Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Rest Easy Warrior....you are not forgotten"
Anonymous

"I was in Jalalabab when this happened i remember it like it was yesterday. Mictlantecuhtli receive you brother."
Juan of San Bernadino

"Ricky i will always miss you today and forever"
sandra of lake charles

"Hey bud, man its been a long time. Its seems like only yesterday i was yelling at you for giggling while i was trying to sleep. This message has been a long time comming and i am so sorry that it is only now that i ma writing this. I see your face every day, and i think about you all the time. I find myself replaying that day on the hill over and over and i used to blame my self for you and nick not coming off that hill. I know that the only reason that i am still here today is because you returned fire with out you i am not here. I miss you every day
"For he who sheds his blood with me this day shall be my brother"
I love you Ricky"
Loren M Lynch of Nashville, TN

"Bonnie,I am sure your heart hurts everyday without your son.I still think of you often and hope your doing well."
Linda of Schuylkill Haven Pa

"Ricky was my cousin, his mother and my father were siblings. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think anyone that knew Ricky does not think about him. For me when I think of him I remember playing kickaty can at maw and paws, duck tails, alfalfa, dive tricks, and laughter....tons and tons of it. There maybe a void in our family now but there he is always in our hearts. Almost 8 years have passed and it still feels like yesterday sometimes. Thank you all for the kind words."
Angelique "Angel" Reber of Lake Charles, La

"Seven years ago, Cpl Ricky Schoener gave his life so the rest of us could live in freedom. God bless Cpl Schoener and his family and friends?"
LtCol Tim Hill of Houston, TX

"7 years, not forgotten."
Trevor of Grand Rapids, MI

"I remember this day like it was yesterday. I miss Ricky. I am so sorry Bonnie."
Peter S. Delach of Skokie, IL

"I may not have known you, but, for serving for the American heroes, the strong and proud, the Marines, I give my heart out to you for serving and fighting for our country. We'll all remember you in spirits."
Confidential of Confidential

"Remembering Ricky this memorial day. Glad to have met him, honored to have served with him."
Trevor of Michigan

"Ricky its an honor to have Known you a serve together for the same cause i ride in the swlafallenheroes group in honor of your memory and all other fallen heroes Semper Fi Brother"
Sgt. Miller Corey USMC of lake charles La

"Bonnie,
I cannot believe it's been 5 years today since Ricky left us. I also cannot imagine how hard these last 5 years must have been for you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss. I think of Ricky often, he was my favorite Marine, not only could I always depend on him, but he always made me laugh, and as I used to tell him all the time, "everyone from southern Lusiana is kin somewhere down the line." I was Ricky's platoon sergeant in Kings Bay, Gunnery Sergeant Heidbrink. The three images that consistantly stand out in my head are, Ricky throwing a baseball, anytime there was downtime, he would go get his glove and talk someone into throwing with him, the second is of him standing in formation smiling, I couldn't even look in his direction, as I would start laughing. He had that effect on people. The third is of a picture of him that I saw at the funeral, I'm guessing it was his prom, white tux, top hat, cane, and attitude, that picture, at least to me, was classic Ricky. I hope you have been able to find some peace over the last few years, knowing that Ricky was a great Marine, and that he died doing what Marines do, protecting America from evil. Also that he died amongst family, he was and always will be our brother, and we miss him dearly. I believe his cousin read something that her dad wrote at the funeral, if it isn't to much to ask, I would be eternally grateful if you could have someone send me a copy, jrheidbrink@gmail.com . If it is too much to bear, I understand, and please accept my apology for asking. I know Ricky is in heaven looking down on us wondering why we are still making all this fuss over him after 5 years, and the only thing I can say to that is this, "Ricky you may not have known it, but you touched our hearts and we are truly better people because of you." You will never be forgotten. Semper Fi Marine"
Jimmy Heidbrink of New Orleans, La

"We love you and miss you ricki. Semper Fi brother."
Shannon and Amy Crosby of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Hey Ricky, I can't believe its been 5 yrs today. I will never forget where I was this day 5 yrs ago. All of us still left at Kings Bay went to Antonik's and were in shock. You were a great leader and and a better friend. I wear you memorial bracelet everyday and will never forget your memory. Semper Fi my friend."
Trent Fettes of Berekely Heights, NJ

"Hey Ricky, Its me again. I just wanted to say hello and tell you that I miss you. I still think about you every day. It will be 5 years here soon, and I still cant belive your gone. I love and miss you more than anyone will ever know. I hope to see you again one day. Love you tons!"
Mandy Blevins of Kingsland, Georgia

"i am ricky's aunt and i just want to say thank you to all of you who have written such wonderful things about ricky. my daughter and ricky were 4 years apart and had a very close relationship. she googles ricky's name all the time, just to. she was telling me once again about all the sites that talk about ricky. it will be 5 years this year that ricky left us, and i haven't been able to bring myself to searh for anything on him, until this morning. i read probably the first 10 messages and had to stop. you guys are so kind. not only for the things you say in your messages, but for remembering him after almost 5 years. my heart was filled with such pride that ricky has touched so many lives. he was an awesome young man. i wish you all could have known him growing up. he was our little peace maker and our constant entertainment. he always knew how to lighten any situation, and make us laugh so hard we'd almost pee our pants. it's hard knowing and living with the fact that he is no longer with us here. and i miss him terribly, as you all do. but i want to say, especially to ricky's extended family, (all you fellow marines), i do have peace in knowing ricky died doing what he believed in, and what he wanted to be doing. it was his job, and he was good at it, and he took pride in it. he will always live within us, and what great memories he has given all of us. thank you again to all of you for your kind words, and remembering our ricky. and to all of you guys serving our country, i am so proud of you, and i thank you!!!! and to ricky, i'll see you one day. tell mawmaw i said hi!"
julie reber of lake charles, la

"Hey Bonnie and Jes,

I am reminded 3 times a year of Ricky's sacrifice: Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and Mother's Day, the last because that's when he fell in battle. He was a good Marine and a great young man, one whom I missed and still do today. It's young men like Ricky who keep me in the Corps, regardless of politics or opinion.

God bless you all."
Maj Skyler Mallicoat, USMCR of Lafayette, LA

"I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers over the past 4 years. Ricky was a great man and I am proud of his service to his country. I still wait for him to come home, but he is already there....waitng for me. I love ya Rick. Your big sis."
Jesyca Schoener of Lake Charles, La

"Not every Mermorial Day but every day, everytime i put on that bracelet I think of you and what you did. One thing I remember of you is how you would stay up on night laughing while you would watch friends it would drive us nuts. I will never be able to live up to you or ricky but I still try everyday. You tought me so much what made me and still makes me everyday of my life who I am as a Marine and a person. Just like I told Nick I hope your mom will email me (stevierich33@yahoo.com) so I can tell her memories as well as cards and flowers that she deserves. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU AND WHAT YOU DID THAT DAY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, I LOVE YOU MAN! JOHN 15:13"
Sgt Richardson of 29 Palms, CA

"Dear Bonnie and family, It was a pleasure to work along side Ricky. I was his rifleman in his fireteam. He was a great guy and I will never forget. I miss him a lot."
Peter ( JarJar) of Skokie, IL

"ricky was just thinking of you today i miss you brother"
Richard Myatt of IL

"Miss you Ritchie
thats what i called you.
always forever in my thoughts and prayers.. xoxo"
norma

"Ricky,
You will be with me all the days of my life. I love you like a son and try every day to be worthy of the sacrifice you made for the rest of us that day."
Jim Horvath of Akron, Ohio

"Dear Family Of Cpl. Schoener (Ricki)

I am thinking of Ricki and your family this and every Menorial day and not sure what to say. My son Sgt. Denver Whitley served with Ricki in Afghanistan. Although I never had the honor of meeting your son, please know as a mother of a Marine my prayers will always be with you. I can not imagine how difficult this month is for your family. I am sorry for your loss. And my apologies for taking so long to write this. God Bless"
Kandi Whitley of Greenville, Ca

"To the family of Ricky. I was stationed with him in kings bay and he was one of the best guys I know and still is. He is in a much better place now, far better than anyone could imagine. I remember getting the call from one of my buddies after I had already got out. I just want to extend my deepest sorrow and sympathy for you. Your son was a true hero and anyone who knew him couldnt deny that.

Stephen Stimson
USMC Veteran"
Stephen Stimson of Tulsa, Oklahoma

"To the family of:Richard P.Schoener 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"

"November 10, 2007
To the family of Cpl. Richard P. Schoener:
Richard 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

"hey this is becky troy leger is my nephew i just want to say im sorry for your loss"
becky vincent of hayes la us

"My thoughts & prayers go out to you on this day & all days. May we all honor Ricky & never forget the ultimate price for our freedom."
Sharon George of Greensboro, NC

"Ricky---its been two years---you and Nicholas were good friends and comrades in arms. My God Bless your family and fellow Marines---we will not forget your sacrifice."
LtCol Bob Hawthorne of Richmond, Va.

"Dear Ricky,
Its Valentines Day, and I wanted to let you know that I love and miss you so very much! This time two years ago, you were at my house wtih roses and a pair scooby's. I still wear the pjs, and every time I put them on it puts me in a good mood; because you were protecting me, your family, and the rest of this country. You are and always will be my hero! I love you so much and I cant wait until the day that I get to see your face again! I love you!"
Mandy Draper of Kingsbay, GA

"I was in 3rd plt with Ricky down in Kings Bay, and was my first friend to pay the ultimate sacrifice. I miss him dearly, and will always be a hero to me. God bless Ricky and his family!"
Drew Kmiec of Jacksonville, NC

"MR. AND MRS. SCHOENER,
I WAS IN KILO 3/3 1ST PLT WHEN YOUR SON BECAME ONE OF MY HEREOS. I HAVE A PICTURE OF HIM HANGING IN MY BEDROOM THAT I SAY GOOD NITE TO EVERY EVENING. I WISH I COULD HAVE SPENT MORE TIME WITH HIM AND GOT TO KNOW HIM BETTER, BUT I KNOW NOW, THAT HE IS WATCHING OVER ALL OF US AS WE PUSH FORWARD, AND I KNOW HE IS PROUD, SEMPER FIDELIS"
SGT. BRIAN S. MOYSTER USMC of RICHMONDVILLE, NEW YORK 12149

"Richard,
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!"

"I would like to thank you personally,maybe somday I will.I knew you're son, he was a good marine and the model of what a man should be! I wish I had more time with him, but I cannot be gready.I am greatful for the time we had him. I would like to thank the family for raising such a fine man.
HM3(FMF)Hurley
3/3 Kilo 1st Plt"
Will Hurley of Lowell Mass.

"to ricky and his family, knowing your son was a privlage i will be thankfull for the rest of my life, it was a pleasure to be in the same plt as him and to serve over there with him. thank you and he will never be forgotten. thank you"
cpl. thomas lawler of 2nd plt, 1st sqd

""As a veteren of K Co 3/3 (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 Richard P Schoener. You are loved by many. Words can not express the emotion. He payed the ultimate price for our freedom. May God be with his family in this time of sorrow and may you find comfort in the fact that we think about Richard's sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"
Jill Hughes of Houston TX"

"Dear Bonnie and family,
It has been almost a month now since we met you and we think about each of you every day. We hope you will stay in touch with us and that some day we can get together to share stories about our boys. They loved each other and gave their lives for us. We will never forget Ricky and we love him like our son. Take care and please get in touch when you feel like it. Love always, Beth"
Beth Belle of Fairfax, VA

"Mrs. Schoener, I did not know your son personally, but my brother did. My name is Joseph belle and I am the brother of Nicholas Kirven. A few days ago we got back nicks computer, which had many videos and pictures. In most of these pictures your son is right next to my brother. It looks like nick and ricky got to be very close with there time together in afganistan. I know from experiance what you are going through is not easy. It is going to be very hard. But all you have to do is believe in what your son died for and how grateful you have to be for what he fought for. He fought for our freedom and for your saftey. Sempter fi."
Joseph Belle of fairfax, Virginia

"To Richard's Family, I wish to extend my deepest condolences on your loss of your fine young Marine. He is a true American Hero who will always be rememeberd and honored. May God Bless all of you."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"We have gotten to know Cpl Schoener not from meeting him, not just from pictures but through the eyes and Memories of one of his fellow Marines. Our cousin Lcpl Loren M. Lynch (Mitch) is Very proud that he was able to serve along side this brave Marine while in Afagahnistan. and it is through his eyes that we have gotten to know Ricky and Care for him and his family. Being a Marine Family ourselves, My husband also a Marine and I a Marine Wife, we know the Pride Ricky had in his heart each time he risked his life to defend us back at home. We thank him for that each and everyday. Our thoughts and Prayers go out to Ricky's family and all of his fellow Marines of 3/3 Kilo Company 2nd plt. Thank you Ricky for protecting all of us Your Honor, Courage, and Commitment will never be forgotten! God Bless You Richard Schoener and Thank you! SEMPER FI"
Eric and Erica Willard of Orlando Florida USA

"My son Greg was stationed with Ricky in Georgia before he left for Afganistan. When Greg called one evening,I could tell in a second something was wrong. He told me about Ricky and what a great guy he was, and how dedicated he was to the Marines in his charge. Greg went to Ricky's funeral because he knew it was the only way he could show his respect for someone like Ricky. God bless you and Ricky for your sacrifices to our country and way of life."
Gregory Ryan of York, Pa, USA

"My deepest sympothy to the schoener family. I was fortunate to know Ricky as both a local friend and a marine. The last time i actually saw Ricky was in boot camp I did not know that he had joined the marines and he didnt know that I had either. It was so great to finnally see someone that I knew while in boot camp. When we talked he made me forget all about where I was and what we were doing. He had the ability to allways bring you away like that. I will allways remember the good times we had at home and in the service. He will allways remain in my thoughts and prayers. GOD BLESS and please let me know if you need anything."
James Armentor of Lake Charles LA

"To Ricky's Friends and Family,
There are no words that can ever explain the compasion and friendship that Ricky showed to me during the time I knew him. I am a fellow member of 2nd Plt 2nd Sqd Kilo Co. There wasn't a day I spent with Ricky that he didn't make me laugh, share memories, or stories to make this deployment lighter. He and Nick were two of my closest friends in our squad and will always remain my Heros. I can't say how glad I am to have known and shared the last 10 months of my life with them."
Cpl Troy M. Arndt

"My brother, Colin, is a Marine and was a good friend of Richard Schoener's from Kingsbay, Georgia. I only knew him only as "Scooter," a young man with an infectious smile. He is hero and will never be forgotten. My prayers are with the Schoener family. For his and their sacrifice I am eternally humbled."
Genny Luke Nelson of Dallas, Texas

"To the family and friends,

Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved ones bravery and sacrifice. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. Your loved one is a hero. Greater love have no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

God bless you.

Home Front Ministries
Shepherd of the Hills Church
Porter Ranch, CA""

"The Hawthorne family sends its condolences to Ricky's family...our nephew, Nick Kirven and Ricky were good Marines---team mates---and we will be forever grateful for their service to this great nation...Hunting for Osama Bin Laden--and the Taliban insurgents was a national priority---these young troops gave their lives not only for us, but for the Afghan children...so perhaps one day , they too will relish the freedom and democracy we have fortunately had in our country...There is no nobler cause, and was perhaps their destiny....May your family have comfort in the days to come in the knowledge other Americans appreciated the sacrifice of these young men...May God Bless Your Family as we continue to grieve for many months ahead...I pray for our President, our Secretary of Defense, and our troops---perhaps one day Peace and Freedom will rein not only in Afghanistan, but Iraq, and other areas of the Middle East.....GOD BLESS..."
LtCol Bob Hawthorne, USAF Retired of Upper Marlboro MD

"Nick Kirven was a dear friend of myself and my family and I know that words cannot express my sympathies. I do know that anyone Nick would have worked with would've had to have been nothing but a strong, heroic person, and I hope you can at least find peace knowing that your son helped people and saved lives. My heart goes out to all of you."
Jessica Tretler of Arlington, VA

"I did not know Cpl Schoener for very long, but in the short time I spent with his squad I realized the love and respect they all have for him. I am in the army, but I had the honor of being on patrol with him on May 8. His squad was the tightest group I have known in my short time in the military, and the loss here is deep, as I am sure it is back home. To his family and friends I offer my deepest sympathy, Ricky is someone I will never forget."
Trevor of Afghanistan

"Ricky was a great person to know, and he will be greatly missed. It feels like theres a huge hole in the heart of our graduating class. He will remain a legend in Bell City.. Hero's come and go, but Legends never die."
Linzi Koonce of Lake Charles, Louisiana

""We all know Richard loved his country and died fighting for his flag and for the freedom of his country that we all so often take for granted."
http://military.accaw.org
Gay Adams
LsuEdu@msn.com
Louisiana"
Gary Adams of New Orleans, LA USA

"To The Family of Ricky

We did not know your son personally, but our nephew Jason(USMC)was by his side. We feel your pain and offer our deepest condolences, May you find peace in your hearts. Ricky is now a Hero with Wings!!!"
Nieves-Quinones Family of Chicago, IL USA

"TO THE SCHOENER FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE LOST OF RICHARD. AN OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH RICHARD AND YOUR FAMILY. RICHARD HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. AN HE WILL NOT HAVE GIVEN HIS LIFE IN VAIN. WE LOST OUR SON LAST MAY. AN WE ARE THANKFUL THAT RICHARD AND GREGORY HAD BEEN MILITARY BROTHER'S. TO ALWAYS WAYCH OVER ONE ANOTHER'S UNIT. RICHARD WILL BE REMEMBERED BY HIS COMMUNITY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, HIS ENTIRE MILITARY FAMILY AND LOVE ONE'S. NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. RICHARD THANK YOU, FOR PROTECTING AMERICA AGAINST TERRORISM. AN THOSE IN IRAQ, APPRECIATE YOU! FOR GIVEN THEM HOPE TO A NEW BEGINNING. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYS. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of valley stream ny usa

"Ricky has a great Mom...Bonnie and a wonderful sister and a proud stepfather. I know they will miss him and his loss will always be felt."
V Rozas of Lake Charles LA

"To Cpl.Richard Schoener Thank you for being the person you were to volunteer your service to the UNITED STATES MARINES. You are an American Hero now and forever. To the family, always know he did what most can never think of. He gave his life for Freedom for us, and was fighting for that right for the Afgan people.Hold your head high and always be proud of the son you raised. We will always be blessed for having him on our side. My God bless you.
From a Marines family"
Donna of orlando

"To the family of Ricky...

We appreciate the sacrifice Ricky made for his country...He and Nick Kirven were good friends--good team mates, and good Marines...We love you all so much, and hope you are comforted by the prayers of all of Ricky's fellow service people..Having served 22 years in the Air Force---I pray for our President and our Troops every day...and for their families.. May God be with You..."
LtColonel Bob Hawthorne, USAF Retired of Upper Marlboro MD

"May God bring comfort and blessings to the family and loved ones of this fallen hero."
Jimmy Stockard of Baton rouge, LA

"To the Family of Ricky
I did not know him but I did know Nicholas Kirven who died with your son. Their unit respected them both so much. I do know Nicholas was the best and brightest that this country had to offer and I have no doubt that your son was the same. I grieve with you in your loss. Your son and Nicholas are our heroes!"
Cam McIntyre of Centreville, VA

"To the family of Ricky Schoener, I want you to know that other Kilo Co. Marine Parents are grieving with you at this very tragic time. We all know that we were spared from the same news that you received last Sunday "Mothers Day". I ache and am without words, trying to type this message...I am just trying to say that I am sorry for Ricky's Loss, no words, thoughts, nor action from any one on this planet can bring you solace. I only wish I had the right words...to say what I want to say, it is hard as for just a few feet or a couple of seconds differnece My wife and I could be suffering like you are at this time. I am so very sorry for Ricky's loss. We send our condolences to you with prayers that one day you will feel the load lighten, I know it will never be, but I just pray that you know that other Kilo Co. Marine Parents are thinking of you, and wish we could be of some help. Please accept our condolences. May Ricky rest in God's hands. Our Prayers are with you. I want to Thank Ricky for his service to his country and to his fellow Marines. They are grieving for your Son's Loss and will forever. They will nevre forget."
Jon K. Burns of Wimberley, Texas

"To Richard'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.

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"

"I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for dying for this country. You and my cousin Nick Kirven died together. You are a hero in my book for dying for this country. Thany you for everthing. To your family, I am very sorry for the loss of your son even know i have never met him he must have been a great marine."
Sam Hackney of Annandale, Virginia

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

"Thank you Richard Schoener, 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 Cpl. Richard Schoener:
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 Richard 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 Cpl. Richard Schoener:
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 Richard, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia