Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"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