Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Hey brother,

I miss you, man. It seems like it was just yesterday that we lost you. Wherever you are I am sure you know exactly how hard your departure has been on all of us left behind. I hope you are now in a much better place i hope to some day meet up again."
Luis Anaya of Norco, Ca

"We honor the sacrifice of LCPL Ryan Nass"
NGA Veterans Council of Ft. Belvoir, Springfield, Virginia

"It's been 17 years not A-day goes by without thinking About you"
Ryan's father of Sayner Wisconsin

"It's been 10 years since we lost you. I visited you today 9/3/15, shared a smoke, bought some beer, now just sitting by the lake. Miss you bud, miss your family."
Matt of Pike Lake

"Hey buddy, I was talking about you today to a good friend. I can still hear your voice cleAR as day. I'll visit you again this summer in the north woods! I try to stop out atleast once a year to see you. Man I miss you.

Its been almost 10 years now since we parted. I'm always thinking of you."
Jason Loiavano of WI

"Ryan,
Whenever I dare to think life is not the best. I always think about you! Your enthusiasm for life and the laughter you brought always keeps me positive. I will never forget you not for a second! Not a day goes bye your not in my heart. Your always a thought your always a happy memory.
Love your sister
7/25/14"
Nicole of Lafayette IN

"i miss you"

"Ryan,
I miss you so much. I visited you! It made me smile seeing all the notes and left over items of other visitors. I know what a great person you are. You touched all our lives in such a big way, your are missed so much it hurts.

GOOD TIMES REMEMBERED ALWAYS
YOUR SISTER"
nicole nass of BLOOMINGTON IN

"Happy 4th of July!
Chloe, Dad and I are taking the boat on the water. We will be thinking of you and remembering all the 4th of Julys we had together."
Nicole Nass of BLOOMINGTON IN

"Proud of you man. see you up there. 11-11-11"
Nick of WI

"My name is Adam Barrett. I was Ryan's team leader for over a year from around 2003 to 2004. i remember picking him up from the airport to the day i left the battalion. he was such a fun guy sun up to sun down. I always called him my "nasty nass" after the rapper. I feel ashamed that i did not write anything sooner. i am sorry i was just really sad."
adam of deerfield, ma,

"Missing you buddy, Life's good but still thinking about you every day. Ill be up there soon"
Sgt Bannach

"I was with Nass from the first day of bootcamp all the way to Afghanistan. We had alot of fun in California and in Hawaii. I miss you brother. God Bless your family. You will never be forgotten brother. Semper Fi,"
GUTZ of Texas

"9/11 Memorial ride Montgomery PA

My husband and I rode in the 9/11 memorial ride Saturday. All of the riders carried cards with the names of Fallen Heroes. My card had Ryan's name on it. I feel honored to have had Ryan's spirit riding with me.

My condolences to his family. May his love and your memories of him be with you always."
Bonnie Wise of Duncannon, PA

"Happy Birthday buddy!
It's 2010, another year has pasted, where has the time gone?
Miss ya and still thinking about ya!"
Jason Loiacano of Milwaukee, WI

"July 16, 2010

Ryan I love you and miss you. I can't stop thinking about you. Each day my life contunies to grow. I just wish you were here. I love you so much and I will be visitng you in Sanyer soon."
Nicole Nass of Tampa

"No day passes without my thoughts going to you. I miss you more each day.

Love you Sister"
Nicole of Tampa

"I love you and still miss you so much!"
Tara of Sac

"Well, it's been four years good buddy and I still miss you the same. It seems that not too long ago we were hanging out at my West Allis house before you left for basic and I left a month later. I plan on coming up there soon. I'm sure Bannach has been up there. I haven't talked to him in forever. Bannach, if you read this, my number is 608-345-8815. Hope all is well up there buddy. I still wear your memorial bracelet everyday. Until we meet again."
SSgt Cody Treul of Volk Field AGB, WI

"Hey buddy its me Diggity Doc,
man its been so long brother, you well always be an our hearts."
Diggity Doc of San Diego,Ca/USA

"April 6th 2009

I have had you on my mind."
Nicole Nass of Tampa FL

"Ryan,
It is another year and your memory lives strong in my heart. Thank you for always watching over me. I had the best brother and you will be with me forever. Promise is a Promise!"
Nicole Nass of Tampa FL

"HE is talked about so much by someone so close to my heart. Cody carries him with always. I did not get a chane to meet this amazing person that my boyfriend speaks so highly of, but as a fellow servicemen: you will always be remembered for your courageous acts and the impact you left on peoples lives. you are a true inspiration to my love cody treul as Im sure you are to many others out there. God bless Ryan J. Nass and family.my deepest sympathies."
Sarah Geisdorf, SrA of 128 ACS, Camp Douglas, WI

"To the family of:Ryan J. Nass 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"

"Nass, Its been awhile since i wrote anything to you but im back. Thanks for watching over me and keeping myeslf and the others safe. I thought of you everyday and hope we meet up later. Ill be up to visit you soon, with Burdick. I miss you buddy"
Cpl. Matthew Bannach of Franklin, WI

"Hey bud it's Lilly,
Still thinking about you. Eveytime this day comes around it hit's me hard man. I'll be visiting you in 2 weeks.
I'm always thinking about the good times we had through out our time in school and in the marine corps together.
Love ya man and I'll never forget you!


You friend ,
Jason Loiacano"
Jason Loiacano of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"Ryan, Three years have gone by , and you still are in our thought's and heart's .Our family keeps all the memories of your fun , gentle soul alive .We know you are looking down from a better place now and are watching over those you love so dearly . We are very proud of the man you became Ryan . Sending you love on angels wings .. Auntie janet."
j.b. of M.I.

"It was 3 years ago today - we still miss you and think about you everyday. Why did you have to go away so young and full of promise? Only god knows, but we love you Ryan!"
Serena of Sacramento, CA

"July 2, 2008
Ryan, I miss you."
Nicole Nass of Tampa FL 33611

"Remembering you today Ryan. Our family is so proud of you and though we miss you dearly , you remain with us in our heart's forever ."
J.B. of Michigan

"Hey Nassty!! Me "Loiacano" and clevland seen you last august together. I'll be seeing you in the next 2 weeks!! I always think of you everday! I'll nevere forget you brother!! Well have another shot of jager. again together!! And I know your watching over me,
Love ya bud!!

lilly"
Jason Loiacano of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"Ryan-I am wearing your "hero bracelet"-I am so sorry for your family's loss yet so proud of you for your sacrifice for my family and for our country. I am the mother of 3 sons who did not serve as you did-my husband was a Marine many years before you were born-I have 2 grandchildren now and more to come I hope-I hope the world is safer for them because of men like you-God Bless your family-I will do my best to respect you every day I wear your name as my "Fallen Hero"-my employer is raising money for our "fallen heroes" always by various means-selling these bracelets is the latest one. We fly our flag, wear our pins, and do what we can. God Bless America."
Luann of South Milwaukee,WI

"Ryan, I talk to you every night before I go to bed. Do you hear me? It feels wierd to write to you in a website. But maybe you'll hear me this way. You, Ryan my one true love... I'm alone and so lost with out you. I just want to see your beautiful face again. It has been over 2 years now and I wonder everday: will thing be the same when we see each other? Am I still your wife? Do you feel me how I feel you? Well I am truely always yours."

"nass, i xouldnt belive whem i heard about you. but you will always live on in everyone mind. we all miss you brother...... HOOAH HOOAH!!!!"
1lt. r. schreiber of franklin, wi

"I knew Ryan from the very first day he left for boot camp. I met him in the MN MEPS, and little did I know that he would be there with me for the longest time. We went to basic training, SOI, and the fleet together. We'd drink together on occasion, and he'd always tell you that story that made the night. When his life abruptly ended, my heart sank and filled with sorrow, because he was one of those special dudes that will never be replaced. I had the honor of meeting his father at the memorial, and I will say this again proudly: "Mr. Nass, never let anybody tell you that your son Ryan wasn't a hero." He had guts, and allived by the quote: "The hotter the fire, the stronger the steel." So true, man. I'll live every day of my life proving my steel due to him."
Troy Vanderlinde, USMC of Watertown, MN, USA

"Everday, Your in my thoughts, and How much I miss my brother,Thank you to everyone that has posted, it means alot to me and my family...."

"Our family is strong but are hearts are broken with you gone. Everyday a tear is shed or a chuckle is let out because the thought of something funny we shared has crossed my mind. Chloe knows you thru me and asks about you all the time. Dad visits your resting place often and his grief overwhelms mine. We love and miss you and your smile will forever shine on are family but are lives will never be the same without you. Thank you Ryan for everything you will forever be in our hearts, and thank you to the men who served alongside him."
Nicole Nass of Tampa FL

"October 8, 2007
To the family of Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Nass:
Ryan 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
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy of Nevada

"TO MY BEST FRIEND SINCE WE WERE KIDS IN GRADE SCHOOL, TO THE TIMES IN HAWAII, AND AROUND THE WORLD IN FIRST PLATOON 1ST. SQD. 2/3 E CO. I REMEMBUR YOU EVERY DAY I WAKE UP! TO THE GOOD AND BAD TIMES IN AFGAN. I MISS YOU MORE THEN ANY WORDS I CAN SAY. YOU WHERE A BROTHER TO ME AND ALWAYS WILL BE.
AND TO THE NASS FAMILY, YOUR SON IS A GOOD MAN, ANY PERSON THAT KNEW HIM WAS BLESSED!"
JASON of MILWAUKEE, WI

"Ryan im so proud of you. i miss all the days we just chilled out at the park. relaxin with brian you know what i mean. i remember that 1 time when i threw the rock at the duck. not good. ran all the way to G. WEBBS. summer school with indiana and flower boy. i wish i would have never lost a friend like you. i know your in a better place and i cant wait til i get there with you.

momma made you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!!!!!"
justin class of 03 of franklin wisconsin

"Ryan im so proud of you. i miss all the days we just chilled out at the park. relaxin with brian you know what i mean. i remember that 1 time when i threw the rock at the duck. not good. ran all the way to G. WEBBS. summer school with indiana and flower boy. i wish i would have never lost a friend like you. i know your in a better place and i cant wait til i get there with you.

momma made you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!!!!!"
justin class of 03 of franklin wisconsin

"Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay that day,
to laugh, to love, to work or play.
Task undone must stay that way.
I found peace at the close of the day.
If my parting left a void,
then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with time of sorrow,
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one touched.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
But don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me.
God wanted me now, He set me free!"
William Darby Taylor Jr. of Bonita Springs Florida

"Ryan i really miss u, and ill never 4-get u. Me and colin r really glad your our cousin."
Cali of Big bend, WI

"ryan i miss you, i love you and there will always be a empty hole in my heart that can't be filled untill we meet again. I wish I could come up there and trade places with you. Rest in peace you brought me great joy and we have alot of catching up to do, It has been a great honor to be your earthly mother"

"Ryan, a year has past without you here. We miss you more then words can ever say . But all the love and warm memories you have left our family with...will never be gone ,you will forever remain in out hearts and thoughts. We Love you Ryan."
J. Brodnicki of M.I.

"I dont know if anyone still goes on the web to look up fallen Marines such as Nass but still after a year of him being gone I do. ryan was a marine, my best friend, but most importantly a brother. not genetically but we both shared the same passions the same goals and the same triumphs. Nobody knows the pain his family and i had to go through in september and i hope no one ever will. I remember on sept 11 2001 i went iver to ryan house with him after school and we couldnt belive what just happened. both of us agreed at that moment that we would do something about this so it would never happen again. but unfortuantely i am a year younger then his is, so he got an extra year in sevice. Ryan talked up what he did with great courage, every time i would get a call from afgahnistan. i knew i was making the best choice for my country following in his footsteps. luckily i was ale to give part of the uligy at his funeral and i couldnt finish what thoughts kept racing in my head. If you didnt know nass, you missed out. he was the best friend anyone could ever have. if you were ever pissed he would do something to make you smile. if you ever needed money he would give you everything to his last cent. im not just trying to talk up a fallen hero he really was amazing. he always stuck by my side and always had my back, but never was afraid to tell me i was wrong. i truely miss my best friend and my brother. and everytime i look up and that flag. i will see him staring right back at me saying "ooh rah"

Love you Nass (but not in any gay way)"
Lcpl Matt Bannach of Franklin, WI Bannachmj1286@hotmail.com

"Ryan was a great friend and a god person. He will be missed and all of us that were friends of his were lucky to of even known a person like him. I wish there was something I could do to ease the pain of his family as they mourn his unfortunate death, but all I can do is just tell them that he will never be forgotten and that we will keep fighting against those who try to interfere with our freedom. Not only will he be missed as a friend, but as a fellow brother in arms. God bless Ryan Nass and his family.

SrA Cody Treul
78th CPTS
Robins AFB, GA
United States Air Force"

"Ryan U were amazing!! me and justin grew up with you. There was no one better in this world. Thank you for fighting for out freedom You are my Hero!!"
Tiffany of Franklin WI

"To Ryan's Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ryan, thank you for all you have done for us by keeping us safe. Ryan, you sir are a true American HERO. God Bless you Ryan and God Bless your family."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Ryan,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"Ryan,
On behalf of the Franklin High School Class of 2003, we miss you so dearly. You were a great friend, and an even greater Marine. We know that you are now in a much better place than this World could have offered you. We will see you soon on the other side, Ryan. God bless you, and your family.

Peace and love,"
Chris Medlock of West Lafayette, IN

"I will never forget and rember only that I will always love you!"
Tara Young of Sacramento,CA

"Ryan is missed very much by his family. There are no words to describe the loss we feel. We miss him so much, but we also know he is safely home now, and we will see him again some day. We keep all soldiers and their families close in our prayers."

"Ryans beautiful smile brightened my everyday. He will never be forgotten"
of HI

"""As a veteren of K Co 3/3 and a very short stint (2 Months with G Co)(1986-1990)MCAS K-Bay it saddens me to hear of the loss of my brother Marine but I know he left us bravley fighting to keep my family safe from the evils of the world keeping with the highest traditions of the Corps. I'm now to old to reenlist but if I could I would."""
Lcpl. Robert Blaylock of Lakeside CA, USA

"As a mom of five young children, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of this brave solder Ryan J. Nass. This is my daughter's Birthday and I will always remeber you on this day. You are loved by many. Words can not express the emotion. He payed the ultimate price for our freedom and the freedom of so many other people who suffered under the rule of Sadaam. May God be with his family in this time of sorrow and may you find comfort in the fact that we think about Ryan's sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"
Jill Hughes of Houston TX

"Your smile is in our thoughts, who you were is in our memories and you are in our hearts forever! You will not be forgotten!"

"I am a second cousin of Ryan's and would like to send my deepest sympathy to my cousin Johnny and his family. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you."
Chrissy of New York

"Ryan was a second cousin I never knew. His death was certainly a shock to my family. My heart goes out to his parents, and his family. Thank you Ryan for your service protecting our country. You are a true hero."
Sandi of Cudahy, Wisconsin

"Justin and Lisa--
I haven't been able to keep touch with you over the past few years, and, being even farther from home, was contacted a little time ago and told about the loss. I was in complete shock and have so much respect for any man who is willing to fight for our country. Ryan will always be remembered for his courage and patriotism. God Bless."
Molly Benson of Eau Claire, WI

"my sincere condolences. Please accept my apoligy if you recieved a previous note from me that was meant for my freind fred. I didn't realize it went to the memorial march until after i hit the send button. I thought i was responding to him. I'm sorry for your loss and Grateful for Ryans service. Semper fi Semper..Mark Groves GySgt U.S.M.C. (ret)"
Mark T. Groves of Derry New Hampshire

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."
--President Ronald Reagan 1985

My sharp hand-salute to you, Marine!"
Fred Christie '66-'72 of Goffstown, NH

"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.
God Bless you ALWAYS.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"TO THE NASS FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. RYAN THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. THE REALITY IS RYAN, YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN. RYAN YOU ANSWERED A CALLING VERY FEW AMERICAN'S DO! THAT TELLS A BIGGER PICTURE TO THE PERSON RYAN IS!!! SINCE 911, YOUR SERVICE HAS MADE AMERICA ALOT SAFER. ONE MAN SERVING WITH THOUSANDS FROM ALL BRANCHES OF SERVICE. A GROUP OF BROTHER AND SISTER'S UNITED AS ONE! YOU CONSIDER THE HUNDRED OF MILLION AMERICANS. AN THE PERCENT IS EXTREMELY LOW THAT SERVE OUR COUNTRY! MAKING YOU ALL THE ELITE OF AMERICAN'S!!!!!!! RYAN TO ME I REALIZE YOU ARE MORE THEN A SOLDIER AND HERO! YOU ARE SOMEONE'S SOMEONE AND SOMEONE TO OUR FAMILY AND TO ALL THOSE YOU TOUCHED WITH YOUR GENTLE HEART. MANY HOLD VERY DEAR AND FOND MEMORIES YOU BOTH SHARED TOGETHER. YOU ARE LOVED BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS. AN RYAN I REALIZE YOU NEVER KNEW OUR SON GREGORY. SERVING TWO DIFFERNT BRANCHES OF SERVICE. AN STILL UNDERSTOOD BROTHERHOOD. TO WATCH OVER ONE ANOTHER, EACH OTHERS UNIT AND ALL AMERICAN'S HOME! RYAN YOU HAD BEEN MY COMFORT NOT TO WORRY ABOUT MY SON. NOW GREGORY AND YOU ARE TOGETHER WITH ALL OUR FALLEN. NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN! TO YOUR FAMILY: WAR AND CONFLICT OFTEN TAKE ENDLESS TIME HONORING OUR SOLDIER'S. I URGE YOU TO REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS. NAME A STREET AFTER RYAN IN HIS HOME TOWN. HE DESERVE'S TO BE HONORED YESTERDAY NOT DOWN THE ROAD. GOD BLESS!"
leonard wahl of valley stream ny

"To Ryan'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 son returned safely from Afghanistan, only to lose his life in Iraq. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice. Our sons are true heroes!

By His Grace,

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

"God's Blessing to the family of Ryan. Know that you are not alone. You have the prayers of the nation with you. Hold on to the good memories, they will pull you thru this sadness. Bless you and thank you Ryan J Nass for your sacrifice for our freedom."
Candy of Poynette, WI

"From: Sgt Karl Clark Lippard’s book about Marines and the USMC:

“…reflect with me a moment on a statement made by the exiled Spartan King Demaratus to the Persian kind Xerxes before the battle of Thermopyle in 480 B.C. describing his beloved Spartans.

“When the Spartans fight singly they are as brave as any man, but when they fight together they are supreme above all. For though they are free men, they are not free in all respects; law is the master whom they fear, a great deal more than your subjects fear you. They do what the law commands and its command is always the same, not to flee in battle whatever the number of the enemy, but to stand and win, or die.”

To you the fallen Marine, you’ve given your life to a great and noble cause. You know hold a special place in the Marine Corp and history. Marine you have sacrificed for the greatest cause of all, Freedom. An entire country is now free for the first time in living memory and your name will forever be remembered in Marine Corp history. In the years to follow as other countries in the Middle East start to follow the great freedom principle, it’ll be men like you will stand above and look down on a safer and more secure and peaceful world.
Thank you.
Cpl. M USMC 84-88"
SM of NY

"Thank you Ryan Nass, 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 Lance Cpl. Ryan Nass:
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 Lance Cpl. Ryan Nass:
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