Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Someone has made, with a red PowerStroke F350 4x4, a sort of rolling memorial to Spc. Walker, complete with airbrush art of him in his fire department uniform and a battlefield medic scene on the side. It passed me today as I was leaving Corvallis. What an amazing and touching memorial. To whoever created it, thank you for inspiring me to learn more about Spc. Walker and what he did for our country. I wish I could thank him for it, but I'll have to wait a while for that, I guess."
Finn John of Albany, Oregon, USA

"I was browsing the internet one boreing nite at work and happened to stumble upon this website. I saw Doc Walkers name on the page. I will tell you this, our battalion was very lucky and had a lot of good medics that year in Iraq. Doc Walker was the finest medic I had ever served with in my brief four years of service. I say this not because he knew more about the job than the next guy but because he loved his job. Doc gave his life doing what he loved, helping other soldiers."
former Spc. Somers of Wareham, M.A.

"To the family of:Ryan D. Walker I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief. He died a hero defending freedom and we are so grateful for anyone defending our freedom.
Know that I am praying for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding for you and that one day we will all meet in Heaven where we will rest in the arms of Jesus.
If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with please call my Pastor at Gateway Community Church, Reverand John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd Covington Ga. 30016 Phone 770- 787- 1015 (fax)770-787-8215.Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew"

"Doc Walker...bro, I owe you a lot. You took care of me, changed my bandages, cleaned my wounds, and made sure I wasnt in any pain after the rest of unit swept me under the rug. I remember when you helped me on the bird to go home, you gave me instructions on how to keep my arm clean until I got home, and said 'good bye bro'. I didnt think that would be the last time I saw you. I'll never forget you or the lessons you taught me."
Adam Mattis of Savannah, GA

"I dont really know what to say. Its great to see that all these people have left messages here for Walker, especially fellow patriots. Not a day goes by, where I dont think of that year in Baghdad, and the fact that Walker didnt come home with us. I'll always remember you Walker."
Doc O'Neil of Denver, CO

"my name is ryan walker too im sorry for your lose"
Ryan of mechanicsburg

"I don't know Ryan but I will never forget."
Chad of Tampa, Fl

"I met "Doc" Walker when I first got to Ft. Stewart. He was the medic in our Unit (1st BN, 76th FA)that everyone wanted!! He was the guy that was knowledgeable about his job, would just sit and listen if you where having a hard time, give you words of encouragement and advice, and just put a smile on your face no matter what. If he was having a bad day (which was very rare), you couldn't tell, be cause he was always in a good mood trying to keep spirits up. This is the Medic that would volunteer to go on dangerous missions that weren't assigned a Medic, just so he was there for "his guys" in the unfortunate event that we might get hit. It was this selfless attitude that put him in the situation that took his life.
After getting to know him, and spending time with him over the course of 3 1/2 years, if you asked me to describe him, selfless would be the first word out of my mouth.
The the family of Ryan "Doc" Walker, thank you for bringing him into this world and letting him touch all the lives that he did. He certainly will remain in my thoughts and prayers, and will never be forgotten."
Jonathan "E-baum" Epelbaum of Port St Lucie, FL

"I went to college (Fire Science@ Chemeketa) with Ryan for two years... I will never forget the day I saw his face on the news some 4? years after we graduated. He had that same sweet grin on his face...He was the "guy" who always had the right thing to say to make someone's day... to lift you up when you were down and really make you feel good about yourself. He was just "that guy" that stood out among everyone else. Mostly it was that smile, one look at him and you knew that he was a good hearted person. I am so sad that he is no longer here to enjoy life in the way that only Ryan could. Thank you for everything you did Ryan to make this world and country a better place."
Krissy Preim-Smith of Hubbard, Oregon

"I was one of the medics from 4TH ID who was replacing Ryan and his unit as they finished their rotation. I befriended Ryan in the 2 weeks I knew him before Jan 5th. He was a great guy who settled in a lot of the younger guys in my medic platoon to their mission. Ryan volunteered to go on the mission in which he was killed, he didnt have to we the "new "unit were scheduled to provide medical coverage as 1-76 medics had allready handed over the mission to us. He insisted he go with his beloved Alpha Battery on their last patrol. He said he could never live with himself if he didnt go and someone got wounded. We played cards the night before and had fun.I responded in the Quick Reaction Force to the scene of the ambush and explosions and proceeded to treat the wounded. Ifound out Ryan had died as I treated one of his injured buddies from Alpha on the road at the side of a Hummer .I completed my treatment of the wounded and we evacuated them by ambulance to the CSH in Baghdad. My heart sank on that long dangerous slow drive to the hospital knowing that Ryan and Sgt Lopez had died. Ryan I will never forget your bravery and will make every effort to come see you in Oregon one day.RIP BRO"
SPC(P) Kelly of Fort Hood TX

"I met SPC Walker Dec 05 on FOB Union III. He was an outstanding Soldier, always willing to help and go the extra step to help anyone. He made the ultimate sacrifice for this great country of ours doing just that, coming to the Aid of a Fallen Comrade. In laying down his life he also saved the lives of the Soldiers in the vehicle behind him. He is a Hero in the truest sense of the word."
A fellow Soldier of Baghdad, Iraq

"i just googled my name, and was shocked to see that someone else had the same name as me, who has gallantly fallen serving this great country god bless, best wishes to the family as well"
ryan d walker of pa

"I just went to google and typed in my name Ryan Walker and this came up so i clicked on it. I have no relation to him but I do have the same name and so I will say sorry for the familys loss and I will remember this hero."
Ryan J. Walker of Saco,ME

"Ryan, You were like a brother to me. Now you are watching done on me. I love you. We will never forget you."
Ryan O'Malley of Pendleton OR

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

"Doc Walker was one of the best medics I ever met. He knew the names of all the soldiers in A battery and pretty much the rest of the battlion. He remembered if you had kids, if you were married, where you were from, just about everything. I used to love to see him walking up to our trucks to go out with us. It almost gave you a feeling of invincibility. You knew he would walk through hell fire to get to you if you were wounded. Im truly sorry that turned out to be true.

To the entire Walker family: You can be rest assured, Ryan was an indescribably beautiful person and one hell of a soldier. I am proud to have known him. It was an honor, a pleasure and a priviledge to know him and serve with him. In this Army life, there are few people that I truly miss. He is one of those people."
SSG Eric Brumley of A btry, 1st BN, 76th FA, Fort Stewart, GA

"My deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May God grant you peace and strength.

Michele Carter
Sister of CPL Gary Walters
KIA in Baghdad on 24 April 2005"

"Thank you Ryan Walker, 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 Spc. Ryan Walker:
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 Walker:
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