Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army Pfc. Raymond J. Faulstich, Jr.

24, of Leonardtown, Maryland.
Faulstich died in Najaf, Iraq, when individuals using small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades attacked his convoy. He was assigned to the 89th Transportation Company, 6th Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Group, Fort Eustis, Virginia. Died on August 5, 2004.

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"Even though we've never met you Raymond, we are thinking about you this day. Our 4th grade teacher is teaching us about the meaning of Memorial Day. We came across your name, as our teacher's father is also named Raymond. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for our country. You are a true hero! Our entire class is thinking and praying about you! Love, Lori Fishbough, & Maverick, Ava, Mohamed, Justin, Jaida, Jake, Matthew, Kevin, Jayla, Eric, Ainsley, Nathan, Monica, Veronica, Hamsah, Audrey, Isaac, Karisa, Brody, Kaden, Sage, Matt, Kylie, Eva, Jessica, Bella, BreElle, Jennah, Drew, Chloe, Jacob, & Caleb!"
Lori Fishbough of Tulare, California

"I did not know you but I served with you during war. Truth be told, I was on that same mission that day you died. The events of that day will always be remembered, especially by those of us who were there. I remember what you did and witnessed your courage on the battlefield. You withstood the attack long enough to save the life of your fellow soldier. Other members of the unit were wounded or suffered injury from the attack, but no one gave more than you on that day. Few people hear the stories of the real heroes and warriors of this country. It has been nearly ten years since that day and even now I remember it like it was yesterday. To your family and loved ones who knew you, Raymond will never be forgotten. It was an honor to have served with you."
Lyndol Cromartie of Seattle, WA

"Thinking of you this Memorial Day. I haven't known a truer hero. Honor. Sacrifice. Courage. All you."

"I never met you but i was at your ceremoy at Tallih AFB in Iraq serving with the 619th TC.. You and your family will allways be in me and my familys thoughts and prayers for the rest of our lives! You are the true definition of a hero brother... i wish nothing but the best for your family.. I wish I couldve met you.. this might be weird but i dream of you and your family all the time.. you haunt my dreams and i've never met you.. this might be odd to say but i love you brother, may you rest in peace!!! I've wanted to write this for years but I didnt dare because I don't know you... I wish nothing but the best for you family! this may sound dumb but im gonna get a tattoo in your memory... Rest in Peace brother!!!!"
Rob Tribou of Bangor, ME

"Raymond, i never knew you personally, but i served with you in the same Battalion at the time. I'll never forget the day 89th returned to Eustis and Soldiers marched into the gym to reunite with their families, except one. You gave the ultimate sacrifice and when i saw the cross with your name on it, my heart was pricked. You are a hero and the more i hear of the bravery and sacrifice I reflect on why i serve. Thank you for keeping alive the American dream and providing the blanket of freedom we all enjoy."
SFC Dean Farr of Ft Eustis, VA

"Ray, you will always be in my heart and prayers bro. I remember rollin thru A.P. Hill on them training missions with the 508....R.I.P Soldier....you are indeed a man among men!"
Spc. C.W.James of Nashville, Tn

"To the family of:Raymond J.Faulstich,Jr.
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"3-28-11"

"Raymond, you will not be forgotten man. I was on that convoy. I was in one of the guntrucks that was escorting your convoy that day, and will never forget about you man. Rest in piece man!!"
Thomas Ward of Savannah, GA, USA

"I remember you as a driver for 508th , in support of E-Co 71st trans when I was a DS. Never forgotten, you will always be remembered. Seems like yesterday when the horror of your loss went filtered through the ranks. A true hero, you will always have a place in the memory of everyone you touched."
SFC Boni of Eusts

"I just wanted to say I miss you man!!!! I still remember stealing your mom's baked goods whenever you would get back to the barracks.. miss you rip"
ANDRUNETT of fort campbell ky

"”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 you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,750 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!
Mothers of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
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
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"I never knew Ray, but I heard of his sacrifice when it first happened. I've paid my respects to Ray at St. John's every Memorial Day since and tomorrow will be no different.

His sacrifice will not be forgotten...even by those of us who never had the honor to meet him."
Rick Lang of Lexington Park, MD

"It,s been almost five years, the brightest of days is dull by your absence. Today is mother,s day and wednesday is your 29th. birthday. We miss you so much. You were my beautiful child. Life will never be the same. Love Mom"
Mom of Leonardtown, Md.

"You will never be forgotten,we were in different platoon,but served under a good commander with a great company. I still remember the day when we received the terrible news and how everyone felt about loss of our own. We will miss you."
SSG Mya D. of Newport News, VA, USA

"I was deployed with Raymond in Iraq when he was killed. I can remember a conversation that I had with him before we crossed the border. We had just gotten out of the Cyber Cafe and were talking about how much we missed home and couldn't wait to be back with our families. Ray was saying that he would give anything in the world for his wife to be with him. We talked for a bit longer and then went our separate ways. I'll remember that conversation forever!
I was on the road, but at a different camp, the night that Ray's convoy got hit. I can't even begin to describe the emotions that I felt that night. I prayed that the information was passed down wrong and what we were hearing wasn't true. The conversation that Ray and I had came to mind and I didn't know what to do but to pray for him and his family and the other Soldiers who were wounded.

The day that you died will be with me always. Anytime I hear your name I remember. On 5 AUG 04 you gave the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you Ray for everything. You have touched more lives than you could have ever imagined. Until we will meet again...
Solid as a Rock!!"
SGT Kimberly Williams, 89th Transportation Company of Newport News, VA

"SPC Faulstich, you will be truly missed by all who served with you. You are gone but will never be forgotten!"
SSG Robert A. Shurtleff Formerly 89th TC "Solid As A Rock" of Newport News, VA

"Spc Faulstitch, you were my soldier for a short period of time when you first came to 89th before you switched squads. from the first day you got there you were all smiles like, there wasn't a problem in the world! I was on that convoy with you, maybe a few trucks in front of you. the last thing i remember about you before that incident was the night before we were all in the tent at scania laughing and cracking jokes. i didn't believe it when Spc Canady told me you had passed until i saw for myself. words can't express how i felt. it's very unfortunate for someone so innocent to have his life taken so young and so full of happiness. we all miss you and every soldier, nco and officer who was assigned to 89th tc at that time whether they knew you or not, will always be affected by what happened. you will always be in our hearts and memory, and my family sends our condolences to your family. may you rest in peace and know that we will forever hold it down and represent!! 89th!!"
Mike Peterson (Former Sgt Peterson of 89th) of Deltona, Fl

"It's hard to gather the words, especially after learning of your untimely passing four years and three days after the fact.

I was just revisiting images from the KOFA high school freshman yearbook, and found your face. An internet search yielded some very sad news.

Funny, it seems like just yesterday we were supposed to have gone to the winter formal together. The timing was off, my mom called your mom. After discussions about what color boutonniere you should bring, my mother decided that I was just "too young" that year.

I really liked you, even in your painful shyness. You were tall, and thin--we would have been very complementary dance partners.

Ray, it is a shame that you are gone. I don't agree with this war at all. In the end, I believe that you were doing what you needed to, in order to save your close comrades--not necessarily to save this world we live in.

We do not belong to the world, nor does the world to us. I wish we could sometimes be suspended in the confusion of youth, because it seems better than the confusion of passing time and inevitable death."
Kellie Taylor of Tucson, AZ

"Ray you are truly missed.Everything has fallen apart since you passed but by now I realize its for the better. Thanks for standing behind me and making me strong thru all the hard times !"
Chris Scicli of New Port Richey,Fl

"July 1, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Raymond J. Faulstich, Jr.:
Raymond 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 thought a lot about Raymond. And I now understand better what sacrifice it meant when America liberated Germany from the barbaric Nazi dictatorship and defended us against suppression by the soviet and communist dictatorships. Raymond defended the freedom and safety of humanity against barbaric forces and Terrorists, who have no regard for human life, justice or liberty. I hope and pray and work for a better future of Iraq and the world and we appreciate the American engagement. The world of today is a better place then ever before, to a great part thanks to America and the American people like Raymond."
Andreas Leo Faulstich of Germany

"Well Ray this is Fred I always think of that day in 2004 I remember the last time I saw you alive putting side boards on your truck for the mission to Camp Baker. You were truly a good person and always had that damn smile on your face.I have not forgotten you are sorely missed.You put up a hell of a fight"
Fred Herring of Oak Ridge Tn

"Ray thanks for your sacrifice, you were a good friend and a very nice guy. It seems like just yesterday we were messing around in English class. You will be sadly missed."
Arnulfo Bermudez of Tucson Az, (Used to live in Yuma)

"Hey Ray, I remember you everyday. You will never be forgotten I will make sure of that. You and Chris were my friends from the start. Thanks for everything you did for me. I just wish i could have been there for you, when it happened."
SGT Jason Sevier Past 89th Soldier of stuttgart, germany

"i remember that day very well.i was in that convoy myself.i was one of the soldiers that got wounded.me and faulstish hung out that night before he died.when he died i wasn't thinking about my injuries.i thought about him,my fallen comrade.i had tears in my eyes.im about to make my third trip over there.i know he will be there always.i thank his wife and family when you came and seen me in the hospital.im sorry for your loss"
christopher williams of nortonville,ky

"I remember the day that it happened. I did not know you well but I do remember your face while we were all deployed. The way I felt when I heard the news can not be put into to words. We all miss you and you will be forever missed"
Tenishia McGlone of 89th Trans, Co

"we will never 4-get you ray, we love you and miss you alot. don't worrie i have been keeping my promise to you. and one day we will all meet again.

love your friend, room mate

Lisa,"
Lisa of maryland

"SPC Faulstich,
Not only were you apart of the 89th Trans Co.You were also part of the 57th Trans BN and your courage,sacrafice,and heroic actions along with your memories still lives within our battalion. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten!"
SGT Hodge,T of the 57th Transportation Battalion, Ft.Lewis,WA

"Ray, your image crosses over my mind everyday because of the amazing courage in which you expressed. YOU are the reason why i think about the freedoms in which Americans' possess. You were my childhood friend and older "brother." My family and I will never forget you and what you have brought us. We miss you dearly."
Robert/The Owens Family of Yuma, Arizona/U.S.A.

"To my fallen Soldier, Ray. We miss you very much. You are our Hero who made the ultimate sacrifice, for us—your comrades, and for the freedom Americans enjoy. We know you are with us everyday as we continue to drive the dangerous roads of Iraq delivering critical supplies. Your spirit lives on in Truck #89-40, 2d Platoon, and the entire 89th Trans Co. We continue to feel your presence and protection. You are a true angel who continues to bless us everyday. You will always be a part of us- the 89th Transportation Company—and we will always be SOLID AS A ROCK!"
Your Company Commander, CPT Michelle A. Jones, 89th Trans Co. of Talil, Iraq

"Thank you SPC Faulstich--you are an inspiration and daily reminder of what a true hero is. Your life touched every single Soldier who has ever met you and it has been my highest honor to serve with you. Road Warrior Forever!"
CPT Christina Helferich of 508th TC, Ft. Eustis, VA

"Definition of a hero:

HE-RO;
1.n. any person, esp., a man, woman or child admired for courage, valor, nobility, etc. 2. one who places the welfare of others before ones self. 3. one who acts and reacts unselfishly in the face of fear, danger or self harm. 4. one who is truly admired.
Ray- you are and always will be my brother, my hero...I love you always. Until we meet again..."
Your Sister Jackie of Maryland

"Ray you were one of my best friends..No day is the same without you here..The conversations we had stay in my head at all times...You will never be forgotten, and every action i do out here will be in behalf of you. Walk with us on the rest of this deployment...Guide us until the end. One Love"
SPC Scicli of Tallil AB Iraq/ FT Eustis VA

"Faulstich you were more than my soldier. You were a true friend and you are dearly missed. It is not the same around here without you. RIP"
Sgt Chambers D of 89th TC 6th Bn

"Ray, I know you are smiling down on us from Heaven. May God Bless You! We will do all that we can to help your family and your wife get through the hard times that they will face in the future. I can still remember growing up with you, all throughout St. John's and at LHS. I can still you sitting on my mom's couch, with that "smile" on your face that everyone is still talking about. You are a true hero and will be in our hearts forever."
Kimberly Allen of California, MD

"On behalf of the family of SPC Shawn Davies, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We also share in the loss of a soldier. May God be with you during this time of sorrow.Raymond will never be forgotten."
Toni Peters of Cleveland, OH

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

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

"Alot of thing's were left out on how heroic his actions were. I was assigned in the same unit as SPC Faulstich in Fort Eustis. He volunteered for the convoy that day and was driving the convoy commander when they became under attack from both sides. He was shooting and driving at the same time. He then was shot in the upper body. He then told the convoy commander he had been shot. He continued driving to avoid his Whole convoy from being sitting ducks. When they got out of the kill zone he then became unconscious and then later passed away. If that's not a real man I don't know what is. Sorry for the loss Faulstich family. He was a real soldier.
SGT Jones, J
508th Trans Co."
John Jones of Fort Eustis, VA

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. For the family/friends: May time provide happy loving memories in place of present sorrows. Look to the sky for in the infinite meadows of Heaven the bright shining stars bloom....the forget-me-nots of angels. God bless you and thank you."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"Raymond, As I sit here this evening, enjoying my freedom as a USA citizen, I take this moment and everyday, to say Thank you. You have given the ultimate price, you are a true hero. God Bless you Raymond.
Laura-
California, MD"
Laura of California MD

"May God Bless you in your time of grief.
Raymond will always be remembered as a man who laid down his life for his country. Our prayers are with you."
The Crochet Family of of Chavuin, Louisiana

"god bless you and your family you did alot for us and you will continue to live on"
tonia of hollywood md

"""To the family and friends of Raymond ~
Our deepest condolences go out to all
in your time of sadness.

Raymond will forever remain in your hearts. His spirit lives on.

God bless Raymond ~ A true
American Hero"""
The Alloway ~ Redrow Family of Pine Hill, NJ

"To Raymond's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To the family of Raymond Faulstich, Jr. - I am your neighbor in every sense of the word. I live near you and live like you. I have a child that is in the US Military and abroad. Your loss of Raymond is my loss. Your pride in Raymond is my pride. Your love of Raymond is my love. He was a brave, patriotic soldier. Please know you are not going through this alone."
Carolyn of Port Tobacco MD/USA

"To Raymond's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Raymond Faulstich, Jr., 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 Pfc. Raymond Faulstich, Jr.:
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 Raymond 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 Pfc. Raymond Faulstich, Jr.:
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 Raymond, 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