Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Marine Lance Cpl. David A. Mendez-Ruiz

20, of Cleveland, Ohio.
Mendez-Ruiz died from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Amiriyah, Iraq. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, California. Died on November 12, 2005.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Marine Lance Cpl. David A. Mendez-Ruiz.

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Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

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"Hey brother, it seems like only yesterday we were over there talking about how we were gonna spend some time together stateside. I think about you all the time I'm just so glad I heard you yelling my call sign all the way across the motor pool at ecp 5 and I got to see you one last time right before you got assigned to heaven. You will never be forgotten Marine. Im Thinking of the the Mendez family on this Memorial day. May God bless you. Semper Fidelis!"
J Barras of La vernia TX

"Semper Fidelis brother. Miss you always."
Luis Ramos jr. of Adrian, Mi

"http://www.youtube.com/user/crystaljardine?feature=mhee

On Saturday October 15, 2011, we were honored to be invited to the dedication for David. Please view the above link.

Thank You David for what you did for all of us!"
Crystal Jardine of Strongsville, OH

"Brother you are missed but most of all you are honored. Thank you for laying down your life for us. We went through alot together in two tours. You know its been 5 years now since I was taken out of the fight and still its as hard as the first day to think about it all. Im grateful for the times we had and my family will always remember and honor you for your sacrifice. God Bless your family for the hardship. May God lead them to everlasting by your testament. Jesus said: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." JN 15:13"
TJ Winters of Claremont, CA

"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

"As a fellow Marine and employee at Ohio Western Reserve I make it a point to find out all of the information I can about a fallen comrade. I guess I am just sticking to the creed of "Semper Fidelis". When I see David protecting the gates, I will thank him. My condolences to all of his family."
Todd of Ohio

"David Mendez, You were one of the few Marines, that were senior to me, that I truly miss. Rest in peace brother. I am truly sorry for all my screw ups. Semper Fidelis. Rest In Peace."
John Trujillo of Arizona

"November 15, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. David A. Mendez-Ruiz:
David 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

"We still love you David! And we will never forget that goofy smile. You are a friend like no other and you have brought to our lives, so much joy. And we will always remember you. You were our "Best Man" Dave, and you always will be."
Laura Cotner of Tulsa, OK

"David-I knew the moment I met you when Mike brought you home with him that weekend how special you were. You are missed and there will always be a special place in my heart for you.
semper fi,
Marie--Proud Mom of Cpl Michael Haas
USMC"
Marie Haas of Arizona

"Horse say's it all, just thinking about you, and I miss you brother."
Anson

"Nothing but good times brother. No higher!.. miss you brother"
Horse of 2/7

"I went to school with you, and knew you as the kid, who always had a big, ready smile. You are missed."
J of Cleveland, Ohio

"i did not know you but i am sure you were a wonderful person. today 2 years ago you left this earth doing what most people could never do and i thank you a thousand times and it is stll not enough. with love"
TJS of celina tn USA

"One year gone by, this poem was way over due. You will never be forgotten David! http://allpoetry.com/poem/2330165"
KLS of Parma, OH

"To the family of:David A.Mendez-Ruiz 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"

"To the family of David A Mendezruiz
Today is June 17, 2006. My name is Deb McPhee and I just returned home from the 4th Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run. www.ilfreedomrun.org The Motorcycles started in Joliet, IL and "ran" to Marseilles, IL, where a granite memorial wall was dedicated commemorating the soldiers who have lost their lives in Middle East conflicts from 1980 Operation Desert One to today. Every participant was given dog tags to wear. I had the honor and privilege to wear David's tag. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. I have three daughters, 17, 18, and 24, I have never lost a child so I will not pretend to tell you I know how you feel. Spending today with the families of fallen soldiers is something I will never forget. It's because of children like yours, children like mine are safe. Thank you.
If you would like the replica of David's tag, I will be happy to mail it to you. You can contact me at Dmcphee@aol.com"
Deb McPhee of Chicago, IL

"To David's Family, I am so sorry for your loss. To David, you sir are a true American Hero. You will always be remembered and honored. Thank you David for all you have done in Iraq and in keeping us safe at home. God Bless you all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"I felt an angel near today,
Though one I couldn’t see.
I felt an angel, Oh-So-Close,
Sent to comfort me.

I felt an angel’s gentle kiss,
Soft upon my cheek.
An oh, without a single word,
Of caring it did speak.

I fel and angel’s loving touch,
Soft upon my heart.
And with that Tough, I felt the Pain,
And Hurt within depart.

I felt An Angel’s tepid tears,
Fall softly next to mine.
And knew that as those tears did dry,
A new day would be mine.

I felt and angel’s silken wings,
Enfold me with Pure Love.
And felt a strength within me grow,
A strength sent from above

I felt an angel, Oh-So-Close,
Though one I couldn’t see.
I felt an angel near today,
Sent to comfort me.


Gone – but not forgotten.
Thank you for sharing your marine with us,
and for the sacrifice made by you and your family on our behalf.
Proud mom of Lcpl Alex
Currently serving in Iraq"
Patricia of Bishop, CA

"David,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other Marine who was killed that blast for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal David A. Mendez-Ruiz,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. If you're not certain that your loved one's next of kin is registered, please use our link and register them for a quilt so we can send our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts "
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your
Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the loyal service and sacrifice that was made and
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Our cousin LCPL Michael Smith Jr. gave his life on 4-17-04 fighting for freedom.
Please know that this was not in vain and these American Heros will FOREVER be honored.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon,Ohio

"DAVID DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE NEWS! YOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN! YOU ARE AN AMERICAN HERO! THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. IT'S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND YOUR FAMILY IS NOT ALONE. OUR HEART AND PRAYAS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. WE LOST OUR SON SGT GREGORY L., WAHL 05-03-04 BALAD, IRAQ ALL THIS IS VERY DIFFUCULT ON US ALL. AN NO ONE HEALS AS WE LIKE. WE ALL DEAL WITH OUR LOST VERY DIFFERENTLY. JUST ALWAYS BE UNDERSTANDING TOWARD ONE ANOTHER, GIVE GUIDANCE OUT OF LOVE AND RESPECT ONE ANOTHERS SPACE DEALING WITH DAVID! HE IS WITH YOU! DAVIS HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF MANY. TO THOSE HE HAS TOUCHED. ALL HOLD VERY PRECIOUS AND FOND MEMORIES. TO MOMENT HE OR SHE CHERISHED SHARING THEM WITH DAVID. YOU ARE A MAN THAT WAS UNSELFISH DAVID. RISKING YOUR LIFE SERVING YOUR COUNTRY DAY IN AND DAY OUT. IS MORE THEN A HERO! MORE THEN A SOLDIER. A MAN WITH A PURPOSE AND VALUE'S. TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN FREEDOM AND LIBERTIES FOR ALL. REST IN PEACE."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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

"Thank you David Mendez-Ruiz, 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 Lance Cpl. David Mendez-Ruiz:
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 David 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 Lance Cpl. David Mendez-Ruiz:
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 David, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on