Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"This is pastor Barbara Jean Smoaks I raise Rodricka I was there when he was born ,this is my little cousin ,but he was like my son ,I will always miss him ,,I remember he would come to my home in Aiken sc .i would pray for him and with him and he would talk to me bout his problem s. And I would alway encourage. Him that things are going yo be ok. He talk to me bout joining the service I said do what The Lord lead you to do. He is and stil is a good dad .this was why he join for his kids. I miss him much. God bless the family"
Pastor Barbara Smoaks of Graniteville sc

"Our boy, Mekhi will be 9 years old on Thursday! Can you believe it?! He has grown into a very respectful big boy. I know you're proud of him. I see you in him in so many ways. He is going to be a gentleman just like you. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have these two little guys. Thank you. I still miss you so much, Rah. I love you, always. R.I.P."
Stephanie Cuthbertson of Williston, SC

"Rah, Your memories and the image of you in your battle combat uniform will always be engraved in heart. I am proud to say that I have known such a couragious and kind hearted Marine. I know that you are looking down on A'dale smiling at how we all have come together to show honor in your name. We all miss and love you.."
Shelia Bradley of Summerville, SC

"Happy Birthday to you Rah!!! I miss you soooo much. Today, me and your children will celebrate you and who you are to us. So this day, 3/15/11, will be filled with memories of you, your life<3. I love you, will always love you more than anything. Happy Birthday to you in Heaven My LOVE<3"
Stephanie Cuthbertson of Williston, SC

"I was in platoon 2084 with Youmans. He was a good friend of mine and made boot the best time of my life. Our prayers at the end of the night can still be heard in our circle of Marines. I wanted to say thank you for your comradeship and friendship during boot. Thank you Seniror Drill Intructor SSgt. Scoopmire for training us to be the Marines that we ought to be. Miss you all!"
Daniel Duane Henderson of Lansing, MI, USA

"Sup Rah I miss you dearly bro I'm never going to forget the
Times we had together bro. Your kids are growing up fast looking just like you
Its so hard for me since you are gone and now that mom has died its even harder bro I loved yall with all my heart sometimes I just
Sit in my room and cry bc I'm filled with so much pain but I know that you and mom are in a better place bc these days it seems like hell on earth but I know yall looking down on us each and everyday I love you and miss u everybody do
I'm going to hold on and be strong my struggle hard rite now but I'm going to overcome all this adversity bc the youmans are strong dawg and I won't fall short bro 1 luv"
your bro chess of allendale sc

"Happy Veterans Day...Mr. Youmans.

Man this day is observe for all the soliders that represent The United States of America...I am truly sorry about your lost but thankful for your fight. Several years ago, you decided to fight for your sons, your wife to be, your daughter, and all of American citizens. We thank you for your effort. I, Naemon Youmans, miss you dearly and will like to recognize you on this Veterans Day.

Fallen solider to many but you still live in my Heart.

Love you,

Home boy.

P.S., we don't visit fleetwood and buy a six pack of 7oz bud lights to drink while we shot pool. Those days are long gone. Allendale is changing, good or bad TBD."
Naemon Kojak Youmans of Columbia SC

"hey man this is your long time buddie from allendale sorry to hear about what happened i was in shock when i found out that u had died i couldnt believe it you are a cool person eventhough we have our bad times i never forgotten about you i was hoping to see you again we i visited allendale damn man its hard to u know that u are gone away now u are a angel looking down upon us making sure we do the right thing the way you would have wanted it done. ps. man i miss u"
Joseph Garvin of Salinas C.A.

"Hey Rah this is your cousin "Shay" in Jacksonville.I wanted to say you will be truly missed, and that we love you here.You will not be forgotten.Rest in peace from your family in Jacksonville, Florida! We love ya "Rah""
Shacoby Youmans and family of Jacksonville, Florida

""Rah"...it's my time to leave a message in memory of your loss. You must know that it is different around without you. It's even much difficult to come home from Columbia and look over at you parent's house. I no longer holla across the ditch and say let go shoot pool and drink a six pack. I continue to think about our time in the gray tempo and my delta 88. I'm happy to say that we share about 20 years of our life together...trying different routes after graduating you decide to be a soldier. Sometimes when driving alone on the highway my mind tell me to look right in the passanger seat...I'm thinking I've seen you. I look then laugh bc you're not there. I know you always look out for me in many ways and at that moment I say "leave me alone Rah before you make me wreck my car" Love you always"
Naemon "kojak" Youmans of Columbia, SC

"RAH ,WHATS UP THIS IS YOUR SISTER-IN-LAW: IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY SINCE IVE SPOKEN TO YOU . WE JUST BEGAN TO GET CLOSE . I CANT BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH YOU ARE MISSED . EVERYONE HERE KEEPS THE MEMORY OF YOU ALIVE . YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS, WE LOVE AND MISS YOU. I KNOW THAT TOU ARE LOOKING DOWN ON MIA, KI, RJ AND YOUR ONLY NEICE COI. U C HOW BAD SHE IS RIGHT. (I THINK SHE GETS THAT PART FROM U )LOL .EVEN THOUGH YOUR NOT PHYSICALLY HERE U ARE HERE ,EVERYDAY /MINUTE. SO PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT IM GETTIN INTO BEFORE I MARRY CHESS NEXT YEAR.WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU. TEETEE"
LaAndrea &NaCoi Youmans of Allendale, SC

"July, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Rodricka A. Youmans:
Rodricka 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

"Rodricka im the son of Aldaton Youmans "Boo". It was sad to here the news but the Youmans-Priester Family hang on throughout the big lost of the family. But we know you in a good home. Always love from your family and friends."
Devontay Youmans of Allendale SC

"Rodricka im the son of Aldaton Youmans "Boo". It was sad to here the news but the Youmans-Priester Family hang on throughout the big lost of the family. But we know you in a good home. Always love from your family and friends."
Devontay Youmans of Allendale SC

"Youmans, I never knew you personally but you are my brother as a United States Marine. I know you served with Honor and I give my condolences to your loved ones. Rest peacefully my friend and you, like all of our fallen heroes will never be forgotten. Your Brother in arms."
Cpl Black MD of Camp Pendleton, CA

"You will always be with us. Those of us who served with you; your brothers from 2nd LAR, will never let your memory fade. Semper Fi"
SgtMaj Sprague Michael of Belle Chasse, La/USA

"Youmans, bootcamp was so much easier because you were there. I have had my best memories in 2084 with you. I have thought of you almost everyday ever since i picked up a Times and saw your name in the KIA section. I know you were a true warrior and went down with the toughness only a Marine knows. It was a shame we never kept up after Bootcamp but we all had our roads to travel, and the good die young.

Your Brother
Cpl. John Morgan USMC"

"RIP Rah. Your cuz miss you man."
Taurus of Panama City, FL, US

"It's July 6 2007 I'm out here again in Iraq. Thinking of you and all my recruits/Marines that have passed. I still ware a red wrist band with your name and dates in your honor for the sacrifice for our great Nation. Once again Youmans you were a good recruit and an outstanding Marine. It was an honor having you in the platoon.

Your Senior Drill Instructor Hotel Company Plt 2084 "Honor platoon"

GySgt Scoopmire"
GySgt Steven E. Scoopmire of Jacksonville, NC

"I did'nt know you very well, but I remember we talked a few times at the internet center while waiting out turns to call our families lol. Im deeply saddened, but as Major Quinlan puts it, once an outlaw, always an outlaw."
Luis Duran of Copiague N.Y. USA, Served in Iraq with the 2d Light Armored Recon Bn. Delta Company Fallujah Iraq 2004

"Hi brother-in-law we miss you very much. Mya talks about you alot like you are next to her and she will always remember her dad. She loves you very much we will keep you next to our hearts.

The Priester Family
Allendale SC"
The Priester Family of Allendale SC

"To the family of:Rodricka A. Youmans 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"

"I did not know you very well but I will never forget you and how nice you allways where."
Trevor of Pantego, TX

"Thank you for what you gave gave! You will live forever in our hearts. Never forgotten! God Bless. LAR"
Doc Appleby of New Albany, IN

"PFC Youmans you were a great recruit and a great Marine. We had some times together in our platoon. Tomorrow is the 6th of July 2005. I ware a red KIA wristband in your honor and I'm always thinking of all my Fallen Marines. Rest in Peace Youmans
Your Senior Drill Instructor
Platoon 2084"
SSgt Steven E Scoopmire of Jacksonville, NC but, now in IRAQ!!!!

"Hello my name is Delsheena Byrd I'm writing to you because in my high school My senior English teacher is doing a wall in our school to honore all the Men and Women who lost there live in the war in iraq. He told use that we coukd pick any preson that we wanted to. I chose your son I don't know why but I feel like your son did a great thing for this country and he should be on the wall in my high school. I live in charlotte , North Carolina. I 'm a senior in high school who wants to join the air force after high school. I attend Hopewell High School. If you would please send me any info about your son as a child, some of the things that he enjoyed doing young and old. what where his plans when he came home from war. When he joined the army and things like that. Thank you very much and I'm deeply sorry for your lost.Sheena2k3@aol.com"
Delsheena Byrd of Charlotte, North Carolina/Meacklenburg

"HEY RAH, IT'S ME STEP I MISS YOU SO MUCH. I'M ALWAYS TALKIN' TO OUR SONS ABOUT YOU LIKE YOU WANTED, I WILL MAKE SURE THEY KNOW WHO THEIR DADDY IS AND ALL THE SACRIFICES YOU'VE MADE FOR THEM. R.J.(RAH Jr.) HAS YOUR TOES AND HANDS HE IS JUST SO PRECIOUS, YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN SO HAPPY TO SEE HIM. IT JUST DON'T SEEM REAL THAT YOU'RE GONE, I STILL LOVE YOU SO MUCH IT HURTS TO KNOW YOU'RE NOT HERE WITH ME. U WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART.
ALWAYS YOURS,
STEPHANIE CUTHBERTSON"
STEPHANIE CUTHBERTSON of WILLISTON, SC

"Yeah what's up "Rah" this is your brother "Chess" You are in our hearts each and everyday. I miss you man not just me everyone does.I think about u every minute of the day. It's just not the same anymore bro. Even though I know that u are looking down on all of us.I'm still being strong for Mom,Dad,Shay,Mya,RJ,and Mikki and for myself.All the homies n da hood miss u Scooter,Duke,Kojak,41,BooBoo,Reck,Cuzzo,Ced,Watt,Beef,Spank,Lil Man and everyone else.I love you and miss u rest in peace Rodricka "Rah" Youmans from your loving brother "Chess". K.P. for life bro."
Johnnie Youmans Jr. of Allendale,SC

"To the freinds and families of rod. I just wanted to express my condolences and let you know that being in his platoon and fighting along side of him was an experience that will forever be with me. Rod was known to make us in second platoon laugh and was always in good spirits. I just want to say that rod i miss you man, and i hope you know that you meant a lot to us and its so hard here without you. god bless you."
Lcpl Durbin of camp lejeune,Nc/usa

"Was up rah digga well this is your best friend scooter and I'm writting to tell you that you will live forever in my heart. the boys have missed you a lot its hard when we get together and you are not there. we try to think of all the good times we shared. you taught me a lot and I'm forever thankful for all you have done for me. you are my boy for life, and afterlife. I hope that your words of wisdom stick with me for life. It will be unfair for me to say I miss you because you have many other best friends that miss you as well, so I will say we miss you the K.P BOYS"
Edric Badger of K.P S.C

"My heart and prayers to you and family"
Thomas Youmans of Washington DC

"Rodricka,
Thankyou brother for being an awesome marine! We had alot of good times and laughs. There's not a day that goes by that you're not in my mind! I miss you and I love you and I will never forget you. Save a place for me and make sure you got Mr. BIGGS on the radio!
Semper Fidelis"
Sgt. Santiago, Nicholas of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

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

"This is the sister Shalonda of the fallen soldier Rodricka Youmans and my family and I would like to thank everyone for showing their condolences"
Shalonda Youmans (Sister of Alendale, SC

"To Rodricka'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 loved one's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

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

"To Rodricka'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

"Private Youmans, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, 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 and peace in their time of need and sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. You will not be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"To the family and friends of Private First Class Rodricka A. Youmans,

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 USA

"Thank you Rodricka Youmans, 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 Pfc. Rodricka Youmans:
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 Rodricka 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 Pfc. Rodricka Youmans:
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 Rodricka, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia