Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I recently bought this bracelet at Ranger Joe's in Fort Benning, GA and am touched by it. Everytime I encounter something difficult, I look down on the bracelet and remember that this man gave his all for us. It pushes me harder. Thank you! Hoo-ah!"
Hanson of Florida

"I recently got a black KIA band at random. It has Ryan Long's name on it. I look at it and remember him and his loved ones in my prayers everyday. THANK YOU for being my hero."
SPC Easom of Indianapolis, Indiana

"December 30, 2007
To the family of Spc. Ryan P. Long:
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

"I recently received your son's KIA bracelet. I was wondering if you would like to have it. If you do please send an email to me at meloulou92021@yahoo.com"
Andrea Hamfeldt of El Cajon, California

"Mr. and Mrs Long-
I thought you might enjoy this article. I just want you to know that we think of Ryan everyday and miss him greatly. He was a good friend and a good man. http://www.theledger.com/article/20070704/NEWS/707040463/1254"
Derek Baldry of Gainesville, Fl

"To his mother and father. I am a Infantry Soldier serving in Iraq, I wear your sons bracelet and please know that the fight still goes on with him on my wrist. Spc BTW 1-148th Inf"
of Ohio

"Ryan, today would have been your 26th birthday. It is so difficult to think that four years have passed since we lost you. We are so proud to have known you and will never take your sacrifice for granted. You were a very special person as a child and a hero as an adult. We love you."
Gary and Elvira Delaplane of Roswell, GA

"Ryan,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. After reading the reflections left here for you, I wish that I had a chance to have served with you-you sounded like one hell of a soldier and human being.

"Rangers Lead The Way!""

"I was Ryan's first team leader at 3rd Batt. I remember a young nervous soldier with a heart as big as a mountain, and courage enough to match any soldier any where. He will be missed... "Rangers lead the way""
Brad King of Gulf Breeze, Fl

"The last thing I remember of Ryan was his birthday at the bar in newnan and then going to mama's in ATL, it was impossible not to have fun with him around. I look at the bracelet everyday, and wonder. When someone asks what it is, I say respect for a brother, because that is what Rangers are."
A co Ranger

"The "Long" family were good friends of my parents, i was about 10 when he died and am now 14 but i will never forget him and that morning when my dad came home crying. Ryan was grately loved by alot of people. and i wish Donna, Rudy, and Matt luck with everything they do."
Jenna Misiewicz of Felton,Delaware

"the rudy and donna,
from the day we met at your house until now, i pray and think of you. precious people you are. kyle introduced me to ryan. when i think of ryan, God gives me this... 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' When i think of you, God gives me this... 'For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.' Precious people you are. Our homes in montana and tennessee are open to you. www.allthatmatters.org"
donald lamson, Christian pastor. of bigfork, montana.

"I have a bracelet celebrating Ryan's life that was given to me by a great friend that is a Ranger. As a civilian I proudly wear this bracelet to honor and respect the sacrifice Ryan and others made and continue to make for our country. This bracelet is a constant reminder to me of the bravery and courage of all my friends who are currently serving, as well as those I do not know that have sacrificed everything - and we owe them everything. God bless the USA."
Scott Ponder of Madison, NJ

"I also wear a bracelet to remember Ryan. I didn't know him, but I know Rangers who served with him. I wanted to remember someone who served and my daughter, who was 1 1/2 at the time picked his bracelet for me. She was born the day he died, it felt right to me to honor his memory."
S.K. of Clarksville TN

"I also wear the bracelet bearing your son's name. He will not be forgotten."
SGT Brian Kathol of Ft. Stewart, GA

"To the family of SPC Ryan Long,
I, too, wear the bracelet with your son's name. I wear this bracelet with pride knowing your son will be with me as I deploy to Iraq. Your son will never be forgotten and shall live on through each and every person who wears his bracelet."
SFC Carpenter of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

"I, too, wear the bracelet for SPC Ryan Long everyday. I give my deepest condloences to his family and his friends. May you rest in peace Ryan, we will never forget!"
2LT Jasman, Adam of West Jordan, Utah

"May he and his brothers rest in peace."
Ann K. of Long Island

"RYAN LONG
YOU WERE A GREAT FRIEND. YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE DIED AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE OR WITH SUCH A SMALL AMOUNT OF TIME LEFT IN. FOSTER, BERGERON AND EVERYONE ELSE ALL MISS YOU. YOU ARE REMEMBERED MORE OFTEN THAN ON MEMORIAL DAY MY FRIEND.
RANGERS ALWAYS LEAD THE WAY."
SPC. JOSHUA MATHIS OF A CO 3/75 RANGER of HOUSTON TEXAS

"RYAN LONG
YOU WERE A GREAT FRIEND. YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE DIED AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE OR WITH SUCH A SMALL AMOUNT OF TIME LEFT IN. FOSTER, BERGERON AND EVERYONE ELSE ALL MISS YOU. YOU ARE REMEMBERED MORE OFTEN THAN ON MEMORIAL DAY MY FRIEND.
RANGERS ALWAYS LEAD THE WAY"
SPC. JOSHUA MATHIS of HOUSTON TEXAS

"I just wanted to let Rudy and Donna know that Ryan is not forgotten. It is 2006 and I do think of him often and pray for his soul. We will remember Ryan as a brave soldier and as one proud to serve. This Memorial Day I will reflect with deep gratitude the life that was Ryan. Thank you for your service and sacrifice."
Rosanna Nicoletos of Seaford, DE, USA

"I wear the band of SPC Long as well. My condolences goes out to the family of SP Long. Your courage speaks out to us all. Rest in Peace, brother."
SPC Hunter Parris of Cp. Humphreys, ROK

"you will never be forgotten ryan, thank you for being brave enough to protect our freedom. May you rest in peace RANGER, knowing that the world is a better place because of men like you."
Cdt. Jason Cordaway of San Antonio Texas

"Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. I wear a bracelet with your name that I get asked about all the time. I tell the story of a brave young man who sacrificed his life to allow others to live free. I often think of you while driving my daughters to soccer practice or to games, and I say a little prayer for your family left behind. Thank you for your service to this country!

Fellow Soldier, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division"

"Rest in peace my brother..."
GySgt Larry Long

"In the year 2006, Ryan Long is still and will always be remembered as a fellow cadet and friend of the SeaFord NJROTC unit. Every year we always make it a point to remember such a brave cadet and apperciate everything he brought to this community and this country.. thank you"
Jennifer of Seaford,DE USA

"To the Family of Ryan P Long, I wear your sons bracelet that I was able to get from Ranger Joes. I wear it everyday with great honor. Your son is a great inspiration to me even to this day. I am currently serving in Hawaii, waiting to go on my second tour to Iraq. Anytime during my day to day life that I find myself wanting to quit or give up I look down at my bracelet and I do it for Ryan. I just want you to know that he is missed dearly but he is defineatly not forgotten. I think of him every single day and I am more than sure he is happy to still be helping soldiers.
SSG Drake, Wesley"
SSG Drake, Wesley of Schofield Barracks, HI

"Spc. Ryan Long,

It is hard for me sometimes to understand why I made it home without a scratch after the 16 months of hell I went through and others like yourself did not. It will be something Ill think about for the rest of my life. I wear a bracelet with your name on it, not to keep me from forgetting, Ill never do that, but to remind me that my life and what I do with it has to justify why Im here and not with you. You have made me a better father, husband, son, and person as a whole. I will never take anything for granted and you, a couple of good friends, and our other fallen brothers will be a part of my life forever. God bless you Ryan and thank you. Until the day we meet my friend ......"
Spc. Matthew Cox of 2/504th P.I.R. , 82nd Airborne

"Ryan,
You treated me with respect and at the time that meant alot to me. Thank you."
former A 3/75 soldier

"My brother recently graduated from Army Basic Training at Fort Benning. I chose Ryan's bracelet because he was a Ranger. The first chance I got I researched to find out about Ryan. He sounds like an awesome, brave soldier. I am also a JROTC cadet and plan to become an Army Nurse when I enroll in college ROTC next year. I want to be able to help the soldiers who are wounded by giving them the best care possible. God bless the Long family. I will pray for you and all the men and women serving everytime I look at my bracelet."
Laura Kasel of Texas

"Ryan,

Words can't explain how much everyone misses you. You were like a brother to me. I will always remember all the fun we had in highschool, all the drill team competitions, and In NJROTC. We were so dedicated to JROTC; it makes me laugh everytime i think about it. Dude, I will never forget you. You stood up for your country and i commend you on that. However, it did give me doubts about finishing AFROTC in college. Hearing about the soldiers dying over there everyday is was took me away from doing something i truly enjoyed. It opened my eyes man. Nevertheless, I didn't continue my ROTC training, but i'm still helping people like i had always wanted. It was so hard to believe that you were gone. I just didn't believe it when i received that call. You will never be forgotten Ryan.

Take Care Bro"
Rayshawn Sample, MT(ASCP) of Seaford, DE

"I would like to tell this fine mans family, that i am proud of what Ryan had done. I never knew him or met him. But it takes a fine man to join the service, not to mention during a time of war. I recently graduated from Fort Benning, and on my way home i bought a KIA braclet. The Braclet Reads: SPC RYAN P LONG USA RANGER A CO. 3/75 KIA. 03 APRIL 2003 IRAQ. I imediatley felt compelled to look him up. I would like to thank him, and the rest of the long family for fighting for this great nation of ours. Once again thank you for raising a fine american, and i am sorry for your loss."
PVT Daniel J OGorman of Townsend,MA/USA

"You will be missed by many, those that remember you from yesterday and today. However, we will all remember you in the future. You are and always will be, missed. Hwoo-Ray!"
R. Ben Weber of Former SEAFORD, DE RESIDENT

"My name is Ryan M. Long I just want to give my condolences to the family, even though I don't know him I am proud of him for laying down his life for my freedom. Thank you"
Ryan Long of Arkansas

"My name is Martina Meyer and I am Ryan's cousin. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him or look down at my wrist and think about the many memories that I hold. He was definitely my hero and will always be. I will never forget him. My family and I love you with all our hearts. Donna, Rudy and Matt, I want you to know that I love you and want you to stay strong and know that he is always right by your side and mine. I will never forget my big cousin, Ryan and all the GREAT and COURAGOUS acts that he did for his family, friends, and for his country. I LOVE YOU RYAN!!"
Martina Meyer of Verona, WI

"SPC Long had died serving his country, such acts should never be forgotton, I am glad that I carry his memory on my wrist."
CDT Brandon Hoeksema of PT. Charlotte, FL

"As several others do the same, I too wear the bracelet of Ranger SPC Ryan Long. I do so with extreme pride and now know that he will never be forgotten."
2Lt. John Boyle of Ft. Lewis, WA

"With extreme pride, I wear a bracelet saluting Ryan and his Family left behind. God bless his sacrifice for our grateful Nation.
P.Cary Shelton
Helicopter Pilot. 64/65"
P.Cary of Glen Allen, Va

"Spc.Ryan P. Long you always treated me with respect and you were a friend, you will never be forgotten there is a special place in the hearts and minds of those you knew, I should know I went to school with you. the Army has lost a great soldier, and I have lost a friend every time i see a soccer or golf game i will remember you in high school and dont forget the NJROTC,you will never be forgotten, by me or any one else from slower lower DE thanks for the memories ill keep them with me till the end of time and will tell every one about a man named Ryan that i knew a good man that died protecting freedom and our rights and the rights of others, you will be missed"
Spc. David B. Kaufmann of SEAFORD, DELAWARE, USA

""To the family and friends of Spc. Ryan Long" Your son Ryan will always be remembered for the sacrifice he made to protect this country of ours. My husband and I know the heartache of losing a son we lost our only son at the Pentagon on Sept 11th. I remember how much it meant when people we didn't know reached out to tell us that our son will never be forgotten. Ryan will never be forgotten for being the hero that he is, we know because of our militaries sacrifice that our son Matthews death was not in vain."
Sheila E Flocco of Wilmington Delaware

"I wear the Band of Spc Long. From one solider to another, You will not be forgotten."
Spc Alex Schenk of U.S.Army

"My brother is also in the Army. The last time I saw him, he was wearing a KIA bracelet that he never removes. I asked him to get me one also. Mine has Ryan's name on it and I wear it everyday. Each time I look at my wrist, I say a little prayer to Ryan to look over all our soldiers.
After reading the postings- I am honored to wear the bracelet bearing the name of such a wonderful, brave soldier. Thank you, Ryan for your service and God Bless all who loved and knew Ryan."
Taragh of Phoenix, AZ USA

"I have so much to say that I am really not sure where to start. Ryan, I think about you everyday when I look down at my wrist, you were one of my best friends at Batt. You were one of the most happy, fun loving kind of guys I have ever meet. I am sorry that your life was cut so short, you had the ability to make anyone laugh on their worst day. The world is a darker place without you. Take care Ranger Buddy. RLTW."
"Swerz"...former member of Aco 3/75 of Gwinnett County, Georgia

"Even though I didn't see Ryan for years because of his move. I still thought of him. He was my cousin. I love you Ryan and you will always be part of my life. I am sorry Donna and Matt. I think of him all the time. I was on a cruise when I found out. I joined the Navy and it hurt not being able to be there and share your grief in person. Thank you all for you support. God Bless you Ryan."
Serena Rush of Monroe, WI; Bethesday MD

"Thank you. It's people like Ryan Long and the countless others who have made the ultimate sacrifice that make this country great. You'll never be forgotten."
A Grateful American of Long Beach, Ca

"Ryan was a good friend of mine we were both in the same drafting class together with Mr. Carter...back in high school...we used to always joke about the service back in high school....ah you sissy your joining the army and he used to always give me a hard time for joining the marines...ryan was a great friend...i was in iraq and on the same battle front....i always knew ryan would be an awesome solider and i know he was.....as im about to depart for my second tour in iraq i always think of ryan..we used to go fishing at crags pond its hard to forget him and i never will..he was a great friend and a great son and and a very good solider...miss you ryan and god bless the long family"
Beau Chaffinch of United States Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ

"To the friends and family of Ryan P. Long:
I am so sorry for your loss. My husband Spc Justin W. Linden was KIA in Iraq on June 4, 2004. I wish that there wern't so many of us who have had to bare this pain. These soldiers gave the ultimate sacrifice. Ryan will never be forgotten and your memories of him will live on forever in your hearts."
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

"Not a day goes by that I don't think about Ryan. Sitting in a hole in Iraq, I didn't find out until it was too late. He was my friend and everyday I think of him and pray for his family. The world has lost a bright and shining star. I miss our jokes, our pool hall trips and the "talk" we had before we took our seperate ways to war. May God keep you Ryan! "Remember, it's always in the corner pocket."
Destiny of Columbus, Georgia

"I am a student at Barker Central School. From all the messages I read I wish I meet Ryan because he sounds like a great person. Erin sounds like a great girl. She sounds like she really loved Ryan. I send my sympathy to you because when I lost my grandma in 2001 I was devastated. She was my hero. When ever I was sick I would always go to her house. So I know where your coming from. From what I've gone through I'd like to say that where ever you go Ryan will be their for you. He's like your guardian angel.He will be with you for the rest of your life by your side."
7th grade student of Barker Middle school

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

"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.
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

"To a great friend and comrade. It was an honor serving with you. RLTW"
John Buckley IV of Colorado Springs, CO

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

"The Mr. and Mrs. Long, Although I did not know your son I am proud to be a part of the Ryan Long Memorial Scholarship Charity event in June of 2004. His honor is with us always. I cannot thank you enough for your continued support with the festival in his name. For everyone, visit www.mwcardshows.netfirms.com to find out more about the charity festivel being held in Ryan's name. Please check the site out and if you would like to make a donation, go to the contacts page. Thanks Rudy for all your help along with Keith White."
Scott Massari of Salisbury, Md, United States

"I wish that I could have been there with you guys. The REAL heros, are those who made the ultimate sacrifice, not those glorified by the media and meaningless awards. May God bless your soul and watch over your family. From one Ranger buddy to another, RLTW!"
(Nameless) X-Ranger A. Co. 3/75th of Tampa, FL

"Thank you Ryan Long, 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 soldier who gave all in the war to help a country be free from terrorism I salute you and your family. You are a HERO and will not be forgotten "Sappers Lead the Way""
SSG Brown of Ft Leonard Wood, MO

"TO A BRAVE SOLDIER AND A GREAT FRIEND, STILL IN AWE THAT YOU ARE GONE, WE NEVER IMAGINED THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN, HOWEVER GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS. BLESS YOU IN THE HEAVENS ABOVE, WE WILL REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES WE ALL SPENT TOGETHER AT FORT BENNING. RYAN, JUST TO LET YOU KNOW THAT ON JULY 4TH THIS YEAR YOUR GOOD FRIENDS DERRICK, JOSH , AND MYSELF AND JARROD WERE ALL THINKING OF YOU, WE WERE ALL TOGETHER IN FLORIDA, IT FELT LIKE YOU WERE THERE WITH US. YOU WERE THERE....IN OUR HEARTS.THE BOYS WILL WEAR YOUR NAME ON THERE WRIST WITH GREAT RESPECT FOREVER. WE MISS YOU, WE LOVE YOU , AND WE KNOW THAT YOUR SPIRITS WILL BE WITH US ALWAYS. IT IS HARD TO PUT YOU TO REST FOR IT SEEMS LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER GONE....WE ARE TRYING THE BEST WE CAN ... WE CANNOT SAY NOTHING MORE OTHER THAN ...GOD BLESS!! YOU ARE BRAVE AND RANGER'S LEAD THE WAY!"
JARROD AND NICOLE FOSTER of WEST PALM BEACH , FLORIDA

"To Rudy, Donna and Matt, There's not a day that goes by that we don't think of Ryan. He was such a blessing to our lives and we're forever grateful for his friendship with Nathan. Our hearts go out to you as you continue this journey of grieving the immeasurable loss of Ryan. He will forever be a hero to all of us. Thank you for sharing him with us."
Gary & Elvira Delaplane of Roswell, Georgia

"To the Long Family, and All Family and Friends of Ryan. Ryan was my world. He made my days brighter and my life worth living. I love him with all of my heart and soul.Ryan has always been my Hero, now he's everyones as well. He will always be remembered as a Hero. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a huge part of my family as well. Donna,Rudy and Matt you will always be in my heart. To my Bungalo Butt(Ryan) I love you more than life itself. I hope you always know that."
Erin Staggs of Milledgeville,Ga USA

"To the Long Family~ As many other I didn't get to know Ryan in person, but I did by Erin, the girl who loves him and stay strong until the end. My prayers are with you always because of people like your son that we have the freedom.
Erin you made me realize that love goes until the every end. Ryan will always be remembering by you and all the people that you talk to"
Cristina Reynoso of Los Angeles, CA

"To the family of SPC Long~
Over time, I have come to know what kind of person was through the way that Erin talks about him.
Words will never be able to convey the feelings that my family and I have for your son..and for what he has done for his country. It is because of Soldiers like Ryan that I am very proud to be an American...and even prouder to be a military wife.
May God Bless each and everyone in your family. My prayers are with you all and Erin every single day."
Sgt. & Mrs. Brian J. Stratton and Family of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

"To the Long Family ~ I did not know Ryan personally, but Erin has told us so much about him. He seems like a wonderful person and will be remembered always.

Erin ~ Girl you are so strong. You have given so much encouragement to everyone. Much Love and Prayers!!"
Ruth Walker of Canton, Ohio, United States

"To the Long Family: Although I never met Ryan, I got to know Ryan through Erin. I know he was an amazing person. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family.
~*~Erin: Your such a strong person. Ryan will be with you always."
Tiffany Melton of Nashville, TN

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrafice will never be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"To the Family of Army Spc. Ryan P. Long
May you find Comfort, Peace, and Strength from our Mighty Lord above. You raised a wonderful son who believed in selfless acts such as serving his Country and fellow Americans. Thank You, he made a difference and for this we will always be thankful and call him "Our Hero!""
Kathleen V. Sibert of Redondo Beach, California

"I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Since the start of this war, I've been praying for every soldier overseas. I continue to pray for the remaining soldiers still overseas. My Fiance is also an Army Ranger and I hope the day that I can see him and hold him again comes soon. I'll keep you in my prayers now and always."
Jenny of WI

"To the family and friends of Spc. Ryan Long:
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 Spc. Ryan Long:
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

"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 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 embarrass my country.


Readily will I 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!


RIP Brave Soldier. You will live in our hearts forever..."
The Taylors, USMC of North Carolina