Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"to my still baby brother. yesterday would have your 28th birthday, as every year it is a very hard day for me as its one nomatter how hard i try i cant stop thinking about you. I have a void in my life that can never be filled, I now have 3 children..2 in which you never got to meet. I wish everyday you were still here. I cant wait for the day we meet again. Its been 5 years and i feel like i just heard the news yesterday. I dont think ill ever feel true happiness again. I have so much anger inside still about what happend. I love you more than anything in the world. we all think about you all the time and will never let the world forget about you.

Love always your brother"
STacy Martin of Wooster Ohio

"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"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH / USA

"Ryan, you will never be forgotten."
SSG Joel A Capell of Columbus, Ohio

"Ryan, you will never be forgotten."
SSG Joel A Capell of Columbus, Ohio

"Ryan, you will never be forgotten."
SSG Joel A Capell of Columbus, Ohio

"Ryan, Its JUne 2009 and again im thinking about you. It still seems that you will one day come home. Like your still over there fighting and ive been wrapped up in a bad dream. I wish that was true.
My new son was born Dec 30th 2008 and i named him Donavon O'Ryan Martin. I also have another baby on the way that is due Dec 1, 2009. I pray everyday that if there really is a god above, to please give me back my brother and my best friend. I've had a void in my life since you have been gone. I really dont go to dads that much because you are not there. Im so sorry that you cant be here to be apart of my new family. I love you and miss you so much."
Stacy Martin of Wooster Ohio

"Ryan,
I remember the good times we had. I also remember the times you was struggling. When you was between jobs and we was talking about the National Guard. I had been in for about 5 or 6 years. We talked about you joining for a long time. You would always ask what it was like. A few months after that we lost touch but I knew you went ahead and signed up. Because if you said you was going to do something you DID IT. When I got the bad news I thought it was a really bad dream then it sunk in. I blamed myself and still do. I wish I never talked to you about joining. You are and always be a HERO in my eyes. Some day we will meet again my BROTHER."
SSG Brown J of Newark, Ohio

"11/11/08
to my dearest brother i thought of you again today, like everyday...i love you so much and that will never change. i have a new baby comming and he is due on your birthday. i hope he grows to be the man you were. love your brother"
Stacy Martin of WOOSTER OHIO

"Big Bear I will always remember all the good times arguing with each other whom was going to play the PS2 and what time we was going to shut the lights off in the room at night. I couldn't ask for a better roomate. He fought everyday over there. He didn't try to sit on the fob like alot of people. He did alot of things that alot of people couldn't do in there life. There's not a day goes by that I don't think about you. God Bless You."
SSG Bryan Rhoads of Peebles, Ohio

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Ryan A. Martin:
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

"The Soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.



"Step forward now, Soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?"



The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.




I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.



But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.



And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.




I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.




If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It ne edn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.




There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the Soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.



"Step forward now, you Marine,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell."



~ Author Unknown ~

AMEN TO THAT !



It's the Soldier, not the reporter

Who has given us the freedom of the press.



It's the Soldier, not the poet,

Who has given us the freedom of speech.



It's the Soldier, not the politicians

That ensures our right to Life, Liberty
and the Pursuit of Happiness.



It's the Soldier who salutes the flag,

Who serves beneath the flag,

And whose coffin is draped by the flag.





If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the
Military,

Please pass this on and pray for our men and women

Who have served and are currently serving our country

And pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom"
A.B.P.K. of NEW HAMPSHIRE

"Ryan i love you and miss you so very much"
love mom of wooster ohio

"hello my name is spc hufford i am a soldier from ryans origional unit Aco. 112 en bn that is now e co 1-145 hmn bn i was a friend and fellow soldier of ryans i was also a casket guard for my fallen brother i miss him so much its been a few years since he payed the ultimate sacrifice for his country. i have also done a tour in iraq. i just stumbled acrost this website tonight and i just wanted to say i hope all is well.If you would like to contact me my e-mail is genbmh@aol.com.A Soldier Never Dies you are lost but not forgotten brother."
brandon hufford of now harleysville pa

"June 19th Todays Dads Bday I miss you so much brother!"
Stacy Martin of Wooster Ohio

"Feb 07 07 2 years and 6 months have passed and yet the hurt is still there like i just found out today...It is hard sometimes... I wonder what you are doing and when you will be home...Then the sadness comes over me as i remember that you did come home...Nothing has changes since you've been going. The war is far from over and there is no end in sight...More young people are returning home as you did..Its just not far i miss you so much..."
Stacy Martin of Wooster Oh USA

"I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new, I thought about you yesterday and days before that, too I think of you in silence, I often speak your name All I have are memories and your pictures in a frame Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart. Love you and miss you forever Mom"
Debra Martin of Wooster,Ohio USA

"To my baby son, it will be 2yrs this Sunday since God took you home with him, but I guess he didn't realize that your mom still needed him more. It seems like yesterday that the soldiers came to tell me you were gone, and I still see your beautiful smile everywhere I look and in everything I see its always you smiling at me telling me everything is okay and your happy, but I still miss you so much.
Theirs so much we left unsaid and undone I just hope you know how much I loved you.And how very proud of you I am.
Gotta go now son theres so much I want to share about how great you really were, but first I have to except that my baby is really gone. I LOVE YOU FOREVER. LOVE MOM"
Debra Martin of Wooster ,Ohio USA

"I severed with Ryan in Iraq, and not a day goes by when i don't think of him. Your son was one of the funniest soldiers i ever met and made each day seem closer to home. I miss him very much and will forever until i see him again. If you ever want to talk feel free to drop me a line at meyer1120@yahoo.com."
SPC Michael Meyer of Monroe, OH

"Ryan not a day goes by when you are not on my mind i miss you so much and would do anything to be able to give you one last hug.You were always my hero my baby. i remember your first smile your first steps your first word as if it were yesterday how i wish you were just my little baby again i love you and miss you so much son. I am so very proud of you and i will see you again i love you son."
debra martin of wooster ohio USA

"i came apon this site by accident and i am so deaply sorry for your loss. i'd like to leave a message here for Stacy- i'm an old friend of yours. i don't know if you'll remember me we knew each other about 10 or 12 years ago if you do remembr me drop me a line sometime beckamonkey@hotmail.com and know that you and your family are in my prayers. love and hugs,
becka freday (used to be becky zimmerman)"
becka of carollton, oh

"I need to say goodbye although you're with me.
I stand beside your grave, yet you are here.
I miss you terribly and hope you miss me,
But when I turn to you, you're always near.
I talk to you as though you lived within me,
Not changed but simply moved in from outside.
I know each day you must a little leave me,
But here, as always, you must be my guide.
You were and are and will be, just as ever,
In many minds and hearts, not only mine.
No physical event can such love sever;
Death is a dimension, not a line.
And so goodbye does not mean you are gone:
So long as I still love you, you live on."
stacy martin of wooster ohio usa

"to my brother ...another month passes as i still feel that one day you will come home. i think about you all the time. I think about all the great times and i would give up everything to have you back...you're deeply missed love you forever your brother"
Stacy Martin of Wooster Ohio,,,USA

"To my best friend and Brother,
Ryan there's not a day that goes my that you are not on my mind. You are missed today as much as all the days before. I wonder about where you are and what your doing anf the things that you are missing all because you were strong and wanted to make a difference here. Im tring to get iver the anger for the people who lead you there but its hard,,All i know is that i want you back in my life, to be my baby brother again and do the things brothers do. But until we meet again i will keep u alive here in my heart
Love always Your brother..."
Stacy Martin of Wooster Ohio,,,USA

"Ryan...my brother, you are deeply missed and never forgotten. I enjoyed serving with you and the memories will always remain with me. I am on my way back to help finish the job we started. God bless you and your family. "ESSAYONS""
Spc. Matt Morlock of Tacoma, WA

"For those that have tattered souls among a see of black. The dark and cold looms in our hearts for those that are gone. But it is for those that have been, have impacted the world forever. - A weary traveler"
Ryan

"To the family of Ryan A. Martin,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church Rev John B. Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington, Ga."
Polly Ballew of Covington Ga . U S A

"Hello, my name is Ryan Alexander Martin, and I came across this website accidently. I would like to wish Ryans family the best, and a bright future. Be proud of Ryan for his bravery and efforts fighting for the freedom of Iraq. From your friendly Canadian neighbor. Ryan A. Martin."
Ryan A. Martin of Abbotsford BC Canada

"A grateful nation, a grateful family mourns the loss of another American hero. Please know your sacrifice, Ryan's ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. God bless you during this difficult time, and God Bless the USA."
Kim, Chelsea, Cody Loveland of Mt. Vernon, OH USA

"To Ryan's family, may God bless and keep you all in this time of loss. ANd may we all learn from Ryan's courage and sacrifice. Please know that you have the thanks of a grateful nation."
Brian Martin of Cedar Park, TX

"My students and I appreciate the sacrifice you have made. Thank you Ryan for keeping us safe."
Mrs. Arthur's 4th grade class of Nelsonville, Ohio

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

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

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. For the family/friends: May time provide happy loving memories in place of present sorrows. Look to the sky for in the infinite meadows of Heaven the bright shining stars bloom....the forget-me-nots of angels. God bless you and thank you."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"To the family of Ryan;
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Ryan is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to this country. May God bless you during this time and may you find some peace and comfort."
The McClain family--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"Thank you Ryan Martin, 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 Pfc. Ryan Martin:
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 Pfc. Ryan Martin:
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