Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Spc. Ryan G. Carlock


25, of Macomb, Illinois.
Carlock died of injuries sustained when his fuel truck was attacked by the enemy northwest of Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 416th Transportation Company, 260th Quartermaster Battalion (Petroleum Support), Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Died on September 9, 2003.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Spc. Ryan G. Carlock.

Links:

Salute to the fallen
Iraq toll hits home
Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

Please report inappropriate messages

"I miss u dad I'll be 21 soon
If any of my dad's friends wants to get in touch with me my number is 240 310 8566"
Sierra Carlock of Maryland

"Still missing you and carrying you in my heart my friend."
Spc Lowe, James D. of HAAF

"Hey dad i am 18 now im grown up and I wish u was here and I will always remember u I love u"
Sierra Carlock of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania

"On fathers day (2019), I saw and heard of you and your sacrifice from your beautiful daughter, Cierra. She was wearing your old ARMY gray tee shirt and told of how it once wore like a skirt when she was a small fry. Faith tells me you can see her and the love she has for you and the Lord. Thank you for your sacrifice and for the daughter you have given our church family."
Jim & Louise of Fannettesburg, PA

"happy birthday dad and i know your birthday was yesterday but i love you and r.i.p dad love you"
sierra rose carlock of lancaster county

"I daddy I'm now 13 years old and I still remember you and you will never be let go of me and I wish you were alive I love you <3"
Sierra carlock of Chambersburg,pa

"Hey Ryan I want to thank you for watching over me even when we were young u always watched over us even as I grow up your still there for me it pains me still that u are gone but I know you're there watching over us all for the longest time I shut everything out I stopped feeling and I just want to thank u for everything I love Ryan your little sis Martina evans"
Martina evans of 47710

"Loving and missing you daily. Thank you my brother for ALL you gave. Memorial day 2015. Spc Lowe HAAF"
Lowe of Branson Missouri

"Ryan, I miss you everyday and especially on this day 9/9/2014 I will never forget you and the sacrifice you made so that others may live."
Vincent Walsh ( tattoo1212@yahoo.com ) of Tallahassee , Florida, USA

"Ryan,
I have never forgotten you after 11 years and will never forget the kindness you showed me by playing the song "Picturs" at Anaconda while we were cleaning our weapons just as the sun went down. I hold your loss in my heart and I am waiting for you and Nathaniel to judge me when I join you.
When I pass through Savannah, I always stopped bye you and Nathaniel's tree to lay flowers and spend time with you both.
Your forever company commander"

"Ryan,
I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"It's been 10 years today that you were taken from us. We thank you and will never forget your sacrifice. Prayers for your family and daughters,Sierra and Leanna"
J Rogers of Savanna, Ga

"Remembering you today and the sacrifice you made for family and all of us. We shall never forget you. Loved you and miss you."
Terry and Rhonda Carlock of Tennessee, IL.

"I attended Ryans funeral, there were 2 children there. Leanna was 6 or 7 maybe, and Sierra was 10 months old . There were NO other children there. Ryans wife, Heather, picked Suzanne and Leanna up from the airport, no 2 year old."
D French of Lancaster Pa

"I think it is a real SHAME that Ryans 2 actual Daughters, Leanna and Sierra, have to endure these slanderous paternity claims on their Dads memorial site,(after all they've been through) because his ex told a child born over 2 years AFTER their divorce HER dad is a fallen hero! Ryan had 2 children. Rhiannan was NOT one. All of his Army records only list 2 daughters. And support is only paid for Leanna."
Ann Godwin of Millersville, Pa.

"I am Ryans daughter. He knew about me. We have tests. I am his daughter. He talked about me and leanna. So people need to start believing. He loved me i was 2 when he died i went to his funeral. Me and leanna both know that we are blood sister and that ryan is my and her dad. He might have 3 kids but i know he is my dad.

So i love my dad. Okay? I wanna be in the army and follow his footsteps. I love him he is my real dad. I am the baby he talked about. I am real. I am Rhiannan Ivy Carlock his daughter."
Rhiannan Carlock of Fort Atkison

"I am Ryans daughter Sierra, I was 10 months old when my daddy went to heaven. A lot of his friends are contacting me telling me wonderful stories about "Carjack" (I've been called that too.) They also tell me how much he loved Leanna and me. I am so proud of my Dad and I know he is watching over "his girls" always. I am in touch with my sister,Leanna and that means so much to me. I'm happy, Daddy, and I miss you every day!!!"
Sierra Carlock of Lancaster, Pa

"We have made a (supervised) FB page for Sierra Carlock, Ryans daughter. Many pics and Memorials. Any comments, memories, or pictures of her Daddy would be greatly appreciated"
Ann Godwin of Millersville Pa

"Ryan, I thank you everyday for your sacrifice to keep AMERICA free. I pray for your 2 beautiful Daughters, Leanna and Sierra. You are sorely missed."
J Rodgers of Savanna Ga.

"I am Heathers mom, and Sierra Carlock (Ryans daughter, that was only 8 months old when Ryan died)is my Granddaughter, and the most precious gift ever given. She will be VERY SURPRISED to hear that Leana isn't her ONLY sister. This is the first we have ever heard of this!"
Elizabeth French of Millersville, Pa

"Hey dad,
Everyone appreciates that you served for our country but i know god wanted you but most of your family dont know i exist but im leanas sister <3"
Rhiannan Carlock of Fort Atkinson, Wisconson

"hey Im so sorry about your loss Rhi"
Kinsey Cross of Fort Atkinson, WI/USA

"Ryan, I miss you buddy! Today is my daughters 9th birthday.. I lost you 9 days before she was born. Thinking about you all the time!"
Vincent Walsh Tattoo1212@yahoo.com of Tallahassee,FL

"To the family of Ryan G. Carlock, Words cannot express the gratitude and sorrow in our hearts for your and Ryan's sacrifice. My wife and I have a son PFC Thomas "Cole" Carlock, 82nd Airborne Infantry Reg., Fort Bragg,NC. Our son is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan this winter. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I have notified him of my discovery of Ryan's loss. I have ordered a memorial bracelet to Ryan,so that my son can wear it. Our family has a history and tradition of military service. John Hanchrist Carlock, one of our founding fathers served with George Washington in The American Revolution. Many Carlocks have served and sacrificed for this country. We will never forget Ryan's! We will place a memorial picture in our Lodge and home with all of our military Heros. Your Family will remain in the prayers of your extended family."
Hugh Carlock of Chandlerville, IL

"Remembering you on your Birthday, miss you, and you are in our thoughts always!"
Rhonda Carlock of Tennessee, IL.

"Hello to the Ryan family, I am now the retired SFC Williams. I was a Staff Sergeant at the time when I was Ryan's Squad Leader. I still can see the joy and that big smile on Ryan's face as he begged me to let him ride in the vehicle with his friend PVT Massey on the Mission. You see Ryan had switched seats with another Soldier so that he could ride with his battle Buddy. I was going to move him back to the other vehicle but that smile on his face and the constant pleading to ride together made me cave in on their request. I normally stay hard and firm but Ryan and Massey were two of my most dedicated Soldiers. Still to this day I think about the decision that I made and I think about what if...I was the third vehicle behind Ryan and Massey when the incident occured and I can still play everyting in my head just like it was yesterday. Ryan was a dedicated young man and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to have him as a Soldier."
SFC Anthony Williams of Georgia

"ryan; you were a great person. it is my honor and privledge to have known you,heather and sierra.you are what the word hero is. you are always in our hearts and thoughts"
monica carrier of cranberry twp,pa

"Dear Dad,

I love you and I don't think you saw me unless I was a baby at my birth. I am sad that you died; life has been hard without you. I still have the teddy bear that you gave me and the ring of heart the army gave me at your funeral. It is the only memory I have of you but I just want to say I miss you and love you."
Rhiannan Carlock of Fort Atkinson, Wisconson

"Hey uncole Ryan it's me David your sisters son i really miss you but you died because god wanted more children up in heaven i am 11 about to turn 12 this year i wish i only saw you once and that was when i was i love and miss you you will always be in my heart and my mind all the time."
David Finan of Evansville,IN

"Thinking of you battle buddy. You are missed."
Dustin C. Casteel of Havre de Grace, MD

"ryan i will always remeber the greatest scarafice that can ever be made... u will always be in my heart and in my thoughts thank u for what u did for this country.."
missie of pittsburgh pa

"Ryan,
I think about you and the kids all the time!! Its my birthday coming up and as always I get a tattoo and this year I finally am getting your memorial on my back!! I love you cousin and will see you on the other side!!!"
Jaimee of Savannah, Ga, USA

"Today's Memorial Day. I remember you and the others.
Jean"
Jean Bartness of Anchorage, AK

"Blessings to your family from another Carlock on Active Duty."
LCDR Bert Carlock, USN of San Diego, CA

"I just had a memorial bracelet made of "Carlock" and I'm on my way to Afghanistan now. Best regards always to his family and friends.

SGT Best (jennybest@ymail.com)"
Jenny Best of Bagram, Afghanistan

"Leanna,
I am your aunt Theresa. I am your dad's sister, and I would really like to meet you sometime. If you want to call me that would be great. My home number is 812-303-4235. I am so sorry about Ryan, but he's a true hero. I have always thought about you Leanna, and I love you too."
Theresa Grant of Evansville, IN

"Hey Dad, last time i think i saw you was when i was a baby so i don't really have any memories of you, so sorry...but im 13 now and i really miss you. the only way i can see you is through a movie and its probably not as good as seeing you in person but everythings good otherwise. im kinda gald that you aren't reading this 'cause this is kinda embarrasing but whatever, right? anyways, im doing great :-)
Love,
Leanna"
Leanna Carlock of Fort Atkinson, WI/USA

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,850 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

""To the family of Ryan G.Carlock ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"Ryan,
Well Christmas is tomorrow, and its going to be hard for me because I miss and love you so much. There's not a day that goes by that I think about you. Your neice, and two nephews miss, and love you too. The holidays are not the same with you not here,but I know that you are here in spirit, and that you are watching over us everyday. Merry Christmas Ryan Gene Carlock.
Love Your Sis,
Theresa"
Theresa Grant of Evansville, IN USA

"Hey Ryan.....It's been so long now but I still have a hard time dealing with you beening gone. I hope things are better where you are now. Your mom and sister are pretty cool people that I had the opprutunity to talk with. Thanks for being a friend bro and I can't wait till we meet up again."
Shawn of Antioch, CA

"Hey Ryan,
Today is your seven year anniversery since you passed away. I think about you everday. You are missed so much. You are with grandma, and grandpa and all of you are looking down upon my family. We all love you so much Ryan my big brother. You are a HERO forever and always. Love Your Sis,Theresa Grant"
Theresa Grant of Evansville, IN USA

"May 24, 2008
To the family of Spc. Ryan G. Carlock:
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 Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"I just wanted to tell everyone that Ryan was my big brother and we were so close. I am one of his little sister's.I remember that Ryan got to come home on leave for our grandpa's funerial April 9,2003 and then we had got the phone call that we had lost Ryan in Iraq. I mean from losing our grandpa then to losing Ryan it was so hard for me. And to this day it's still hard for me. But he's around me all the time. I miss and love him with all of my heart. If there's anyone out there that new Ryan G.Carlock please notify me anytime cause I want to get to know the people that knew him and you can reach me at home at 1-812-303-4235,and or at 1-812-774-8546 cell phone. My address is 4803 Cass Ave Evansville,IN 47715. I would really love to hear from anyone that knew him. I would appreciate it alot, and I hope to hear from you soon.Thanks. I love you my big brother Ryan. Love Your Sis,Theresa Grant.My last was Carlock until I got married and that's why it's Grant."
Theresa Grant of Evansville,IN 47715

"Today is April 25, 2008; over four years since Ryan has been gone. I remember the day we first met. It was March of 2001 and we were both privates going through replacement at Ft. Stewart. Our first night of free time we drove to Savannah and got completely lost on the backroads in. I remember that the song "It Wasn't Me" by Shaggy was extremely popular and we blasted it the whole way. It still brings a smile to my face to think of us riding around that night... I knew that I was going to be assigned to Hunter Army Airfield, so both Ryan and I were ecstatic when he got orders to go there as well. He would come by my room everyday to meet me so we could eat together. He was like that. Loving, kind, and happy. Once he rode with me all the way to Atlanta only to turn around and drive right back to Savannah. It was an 8 hour car trip (and we left after work on a Friday). I was so tired that he drove most of the way... The last time I saw him was before he left. He was so excited about all the things that had happened in his life. He had gotten married and was expecting. He knew he was heading to Iraq, so we talked about having a bar-b-que. It never happened. I regret that 'til this day. I found out he died one night in September '03 as I browsed the casualty list online. It's a sick thing to do, but I checked it often to see if anyone I knew had perished. A few days earlier, something in my gut told me that Ryan wasn't okay and as my eyes fell on his name my breath was taken away... I still can't believe he's gone. I treasure the memories that I have of him and am glad that he found happiness in his life before he left. I miss him so much and think of him often.

To Ryan:

Know that you were loved by so many. Your life has impacted a lot people in many ways... I think of you and your family often and pray that all of the wounds heal. Rest in peace, my friend.

Until I See You Again,"
Dayna Stephens of Honolulu, Hawaii

"RYAN WAS THE ONE PERSON THAT WOULD GIVE YOU ANYTHING THAT YOU NEEDED IF HE HAD IT AND IF HE DIDNT HAVE IT HE WOULD HELP YOU FIND IT. EVERY TIME I WOULD GO BY HIM HE WOULD BE LISTENING TO KID ROCK SMILING AWAY. I WAS WITH HIM ON THE MISSION THAT HE WAS TAKEN FROM US. I WAS 7 SEC. IN FRONT OF HIM WHEN HE WAS TAKEN AWAY. WE WERE FILMING THE ROUTE TO SEND HOME WHEN IT HAPPENED. NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DONT THINK OF YOU RYAN. OUT OF EVERY ONE THAT I KNOW THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM US OVER THERE YOU ARE THE ONLY THAT I THINK OF THE MOST BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT YOU WERE SO NICE AND FUNNY. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER."
FARLEY "AKA PHUCKER" of SOMEWHERE, US

"Hey sweetie, i know you will never read this but it been some years now since you have been gone and i still thank about you. i wish i could have said a lot more before you went over there you may be gone but you are always in my heart i think about you and my baby girl all the time ryan i am sorry that had to be the way you left but thank you so much for being the friend you was, for being so brave you are always in my heart. i love you"
tressie of arkansas

"Ryan I know you cant read this...but its the thought....its now coming close to the 4 year mark and it still seems just like yesterday that i lost my best friend my big brother .....i miss the hell out of you man and till this day i get all choked up when sept. rolls around....i absoulutly hate this month every year man ...but sometimes when i feel things are getting hard its seems like your right there with me man to help me though it....i truely belive that when i went to iraq that second time that you were my gaurdin angle thanks man for helping through hell twice now...i have a little girl now journey and youll never get this but a wife named heather well man you are allways in my thoughts more then it should be heathy lol sorry....if your parents read this pls email me i have something of ryans that you may want shawn_fuller81@yahoo.com and if his little girls read pls email me i think it may help give me some closure.."
shawn fuller of brentwood , ca

"There is not a day that goes by since returning here to Iraq (this time as a civilian) that I don't think of Carlock. Very few roads throughout Camp Cedar have a name, but the main street is "SPC Ryan G. Carlock Ave". I remember so very little of my time here in 2003 because so much was going on. Many of us worked 12-18 hour days 7 days a week and it took a toll on all of us. I know of what "Fuller" told me and remember Carlock in formation sometimes, I always thought he was goofy with his ears hanging out of his beret and always smiling. He didn't know it, but sometimes when I didn't want to be a soldier anymore, his smile inspired me. I stayed in for a few more years, and was sad when I was finally forced out on medical. I want his family to get his street sign when we move this camp, and if they want I can take a picture of it. Feel free to contact me jennifer.lewton@kbr.com"
SGT Best (formerly 260th Qm Bn) of Camp Cedar 2, Iraq

"Hello family and friends of SPC Carlock. My name is Jason I was also a specialist in 416th Trans co and had the pleasure of knowing Ryan. I heard about the accident when I left Iraq 3 days prior. This loss saddened me so much because Carlock (also nicked named car jac) was a very good friend. When I Left the military I got a tattoo im memory of my buddies who were not able to make it back, so its almost like Ryan has been here with me the whole time. He will be missed greatly. R.I.P. Spc Ryan Carlock and SGT Nate Hart. I love U guys"
Jason of Cleveland

"I was browsing the internet and came across this tribute to our fallen heroes of the Iraqi war. This is a wonderful tribute to all who have served. I am sorry I never got to meet Ryan. I am sure he had the "Carlock Spirit". From one Carlock family to another, our heart goes out to Ryan's family. lacarlock@centurytel.net"
Allen Carlock of Kirbyville, MO

"As we near the third anniversary of Ryan's death, I am again reminded of the sacrifice Ryan made in the fight for freedom. I keep Ryan's family in my prayers, especially his mother, stepfather, sister, half-brother, and half-sister. May you feel God's peace in your hearts."
Cathy Funkhouser of Mount Vernon, IN/USA

"My name is Cameron Schilling and I have started “Portrait of a Soldier” which donates a portrait sketch of every Illinois soldier who has fallen in Iraq or Afghanistan. All 122 sketches will be on display for a Memorial Day Presentation in Chicago, Illinois on May 26-31 at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. After the ceremony the sketches will be given to the immediate families of the Illinois soldiers. I would invite any friends or family members to come and honor these men and women from Illinois who have given their lives to our country. For more information please contact OperationHomeFront.org at 866-417-8889 which is an organization headed by the Lt. Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who is in charge of the Memorial Day Presentation. Thank You.

Please check out www.portraitofasoldier.org
To contact Cameron email cameronschilling84@hotmail.com
To contact Operation Home Front call 866-417-8889"
Cameron Schilling of Charleston, Illinois

"Ryan was married to my step-sister Heather. The response to this terrible tragedy was overwhelming. The support and love shown by perfect strangers to the family of this fallen hero make me proud to call myself an american."
Teresa Mummert of Fort Polk, LA

"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."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"I was talking to a friend tonight on the computer and sharing old pictures and the ones of carlock just pulled at my heartstrings. He always had this onry look in his eye in pictures you could honestly see his wonderful character shining through even in a photo. The company that Ryan was with recently returned home from their second deployment to Iraq. When they first left to go back over there I was so scared because of what had happened to Ryan on the first deployment but I shouldnt have been scared because even though he wasnt physically with them the second time around, I know that he was watching over them as their personal guardian angel making sure that none of his fellow brothers in arms didnt make it home. He was an angel when he was alive and heaven is lucky to have him. As much as I miss him being here I cant think of anyone more deserving of a pair of wings. He managed to touch so many hearts and I for one cant say enough how lucky I was to be one of them!"
Carly of Jefferson City, MO

"My name is Cameron Schilling. I am a college student from central Illinois. I am the first generation of my family not to serve his country. I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice you and your loved one has given for the United States. I am disappointed by the way the news media has covered this war and the deaths of our youth. The media has stopped listing the names of the soldiers killed in Iraq and people only talk about the soldiers when we reach a specific milestone in deaths. If you just started watching the news today you would not even know there is a war going on. Partisan politics have replaced coverage of our young generation who have traveled to a foreign land in the name of the United States. Whether you believe the war in Iraq is wrong, right, justified or not everyone should pay even just a little more attention to what these young men and women are sacrificing. This is what I would like to do. I want to do my part in honoring these soldiers and their memories. Along with being a college student I am also a budding artist. I draw pencil portraits of local people in my community. I want to offer a pencil portrait sketch to the immediate family of every Illinois soldier killed in Iraq. Please contact me at cameronschilling84@hotmail.com."
Cameron of Illinois

"My name is Spc. Zur aka "Big Zuke" in the 24th Ordnance Co. I also had the privlage of meeting and serving with Ryan in the 416th Trans Co. in the Ranger platoon. I had already returned to the states, after my tour of duty in OIF when my wife Carly and I were scanning through the Savannah Morning News when we came upon Ryans article. We were speechless. Being that both of us are from Decatur, Illinois. That was a hit that was just way to close to home. Losing a brother in arms is just like losing a family member. It may sound cheesey but unless you are in or have served in the military you would not understand that in the "box" each other is all you have. Ryan was and always will be a brother to me. My wife and I considered ourselves Ryans home away from home. There have been many nights when myself, Carly, "Tiny", and Fuller were all sitting around the table playing spades just looking at the door waiting for Ryan to walk in. Or in the midst of the game him asking one of use to run him up to the Green Tea for his crab rangoon. Ryan was a wonderful person, he was just one of those guys that anyone can get along with him. To Heather and his two beutiful daughters, although hes not here physically, hes here with us all in our hearts and our thoughts. You were the light in his eyes and I know he loved you very, very much and he will always be watching over you."
Spc. Michael Zur of Savannah Ga.

"My name is Spc Bryant, aka Tiny. I was one of Ryans best friends and also on the mission with him. I would like to give my prayers to his family who I still talk to and let them know that he was a GREAT man. I was hit in Iraq July 29 2005 by an IED and I thought of him. I now have two tattoos that remind me of Ryan everyday. One that make people ask what it's for and I get to tell them of what a wonderful person he was and how much he ment to me. I got my second tattoo on then anniversary of his passing. I feel that I had an angel with me that day. So that's what I got, an angel. I had plans on forgetting the anniversary last year, but instead spent it with my blood brother. Ryan was an angel. Thank you Ryan"
Spc. Bryant aka Tiny of HAAF, GA.

"On this anniversary of Sept. 11th and as well as the recent anniversary of the death of a dear friend I would like to say that in my heart and thoughts Ryan is not forgotten. I am so lucky to have been able to have known him and feel truly blessed to have been considered a friend of such an amazing person. In honor of Ryan! Not Forgotten and Forever in our Hearts!!!"
Carly of Jefferson City, MO

"To the Family of SPC Carlock:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 7/12/05, 112 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put Ryan's name on one of them.
We have called our display "Arlington Midwest" and it is located in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

If you would like us to do this, please email me at ArlingtonMidwest@yahoo.com.

We invite you to visit Arlington Midwest. I can send you directions and some pictures by email.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them."
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"I had the honor of serving with ryan in iraq. I was also on the mission north of bagdad that took him from us. I did not get to know him until we were deployed in march of 2003. he became a close friend to me. he went home for a while, and i would ask him almost every day, how's life in the U.S. he would laugh and tell me it's great. my heart goes out to the carlock family. and his 2 beautiful daughters. may god bless you. i hold you in my prayers. Ryan, thank you for being a friend and a brother."
SPC Alderman, john R. Jr. of 416th Trans Co. Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

"My husband and I came upon Ryan's grave while visiting the graves of my parents. We were moved by the message on the gravestone. I want you to know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless and comfort you."
Crystal Stair of MechanicsburgPA

"Ryan was a great guy. He was one of my best friends in highschool. He never judged anyone, he was always the life of the party and he brightend any room that he walked into. He is one of the reasons that I am here today and why I go on. I am in the Navy and I never got to say good-bye to him or tell him that he was a big reason for me joining the service. He will forever be in my heart and I miss him very much. His family is in my thoughts and prayers everyday."
Becky Roberts-Denman of Colchester, IL/ Stationed in Jacksonville, FL

"Our Dear sweet cousin, Our bright shining boy, All of us feel for your loss"
Conrad Carlock of 1089 Maple Hts, White Michigan 48386

"From the Vernon Carlock Family in White Lake, Michigan, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of Ryan in this war and leave condolences for Wife Heather and his 2 young daughters."
Merrie Carlock of White Lake, MI

"From the Vernon Carlock Family in White Lake, Michigan, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of Ryan in this war and leave condolences for Wife Heather and his 2 young daughters."
Merrie Carlock of White Lake, MI

"Ryan Carlock
You will never be forgotten. To Ryan,s family I am so sorry for you loss but I thank you that a Brave soilder put his life on the line for everyone in America. Not all can do that and still be brave."
Amy Carlock AE2 US Navy of Virgina Beach VA

"Please remember Ryan and all the fallen soldiers. Sept. 9th 2004 is the anniversary of Ryans death. Keep all our soldiers in your hearts and prayers. Memories of Ryan are now overflowing with pride and love. As the pain eases we are able to hold his memory dear to our hearts. Ryan is buried at Fort Indian Town Gap in Pennsylvania along with his fellow brothers who have served our country. God Bless all our soldiers."
Candy, Ryans mother-in-law of York, Pa.

"I had the privlege of serving with Ryan in Iraq. I consider him the best friend I ever had and my heart goes out to his friends and family. He talked so much about them."
Vincent Walsh Tattoo1212@yahoo.com of Tallahassee, Florida

"I chose to write to you about your son because I have a brother who lives in Macomb. Therefore, I feel as though Macomb is sort of home.

Ryan may be gone but he will certainly not be forgotten. He gave his all.

I am sure these past 9 months have not been easy for you, his family. I hope the words of the people who have written to you through this site help you to know that we feel your sorrow and wish someway we could give you comfort.

Your dear soldier boy is in the arms of a loving Father who wipes away all tears and gives only joy."
Gloria of Wichita, Kansas

"Specialist Carlock, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"I am sorry to hear of Ryan losing his life in Iraq. He is like Henry Carlock from the Civil War left a family behind. From one Carlock family to another our heart goes out to you."
Lowell H. Carlock of York, Nebraska

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

"I am deeply saddened, you are a true hero Ryan! Thank you for your sacrifices soldier!May God Bless and heal your family during this trying time. I am so sorry."
Aubrey Emerson of Ardmore, OK

"I just found this page when i was messing around heather honey like i told you before i am really sorry for you and sierra but you know as well as i do ryan would have done anything for his family and country and i guess he did. I know ryan we all was very good friends and my husband came home a little before this happen. but i am thinking bout him and always will with all my love."
Tressie of savannah

"To the family of Ryan Carlock:
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Ryan. My son, SPC Dustin Casteel, and Ryan became friends during basic training. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the graduation from basic. He was a special person, you could tell from the moment you met him. Dustin has been in Iraq since September 3, 2003, and just found out today, January 6, 2004, about Ryan. My heart goes out to all of Ryan's family and friends and you are in my prayers! Ryan and you, his family, made the ultimate sacrifice! Ryan is a hero and I thank him and you from the bottom of my heart!"
Karen Harvey of Port Deposit, MD

"Thank you Ryan Carlock, 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

"Thank you everyone for writting. He was a wonderful person. Perfect husband and excellant father. He loved his two childeren more than anything in this world. He loved his country and he died for his love of his country. He will be greatly missed by lots and i love him with all my heart and soul and i miss him so much."
Heather Carlock of York, pa

"To anyone and everyone who reads this that knew Ryan, my deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you and yours. Anyone who knew Ryan knew just what a very special person he was. I'll never forget the small town boy from Illinois in his bib jeans or the times that he showed us photos and video of his family who meant the world to him. Incase you are wondering, I knew Ryan while he was stationed in Savannah, GA. I was very lucky to have had the chance to get to know such a great guy. He will be sadly missed. If ANYONE knows where he is buried(I am currently living in PA and heard he is buried here) or has any info which may help me, please do not hesitate to e-mail me at Jillykins21@aol.com"
Jill Hanson of Carmichaels, PA

"To the family and friends of Spc. Ryan Carlock:
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 Spc. Ryan Carlock:
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

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on