Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Yesterday completed 5yrs since we lost you and not a day goes by that I don't think of you. You are still constantly in our conversations and forever in our hearts. I miss you so much little brother. I'd give anything to have you back. I wish u could see how big my boys are. Alex looks so much like you. Sometimes he'll make a face or say something and it's like you're here with us and it brings tears to my eyes. I love you so much Ray, you are extremely missed."
Rebecca Rangel Lugo of San Antonio

"Ray...it's been 5 years since you gave your life for our country. I want you to know that you are not forgotten and are in my thoughts daily. You are a true Hero in every since of the word and I'm honored to have known you and served with you. Rest in Peace Ray!"
Tom Schipper of Gilbert, Arizona

"Ray, over 5 years ago, we came together as a team and came together as a family of firefighters, tackling anything that came our way. I couldnt have been more proud of a group of firefighters. 5 years ago today, you made the ultimate sacrifice and became a hero to alot of people out there. Reading down, isn't it incredible how many lives you touched!!!! I miss you buddy, and our team. Selena,I often check in to "catch up". I think of Justin, Jacob, Gabriel, Lilliana and you often. Sounds like the boys are growing up in the splitting image of thier dad. Don't our children go up to fast? After 5 years, it seems that Ray still crosses my mind daily....my hero. I certainly hope one day our paths will cross. To Ray's parents... proud parents...proud grandparents, thank you for your messages keeping all of us updated. I also hope we can meet one day. You all will always be in my heart and prayers. v/r."
Shane Clark of Tucson Az.

"those that knew my Ray/Selena/children we saw them New Years Day handsome boys beautiful girl respectful what a way to start 2010 they are all doing great"
dad of san antonio texas

"I was also one of the members of the RAMS team in the attempted rescue. Ray has been in my thoughts since that very day. The memorial bracelet does'nt leave my wrist either. Ray, you are missed, and you have had an impact on more people than you could have ever imagined! I miss you, keep a place warmed up for me up there."
Anonymous

"just wanted to thank all you that serve and have served, given your loved ones that did not return in order that we could celebrate independence day. My son SSG Ray Rangel was one of them. As they say gone but never forgotten.cherish the good times weep if you have too but contiue be proud."
Federico Rangel of San Antonio Texas

"Ray, we thought of you and your family this Memorial Day. You truely are a hero and we are so proud to have known you and called you our friend. Please know that your sacrifice has not been forgotten."
Dan and Denise Ritchings of Panama City, Florida

"Ray, it is Memorial Day, and as I so often do, I think back to our time together. I am honored to have served with you. As many others have, you made the ultimate sacrifice for your country. I often think of your family and I pray for you and your family. I know you are looking over them. God Bless you."
Shane Clark of Tucson Arizona

"Ray February 13, 2005 you gave so much on that day no one will ever forget you. I am proud that you are my friend, my brother my fellow Fire Fighter. Thinking back to when we first meet in September 1994 basic training to when we graduated the Fire Academy in January 95. You were the first friend I had made away from home. My sons always ask about my friend who died saving soldiers. I always say my friend Ray he is a hero."
Jerry Quintana of Colorado Springs, Co

"Feb 13, 2009
Thank you Ray for trying to save my cousing, D. Gooding. You are a hero and every year on this day I remember you and D. Gooding and pray for your family. GOD Bless."
Angie Miles, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, USAFR of Parker, CO

"Ray...it's been four years already. Just want you to know that I will never forget the good times we had. I Google your name at least once a month just to read postings on various websites. I keep your family in my thoughts and prayers every day. Some day I hope to meet your family...and will try and make that happen. RIP Ray and know that thousands of military firefighters are carrying on the mission that you loved so much. A campaign is on to get you and every military firefighter who has given his life for his country a spot on the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial....we haven't forgotten you!!"
Tom Schipper "Ship" MSgt Retired of Gilbert, Arizona

"Ray it's been 4 years we miss you very much and think about you often.Still have the elvis teddy bear you gave me will treasure it forever.
Love your tia rachel and uncle bobby"
Rachel Rodriguez of SAN ANTONIO

"Hey buddy, It's been 4 years since that tragic day. This morning we had a last call roll call in your honor. We haven't fogotten, nor will we ever forget the sacrifice you made that day. It seems like just yesterday we were at Ft. Carson training for Iraq and starting up the RAMMS team. I think about you each and every day. I have to say it's been tough being back over here. Seeing this place again brings back a flood of memories from that day. Today is your day Ray. We will never forget!!!"
TSgt Jason Keller of Joint Base Balad (RAMMS team member - 2005)

"February 5, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Ray Rangel:
Ray 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

"thank you mr.Schipper my daughter told us about the award and it is awesome how our son is still honor by other heroes thank you guys God bless you all and your families."
proud dad and mom of hero of san antonio texas

"Baby toes I miss you so much. I don't really have no one on my side like I did when before you. You were the one that I hated and then I loved. Your the only one who knew all my deepest secrets and didn't judge me. Now I have problems and I wait by my phone waiting for you to call me to tell me something dumb and perverted to make me laugh just to help me forget about the problems. No one will ever know the stuff we went though like that night we became Blood Brothers :).Damn son I miss you, you were my enemy to my BFF to my Brother. I never had a brother until you. Your always in my heart and I know you always next to me when I need you. You will always be my family. MISS YOU BRO Man I loved to hate you and hated to love you, how did it go "It's man love""
Big Guy of sa,tx

"I'm not sure if you know that they have designated an award for firefighters serving in Iraq in honor of Ray. Here is the website link...a video can be found in the upper right hand corner of the site. Still think of Ray almost everyday. This award is a fitting tribute to a true Hero. http://www.airforcetimes.com/ If the video is no longer on the site I'm sure you can find it through a search of Rays name on www.airforcetimes.com"
Tom Schipper ( MSgt Retired) of Gilbert, Arizona

"To the Rangel Family,

I knew Ray for a long time, he and I attended middle school and high school together, we both played football, even though I graduated a year ahead of him, I considered him a dear close friend of mine. When I found out that we lost Ray, I had no words to say. I will always remember him the way he was full of life and ideas, and always trying to help others."
Chief Petty Officer Cesario Escobar, USN of San Antonio, Texas

"I miss u cuz, i wish u could of met my wife and kids like we planed 2 do that new years befor u pass away. Maybe u could of helped me with my problems and help make the right decisions since i always looked up 2 u as my brother.. I love and miss u, do me a favor tell my dad i love him 2..."
Roger gutierrez of San antonio, tx.

"What I wouldn't give to see you walk in thru mom & dad's door. I miss you so much. There is so much I would like to share with you. I love u Mijo."
Your Big Sis, Rebecca Rangel Lugo of San Antonio, TX

"one more holiday without our son but one day closer to meeting up with him in heaven, our other loved ones, and his other hero friends that are with Ray, love you son, miss you, see you real soon."
dad of san antonio texas

"Selena sent us a picture of Jacob in his football uniform informing us that he had played an awesome football game. Cindy and I both agreed that our son had the biggest smile cause he was so proud of his son for doing so well in football. You know he was their coach when they were younger they get all that from their daddy"
proud dad of san antonio texas

"ray, we miss you so much we just wanted to say that we love u and miss you and always think about you. now that the holidays are coming up it is going to be hard to be happy, but knowing that you are in a better place gives us a sense of happiness, we just want to say that we will never forget you. you will always and forever remain in our hearts mijo we love you so much, you are our hero may god bless you, and your family love your grandma and grandpa and carreon family mimo and pipo"
edwarda carreon of san antonio tx

"I wish we could hear your voice one more time or we could see you your smile laugh with you when you would play your jokes on us. Its tough for all you who have sent your loved ones to war and not returned, but be of good cheer one day soon we will all be united again. In the mean time we must trust in GOD and see the good that has and will continue to come out of all this. Our children went to fight the good fight we also must fight the good fight to honor their sacrifices for this great country of ours."

"To the family of Ssgt. Ray Rangel. It has been over three years since that tragic rainy sunday morning. I will never forget the few words we exchanged just before he jogged out to the helicopter. I told him to be careful, he replied yes sir, and then he was gone. I know as a firefighter that being careful and getting the job done sometimes don't go together so well. But I know he did the best job possible under the circumstances, and I will always remember that he died trying to save the life of another US serviceman, and that will always be enough. I only new him for a short time before he died, but I wanted to pass on this statement to his family. Ray was "the kind of guy children hope to be, and the kind of guy old men wish they had been. God bless you all...Tom Miter"
Tom Miter of Troy NY

"I love you,Daddy!"
Lilliana Faith Rangel of Abilene ,Texas

"I'm so glad that you are able to see your grandchildren! I know Ray was so proud of his wife and kids....he talked about them a lot. Memorial Day is fast approaching and I'll always think of Ray and the sacrafice he made to his country. Great to see your message about seeing the grandchildren. God Bless"
Tom Schipper of Phoenix, Arizona

"God does answer pray seeing selena and our grandchildren again was proof of that. We got to see them on easter sunday the day we celebrate your resurrection we saw our hope resurrected again that we will continue to see them again and more often. I always knew that my son had fallen in love with a woman that had a kind and tender heart. God bless Selena and our grandchildern she shall always be known as our daughter."
ray's proud parents. of san antonio texas usa

"We saw Selena and the kids on Easter Sunday, they are growing up so fast. As they walked in one by one and hugged me as they said hello, my heart was both happy and sad. What I wouldn't give so see you walk in after them. I miss you so much little brother."
Rebecca Rangel Lugo of San Antonio, Texas

"I have come to terms with you going home to the Lord son. I do not consider that a lose but a victory for you son I know that we will eventually met again. What I keep praying and asking Our Lord is why we lost the right to see our grandchildren the children that in so many ways look like you and have your mannerisms. If you have lost a loved one at war don't add to their parents sorrow by not allowing them to see their grandchildren the children of their sons or daughters that gave up their lives for freedom in this great country of ours. Which includes or should include the freedom to see their grandchildren."
fred rangel jr. dad to this hero of san antonio texas

"Selena and all of the Rangel family, you are still in our thoughts and prayers. It has been three years since Ray's passing and Dan and I still talk about him often. We want you to know that even now, Ray and your family still have a big impact on our lives and we will never forget him. Selena, we think of you and the boys often and wonder about your little girl. It seems like just yesterday I was taking care of Justin and Jacob while you and Ray were at the hospital and you were having Gabe. Some of our best memories are of you and your family and the time we spent together at Spandahlem. I hope you are doing well and know that your family is always in our hearts. Ray was such a great man and will never be forgotten."
Denise and Dan Ritchings of Panama City, FL

"Ray, it is February 13th and it seems like yesterday that we were all together. As I often do, I said a prayer for you, Selena, and your family. Please continue to look over your family and all those that served with you. There are so many people that are thinking of you."
Shane Clark of Tucson Arizona

"Ray, today is the third anniversary of your passing. Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you. I know you're watching over your family and they think about you everday."
Tom Schipper of Phoenix, Arizona

"i love you and will never forget you. Ray you are my hero."
unknown of san Antonio TX

"ray we will forever miss you and never forget you, you are always in our prayers we love you mijo"
Pipo&Mimo ( grandparents) of San Antonio TX

"please call the gold star family support center at fort hood texas(254)287-6831 ask for mae lane."
mae lane of Fort Hood texas

"Ray, I just wanted to say that i miss you so much you were the best cousin i could ever have you were like my uncle i just want to say that i will never forget you. You will always and forever be in my heart RAY you are my HERO!! Thank you for your sacrifice I love you and miss you so much. luv Heather Rae"
Heather Rae Carreon of San Antonio TX

"My deepest sympathies to the Rangel family. Ray and I went to South San together. My heart breaks for his wife and kids. We lost a good person and a wonderful friend. May God Bless You Ray and your family, you will always be in my thoughts and prayers."
Marie Analisa Caliendo Gaitan of San Antonio, TX

"ray we just got back from a luncheon that was done in you all's honor, all you heroes. Son we still miss you, we will always miss you."
fred rangel of san antonio texas USA

"ray my son we still miss you. You left a great impression with all those people. If you could only see how much they cared for you also."
federico rangel(dad) of san antonio, texas

"Ray, it has been 2 years and you are still missed so much. I think about you and your family everyday. Selina, you and your family are in my prayers. Ray, I only knew you a short time but what an influence you are. You lived the life of a firefighter we all strive to be; professional, service before self, compassionate, and skillful. You are a hero to me and all who know you and I was honored to serve with you. Continue to watch over us and your family."
Shane Clark of Tucson Arizona

"I was part of the mission to recover Ray from that canal on that cold day in Iraq. When I returned home I purchased a bracelet with his name on it. The war and the military are long gone from me now, but I wear the bracelet with Ray's name on it every day. Many people ask me what it is and why I wear it. I simply answer to them that it is because Ray Rangel is my true hero forever. To all those who loved Ray Rangel, God bless you here on earth, and Ray in Heaven forever."
Anonymous

"I want Ray's wife to know how special Ray was to our team in Iraq. As you know, I was in charge of the RAMS Team and personally picked Ray to go on that mission that morning. He had just arrived a few days before and was ready and willing to do the mission that we had at Balad. I remember asking Ray if he was ready to go just before the chopper landed to take them to the scene. He gave me a huge smile and a confident nod and told me he was ready to go. I want you and everybody out there to know that Ray Rangel was a true Hero and that he died doing what we all loved to do. We were firefighters in the US Air Force committed to saving the lives of our fellow man. Ray Rangel gave the ultimate sacrafice in trying to save three Army personnel from a overturned HUMVEE in the middle of a canal. I will never forget him and the hero that he was to me and all the members of the first ever Air Force Rescue Air Mobility Squad to serve in Iraq."
MSgt (retired) Tom Schipper of Phoenix, Arizona

"Selena:
Te conoci de nombre y por las fotos que Ray tenia en su cuarto. Como tu el pasado 13 de febrero fue uno diferente en mi vida. Tuve la oportunidad de compartir con Ray muchas veces en el tiempo que tuvimos juntos en TAJI. De hecho tuve con el el ultimo que estuvo alli por que fui uno de los llevo a tomar el helicoptero que lo llevaria a BALAD. Hacia mucho frio y para que no se quedaran fuera esperamos en los vehiculos con ellos hasta las 3:35am que fue que los vinieron a buscar. Eso fue el miercoles 9 de febrero, supinos esa misma noche que habian llegado bien, lo que jamas hubieramos imaginado es que fuera la ultima vez que compartiriamos con el. Su tema favorito era la familia los niņos y la casa. Fue un gran hombre, un gran amigo. Tengo varias fotos; lrmuniz@hotmail.com"
Luis R. Muņiz of Ponce, Puerto Rico

"This Monday will be 1 year since Ray has passed away. I wanted to thank you all for you kind words, prayers and support. He was a strong and caring man. We miss him so much! He died doing what he loved, being a firefighter and serving his country. To all his fellow brothers & sisters out there God Bless You! You and your families will forever be in our prayers."
Selena, his loving wife of Texas

"I am hoping someone will see this on this webpage and be able to help me. I am trying to reach the family of this soldier so that I can mail a flag to them that was flown in this soldier's honor. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices that this family gave. Any assitance would be very helpful.
Thank you. emmylou9@hotmail.com"
Emmy of Charleston, SC

"Dear Selena,
It has been 9 years, but it seems like yesterday that we lived across the hall from each other in Spangdahlem. Justin was just a toddler and my Zackary was only 3. This is Terrie Noland. We are headed to Abilene and I came across the news about Ray. When I first saw the name Ray Rangel, I frantically searched the internet to find clues to see if it was you. I am so desperately sorry for you and your family. I know that he will be missed. He passed from this earth doing what he was trained to do. You will definitely be in my prayers. I hope to hear from you. ttzmc001@cox.net"
Terrie Noland of Bellevue, Nebraska

"To the family or Ray Rangel, I just want to first offer my condolences to your family, but also thank you. I lost my brother SSG. Chad Lake the same day. Your loved one died trying to save my brother and for that I am forever grateful. Words can not express the greif and sadness I feel, but I felt that telling your family thank you was the least my family could do. Forever grateful to Ray Rangel for his bravery and sacrifice. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. God Bless your family."
Courtney Lopez of Ocala, Florida

"To Ray's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your hero's bravery and sacrifice as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' sons.

Sincerely,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern"
82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"Ray,

From those met and worked with at Clear AFS, Thank you for the great memories, friendship and the fellowship. You will be missed by those that you befriended. God Bless and God speed."
Tsgt Robert Campbell of Anchorage, Alaska

"Brother we will keep you in our thoughts and keep on doing this job here in Iraq. Rest easy and keep an eye out for all of us."
Timothy McGinnis of Tallil Iraq

"I keep you and your family in my prayers. Your son was a true hero, he is now an angel for God. Thank you Ray for everything you did for our country. God Bless your soul and your family."
Betty of Chesapeake,Va

"Many share your grief and sorrow and I just want to tell you that you are not alone and don't have to go though this alone. I offer my condolences and know that you will get through all of this. You & your family as well as the other famalies will be in my prayers until we bring our soldiers home and remember those who gave their life for us."
Amanda of San Antonio, TX

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

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ray Rangel. I lost my son in Iraq on 1/26/05. All those that have lost their lives in service to their country will always be heroes. May God bless you and ease your pain."
Helen Gilbert of Dayton, Ohio

"Ray,

We want you to know your family is so,so very proud of you. Hearing that you are gone has left us all heartbroken, but we know you died doing what you loved - helping others. We take comfort knowing that you are with the Lord. We will forever miss your kind heart and warm smile. Life will not be the same without you. Rest in Peace my brave, brave cousin."
Lisa Rubio of San Antonio, TX

"My condolences to the family of Ray Rangel. I lost my son, Richard Gilbert, Jr., on Jan. 26, 2005 in Iraq. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
Helen Gilbert of Dayton, Ohio

"Thank you Ray Rangel, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Ray Rangel:
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 Ray for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

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