Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I remember when I first met him at the United States Naval Academy. You came in my office and told me you wanted to be a Marine. The 0530 workouts at the gym and the work ethic that you showed, there was no doubt that you were going to do the Marine Corps proud. To your family, your son being part of my life, made my life better. I am truly blessed to have served with him and shared that moment in time.
Grimes"
SgtMaj Todd M. Grimes USMC, (Ret) of Chesapeake, Va

"You will always be missed."
Sgt Camron Sims of Little Rock , AR

"Mrs. Winchester, I will never forget your birthday while I was in 7th grade. I was walking down the hallway and something outside caught my eye. I saw you standing by Ronald's memorial, holding your necklace and crying. My heart broke for you and all I wanted to do was go out and give you a hug. I decided instead to let you be in your moment and I went home and prayed for you. I have so much honor and respect for your son's strength, courage and bravery. My gratitude for him giving everything to keep our country safe is beyond words. Seeing you at his memorial that day showed me exactly where your son received his strength from. It's apparent you passed down all of your great qualities to your son. At the 2009 Oceanside Middle School Award Night I was beyond grateful to receive the Ronald Winchester Award. I will remember that night for as long as I live. It is definitely an honor! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
Gabrielle Ward of Oceanside, NY

"Sir, it was an honor to serve with and for you. You made a difference in all of us who served with you. You led by example and followed in the traditions of the Marine Corps. Your memory will always be ours to carry on, for you will never be forgotten. I enjoyed the times we had, the long night of firewatch we stood. Iam proud to know you. Weapons platoon will always follow you. GUNZ UP."
Cpl Brad Greenwald Suicide Charley of Port Washington, WI

"I never knew you like your marines, but your face and voice will never leave. I remember leaving after you came through, I was hoping and praying that your going to make it. I was sad to hear of you passing, but knowing you in that last hour. Your a fighter. I still laugh at what you said, I can only wish that you made it. Your name is never forgottin in my head, I look for it at memorials."
Doc of Deuce Niner, CA

"Lt Winchester- you are truly a hero. I was your platoon sergeant for suicide duece befor becoming the company gunny for suicide on the OIF-1 deployment in 2003. I remember the times we shared, having you and your date at our table at the 2003 MC Ball and knowing that you were going to do great things in the Marine Corps. I think about you often and think how lucky we all are for having had you in our lives and how lucky we all are knowing that we will see you again"
1stSgt Robert Sites (Suicide Charley 2001-2004) of San Jacinto, Ca

"He must of been one hell of a soldier I am proud to share his name"
Ronald Winchester of Lawrenceburg, IN

"I was priveleged to attend the street renaming ceremony in your honor today. God bless you for your courage and may He wrap his arms around you. May He send His peace to all that loved you

I have placed photos in a tribute album on my myspace page - myspace.com/respectamericanheroes"
Alice Johnson of Lynbrook, NY

"I will miss the conversations we had about what it means to be a Marine. You taught me to lead by example and I can only hope to be a shadow of the Marine and man you embodied. Regardless of rank, you are my brother. Semper Fi!

P.S. Anchors Inboard Sir!"
Cpl. Parnacher, K.R. USMC (2002-2006) of Las Cruces, New Mexico

"OORAH SIR. IT WAS AN HONOR AND A PRIVELEDGE TO SERVE WITH YOU. YOU WERE ONE OF THE BEST LTS I HAD. SEMPER FI SIR AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY."
NORSWORTHY, J.M. of SLIDELL, LA

"Lt. Winchester,
You were the best Lt. I had the honor of serving under! You always put your Marines first and sought the advice of the senior enlisted under your command if you needed a second opinion. I will never forget how you were always smiling from your turret in the AAVs during the invasion of Iraq. I believe you are an inspiration to all you came into contact with. I still laugh when I think of you saying, "Hey Wallden, What's wrong with the radio!?!" I just think of the NY accent you had as you would say it. I miss you Sir. Semper Fi from Suicide Deuce!"
Sgt. Randall Murphy - 1/7 Suicide Deuce

"August 22, 2008
To the family of 1st Lt. Ronald Winchester:
Ronald 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

"THANKS FOR BEING THE BEST PLATOON COMMANDER I HAD EVER SERVED UNDER. I MEET LOTS OF YOUNG OFFICERS, BUT YOU WERE BY FAR THE MOST MOTIVATED AND KNOWLEDGE BASED OFFICER I HAVE EVER MEET. YOU LOOKED OUT FOR THE MARINES UNDER YOUR CARE AND HAD THE HIGHEST RESPECT FOR US. SEMPER FI!! M.NINO"
MICHAEL NINO of SAN ANTONIO

"Semper Fi Sir, you are missed, and will never be forgotten."
Justin Campbell of Cincinnati, OH

"Lt Winchester,
Thank you for your service and paying the ultimate price. You will live forever in our hearts and prayers. You will be missed and always remembered. Thank you LT.
HM3(FMF)Frey,C.A."
Frey, Christian of San Luis Obispo, CA

"Sir,You helped shape us into the Marines we became. Thank you. We all still miss you to this day. OOHRAH! SUICIDE CHARLIE!"
Jon Goodman 2nd Platoon 1/7 Suicide Charlie of Tulsa Ok

"Lt Winchester was my immediate supervising officer when I worked with 1/ 7 Suicide as interpreter from Iraq. I still remember his courage that gave me motivation all the time treated me with respect and I felt like I’m fellow Marine.
I was honored to serve him in Iraq; I was and always will be honored just to say I know him.
I learned from him to live with honor and die with honor
I wished I could see him again and while I fought to stay alive I can’t fight the sadness tears to lose Lt Winchester and my regret that I can see him again.

My God Bless your soul and I will so you in heaven.


Your faithful suicide terp"
Joe ( Iraqi Terp) of Silver Spring, Maryland

"1st Lt Winchester was my Platoon commander for a year and a half. Our first combat experience in Iraq was the majority of that time. I was his Platoon Guide and we saw eye to eye on everything. Not only was he my immediate superior, he became a dear friend. He loved all of his Marines more than anyone will know. I used to think of most Lieutenants as too eager to show everyone how little they knew. Ronnie changed the way I looked at Lieutenants. Intelligent, tough, decisive, and caring, he is still the image of the perfect Platoon commander. I remember one fire fight, when being fired on from the enemy he had a smile on his face. I asked him what was so funny, and he replied, "I bet these clowns didn't wake up this morning knowing that it would be their last courtesy of Suicide Deuce!" Not a day goes by that I don't think of you, Sir, and I try to not blame myself for not being there for you on that terrible day that we lost you and so many of our other brothers. I was fortunate enough to have so many great experiences with you and everyone in Suicide Charley. It is because of Men like you that I stayed in the Corps, so that I could be around the best that have ever walked the battlefield. The world is a lesser place without you. I miss you and that New York accent and your undefeatable spirit. You will never be forgotten by anyone who knew you. We love you my man. Until we meet again at the Suicide Charley reunion in the sky, Your brother,"
SSgt 'Crazy Joe' Soltis, Drill Instructor 3rd BN of MCRD San Diego

"sir i remember when you first came to "suicide duece" you were talking to us for the first time and relating marine corps life to football . you will never be forgotten"
Sgt Grace JM of BLT 2/4 okinawa japan

"Ronnie I'll never forget beating Army at their house for the league championship, and I'll never forget the party after the game. BE A PRICK, brother. FEBU is for us, man. Semper Fi."
1stLt M.R. Bower of Philadelphia, PA

"Ronnie:
Miss you more and more each and everyday. Only a mother knows this feeling and the pain never seems to lessen. I am so proud of you, but selfish because I want you back here on earth. God only takes and wants the best and that you are so those gates i am sure are well protected. I love you son, take care of your sister and keep giving me the strngth I need. Love mom"
Mraianna Winchester of Rockville Centre, New York

"Ronnie,
I think about you everyday. If I'm lucky, I might get to be a fraction of the man you were to all of us....Semper Fi."

"Ronnie,

You were the only Yankees fan I liked.

I pray for and think of you often. We always had a good time!

Semper Fi,

MIKE BILELLO"

"Sir, it was an honor to know you and fight with you.
CPL. Berry G.M. “Baker 1-1”"
Geoffrey of Tucson, AZ

"Winchester family-Although I have never met Ron Winchester I have heard and learned many great things about him. After graduating Chaminade High School last June,2007 I embarked in my journey at Kings Point, USMMA. Ron has inspired me and continues to inspire me to serve my country. He gave himself for his country making the ultimate sacrifice and after attending Chaminade's Gold Star Mass this past week as a Plebe at Kings Point I felt it was necessary to tell you how Ron has touched my life even without ever meeting him."
Robert Anders of Kings Point, NY/ USA

"Ronald, I never had the priviledge to know you. Young people like you allow old men like me to rest knowing that my own children are safe. God bless you and all your comrades."
Dave of Valley Stream, NY

"Hey Sir. it's been a long time since we last talked, you used to be my platoon commander, and I have got to say it was fun teaching you, and learning that I was not in charge. I feel bad for what happened to you. I have a lot of pride in having been a US Marine, and you did also. The gates of heaven are much safer with you around I'm sure."
Derrin Howell (USMC) 1/7 C CO. WPNS. PLT. of Sacramento Ca

"Ronnie, I will never forget you, and you will always live in my memory. God bless you."

"Sir,
WOW How I miss you this is the first time that I am able to write. Just to see your picture brings back so many memories. WOW how we butted heads you were a cock strong LT and I was a cock strong Sgt. We never saw eye to eye on tactics but we always saw what each other saw and came to the best way to do things. I will see you! I know where to find you. Guarding the big gates of heaven. Semper Fi "Suicide""
SSgt John Jones of San Antonio TX

"Dec. 4 ,2006. Dear Winchester family, My name is Anthony Forte,my son, Vincent was this year's recipient of the Lt. Ronald Winchester Unsung Hero Award from the Catholic High School Football League of Metropolitan NY. He is a member of the St Joseph by the Sea football team from Staten Island. When we got home from the communion breakfast I wanted to know more about the man whose award my son had just recieved. After reading about your son on various websites I am truly honored and proud that my son was given this award. He was so proud to recieve it as the unsung hero of the CHSFL for 2006. I want to offer my condolences on the loss of your son and brother and let you know how proud me and my family are of all the men and women who serve in the armed forces and your family is in our prayers. If you would like to contact me my email is: atforte@verizon.net."
Anthony Forte of Staten Island, NY USA

"Ronny was my cousin... my grandfather was his dad's older brother, Harry Winchester. Ronny is still missed even now and will always be."
Celia Winchester of Manalapan, NJ, USA

"Ronnie and I played football together at the Academy. I was always in awe of Ronnie; not only did he look like he was carved out of granite, but also radiated an incredible spirit. I will always remember Ronnie's smile and presence. I will also never forget him eating creatine out of the can. Ha. We will never forget you, Ronnie."

"My husband was with you on that day 9-3-04. In the short time that he knew you, you inspired him. I wear a bracelet with your name on it as a symbol of your strength and courage. You and the others will never be forgotten. You are heroes to all of us.
We miss you ."
Sgt. Walker's Family of 29Palms, CA

"It's June 21st, 2006. I want you, his family, to know that I, and others like me who have served, have not forgotten Ron's sacrifice. Neither have I forgotten the sacrifice you made by sending your beloved son to war. Ron went to school with me, and I thought about him on the way home from work today. It makes me sad when I think about him not being with us anymore, but I know he passed with honor. God grants us no better departure, nor sustainment of our memory, than that which He gave to Ron. My thoughts remain with you and the rest of his family. Please know he is not, and never will be, forgotten. -Chris Lindenau, USNA '00"
Chris Lindenau of NYC, NY

"To the family of:Ronald Winchester 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"

"Your still remembered Lt. Winchester, you impacted so many people, you will never be forgotten. "Suicide Charley""
GySgt Larry Long of Corpus Christi, TX

"TO THE WINCHESTER FAMILY THIS SUNDAY SEVERAL OF THE FALLEN FAMILIES FROM LONG ISLAND. WELL BE PLACING CHRISTMAS WREATH'S BY OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS ON LONG ISLAND. AN NEXT WEDNESDAY HEADING TO ARLINGTON. THANKS TO THE DONATION OF 150 WREATH'S FROM GARDEN WORLD IN FRANKLIN SQUARE."
LOVING FAMILIES of NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN!

"Sir, I will never forget you. A great leader, a marine's marine. I remember when we were on that roof top in Najaf, and I "supposedly" gave away our position. But I had to fire back to the company that you did with another one of your football days story from the academy is what gave our position away. Sir, you will not be forgotten. " SUICIDE DUECE""
Sgt Teppo of Camp Pendelton CA

"Another Fallen Hero ---- My deepest condolences and prayers go out to your entire family.

You, Capt. Rowe, LCpl Witt and LCpl Perez (my son) are with the angles. We miss you all dearly.

I’m thankful for the Service, Courage, Bravery and Determinination to fight for our country, our freedom from you and all the men & women in our armed forces. You all will not be forgotten. Thank you.

Yesterday, Today, Forever – Semper Fi - Marines!

Very Proud Marine Mom
(Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez – KIA 9-3-04 – Al Anbar Province, Iraq)"
Yolanda Valdez of Austin, Texas

"Ronnie and I were classmates at the Naval Academy. We had lost touch, but I will always remember him. Ronnie was a leader amongst leaders. He always had a smile on his face. It was impossible to be in a bad mood when he was around. I did not find out about Ronnie's passing until recently. My prayers go out to him and his family."
John Somnitz of Saratoga Springs, NY

"I am soon to be a graduate (this weekend) of chaminade high school. That is the same school Ronnie graduated from in 1997 (with my brother matt). In less than a month I will be leaving for West Point. This evening was chaminade's sports awards dinner, where I met a spoke with mrs. winchester. I expressed my deepest sympathies and also that I would be attending West Point in the next month. She gave me a bracelet with Ronnie's name on it and told me to wear it with pride and think of him for strength. I can't begin to explain the respect I have for the true amercian hero Ronnie Winchester. I will never forget the ultimate sacrifice you made for all of us. God Bless you Ronnie. I will never forget."
Josef Kaplan-- soon to be West Point Cadet of Hewlett, NY

"My young daughter and I went to see the airshow at Jones Beach yesterday and when walking into the park we were given dogtags with soldier's names on them. "They're free," the veteran told us, "you just have to promise to wear them today." As a mother my voice trembled as I explained to my 7-year old daughter that these were someone's son, someone's child, who had died for our country. We proudly wore our tags while watching the airshow. My soldier was a first lieutanant so I knew he was probably quite young, while my daughter's was a major so I figured he was probably older and more experienced. This morning while up early I turned on ch. 12 and saw a report on LI's fallen solder's and there was MY soldier's name,Ronald Winchester, a fellow LI-er, just down the south shore a bit from where we live. So here I am, having looked up his name and also the name of my daughter's soldier. Ronald, I am wearing your tag and will be wearing it tomorrow when I march in Babylon's memorial day parade. Ronald, I have hanging on my frig these words from Martin Luther King Jr. I can't recall the EXACT words and don't want to misquote him so I will paraphrase his words -- MLK Jr. said that we must come to see that peace is not a distant goal that we seek but a means by which we arrive at that goal. With that thought, I thank you for your sacrifice and I continue to pray for peace. love always, Karen Palmieri"
Karen Palmieri of Babylon, NY

"I remember walking with you Lt. Winchester in Iraq in 2003, we had just got done running a QRF drill. As we walked you looked over at me and said in your New York accent and the very familiar grin, "I am going to be the Commadant of the Marine Corps one day". I smiled and your responce was "No Sh*t, I am" it is a conversation I will never forget. While you never will become the Commadant of the Marine Corps there is no question about the love you had for the Marine Corps and the Marines you severed with. I will never forget you and I will always wish you would have returned on the plane with us, it just was not the same with out you."
Staff Sgt Long Larry R. of Twenty-Nine Palms CA

"My dear Marianna,
You have been in my thoughts since our phone conversation of New Years Day. I Love you and will forever be your friend. Our paths will once again cross and we will remember many of our cherised memories. I Love you and pray for you and your family on your loss. Your Texas Friend."
Carol Ann O'Dell of Yantis, Texas USA

"I remember you as football player and midshipman. We weren't friends, but we were classmates and coming from the Naval Academy that means more than most people can understand. I just want you to know, you did it right, and the rest of us won't ever forget you."
Ltjg Michael Hernton of Camp Pendleton, CA

"We Love and miss you Ron. We think about you everyday."
Your Friends of Rockville Centre, New York

"God Bless the Winchester Family for their ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Chaminade and Garden City will never forget you."
The Pfail Family of Garden City, NY

"God Bless You Ron. You will be in my thoughts and act as an inspiration to me every single day. livestRONg"
CS of NY, NY

"Thank you Ronald, and God Bless you and your Family!"
Shannon White of Howard Beach NY (former Oceanside High School student)

""We keep Lt. Winchester, Capt. Rowe, and LCPL Wilt's families in our thoughts and prayers everyday. My husband tells me of what great men these guys were, and what a great leader Lt. Winchester was. God Bless your family"
Cassie Hester, wife of CPL Ryan Hester, 1/7 of Twentynine Palms, CA

"Semper Fi' LT. You represented the Corps admirably. Take command of those who "guard the gates". Will proudly serve under you when that day comes. May God bless your family."
MGySgt. Smith (Ret) of Havelock (Cherry Pt.), ,NC

"Please accept my sincere condolences to the family and friends of LT.Ronald Winchester.He paid the ultimate price for his country and will not be forgotten.May God give you the strength and determination to get through these difficult days that lay ahead.My thoughts and prayers are with you.Semper Fi marine!"
Bill Payne of North Augusta,S.C.

"It is so difficult to find the words which could adequately express our grief for your family and ours. I can say that I know how much my brother loved his fellow Marines and how much his Marine family meant to him. Our prayers are with your family. I know how proud of him you must be... for I am so very proud of Alan."
Diana Rowe Pauls, sister of Captain Alan Blake Rowe of Gooding Idaho

"My husband and I just saw the story about your son on ESPN. My husband recognized your son's name right away because my nephew was killed at the same place and time. We were Nick Wilt's godparents and miss him terribly. Your son sounds so much like Nick. We pray to God that you find peace as does our world. God Bless you, Ronald, Nick and all the other soldiers that are in Iraq."
Stan & Gloria Mix of Ocilla, GA

"You are in our hearts, you give us strength and courage. You are an American Hero. God Bless You Ronald!"
Steven Ashe of Davison MI, USA

""To the family and friends 1st Lt. Ronald Winchester:
May God's grace be with you during this time of grief. My son, Brian Hogie, is in C 1/7 in al Qaim and I can only imagine your sense of loss. You are in my prayers. Contacthogie@sbcglobal.net"
Stephen W. Hogie of Santa Ana, California

"To the Winchester Family;

I wish everybody in this country would wake up every morning and remember that soldiers like your son are sacrificing their life so we can live the life of freedom.

God Bless Your Family."
Joshua T. Chaffey of Rockville Centre, N.Y.

"To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Ronald Winchester,

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. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

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

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

"From every member at the United States Naval Academy....we will never forget and we will live in his honor and with his memory forever."
MIDN 3/C Pallas, USN of Annapolis, MD, USA

"To Ronald'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 soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

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

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

"To Ronald's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"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. May time provide family and friends with happy loving memories in place of present sorrows. 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 Winchester family from the Wahl family. We are deeply sadden by the lost of Ronald. Tears come to me with every lost not just with our son Gregory. Even more so with Ronald! For he is a local neighbor. YOU WILL BE AMAZED AND MAYBE NOT! That Ronald was more then part of his family and the military. He has touched so many lives. Ronald is more then the All-American soldier and hero. Many that have written condolences in memory of Ronald. Only confirm that many Americans appreciate all our son's and daughter's are doing for our country,and freedom to the world. Honestly, figured I was alright with Gregory. But, now its Ronald. An my heart and prays are with the Winchester family. God Bless!"
Leonard wahl of Valley Stream Long Island

"Thank you Ronald Winchester, 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 1st Lt. Ronald Winchester:
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 Ronald 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 1st Lt. Ronald Winchester:
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 Ronald, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia