Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Rian I was your English teacher in high school and I think of you every year on Memorial Day. Today I went downtown to look at the Christmas trees with my family and saw there was a Gold Star family tree. I looked around hoping there was a picture of you on there, and there you were, right at the front. I wish your family peace and love this holiday season and know that all these years later there are still many people who think about Rian and remember his sacrifice."
Karen Whaley of Taylors, SC

"Missing you like crazy Ryan (fug). I remember being in the room next to you and you’d stop by never empty handed. I miss you man. My deepest condolences to your family. Brave Rifles"
SSG Whatley of Colorado Springs

"Yesterday I went to Arlington National Cemetery. In honor of Memorial Day they had volunteers there handing out tags with the names of those who gave their all. I got Rian's name. I've read about him on the internet and want to express my sorrow to those who lost this loved one. He is not forgotten."
Peggy of Baltimore, MD

"Rian,
On today, the 12th anniversary of your death 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.

Brave Rifles!
(3rd ACR Motto)"

"Never Forgotten ! (2015)
From your friend..Sgt Thompson, David R.
Iron Hawk Troop 3/3 ACR"
David R. Thompson of Pueblo, CO

"Just stopped by to let you know I was thinking about you bro. I know your shinning down on all of us. Miss you bro."
Michael Murray of Ottawa, IL. U.S.A

"I have truly missed the many great experiences that,God willing, we've had the priviledge of sharing together in this life-time. You illuminated many people with your positive energy and warm heart. You are a true friend and brother."
Markell Gordon of Greenville, S.C/ U.S.A

"I miss you ferg, you was like a brother to me. you will always live in my heart. you help me realize that there was more to life than just oakview. me and juju always be laughing, and talking about all the fun times we had. alot of people will walk in and out our lives, but only a true friend will leave their footprints on our heart. my prayers go out to the Ferguson family. I love you ferg, we all miss you. see you when I get there""
Nick Wideman of Greenville, sc

"November 30, 2008
To the family of Spc. Rian C. Ferguson:
Rian 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

"Ryan Ferguson (Ferg) and I were friends in high school. He was easily one of the friendliest and funniest guys I had the pleasure of knowing. He was always making people laugh and making school a great deal more enjoyable."
Adam White (palehorse864@gmail.com) of Port Saint Lucie FL, USA

"My boy Rian Ferg.. Ferg was the guy everyone loved , he was funny as all outdoors and just a spirted guy. you always knew when you were around ferg that you was gonna get a laugh or something he was gonna do silly to shock everyone around. I'm telling you when i get to heaven i have to see my boy ferg just to get a good laugh and reminice about the good o times we had. I thank momma ferg for her kind words and letting us come over when ferg got on her nerves lol, so for now i love you ferg and momma ferg o yeah can't forget mr. ferg, we gonna keep you in our prayers from the smith family Ansaris ,Ansilee, and Regina Smith"
Ansaris Smith of Greer SC /USA

"Ferguson..or ''Ferg'' as every one called him was one of the the coolest people you could ever no. Every one was friends with him and in the barracks at Ft. Carson you coould see his smiling face, I lived right accross from him in the barracks and served with him in Iraq he was in Transportation and me Pol..Ill never forget him ex Pv2 Crawford"
Joshua Crawford of Alexandria, VA

"Honestly it is really hard for me to write this message. I was a friend of "Ferg". I consider him a true friend. Ferg cared for every one he ever met. He was always the one to go to if you needed a laugh. December 14th 2003 will forever be in my heart. Thats the day that any one who never met him or had met him lost a terrific young man. Ferg I know you you are up there watching out for Me, Ray, Mac, Kobe, Dante, Rosa, Turner, Keith. Man we miss you dog. Love Jeremy"
Jeremy Bryson of Iraq

"Rian, you are dearly missed by all who knew you. I can remember your smile as if it were yesterday. You were always full of joy whenever I saw you. I have always considered you and yours as family because our parents grew up together. We have known each other all our lives basically. I have been in the Army now for 12 years, but I can truly say that you are a hero who will be greatly missed. We all love you. Shirley, Tara, Corey(Oreo as you used to say), Tiffany, and C.J. Rosemond."
Tiffany Caffee (Rosemond) of Camp Casey, Korea by way of Taylors, SC

"As a soldier in Supply and Transportation Troop 3ACR, I served with Ferguson in Iraq. Ask anyone in this troop and they will tell you that Ferguson will NEVER be forgotten. He is always in the back of our minds. His spirit will be with us when we return to Iraq for our second tour. His death caused alot of pain for us because his spirit was so bright. Remembering him will help remind us to keep our hopes up no matter what we are going through."
Cpl. White, Brian P. of Ft. Carson CO U.S.A.

"To Rian's Family, my sincerest condolences for your lose. Remember everyday that you raised a hero!"
Elizabeth of Rochester NY

"To all who knew and loved Rian
To all who was touched by his sunshine
To all who know the pain we felt
To all who prayed with us and knelt
Upon Rian's arrival to God's throne
This blessing is for each and everyone
To let you know you are not alone
We pray daily for your health and strength
And for God to keep you strong when you are bent
Know now that Rian is watching over you
Just like he is watching over us too.
Love and God Bless!
Rian's cousins
The Anderson's
Mitch, Val, Mike and Chris"
Valarie Anderson of Taylors, SC

"Specialist Ferguson, 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, Rian, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi B from Montana "

"SPC. Ferguson:
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

"My condolenses to your family. I'm so sorry to hear about your death. But always remember, you are a victor who made the most ultimate sacrifice."
Marlena of Killeen, TX

"My name is SGT Taylor. I am SPC Baker's (Rian's Girlfriend) NCO and I wanted to send my condolences to the family of an excellent troop. I first met Ferg at Fort Carson, but didn't have a chance to really get to know him until we got to Iraq. I played him in a basketball tournament, and after the game we had a long conversation about the deployment and our upbringing. You knew immediately afterspeaking with him one time that he was a special person. He seemed to be the kind of guy anybody could speak to, with a smile to rule the universe. Support Squadron will miss Ferg, but we will not let his death be in vain. We will stay strong, continue to press on, and share our long awaited homecoming with his family as soon as we return to the states. Please pray for the rest of us out here. Thank you."
Adrian Taylor of Al Asad, Iraq

"Thank you Rian Ferguson, 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

"I was one of Rian's teachers in high school and I remember him with a mile-wide smile on his face and surrounded by friends. Know that all of us who taught Rian have been remembering him and praying for the peace of his family."
K. Sherrill of Greer, SC

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