Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To the family of SFC Acevedo-Aponte. I was deployed with SFC Acevedo-Aponte when he and his fellow soldiers were killed in Iraq. It is almost 10 years since the convoy was hit. I remember the day and will never forget how he positively affected the soldiers in his unit. I am thankful that I was able to be with him and the other soldiers of the 3rd ID. He will never be forgotten. I pray for peace and comfort to your family as this anniversary approaches. “The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” Douglas MacArthur."
LTC David Seiffert of Powell Butte, Oregon

"SFC Ramón Acevedoaponte que Dios te tenga en su Gloria hermano. We will never forget!! Te recordaremos Siempre!!!
"Freedom is NOT Free""
Miguel "Panama"Merritt of Panama City, Panama

"SFC Ramón Acevedoaponte Te recordaremos siempre!"
SFC (RET) Miguel "Panamá" Merritt of Panamá City, Panama

"Wao apesar de los años siempre tengo presente a SFC ACEVEDO. Recuerdo con mucho cariño cuando estudiabamos el atalaya y con que amor y orgullo hablaba de su familia. Es el dia de hoy y todavía se me salen mis lágrimas al recordarlo, fue un buen mentor y gracias a sus sabios consejos pude sobrellevar esos deployments. Acevedo tus soldados te extrañamos mucho gracias por haber sido un padre para todos.....SPC VARELA"
Ana-Karina Varela of Ft. Benning GA

"miss you pa."
ramon acevedo of savannah, ga

"En este Memorial Day 2013, estamos recordando a nuestro amigo fenecido Ramon Acevedo Aponte. Lo llevamos presente en nuestras oraciones y sabemos que una persona tan buena como era el esta en la diestra del Senor en el reino de los cielos.

Saludos a Mianel y familia de parte de Roberto y Damaris Olmo"
SFC Roberto Olmo of Ft. Belvoir, VA

"SFC Acevedo taught me to play chess. We served together in OIF1. He was a great man and a courageous warrior. His smile was infectious. To his family, take peace in knowing he is at rest in a glorious place. You all are in my prayers and SFC Acevedo lives on in our memories and hearts."
Nicole Cartledge of Sumter, S.C.

"I am thinking about SFC Acevedoaponte and his family today, Memorial Day, 2012. May the Lord bring you peace."
BG Brian Layer of Rock Island Arsenal, IL

"October 26th 2008
To the freinds and familiy of SFC Acevedo or "ace". My name is SSG Marlowe and I was with ace the day of the accident. There is not a day that goes by that I forget what happen. Ace was always like our mentor of father as we use to call him he was a great person and even better solider. He did things that he didnt have to do but did them to help out the team. I love him and miss him and he will always be my guardian angel. I will continue to pray for his family and friends."
SSG Bobby "provider 6d" Marlowe of FOB Kalsu Iraq

"The soldiers do not speak. Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them? They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts. They say: We are young. We have died. Remember us. They say: We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done. They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished no one can know what our lives gave. They say: Our deaths are not ours: they are yours they will mean what you make them. They say: Weather our lives and our deaths are for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say: it is you who must say this. They say: We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning. We were young. they say. We have died. Remember us:"
William Taylor of Bonita Springs, Fl.

"Para Ramon y Familia:
Mianel e hijos, perdon por la tardanza, quisiera tener las palabras correctas que decir para ustedes. Ramon fue para muchos y especialmente para mi y mi familia un ejemplo a seguir, el nos dio su amistad incondicional, recuerdo cuando lo conocimos y cuando nos visitaba, siempre tenia algo positivo que decir, siempre dando consejos no solo de el ARMY sino familiar. Para mi en el ejercito, fue el unico amigo autentico, mi mejor amigo, gracias por todo Ramon! Siempre estaras en nuestro pensamiento. Mianel y familia, si necesitan algo por favor dejenos saber.
Sus amigos para siempre; Familia Lujan"
SSG Elias Lujan of Colorado Springs, CO

"Thank you Ramon for your sacrifice."
Cortnay of Washington

"I know this message is long after the death of Ramon Acevedoaponte, but I do want to express my condolences. My daughter was serving as part of the convoy security team when this happened. I know that they did everything possible to have a better outcome and each of the soldiers that I have met that was part of this horrible day have all been affected by this senseless tragedy. God bless you and your family! Sgt. 1st Class Ramon A. Acevedoaponte is a credit to his nation and family. He has paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation."
Jackie L Curtis-Jackman of Taylorsville, UT

"February 24, 2008
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Ramon A. Acevedoaponte:
Ramon 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

"Fallen Hero, rest in peace."
-Nag- of TX

"My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends. May your soldier and his sacrifice never be forgotten."
of IL

"I met Ramon during OIF I. We played three games of chess at Camp New York. He was the first soldier I played who ever beat me -- and he beat me two games out of three. He loved the Sicilian Defense. I looked forward to playing him again very much. I am very saddened by his passing. Rest in peace, my friend."
Al LaPointe, SFC USA, Retired of Athens, GA

"A pesar de el tiempo transcurido siempre estas presente en nuestro corazon! No, no estoy triste pues se que estas vivo en espiritu. Aunque la materia la cual cubria tu espiritu, para hacer lo que habia que hacer en la tierra ya no esta, lograste con exito tu obra. Se que saliste de tu cuerpo en una forma inesperada, yo estuve contigo, lo pude ver todo en un sueno dos dias antes de tu partida. Se que algun dia nos volveremos a ver y segiremos nuestra lucha por la evolucion de nuestro espititu. Estoy muy orgullosa de ti hermano. TE AMO y siempre tu sonrisa estara presente en mi.

Gracias a todos por dejar su huellla en el corazon el Michel y en esta pagina. Le agradecemos a todos sus palabras de consuelo y gracias por ese amor tan grande que le tenian a mi hermano.
Con amor familia Ramirez Acevedo.Que siempre te amara."
Ana Acevedo Aponte of Ponce, Puerto Rico

"I am SGT Vazquez robert stationed at FT. DRUM NY. SSG Acevedo was my platoon sargeant when it was THE 10TH aviation brigade. He was a great leader , human being and I would see him and say to my self I want to be like him . I remember he always lead from the front. I am devastated that he was taken from us. My condolences to the acevedo family. I know he is with god. " QUE DIOS LOS BENDIGA " perdona me por no responder mas rapido. para la familia de acevedo , si neccessitan algo llama me. Dios los pendiga ! . SGT VAZQUEZ 6/6 CAV , FT. DRUM."
vazquez robert of FT. DRUM NY

"To the Acevedo family: Words cannot express the feeling of such a great lost. SFC Acevedo was an outstanding supervisor. I learned many good work ethics that will be carry out. We went on many POL missions and field exercise in FT Drum. He was not just a leader he was caring and always put the welfare of his soldiers ahead of himself. He will be greatly missed. His family is a loving one and his wife was very supportive even with his soldiers. May God Bless you and keep charging. I will miss you dearly...."
SGT Stephanie A. Saldaña of Fort Bragg, NC

"To the family of:Ramon A. Acevedoaponte 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"

"To Ramon's Family,
I have had the honor to serve with Ramon while in Iraq. He always put a smile on my face going by his trailer in our pod. He would always say "como esta", and I would answer "not much". He took care of his soldiers and to see him work with them, was a mentorship to pass along to my soldiers in the future. Everytime I look up on my house, I salute my flag in honor of those fallen. To see that flag fly with honor, is to hear once again, Ramon asking me "como esta". Thank you for serving with me Ramon, it is an honor."
Sgt Burbank, Greg of Lafayette, La/USA

"I worked many hours at the FARP with SFC. Acevedo while stationed in Fort Drum, NY. He was a good man, I shall remember him often."
Adam Stark of Milwakee, WI

"Ramon Acevedoaponte, you will always be remembered for your courage and sacrifice. May you find peace and soar with the angels of your brothers in arms. To your family and friends, may peace come to you in knowing so many people share your pain and pride in Ramon."
Briana Wall of Connecticut

"he is varey brave !!"
afton of st.joseph u.s.a

"My Thoughts and Prayers to YOU and your FAMILY. I lost my son n law shortly after you lost your loved one the same way he left a very young wife and a very small son. I have written a STORY that even the kids can understand if you would like to have a copy of it I would love to send it to you via email. I will keep you in my prayers tho we are strangers we are a FAMILY OF ONE !
spcmungermothernlaw@yahoo.com or momwithwings1963@yahoo.com GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY !!"
Tanya Bush of Centerview,Mo. USA

"I AM CURRENTLY ASSIGNED TO THE 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION IN HAWAII. SFC RAMON A. ACEVEDO APONTE IS MY HERO. I AM FROM EL BARRIO COTO DE PENUELAS. I AM ALSO A SERGEANT FIRST CLASS WHO SERVED IN IRAQ. I WILL HONOR HIM BY CONTINUING SERVING OUR COUNTRY AND PROTECTING OUR FREEDOM JUST LIKE HE DID. GOD BLESS YOU ALL."
JOSE CASTRO ROSADO of HAWAII

"I had the honor of serving with SFC Acevedo while on active duty in FT Drum, NY. He was funny, kind and cared about his soldiers. I am saddened that our nation has lost a HERO, but am thankful every day for the FREEDOM that he defended."
Patricia Gomez Dempsey and Family of Oxnard, CA

"Always in our hearts and prayers. Thank you for our freedom."
The May family of Beaumont, TX/USA

"I had the pleasure to serve with SFC Acevedo at Fort Drum NY with 10th MTN Division. His ultimate sacrifice to this great nation will not be forgotten."
Shelby Richardson of Atlanta, GA

"SFC Acevedo was my section sergeant when I was on active duty at Fort Drum, New York. He was always professional and truly cared about each of the soldiers. He is a hero in my book. God bless him and especially his family."
Don Tepsa of Green Bay, WI

"I have come across this site and I am going through it to say thank you to all of the fallen servicemen and their families..
Thank you to all the true heroes!!!"
Nicole Warren of Ft. worth, Tx

"There is so much I want to express, but I can't find the right words to do so. Perhaps the "right" words dont exsist. Michele, I am here for you always. I hope you know that. To the rest of the Acevedoaponte's, I am so sorry for your loss. I just hope that you let your memories be a source of comfort to you and not a source of pain. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
I can not say much about Ramon as I did not know him well, however he has left behind an amazing legacy in his children. That I believe is an amazing testament to what a great man he was."
Amanda of Watertown, NY

""Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us re-consecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”
--Dwight D. Eisenhower""
Veteran's Day...2005

""EL DON" A SI YO LE LLAMAVA A EL.EL ERA COMO UN PADRE PARA MI, LLENO DE CONSEJOS Y SIEMPRE UN BUEN PADRE. SIEMPRE PONIENDO A SU FAMILIA ANTES DE TODO Y SIEMPRE ME DESIA QUE TAN BELLA ES SU ESPOSA Y CUANTO QUIERE A SUS NINAS Y A SU HIJO. ESPERO QUE DIOS SEA CON TODOS USTEDES SU FAMILIA EN ESTOS MOMENTOS. SE QUE AHORA ESTARA JUGANDO CHESS Y DOMINOES CON SGT VILORIO PORQUE EL NUNCA PERDIA UN JUEGO CON NADIE. QUE TANTO LO SIENTO QUE SE HALLA HIDO "MI VIEJITO" ESPERO QUE ALGUNDIA NOS VOLVAMOS A VER Y ASI ESCUCHAR UNA VES MAS "UNA BACHATICA".
QUE DIOS ESTE CON USTEDES Y QUE LOS BENDIGA EN ESTE MOMENTO TAN DOLOROSO PARA TODOS LOS QUE ESTABAMOS CERCA DE EL Y TOCO NUESTRAS VIDAS."
SGT GUZMAN JOVANNY of CAMP TAJI.

"Mi Papi was a person who loved to laugh and he loved his chess and dominoes and he was proud of us girls...

La bebe de la famila...

Melissa Acevedo-Garriga"
Melissa Acevedo of currently, Penuelas, PR

"Mianelle, I am Tom Wallsmith's wife. I am here for you. Tom was with your husband that day. May God bless you and your family and bring peace to your hearts. My thoughts are with you and your family."
Brenda Wallsmith of Hinesville Ga

"I never met SFC Ramon A. Acevedo, but I did meet his wife Mianelle and his daughters. These are beautiful people with good heart. I pray to Jehovah for her and all of the family so they could find in God's word comfort. May SFC Ramon Acevedo rest in peace."
Jeanette Morales-Rivera of Watertown, NY- currently in Heidelberg, Germany

"Its hard to believe that you are gone..You were like another father to me, your whole family is like my family. I'm really sad that your gone at the sametime grateful that I had the opportunity to meet you. Even though I'm far at the moment my condolescences to the family, they know that no matter the distances or time the can contact me and my family.. You, Mr.Acevedo will always be remember as a good man, father son,uncle and a fallen Hero. Que descanse en Paz. Dios te Bendiga Siempre."
Teenamarie Ortz & Family of Killeen, TX

"I am sad and happy at the same time. My uncle is not longer with us in this world. At least is physically absent from our midst; however, I am happy. My uncle was always a gentleman with awesome intellect and knowledge of sciences, technology, and other difficult fields. He was a great champ in chess. I was never able to beat him. I was just thinking about my first move and he already won the game with 2-3 moves! He was fantastic in everything he did. But was makes him shine powerfully is great humbleness and love for his family and dedication and passion for freedom and democracy.

A soldier has a different heart than ours. A soldier is a hero. Even though I have not met a lot, for me, all of them are heroes. On wars, nobody wins. But I am seeing my uncle shine in the middle of this painful experience for us all. I am so proud of him ad also proud of my aunt Mianelle because as his wife, she was a hero also, by taking care of business in general back in the states: house, children, stress due to my uncle’s absence and risk at Iraq, etc.

I am calm because I know that he is safe now in the hands of the Lord. No more pain, or stress, or sickness, or sorrow… nothing like that. He is living the great life with God and grandma. In the meantime, I just say to Titi Mianelle and the kids to not to be discouraged. God is taking care of you and He had never nor will ever leave you alone… never! In adition, he has set an example of how powerful and weak we are at the same time. He just explained to us the lesson: our soldiers should be always in the highest level of honor and esteem. So far away and so close to us! Just because HE BELIEVED; that was the fire that kept him alive and pushing forward. This is so profound. That is why I always admired my “Tio Mitchell” and I will always do.

He set the example… he has all the medals… he had won the reace. Like the Apostle Paul said to his spiritual son, Timothy: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4: 7-8

HE IS MY HERO!
God bless you Tio Mitchell and I’ll see you in heaven!
Your nephew, Peter Vidal (Tampa, FL)"
Peter Vidal of Tampa, FL USA

"Hey, Michel
I don't have words to tell you how I feel and no words will bring you back. It was an HONOR to have met you and being part of your family. Que Dios te bendiga y siempre estaras in nuestros corazones. Esto no es un adios sino un hasta luego. Simpre estaras sonriendo en nuestros corazones.
IN MEMORY TO OUR FALLEN HERO, MICHEL.."
JUNY of Paterson ,NJ

"Michel, you will never be forgotten in our hearts. You will always be remembered as that great man you once were and still are in our hearts. May your family receive our deepest condolences."
Familia Mercado of Paterson, NJ (USA)

"A todas las personas, que tan lindos mensajes nos han dejado, en memoria de mi hermano Ramon Acevedo, a nombre de las Familias Acevedo Aponte y Acevedo Garriga, deseamos agradecerles sus muestras de apoyo en este momento dificil de la perdida de Michel. A todos gracias y a los familiares de los soldados caidos pedimos al Señor de los Cielos que le de fortaleza y este con todos en estos momentos de dolor."
Miguel Acevedo Aponte of Peñuelas, Puerto Rico

"Tio we love you with all our heart. We thank God that we got a chance to known you. It is so hard to know that you are never coming home again. But we are very proud of you. We will always miss you. But we will never forget you. You will always be in our heart. God Bless you Tio"
Ramos Acevedo Family of Taylors, SC

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

"Prayer,
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
The Beatitudes,
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Brother Ramon A. Acevedoaponte, you will be miss, but never forgotten, the PST Team will keep you in our heart."
MSG Eric S. Magee of BTB, DSB, 3ID, 4th PLT

"TO THE ACEVEDOAPONTE FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN! YOU ARE AN AMERICAN HERO! THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON SGT GREGORY L. WAHL KIA BALAD, IRAQ 05-03-04. PRIOR TO IRAQ HE WAS STATION AT VESLICK AND FORT DRUM. NOT SURE EITHER OF YOU KNEW ONE ANOTHER. STILL THE TEARS THAT FLOW FOR MY SON; FLOW FOR RAMON. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH RAMON AND YOUR FAMILY. TO YOUR FAMILY PLEASE REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED IN RAMON'S HONOR. SO HIS COMMUNITY WILL NEVER EVER FORGET HIS SERVICE. TO HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY, STATE AND COUNTRY. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"I am deeply sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and strength in God to face the days ahead.

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

"Thank you Ramon Acevedoaponte, 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 Sgt. 1st Class Ramon Acevedoaponte:
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 Ramon 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 Sgt. 1st Class Ramon Acevedoaponte:
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 Ramon, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia