Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"November 27 2018: I'm sitting here at ALC and I have to look at slides on IED attacks and then write about what I read. And then I realize that the anniversary of the longest day of my life is almost here again. Ralph and I traded weapons in Kuwait or shortly after we departed to enter Iraq. He thought it was silly for him to be the smallest person in the platoon and carrying a SAW(my battles will know what that means). So, I gave him my M16. On that dreaded day, I was suppose to be a gunner on the vehicle that Ralph was driving. Most people don't know that he didn't typically drive in Iraq. No one on that convoy did anything to deserve what happened to him. But, any of us who served with him can and will tell you that he was a hero. He was good to those around him and he made you want to be a better person. I still miss him. But, I'm grateful that God gave us all that time to know him. Thank you Ralph for your sacrifice. It was an honor to serve with you."
Lisa Everett of Lucedale, MS(Fort Leonard Wood)

"Man oh man! There's not year that goes by that I don't think about you my friend. We use to argue so much and you would always find a way to crack a joke to make to talk to you again. That was your way. I will never forget the last visit you paid to me and the last conversation we had. I appreciate what you said and I could see the sincerity in your eyes. I will never share that conversation with anyone. I miss u shawty!!!"
Petrina McGee//Hinds CC//1997 of Crystal Springs, MS

"SPC Raphael Davis. You were cooler than a church fan. I don't know who won in spades, but will catch another round in heaven. You were a true Soldier. You are truly missed...from battle to another!"
SPC Jereen Hardin (Johnson) of Davenport, Iowa USA

"Ralph.... Wow.... I was on here looking for people that i went to basic training and AIT with and i found your brother Clifton's page on fb... I scrolled through to see how you guys were doing and to say hello and to my surprise you are no longer here.... I will always remember your smile and you joking and trying to be serious at the same time... Plus messing with me about other things....U will always be in my memory and I will never forget you... Fly high you have your wings now! Til we meet again!!!!"
Spc. Keesha Thompson of Baton Rouge, La

"I love and miss you. it kind of gets worse every day just noticing my little brother never have saw your face,herd your voice or really felt your skin but it feel like its worse on Ralph because he doesn't remember any thing about you GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN LOVE YOU"
Ravin Davis of Southaven,Ms

"Im the one who told him to join the army i feel bad about that and sold him his last car he was like a little bro to me god bless his mom and kids and bro we all mis him for life happy b day in nov raphael i still remember the green chev he was so happy and fix my radio in my car rest in peace"
Fredrick the Great from old blackwell chev of USA everywhere

"Raphael, You will never be forgotten."
Arnethia Crossgrove of Southaven, Ms

"I would like to say just a few words of great sorrow.I miss Raph a lot even though we're years a part I feel connected to Raph and feel he's still here.I miss him, he left a great impression on you once you've met him."
carolyn lumas of holcomb,ms.tallahatchie

"Raphael, you will never be forgotten. As I make another journey to Iraq, you will be remembered. I'm not with 223rd any more but, the 223rd will always be one big family, and never forgotten."
Arnethia Crossgrove of A Co. 2nd 198th Hernando, Ms

"Raphael, You will never be forgotten. God bless your family."
Arnethia Crossgrove of Charleston, Mississippi

"ITS BEEN FIVE YEARS OF MY COUSIN DEATH A DAY DONT GO BY WITH OUT ME THINKING OF HIM HOW LIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH HIM HERE HIS MEMORY WIL ALWAYS BE WITH ME THINKING ALL THE GOOD AND BAD TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER"
TONYA CHANDLER of Tutwiler, Ms/US

"November 30, 2008
To the family of Spc. Raphael S. Davis:
Raphael 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

"What's up lil bro? Times been real hard without you around I think about you everyday and wonder what we would be getting into these days. I keep seeing us passing each other going down the hallway that morning before you left on your convoy. You had your usual smile and that swagger to your step that you were well known for having. I remember us stopping for a minute to talk and you telling me that you were getting ready to go on leave in two days to see your new born. I'm sorry bro that you never got that chance to see your little twin. As long as I'm living you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace lil bro rest in peace."
CLIFTON BAILEY JR. of BYRAM,MS/ USA

"We knew the war was going on and people were losing their loved ones but it was so hard to believe it when it happened so close to home. Raph was a funny and cool guy who always thought he could play basketball when I used to go and hoop over his house, I always told him to stick to football. It hurt to know this happen to my homeboy but he is in a better place where there are no wars and worries. So, he is now sitting high looking down low with the Lord over "ALL". See ya one day "Pretty boy Floyd""
Cortez Featherston of Tutwiler,MS/Nashville, TN

"This is to the family of SPC. Raphael S. Davis. I meet your son in Tikrit Iraq. We lifted weights together and he help me along as I did him. I was also friends with most of he close friends from his unit also. I just want to say GOD took an Angel that day, and from what I was told by the his fellow soldiers & friends he save there lives. He a great friend and even though I meet him in the war, I feel I haave known him forever. I still have a program from his military funeral. God Bless you his family and his children and wife. Alex Peterson, AAFES SECURITY MANAGER. Vicenza Italy, Caerma Ederle.

If you wish to contact me my email address is petersonalex@aafes.com

He is a friend that I will never forget! Rest in Peace Raphael...."
Alex Peterson of Vicenza , Italy

"Raph, I can't put into words how much you are loved and missed. I still haven't come to grips with the fact that you are gone, but I think that we can all rest easily knowing that you left behind wonderful and lasting memories of you. I think about you everyday. Life is just not the same without your presence. You are our Guardian Angel, and your light will continue to shine down on us until we see you again in Heaven."
Lakeitha Johnson of Tutwiler, MS

"I left the unit right before they deployed and I regreted that. I wish I could have spent more time with oneof my best older friends. You always were there when my brother couldn't be and always treated me like one of your brothers. I appreciate everything you ever done for me and will never forget it. God Bless"
Michael Bland Jr. of Fort Hood, Tx

"To the mother of Army SPC.Raphael S. Davis, let me say hello to you and your family. I heard about your lost. I hope that when you firgure out who I am you know that I am sinsere when I say God loves you. God loves us all and for that reason alone sometimes He calls us home early. Hold on to God,s unchanging hand. Its been 30 years since we sit in class and recited our "Hi-que" "There was an old lady from Hack, Who bent in like she had no back, and as she began to bow and to bend, her body turned in like a sack." I hope these words, written by you in high school bring a smile to your face.I hope they make you realize that though love-ones are sometimes taken early, God is merciful because he leaves old friends around to remind us how long we have been on this planet. I pray these words bring you some comfort in knowing that an old classmate heard about your lost and shares your grief. If you and your family ever visit the Civil Rights Museum of Memphis,Tn., stop by and say hello to an old classmate. I work at Fire Station #2, The Station is in front of the Museum. May God continue to keep our families in His loving care."
friend for life,Lt. F. L.Davis of Memphis,Tn. Shelby

"THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.""
Sgt. Ross of Mississippi

"Merry Christmas From Heaven

I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold wintery nights

I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you
to help set your place

You don't have to be
perfect all of the time
He forgives you the slip
If you continue the climb

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
In a new special way

I love you all dearly
now don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year"
Vangi & McKaLyne Lunsford, wife & daughter of the late Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford of Batesville, MS

"its kinda hard for me to say goodbye to one of my favorite lil cousins so i prefer to say ill see you when i get there i truly believe in my heart of hearts that you are in heaven smiling down on us.rather than taking RALPHS passing as a lost i think heaven gained an outstanding angel who will truly be missed.i luv u cuz"
Brian Williams of memphis,tn

"Ralph was a cool person to be around. the thing I will remember most about him is his energy and smile. as long as i knew him, i never knew of him being mad at anything or anybody. you will always be remembered. thanks for everything. (he knows what I am talking about.)"
Demarius Jones of Little Rock,Ark

"To RALPH, the name itself describe what an terrific man you grew up to. We grew up together from kids and than into wonderful adults. I love and always will as a cousin, friend, and class mate. You will be truly missed and I pray ever day for the family of those who has losed a son, husband, daughter, or wife. Keep a watch over your kids because I know they will turn out be as graceful as you were. I continue to pray for your mom and the rest of the family.
Love always and forever
Your sweet cousin and friend
Lashonda Lewis (Dot's daughter)"
Lashonda Lewis of Reside in Columbus, Ms ; born and raise in Webb, MS

"I still can't believe you are gone. I still don't understand why you had to leave, but God knows what's best for all of us. You will never be forgotten. I will always carry you in my heart and my mind. You will always be remembered as a great dad, a great soldier, and the best cousin a person could have. I thank God for giving me a someone like you in my life. You will always be a hero to me and I will make sure that my child knows what a heroic person you were. I will definitely miss you and I will always love you. I hope to see you oneday on the other side. Thank you for praying for our family and we will continue to pray for the other soldiers and families of fallen soldiers.
I LOVE YOU.........R.I.P"
Angela Chandler of Tutwiler,Ms/ US

"to ralph a very very special friend and lover the day you left was my birthday so you know that it hurted me double for one because you were a very special friend to me. Every year on my birthday I have to face the fact that I lost a very special person on this day. It hurts even worse that when our company 223rd eng. bat. was deployed that I could not go with my brothers and sisters. Ralph you are truly missed and loved.
Sincerly PFC J.LUCAS
223rd eng.bat. Webb, MS"
Jeshondra Lucas of Webb, Ms

"to ralph a very very special friend and lover the day you left was my birthday so you know that it hurted me double for one because you were a very special friend to me. Every year on my birthday I have to face the fact that I lost a very special person on this day. It hurts even worse that when our company 223rd eng. bat. was deployed that I could not go with my brothers and sisters. Ralph you are truly missed and loved.
Sincerly PFC J.LUCAS
223rd eng.bat. Webb, MS"
Jeshondra Lucas of Webb, Ms

"To Spc. Raphael S. Davis,I too received Raphael's bracelet, and I wear it with pride. My son served in Iraq for one year. He is an Army Sgt.with the 101st. Airborne Division, and is 24 years old. I was so, so fortunate to have him come home safely.My prayers are with you everytime I look at this bracelet, and I want you to hear once again that your son's selflessness, and bravery, and dedication will never be forgotten, and I thank him for taking such good care of us here at home.No greater Hero ever lived.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Wyper
Crestline, CA.
suzyheart.song@verizon.net"
Suzanne Wyper of Crestline, CA USA

"To Spc. Raphael S. Davis,I too received Raphael's bracelet, and I wear it with pride. My son served in Iraq for one year. He is an Army Sgt.with the 101st. Airborne Division, and is 24 years old. I was so, so fortunate to have him come home safely.My prayers are with you everytime I look at this bracelet, and I want you to hear once again that your son's selflessness, and bravery, and dedication will never be forgotten, and I thank him for taking such good care of us here at home.No greater Hero ever lived.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Wyper
Crestline, CA.
suzyheart.song@verizon.net"
Suzanne Wyper of Crestline, CA USA

"Raphael and Family,
My name is Annaliese and I had ordered a hero bracelet, (not knowing who was going to be on it), when I recieved it Raphael was on it. I would just would really want you to know, Mrs. Pimpton, Rev. Dr. Ilanda Pimpton, Mr. Bailey, Deetra Tucker, Raphael Jr., Ravin, Razavier Seon, and the rest of your family are my prayers."
Annaliese

"It been an year since I lost my causin and I like to thank every one for there support and keep our family in your prayer."
Tonya Chandler/causin of Tutwiler/Mississippi

"Ralph and I were classmates, and I can truly say that he was a very good class member. He brought to the class of '98 a lot of laughter and a lot of bright smiles. I am so sorry and I miss you dearly. You were a very brave soul. Your courage and diligence took you a long way."
Chaka S. Thomas of Clarksdale, MS/USA

"raphael and i were very cool in high school and we had a lot of fun in the classes we took together, and i wish we could have served together because of his courage, thought we were invinsible, this taught me different, r.i.p miss u much."
MA2 edrick anderson of jacksonville, fl/ tutwiler

"Words can't express how much Ralph will be missed. I only knew him for a couple of months before we were deployed to Iraq, but we learned each other quickly. I am Deetra's first cousin and I send my best to Ralph's family and friends. He will be truly missed. Love always Your sister for life."
SPC Tiana Shaw of B. Co. 223 Calhoun City,MS

"Raphael, the men and women of the 223rd will never forget you. I hate it so bad that you didn't make the journey back from iraq with us. My prayers go out to the family of Spc. Raphael S. Davis"
Arnethia crossgrove of Charleston,Ms , Tallahatchie

"Raphael, this is the Memorial Day weekend. A time to honor and remember our heroes who have given their lives for their country. I am thinking of you today just as I do every day. You must have been some kind of special because there is always something that remind me of you and yet I never met you. I pray that your family, friends, and the citizen of Tutwiler,Webb, and the Delta as a whole never let your memory die. One day I hope to see your name on a street, building, or some other monument. I would like to see a scholarship fund started in your memory. There are many things we can do to preserve your memory. You are not buried in the Arlington National Cemetery but you are as honorable and heroic. You will NEVER be forgotten.
I pray your soul is with Christ."
Nadean S. Evans of Anguilla, MS

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

"Raphael you will always be remember as a great dad and a best friend I will always miss you and remember the times that we shared as friends and classmate I Love you and Miss you"
Martha March of Lexington MS

"I prayed that no one would loose their life on my birthday but it happened. To the family and friends of Raphael Davis my thoughts and prayers are with you in your darkest hour. Raphael was a true hero and will not be forgotten."
Dana Husley Proud Military Wife of Biloxi, MS

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

"TO THE FAMILY OF
SPC. DAVIS
WHEN THE NEWS CAME FORM IRAQ WE ALL FELT YOUR SORROW, FOR IT WAS ONE OF OUR ON. ALL THE SOLDIERS CALL HOME THEY HAD NOTHING BUT GOOD TO SAY ABOUT YOUR SON I NEVER MET HIM, BUT TO HERE MY BROTHER AND ALL THE OTHER SOLDIERS HE WAS A GREAT MAN. I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH. FOR WITH OUT MEN LIKE YOUR SON AND THE REST OF THE 223RD AND ALL OTHER'S WE WOULD NOT BE FREE. FOR IT IS TRUE FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. THE MEN TOOK THERE LOST HARD. SOON THE 223RD WILL BE HOME I WILL BE THINKING OF YOUR FAMILY. SOON I WILL SEE MY BROTHER IF GOD IS WILLING. BUT NOT ONLY WILL HE BE HAPPY TO GET HOME HE WILL BE REMBERING THE LOSS OF A GREAT MAN AND GREAT SOLDIER. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND KNOW WE ARE HERE IF YOU NEED US
A FAMILY MEMBER OF 223RD OUT OF CLARKSDALE, MS"
SHEILA MCCLEESE of CLARKSDALE, MS

"Spc. Davis:
Thank your for giving yourself so that those of us at home can live freely and safely. There are not enough 'thank yous' for a gift such as this. Rest in peace soldier."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Raphael Davis, 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

"In Memory of my loving son SPC Raphael Davis, I would like the whole world to know that he was a very special and talented son. I will miss him very much. His smile, his voice, his quietness,and his raging appetite. I can truly say he really appreciated a home cooked meal. We will never get to eat together again in this life but we will dine together on the other side. My prayers go out continually for all families of fallen soldiers as well as those still serving in Iraq. My husband and I will always keep our thoughts of you close to our hearts, for this will please God and Raphael. God bless you all."
Betty Davis Pimpton (Raphael's Mother) & Rev. Ilanda Pimpton(Step-father) of Tutwiler, Mississippi / USA

"Rapheal Davis AKA Flexx was a good friend to me. Ralf and I have traveled all across Iraq together. I never thought anything like this would happen to someone who has been like a brother to me. There are so many good thinks I could say about Ralf, but I really don't know where to start. I would like to ask you to say a pray for his family and fellow soldiers of 223rd En still in Iraq."
Lazerick Gaither of Tutwiler, MS (Iraq 03-04)

"Raphael was in my old unit, the 223rd. I extend my deepest condolences to the Davis family and my deepest appreciation to Raphael for his service. I will pray for him, his family, and the rest of my brothers and sisters in the 223rd who remain in Iraq. God Bless you all."
Richard Bryant of Houston, TX by way of Mississippi

"I would like to thank you all for your
kind words and prayers. Please continue to pray for my family, the families of other fallen soldiers and for those soldiers still in Iraq."
Casandra Davis (Raphael's aunt) of Enterprise, Alabama

"I knew Raphael when i was going to school and he was a very happy and outgoing person god bless him and his family."
yolanda williams of philipp miss united states

"To the family and friends of Spc. Raphael Davis:
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 Raphael 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. Raphael Davis:
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 Raphael, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia