Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It breaks our hearts but salute to Marine Cpl. Riley E. Baker. Thank you for your service. Your family surely proud of you. fun brain games"
Lucille F. Parham of Los Angeles

"Dear Bakers,

My name is Staff Sergeant Philip Dombek and I was one of your sons Drill Instructors. I am currently out of the Marine Corps and work as a civil servant for the Marine Coprs aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. I found this memorial page and felt obligated to give my deepest condolences and honor your sons service and life. Riley was an amazing young man and Marine. I pray your family remain well and happy always. Your son was and always will be second to none.

Semper Fidelis,

Philip Dombek (SSgt/Vet)"
Philip Dombek of Stafford, VA

"Riley I knew you briefly but








Riley I knew you when you were in high school, I was a friend of your mom's. Back then you were a happy go lucky kid, kidding your mom, and always smiling. Your death is hard to fathom, and your sacrifice immense. You truly gave it all, you true patriot!"
Mona of St Louis, MO

"To the family of:Riley E. Baker
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 the family of:Riley E. Baker
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""

"Love you buddy!God how time goes past so quick.I know your looking down on us with your love. Please continue to watch over us. Miss you!"
Tim Tirre of Leslie MO,USA

"Riley - your legacy lives on not only through your family, but also in each and every student that walks through the halls of Eureka High School. We all remember your legacy and what you brough to the school, and I would just like to say thank you. We all miss you very much."
Josh Rector of Eureka, MO

"Dear Riley, You will truly be missed. I remember when went to highschool with you and you were a great football player and wrestler and most of all a great person with a big heart. Your in heaven now with God....LOve you"
Love Shandel Terrell of St. Louis, MO

"I was attached to your fire team during a company assault in Ramadi, and can honestly say you are one of the finest. I was lucky to get to know such a great marine. You will never be forgotten."
Curt Smith of Shippensburg, PA / UNITED STATES

"Riley- Love and miss you brother. SF"
DRS of Ga

"As I move on in life, I want you to know that I will never forget you. I still think about you every day and you drive me to be a stronger than I ever imagined I could be. Thank you friend.. You will forever be in my dreams...."
Partner of Missouri

"Dearest Riley: As my fingers write from my soul to this screen, it is my hope that your mom's eyes carry this message to her soul and onto yours...because I know this power God put in us mothers. I want to say that I never had a son, but now have a grandson, and understand only a small part of the loss she must feel. But soon, we won't need these bodies and minds anymore and won't feel the sadness.--We will all gather 'round together with our stories of what we did with our lives here on earth. And I am looking forward to that time with you. Peace He Has Given You--That Same Peace You Protected With Your Earthly Life. Thanks!"
Mardi Mallardi of Washington, DC/STL MO

"Dearest Riley: As my fingers write from my soul to this screen, it is my hope that your mom's eyes carry this message to her soul and onto yours...because I know this power God put in us mothers. I want to say that I never had a son, but now have a grandson, and understand only a small part of the loss she must feel. But soon, we won't need these bodies and minds anymore and won't feel the sadness.--We will all gathering 'round together with our stories of what we did with our lives here on earth. And I am looking forward to that time with you. Peace He Has Given You--That Same Peace You Protected With Your Earthly Life. Thanks!"
Mardi Mallardi of Washington, DC/STL MO

"To all who have signed this memory book . . .thank you so much for all the wonderful things said and memories shared. I had not seen this website before. It is almost three years since Riley was killed, I miss him so much. You all have captured his spirit in your wonderful words-of course I agree, he is my son. Thank you for sharing.

Katie Melies
Proud Marine Mom"
Katie Melies of Pacific MO

"Time has moved forward.But not a moment goes by when I don't think about you...everyday..
Miss you partner"
of Valley Park Missouri

"To the Bakers,
My name is Sgt James R Gorian, I went to bootcamp and S.O.I with Riley, I can honestly say throughout my time with him i truely looked up to him. He was one of a few Marines I never forgot about, and I never will."
James Gorian of Naugatuck, CT

"How randomly I fell upon this site. I have been thinking a lot about the war now that we have a new president elect. My brother served with Riley and I know that he held him in the highest regard. I know that some years have passed but Riley will never be forgotten. I never even got to meet him, but my brother and you all shared enough for me to know that a great man gave a great sacrifice for his country. I appreciate everything that your son did to protect my brother and all of us as Americans. Grier and Lisa, you are always in my thoughts and am eternally grateful for the sacrifices you have made. I love you both
Jamy"
Jamy of Cuba, MO

"To the Bakers.
My name is Staff Sergeant Philip Crosby and I was one of your sons Drill Instructors. I am currently in Iraq and have finished my tour on Parris Island. In the three and a half years I served aboard Parris Island, no Marine I trained equalled your son. To this day, when people ask me, "Who was the best recruit you ever had?". I respond with your sons name. I am deeply sorry about your loss and want you to know you are in mine and my families prayers everyday. Your son was truly one of the best. Semper Fidelis."
SSgt Philip Crosby of Iraq

"Love you like a brother, I will not forget, nor will our comrads forget your contributions to this greatfull country."
SGT Brian McCown 1-18 Infantry, 2nd Brigade, Ist Infantry Division of Fort Riley, Kansas

"March 28, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Riley E. Baker:
Riley 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

"Riley you served with my son SGT. Justin Jackson with 3/8ths. There is not a day goes by that we do not talk of you or think about you. Justin is able to talk of you now where as in the days when he first came home from Ramadi was not able to do so. You witnessed each others will. I had no clue until I was going through Justins paper work for his second deployment that you two were that close. You were so loved, you were close with eveyone.You and Justin were not only Marines but brothers and he is so blessed to have known you and to have served with you. Justin is headed out to see your Dad next week to give him something special in your memory.There are not enough words thank you for the great price you paid for your fellow Marines and our great nation.It is not just lip service we will never forget. The tee shirt with your name remains unworn in you memory. You are so loved. We are so lucky you are at heavens gate standing guard. Love to all you family and friends. The Jackson Family"
Kathy Jackson-Sharp of Louisville Kentucky/ Jefferson County

"Dear Family of Riley Baker:
To honor the Missouri soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afganistan and their families, the professional portrait artists of "Grateful Hearts" project are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family.

These 16"x20" original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrificies made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families loss.

For more information please email us at gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net

Sincerely;
The artists of Grateful Hearts"
J.Gragg of Lee's Summit,Mo

"Riley, i never had the privilage to meet you....but through many memories and stories about you that i've heard from your cousin Travis and your friend Tim...you were really something. You will never know how truly loved you were and are. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to my husband Tim, and a great cousin to my friend Travis. They both miss you greatly, but i know that you are still with them....I consider you to be one of the strongest people i've ever heard of, knowing that you laid down your life for our freedom. Thank you for all of your courage and constant watch over all your family and friends still here on earth. I know Travis and Tim are safe with you being there as their guardian angel. So to the HERO in the sky, thank you for all that you did and continue to do in all the hearts of those you continue to watch...May your family and friends find peace in knowing that "you gave your life for your brothers."
"You held your rifle steady and struck swiftly. You acted in silence and with total confidence. You unleashed hell with no emotion. Your cause was just, so you were relentless and you didn't stop until it was over." That is a true HERO. All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always!"
Crystal Tirre of Leslie, MO .USA

"Riley, I cant thank you enough for all that you did for me, especially helping me build my house. Ill always remember late evenings at mooners river lot and the huge catsish you caught on the river. Oh and who could forget that grin you had on that face of yours. I will also never forget shooting bows at Rich Franeks, how you and Moon would always hit the moving one first. Bow season is coming soon and this ones for you pal.
R.I.P Brother,INFTTUCM.lol Thank You!"
Tim Tirre of Leslie, MO .USA

"Riley, you were always so nice to me, and always made me laugh. I Just wanted to let you know you are always in everyones thoughts in our community. My brother misses you dearly, I'm sure as all of your family and friends do. You were always a fighter and we appreciate everything you did serving our country. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Although it has been a year since you have been gone, you are still missed by all. Thank you again for being such a great guy and wonderful friend to by brother."
JoHanna Robison (Tirre) of Ellisville, MO

"To the Baker's,
We found out about this website after the death of my stepson SSG Michael Mitchell KIA 4/4/04 in Baghdad.
I can't say how sorry I am for your loss. I know the road you must travel and I wish you strength.

Your son's story was printed in our local paper and I alway have paid respect to those listed by reading their names aloud. Riley's name and home town stood out because my father was Raymond E. Baker from MO. Maybe their is a distant relation there somewhere?

My prayers are with you and know that your son is an American Hero that we will always remember."
Chris Baker of Atascadero CA

"Dear Grier & Lisa,
Memorial Day was not just another day spent at the beach or partying with friends. Our American Flag was flown a half mast, and we spent the day quietly. The brief moments I had spent with your son prior to his deployments and homecoming will always be cherished. Your sons name was called out at our church this Sunday to pay tribute to his valor and sacrafice. Your valor as parents of a Fallen Hero has touched my life and I promise Cpl Riley E.Baker will always be revered in our thoughts and prayers.

Proud Dad of LCpl Jarrett Cronk"
JIM CRONK of Mt Tabor, NJ

"To the family of Cpl. Riley E. Baker

I met you today and my life was forever changed. You removed a 3rd Recon Battalion pin from your hat and gave it to me for my son who is serving with the 3rd. In leaving I learned of your loss. Even though you mentioned Riley's name it didn't sink in until I walked away. I wanted so badly to let you know that I did know who Marine Cpl. Riley E. Baker was. My son knew Riley, But you were gone. I felt so empty that I missed the chance to let you know in person the deep respect my wife and I have for what your son did for our country. The deep feelings we have for all Marines and thier families. I will not forget your kindness, this pin will have special meaning to my son and our family not just because of the brotherhood of the 3rd Recon Battalion but as a constant reminder of the Honor, Courage, and Commitment of Cpl. Riley E. Baker. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Semper Fi"
Scott & Peggy Thornhill of Wildwood, Mo

"Hey Bubba... i think about you all the time, i miss you dearly! the memories we all have together will always be cherised! i love you & may you rest in peace... YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTON!! The REMENBERENCE of you will always live on!!!!"
^*Haley^* of Ochlocknee Ga

"Thank you! (Will never say enough.)"
Tim Riley of New York

"Thank you Riley Baker, you gave the ultimate sacrifice for your country so other could be free. My Deepest sympathy to your family on the loss of such a great hero, May God Bless this family."
L. Jeffries of Eureka, Mo. USA

"First I would like to say how deeply sorry I am for your lost.

This is for the Family and Friends of CPL Riley E. Baker. I really don't know where to start. I just graduated bootcamp on February 9th of 2007 and CPL Riley E. Baker is my Marine. I was given the responsibility of taking his place as a new Marine by my Senior Drill Instructor. I just wanted to say that I have kept him with me no matter where I go and he will never leave my side. Honestly, I beleive he has become a part of me and I will not let him down. And I just wanted to tell his Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, Friends, etc. that I will do my best to honor him every way possible."
PFC Smith of Tallahassee, Florida

"Congratulations Riley!! You deserve much more than the Bronze Star!!!"
Bill Wilkins of Winston, NC

"Marines...
Your son kept me safe
His eyes on those that harm
His arms caressed the peacekeeper
His intelligence dictated his action
His compassion spread to the enemy
His tenacity unyielding
His loyalty had no price
He is the son of America
One of the Proud and the Few
Marines...
Your son kept me safe


To Grier and Lisa in loving memory of your brave son, Riley."
Roxann Parker of O'Fallon, MO

"Riley, you are a beautiful man that I never had a chance to meet. I feel like I know you by reading the charming letters to and about you. I visit your grave often after I visit my fallen hero, Jamie Costello's. You probably chat with him in heaven and tell cool war stories,without even knowing how many great stories are told about you here on earth. You are more than a hero."
Laurie of Saint Louis

"Riley I didnt really know you that well but things people told me about u ..like the Anderson Family(Brad,Judy,Tommy,Joey) They always said how awsome u were and what a great guy u were...so my heart goes out to your family and im a honored to have met u only if it was a few times."
PVT Cody Edwars of Eureka Missouri

"Riley,
I can't even express in words how much you meant to me and the entire Eureka community. Eric always looked to you for courage in sports, military conduct, and in how to be a man. You were the epitome of what a young man should be, full of grit, personality, laughs and smiles, and of the deepest loyalty to your family and community. I will never forget the fun times we had, of crowning you Prom King or trying to teach you geometry :) You were, still are, will always be the best role model Eureka ever had. I pray that Eric and the rest of our nation's soldiers stay safe. God Bless you for your service. I wish I could have seen you one more time to tell you what you meant to us all, I can only hope that in your heart, you knew. My deepest sympathy goes out to Riley's family, I am so so sorry for your loss."
Colleen M. of Fayetteville, NC

"If I could only tell you how many people care about you. I was working at schnucks when our town heard about what happened and every family knew who you were.... You are more than a great man, champion, and role model. Our entire class will always remember your loyalty, respect, kindness, personality. You are our prom king in eureka because you cared for everyone here....You were such a great guy Riley.. always had on a smile.. Everyone up there already loved ya from the begining so dance away as we all look up to our Riley E Baker when they crown you prom king of heaven 2002 -2- forever"
SML of Wildwood MO USA

"To the family friends of Cpl.Riley Baker, I am deeply sorry for your loss, This Marine was my Guide in bootcamp,he inspired me with his natural abiltiy to lead,he was a great fellow recruit,most helpful,responsible,and dedicated,If it wasnt for him I probally wouldnt have made it through,he taught me things i needed to know late at night while the DI's were sleeping. This Marine will never be forgotten!"
LCpl Michael Stillwell of Albany,Ga

"Riley, you taught me more about obligation and responsibility than anyone besides Coach Sumner and Coach Shelton. After the Ladue game your senior year, I never felt like I let someone down more than I did to you, for not doing more to win that game. I had always wished I could tell you this 20 years down the road, when noone would care. Now, surely noone cares, but I wanted you to know (as if you don't already) how important you were to me. Goodbye, Riley."
Dan Hardin of Eureka, MO

"Riley the times i spent with you will be cherished. I never saw you without a smile on your face. the few times i had a chance to hang out with you will be remembered. you were always the happiest guy around and it showed. Not knowing you that well you were always excited to talk and have a good time with anyone. Eureka has never been more proud of ANYONE. you will be rememberd as a hero and as an altogether great guy. Eureka lost there best freind and the Marines lost one of their greatest. You will never be forgotten and your family couldnt have asked for a better son."
Nick A of Eureka Mo

"Riley the times i spent with you will be cherished. I never saw you without a smile on yoru face. the few times i had a chance to hand out with you will be remembered. you were always the happiest guy around and it showed. Not knowing you that will you were always excited to talk and have a good time with anyone. Eureka has never been more proud of ANYONE. you will be rememberd as a hero and as an altogether great guy. Eureka lost there best freind and the Marines lost one of their greatest. You will never be forgotten and your family couldnt have asked for a better son."
Nick A of Eureka Mo

"Riley,
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!
A fellow Marine;former member of 8th Marines"

"riley you were a great man who made the world a better place. you leave behind many friends who will never forget you"
b. hoene of Eureka, mo

"Are thoughts and prayers are with you! I will never forget Riley E. Baker! The memories of him will be cherished forever! Theres not a day that goes by that are family does not pray for him and all the other wonderful marines there are!!! WE LOVE YOU RILEY BAKER!!!"
Haley Stanaland of Cairo, GA

"We will NEVER forget Riley Baker! He was the sweetest guy i ever met! He was best friends w/my brother Boo! The memories of Riley E. Baker will be carried on FOREVER!!!!!!!"
Haley of Cairo GA.

"Always will miss you - never forget you. Love and admiration ~ Allison"
Allison of Cairo, GA

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Please know he is in good company. My brother LCpl. Leon Deraps was KIA in Al Anbar Providence Iraq, May 6th 2006. He will never be forgotten! Semper Fi!"
Omie Johnson of Jamestown Missouri

"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, Riley will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! "

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