St. Anne shut down and rallied to support his family in their time of need.At that time I was reminded of how much our Corps means to America and how we who answer the call and give up our own personal freedoms to protect the freedom of others are truly appreciated.Capt. Beaupres' selflessness and dedication to God,country and Corps will always serve as a reminder of how as Marines we will always place ourselves in harms way so that others will not have to.I've since been to Iraq and back thankfully without much incident,and I will try my best to live the rest of my life to honor the memories of my brother Marines who have fallen, who have given their all and will try to instill in my children the same values of honor,courage and commitment that we as Marines have instilled in us from day one. To the family of Capt. Beaupre thank you for everything you've given to America,I can only hope that your sacrifice shall never go in vain,your son is my hero.Semper Fidelis Capt. Beaupre Sir."
Lcpl Santoyo,J.M. of B 1/14,Joliet ,IL

"To the family:
It has been almost 4 years and I must say Capt. Beaupre made a lasting impression on me. I never knew how so until I received the call that his helicopter went down. I burst into tears. I never met his sister but we were pregnant at the same time and every morning he would rush into my office ask me how I was doing and ask me how my pregnancy was going. He would be so excited to share how his sister was going through morning sickness and when she found out she was having twins, he could not wait to be an uncle and to see those twins. I know he died with his family on his mind. Blessings to the family. He was an awesome man."
LaToya Allen (Cpl. Allen, HMM-268) of Havelock, NC Craven County

"Capt. Beaupre,
Sir, I would like to say thank you to you and the other men who were on that '46 with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"I found Capt. Beuupre's letter home in USA today a few years ago. To this day I am proud to carry the letter he sent home to his family. In his letter he talked of how he could ask for no better family... or how there was no worse creature than one who has nothing to fight for other than himself... keep me strong in my life and I pray and hope for those who place themselves above all of our petty politics in order to do the right thing. I will proudly place a dedication to Captain Ryan Beaupre in the publishing of my first novel, and I pray that his dedication, pride and heart are embodied in my work. I have read these things that he stood for and I hope that I can pass a little of his heart in my little bit of work."
Ken Christian of Annapolis

""Memorial Day" 2006
"RYAN A. BEAUPRE"
"I WILL NEVER FORGET"
Proud Army mom of:
Pfc. Adam L. Thomas KIA 08-31-03
Afghanistan"
Ellen Thomas of Burbank, IL

"I was thinking about Ryan today and I happened upon this site. As a fraternity brother, team mate and friend I want to say thank you for your service Ryan and may God bless you. You have made the ultimate sacrifice for your country/ for us and you will not be forgotten."
Justin Goodman of Kenai, AK

"Two weeks ago, I had several friends of Ryan in my home. We all went to college together and before we knew it, Ryan was once again the topic of discussion...his memory fills our hearts always. I can be certain on this day, when all of us were together, Ryan was laughing right along side us as we fondly recalled the wonderful memories we shared...we love you, Beaup...and always will."
Jennifer (Gooch) Keeney of Chicago, IL

"My name is Cameron Schilling and I have started “Portrait of a Soldier” which donates a portrait sketch of every Illinois soldier who has fallen in Iraq or Afghanistan. All 122 sketches will be on display for a Memorial Day Presentation in Chicago, Illinois on May 26-31 at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. After the ceremony the sketches will be given to the immediate families of the Illinois soldiers. I would invite any friends or family members to come and honor these men and women from Illinois who have given their lives to our country. For more information please contact OperationHomeFront.org at 866-417-8889 which is an organization headed by the Lt. Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who is in charge of the Memorial Day Presentation. Thank You.

Please check out www.portraitofasoldier.org
To contact Cameron email cameronschilling84@hotmail.com
To contact Operation Home Front call 866-417-8889"
Cameron Schilling of Charleston, Illinois

"Three years later it still hurts to know Ryan is gone. May God stand between you and harm in all the empty places where you must walk."
Michael Fitzgerald of Normal, IL

"In your honor and with gratitude to you, Ryan Anthony Beaupre, I’ve planted a daffodil in your name, as have others across the country as part of Project LIVE ON, a program I founded to memorialize each U. S. military who has died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thousands of beautiful daffodils will come up each Spring, and, like your spirit, will LIVE ON...and ON. Blessings to you, the family, as you grieve, and heal. For details, please contact projectliveon@aol.com. Jan. 22, 2006."
Gretchen Forbes of the northcentral mountains of Pennsylvania

"I have planted a daffodil in Ryan's memory along with 50 others, to honor his life. I am part of Project LIVE ON projectliveon@aol.com"
Ruth Anderson of Mountain View, California

"My name is Cameron Schilling. I am a college student from central Illinois. I am the first generation of my family not to serve his country. I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice you and your loved one has given for the United States. I am disappointed by the way the news media has covered this war and the deaths of our youth. The media has stopped listing the names of the soldiers killed in Iraq and people only talk about the soldiers when we reach a specific milestone in deaths. If you just started watching the news today you would not even know there is a war going on. Partisan politics have replaced coverage of our young generation who have traveled to a foreign land in the name of the United States. Whether you believe the war in Iraq is wrong, right, justified or not everyone should pay even just a little more attention to what these young men and women are sacrificing. This is what I would like to do. I want to do my part in honoring these soldiers and their memories. Along with being a college student I am also a budding artist. I draw pencil portraits of local people in my community. I want to offer a pencil portrait sketch to the immediate family of every Illinois soldier killed in Iraq. Please contact me at cameronschilling84@hotmail.com."
Cameron of illinois

"I was at Edwards Hospital in Naperville, Illinois, giving birth to my daughter, now 21/2. She was born March 23. The family in the room next to me delivered a baby boy whom I remembered named their son after Ryan.
The couple lives in Aurora, Illinois, or did in March, 2003. I'd hope to somehow get a message to Ryan Anthony Beaupre's family someday. Today, is the day. I was on the internet and found this website. I think often about Ryan Anthony Beaupre although I never knew or met him. As he was one of the first fallen heroes of this on-going war. I thought alot about his parents and still do. I look at my 21/2 year old daughter and think how old will she be when this war ends. How many more soliders (mother's sons)will die before it is over with?"
Lonna Converso of Loves Park, Illinois

"I miss Beaupe - we went to undergrad together and were fraternity brothers. Beaupe was one of the first to die in the war, but we lost more than 20 Marines this week (Aug '05). It's time to honor Ryan's memory and bring the rest of our men home. There were no WMD's - our President lied and Ryan died."
Friend O'Beaupe of America, US

"To the Family of Capt. Beaupre:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 7/12/05, 112 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put Ryan's name on one of them.
We have called our display "Arlington Midwest" and it is located in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

If you would like us to do this, please email me at ArlingtonMidwest@yahoo.com.

We invite you to visit Arlington Midwest. I can send you directions and some pictures by email.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them."
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"Remembering Ryan after 2 years. Your family will always hold a special place in my heart. You touched me so much when you came to my husbands funeral so soon after that of your sons. I celebrated your sons life on the 20th as that is my sons birthday. i believe that perhaps your son is a guardian angel for my son as im sure they passed each other on March 20, 2003 when my son was born and yours was taken away. May God Bless you and bring you peace."
elisha pahnke, wife of fallen soldier PFC Shawn Pahnke(illinois) of Shelbyville, IN

"Ryan,
You have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of a foreign country that will never know you. The majority of Iraqis understand and appreciate exactly what you stood for. You have fulfilled your commitment to the world as an American and as a United States Marine. Your family and friends can stand proudly every time they hear our Star Spangled Banner. As a fellow Marine, I thank you and your family for their sacrifice.
"SAEPE EXPERTUS, SEMPER FIDELIS, FRATRES AETERNI"
"Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever""
Alan H Barbour of Marshall, VA

"We Americans are safe because of Ryan's sacrifice. Thank you and we hope your loving family will heal soon."
David Govett of Davis, California

"I remember clipping the article about Ryan back in 2003. I was in his platoon at Officer Candidate School at Quantico, VA in 1996. The few memories I can recall were somewhat small:

1) I remember our first PT test he got a writeup for scoring a perfect score - 20 pull ups, perfect sits up and 18 minute 3 mile run

2) Since my last name was Bernstein he was on the bottom bunk to my right

3) First week at OCS we spent a middle of the night shift on a practice patrol in the parking lot where old marine aircraft were stored - one of us circle clockwise and the other counterclockwise

Overall I remember him as super friendly and outgoing.

My regards,

David Bernstein - The Woodlands, TX"
David Bernstein of The Woodlands, Texas

"Ryan was the boyfriend of my best friend, deb. I'll always be grateful to him for the freedom he fought so hard for and the happiness he gave her. We all miss you, Ryan."
Kelly of Yorba Linda, CA

"For Ryan, may he rest in sublime peace. Not before his death have I been so personally effected by the loss of a soldier and the loss to his family. Those who knew him testified of his exemplary character. I went to school in his home town. And I hate the cause and deceit of this war. But Ryan did his soldier's duty and made the ultimate hero's deed by dying for nothing personal, but for all of us in an "American" cause. May God be just and merciful on those who don't hold high the value of life. May He bestow peace and the richer life of Heaven on those who have been taken. Peace be upon Ryan's family and may they be comforted by knowing that their loss is shared by many who may never have met Ryan but now have him in their hearts and prayers."
A. Rashid of Kankakee, Illinois

"Priceless sacrifice. Will not be forgotten."
Jesda of St Louis

"God bless those who, in time of danger, run toward the sound of the cannon."
Alan Morton of Albany, Oregon

"Thank God for your husband's service in this ongoing war. I thank the lord each day that we have fine men like this that are willing to serve their country for all of us. I cannot relate to your loss but I can say that I thank patriots like your husband so much for what they have done and what they do on a day to day basis."
Dave of River Falls, WI

"God bless you, Marine!"
Rinaldo Bombardelli of Fierozzo Italy

"My husband, Spc Justin W. Linden died June 4, 2004 in Iraq. I wanted to let every other family who has been through this know, that I have joined you in your grief, and to always remember that so many of us understand and you aren't alone. I am so sorry for your loss. These men were all so wonderful and there bravery, strength, and courage was never ending. God bless all of you and please know I am praying for you."
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"To Ryan's family:

I am soooo, soooo sorry for what happened to Ryan. It's difficult to hear of the loss of any American soldier, but to hear that a Beaupré was killed makes it even more devastating.

Hopefully you can trust in God's ultimate plan and believe there's something better in store for Ryan. God Bless you!"
Cheri Beaupré of Gardena, Ca - Originally from Sault, Ont.

"To the beloved family of the Capt. Ryan. I am so sorry for you. I'm sure he was a very good man, I thank you very much for the help your son, brother has done for his COUNTRY!!! GOD BLESS AND STAY SAFE!!!

From Joseph
I am a a student from Baker Middle School."
7 Grade student of Barker Middle School

"To the beloved family of the Capt. Ryan. I am so sorry for you. I'm sure he was a very good man, I thank you very much for the help your son, brother has done for his COUNTRY!!! GOD BLESS AND STAY SAFE!!!

From Joseph
I am a a student from Baker Middle School."
7 Grade student of Barker Middle School

"To the beloved family of the Capt. Ryan. I am so sorry for you. I'm sure he was a very good man, I thank you very much for the help your son, brother has done for his COUNTRY!!! GOD BLESS AND STAY SAFE!!!

From Joseph
I am a a student from Baker Middle School."
7 Grade student of Barker Middle School

"I appreciate what Captain Ryan has done for our country. By ensuring our continuing freedom and paying such a high price. He deserves the highest recognition."
7th Grade Student of Barker Middle School

"It was an honor to know you and work with you. We miss you Ryan. You will not be forgotten."
Marines from FlightLine HMM-268 of Camp Pendleton Ca

"To the Family of Capt. Beaupre,

It is with a heavy heart that I write these words to you and other family members of Marines who have fallen. I come from a long family line of Marines; I too am a Marine Corps veteran. His service to his Country and his Corps will live forever in the minds of his fellow Marines all over this country.

While I never personally met this Marine, every Marine is my brother and it is with love and respect to his family that I say to them the words of retired GySgt Ermey, "The Marine Corps lives forever, and that means you live forever."

God Bless and Semper Fidelis"
Rob of Iowa

"To the Beaupre family and the entire community. Your son, Ryan, and our country's son, has touched so many lives. One look at his beautiful, smiling face immediately made you feel like Ryan could dig deep into your heart. I just want you to know that Ryan's sacrifice was not in vain - he is our hero, along with all the other brave men and women who have paid the ultimate price for this great country and our freedom. Thank you , Ryan, for protecting us and thank you to the Beaupre family for raising such a fine, outstanding, selfless young man. Your pride should have no bounds and trust that Ryan lives on in the lives he so deeply touched. He has touched my life and I didn't even know him. My Dad, a retired Marine Corps Colonel, on this the second anniversary of his death,would have been so proud of Ryan and what he sacrificed for his country. My dad saw action in three wars and like Ryan, was a Marine's Marine. As a Marine can tell you, that is the ultimate compliment. Although your hearts are aching, take comfort in knowing that Ryan and my dad and all fallen soldiers are guarding Heaven's scene. And I can hear my Dad telling Ryan his war stories. Ryan will never be alone again. Trust that they will joyously great us when we meet again. My thoughts and my prayers are with you always. May God comfort and grant your hearts peace. As my dear Dad would say, Semper Fi. God Bless You Always and remember that others deeply share your loss. Thank you for sharing your special son with us."
Lisa of Newtown Square, PA

"Mr. & Mrs. Beaupre, though it has been a year, I am certain your loss still seems recent. Ryan was an unbelievable friend, Marine, & American. You did an outstanding job influencing him, as his greatest attributes were his unselfishness, joyfulness, and discipline. On behalf of 1st Platoon, Bravo Co BOC 2-97, we were much better men for having known Ryan.
Ryan's influence on his fellow Marines is constant as we talk about him on frequent basis to this day. He has been sorely missed, as we know he is looking down at us with his typical ear-to-ear smile. Ryan, thank you for watching over us.
No greater friend, no worse enemy. He was a great man & a great warrior. Semper Fi,"
Fellow Captain of Quantico, VA

"In loving Memory..Its been a year..

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.

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 Marine!! SEMPER FI!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"We Will NEVER FORGET !" As the first anniversary of the death of your loved one arrives;
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Ryan, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"As a gunnery sergeant, retired, from WW II, and a former member of 1st Marine Air Wing, fighter squadron VMF 115, I have just learned about Capt Beaupre's demise. I wish you to convey my sympaprhy to his wife and family, and say that I will add him to my prayers."
John Benoit, GySgt, USMCR (RET.)

"Rest in peace "Brother" you'll be up there guarding the gates for the rest of us along with Chesty and the rest of our "Brothers". OooRaah!
Semper Fi,
Tim McMahon HMM-262 Vietnam 66-67"
Tim McMahon of Trenton, NJ

"SEMPER FI, CAPTAIN BEAUPRE"
GYSGT JOHN BENOIT, USMCR (RET) of BARTONSVILLE PA., FORMERLY OF MEMPHIS TN

"It’s very easy to talk about someone after they are gone and remember only the good things. But with Ryan, truthfully, there were only good things to remember. He was one of those guys who truly didn’t have a mean bone in his body. I remember the shock of red hair and that smile, and his easy manner and laugh.

As a teammate, he worked as hard and cheered as loud as anyone could have. As a student, he excelled in his chosen field of study. As a person, he volunteered his time to aid those less fortunate. As a man, he followed the calling of his heart to serve his country. As a soldier, he died doing what he believed was right. As a friend, he awakened in his passing something in all of us who knew him to work together and accomplish something greater than ourselves.

As one left behind, I continue to both mourn his dying and celebrate his living."
Michael Fitzgerald of Normal, IL

"My condolences to the family and friends. War is ugly and more so when we lose a loved one. God Bless you and thank you. Vietnam Vet, NY"
Jim Fetterman of Long Island, NY

"On the anniversary of his death, I wanted Ryan's family and friends to know that he has not been forgotten. His service to this country, the sacrifices made by he and his family are deeply appreciated. You are in my prayers."
Kelli of USA

"An old Manteno boy just wanted to say thanks to you...you are a hero to us all."
TDoyle Leverett of NYC NY

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

"Bishop McNamara High School will be hosting a "Bash for Beaupre" on Saturday, March 27. The event is a way to celebrate the life of Ryan while raising money for the Ryan Beaupre Memorial Scholarship. Tickets are $30 each and include music (band) and food. There will also be a cash bar and raffles throughout the evening.
To contribute, volunteer or purchase a ticket contact Meredith Huot-Coy at mhuotcoy@bishopmac.com or (815)933-7620"
Meredith Huot-Coy of Kankakee, IL

"May you find comfort in knowing how many people share your sadness. HE is a TRUE HERO! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you all! We will NEVER FORGET! SEMPER FI!"
The Grogan Family (USMC) of Lakeland, TN

"My condolences to the family of Ryan Beaupre. I was in a flight school with him in S. Texas and he was always a great friend to everyone in the squadron. God bless."
Ben of Corpus Christi, TX

"From a grateful country and grateful citizen, thank you."
Benjamin Beaupre of Champaign, IL

"Thank you Ryan Beaupre, 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

"For Cpt. Beaupre's family - I have wanted to write you since I heard of the death of your son and brother, but couldn't get an address. I was so touched by the life of Cpt. Beaupre, though never met him. One seldom meets someone who is as selfless as he was described. I remember crying while listening to news broadcasts about him as if I knew him. I remember he gave his "phone time" to another soldier. That really got to me, because I was once a soldier far away from home and I KNOW how much it meant to talk to my family far away (even during peace time). I know you must be so proud to have raised such a wonderful person. I can only believe that he is watching over you now. Ryan Beaupre is a true American hero and I thank him for making the ultimate sacrifice to ensure freedom for me, my family, our nation. His family will remain in my prayers."
Linnie of Chicago Heights, IL

"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, Tx

"i love you ryan sorry we couldnt have spent more time together all of my thoughts and prayers go out to you and all of out family your cousin dru

when i grow up im going to be just like my cousin he is the biggest romodel in the worl and i hope all of you people out there are praying for our family and wish the best of luck for me to be just like my favorite big cousin!"
Dru West of St.Anne,IL,U.S.

"My high school is doing a Veterans' Day Assembly on November 11, 2003. In it, students are reading letters written by soldiers who served in Iraq.

I have the honor of reading Capt. Beaupre's letter. As an Eagle Scout, I truly appreciate and thank Captain Beaupre, and all the other Marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen who gave their lives in the fight for freedom."
Keegan Donovan of Loudoun County, VA

"What can one say to the friends and families of those who gave so much? "Thanks" doesn't seem like nearly enough. I won't forget the sacrifices made and I'll make sure my children don't forget. God Bless."
Gracie of Idaho

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrifice will nerver be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"To the family and friends of Capt. Ryan Beaupre:
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 Ryan 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 Capt. Ryan Beaupre:
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 Ryan, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"Ryan's beautiful smile in his picture will help to remind me of all the wonderful young men and women who gave their lives so that I may live in a wonderful country that America truly is. Thank you, Ryan."
Terri Curtis of Green Forest, Arkansas

"I wish some one had been there to rescue after the crash just like in the film 'Saving private Ryan'"
Ingrid of Kampala, Uganda

"Rest in Peace Marine..Thank you for your sacrfice. God bless your family and friends."
The Taylors of NC

"All I can say is Thank you so much!"
Holly of Ch'ville, VA

"Thank you for your sacrifice"
Ginger Smith & Family of Hillsboro, In