Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"This is a test"
Tim Rivera the webmaster

"This is a test"
Tim Rivera the webmaster

"I did not know Ron. But his name has stuck with me. We were the same age, both served in the Navy Reserve and both worked for the same company. I found out about Rons sacrifice through the company intranet. I dedicated a memorial brick to Ron at the fire hall across the street from my VFW. It's a small gesture. I will never forget the sacrifice of Ron, his family and his brothers in arms.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Charles Anderson
Petty Officer 2nd ClassTrace William Dossett
Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald Albert Ginther
Petty Officer 2nd ClassRobert Boyd Jenkins
Petty Officer 2nd ClassScott Ronald McHugh

Memorial Brick
https://www.flickr.com/photos/141314228@N03/26705985643/in/datetaken/"
QM1 Joseph J Riley jr of Haddon Township NJ

"Ron its been 10 years and i still have that sickening hole in my heart. I always wonder if you knew just how much I loved you? Did I tell you enough and show you enough? I so wish I could of seen your face and the joy in your eyes when your baby girl walked that field at her high school graduation and Justin graduating college. You always believing in him when everyone was saying different.And Joe as he has made it to lineman at Lakeland eletric. why is this still so hard I so wanted to watch our children grow up together.I feel so bad that I had the chance to see this and you didn't. I'm so proud of you,yet so sad don't make sense does it? If i could tell you one lesson I learned from this is how important it is to love because God is Love! It's a hard lesson though when you find yourself wanting to be mad at something or someone. But everyone who knew you knew you were never one to stay mad long. Always finding good whether anyone else could or not. Your definitely a hero in more ways than one and left a huge mark on a lot of hearts!!!Rest in Peace babe our lives may go on but yours will never ever be forgotten. As always with love Donna"
Donna Ginther of Auburndale, Florida USA

"I miss you buddy. You were a true friend and a real hero. You will never be forgotten."
E02 Brian Courtney of Valrico, Fl

"I had the honor of serving with him as his vehicle machine gunner. I am sorry I was not able to do more to save him that night. I didn't know he was hit until afterwards. Nobody told me he was gone until we were headed back to the base. Farewell, friend."
Mike of Winchester, VA

"we thank you for your service and remembering you on this day.my hart goes out to your family and friends.i remember we rode the school bus to dover elamentary together along with your brothers.you were allways nice to me and kind. so i want to thank you."
lisa bauknight blanton of plant city florida

"Thinking about you Ron on this Veterns day 11/11/11. May God bless you and your Family."
Con Farley NMCB-14 of Main Base KFOR NATO, Pristina Kosovo

"To the family of:Ronald A.Ginther
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"1-22-11"

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry at times. I understand, in theory only, that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take your families and friends pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"To family and friends of NMCB 14
I wanted to let you know that I feel honored to have served with the members of NMCB 14 in MAR-SEP 2004 in Falujah, AL Asad, and Al Ramadi as a member of NMCB 74. My fellow brothers and sisters brought specialized skills that active seabees do not always have and shared their knowledge with all us. They Lead by example as to how a seabee should be and brought more honor to our (seabee) heratige. They were brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. They were friends, allies, and comrads but most of all they were seabees. I will never forget my brothers and sisters in arms, thank you for making the battle field a little brighter. We will always remember you"
EO2 Ohms NMCB 22 of Corpus Christi TX

"To the Ginther family:
It was my honor to have served in NMCB 0414 with Ginther. He will not be forgotten."
EO2 Melissa J. Bowles of Lakeland, Florida

"January 17, 2009
To the family of Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald A. Ginther:
Ronald 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

"Ronnie, I remembered when we went to career counselor school in Colorado Springs,Colorado. It was you, me and Eddie Cottle. Its been a long time since I have laughed as hard as I did back then. I remember the 21 hour ECP watch we had at FEX. I have missed you so much my brother"...John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

Love and miss you,
EO3 Hiren J. Patel"

"We are the proud parents of Ronnie Ginther. He is our hero. Ray, Donnie, Billy, and Jimmy miss you, in all different ways. Your Dad and I miss the child, the teenager, and the man, and the father of our grandchildren. Ron was bosterious, loud, and had the greatest sense of humor. He made everyone laugh. To lose a child, is to lose a part of your heart. Memories help, and we have billions of them. Thanks to all that have written, our prayers are with all the others that have served and are still serving. There has to be an end to all of this, let's pray that it soon."
Mr. & Mrs. James Ginther of Port Charlotte, Fl. 33981

"PO Ginther served with my son in Iraq. Thank you PO Ginther and all of those who were killed or injured. God bless each of you, for you are truely heros of the highest order. Thank all of you who serve...and that includes the families of these brave men and women."
Joan Marsh of Christiansted, VI

"To Ron's wife,
It has taken me 2 years to be able to write on this page. We didn't get a chance to talk at the Memorial service. We sat together and spoke of our Ron's when we were going to meet the president. When Ron died, I remember exactly where I was. You see he died 2 days before our son Ron. I remember thinking that this can't happen to our town. It was too close to home. I know your daughter misses him terribly. We miss our boy still, even after 2 years our pain seems more intense. We will never forget our connection to eachother. I am so proud of both our Ron's. I hope you have found peace and comfort through your many memories of Ron"
Aileen Payne (ronpaynefamily@yahoo.com) of Lakeland, Florida

"SW3 Ginther, Rarely in life does a person have the honor to know a person in the truest sense of the word. Ronnie, you are that person. You have made a impression on everyone you mingled with in a most positive way. I have learned from you that we all have a sense of belonging to something far greater than ourselves. Thank you, for helping me to see this. God Bless You and your families."
SWC(SCW)Walter A.Groover of Vidalia,GA

"I did not know Ronald A. Ginther but from what I have read, he was a true hero. As a resident of Auburndale, Florida, I offer my sincere condolences to all the family members. May God bless all of you until you are reunited with Ronald."
Ray Spann of Auburndale, Florida, USA

"Ginther, You did what others refused to do. You have become a hero and you will always live in my heart. We had some great times on those convoys. We both received Purple Hearts. But yours is a lot bigger than mine. Love you always. We shall meet again my friend."
GM2 Thomas Johnson of Charleston, S.C.

"Ronnie
We both knew you and I enjoyed being able to work with you. "I miss you dearly. You were a good friend. I think of you often and you will always be in my heart and prayers. Keep watch over us down here.because we will all be a unit again sometime. Donna, if you need anything you can call.GOD BLESS AND TAKE CARE."
EO2 STEVEN TEMPESTA and wife Doris NMCB 14 of Spring Hill, Florida

"Fair winds and following seas brother. We miss you."
CM2 Ellis of NMCB-14, Tampa

"To all those in seabee balltalion in Tampa Fl. I will miss you."
AN EARL OAKES of LABELLE FL

"WE WERE FRIENDS OF RONNIE. HE LOVED AND ADORED HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER MORE THAN ANYTHING, HE TALKED ABOUT THEM ALL THE TIME WHEN WE WERE OVER IN IRAQ. HE WOULD ALWAYS SAY HE WAS A
VERY LUCKY MAN TO HAVE THEM IN HIS LIFE. WE WILL MISS HIS LAUGH AND SENSE OF HUMOR. BUT EVEN MORE WE WILL MISS HIM
HE WAS A HERO AND A GOOD FRIEND. WE PRAY THAT PEACE,LOVE AND THE LORD BE WITH HIS FAMILY.
DONNA IF YOU NEED ANYTHING PLEASE CALL"
EO1(SCW) JAMES CASTELLO AND WIFE CANDI (nmcb 14) of DOVER,FL.

"Gither, you are the men. I had the privilege of know you for a short time. We work together in projects, work hard in Sharp Wedge 03, and I have the honor to be deployed with you to Iraq, and yet through all you always found ways to make us laugh. I regreat not been able to assist your funeral services and said not goodby but see you later! I will always remember you and pray that GOD keep you close to HIM and that your family find comfort in GOD!"
PO3 (SCW) DeCarrero of Tampa, Florida

"Ron you were my buddy and a good friend, I will always remember you in my heart. I will miss your laugh, and you making jokes that kept us all going. Just dont weld the gates shut on me because I want to see you again."
SW1 Bailey B Cassels of Webster, Florida

"Ronnie, I was deployed with you but you didnt get to come back with me, at least not physically....It is said that as long as people think of you , you will allways be alive in their heart.. if so Ronnie you live in many of us. I will never forget !Your more than a hero.."
CM2 Chuck Cohn (NMCB 14) of Valrico ,florida

"WOW this is wild Ron I had no Idea that this message board was even here. I am glad that people see you for the hero that you are and that this country would not be free with out you in it. We love you so much Ronnie. We will always miss you and you will always be in our hearts. Love your brother Jimmy and family.... I also want to thank all of you that have left a message on this board. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated."
Davian Ginther of Webster, Fl

"Ron, I knew You for 2 years and didn`t realize until after you were gone that you made an impact on my life. When I look at Laney I see you and it`s like your still here. Thankyou for protecting our country, You knew what you had to do and did it. I hope I can do the same. Your a hero that will NEVER be forgotten. Justin wouldn`t be half the man he is without you.Thankyou, Love you, and miss you!"
Londann Merrick of Auburndale,Fl., USA

"I am so sorry for your loss. Ron was obviously a fine man who was loved by many. He died one day after my Marine son died, so I know how the hurt feels. I am currently sewing your Marine Comfort Quilt, and I hope you will find some comfort in knowing that others share your loss."
Joline Morrison of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

"Thank you for all that you have done. You are my hero
Jerri L Jenkins-Moyer
sister of PO 2nd Class Robert Boyd Jenkins
Killed in Iraq May 2, 2004"
Jerri L Jenkins-Moyer jjmoyer@pennswoods.net of Altoona, Pennsylvania USA

"Petty Officer Ginther, goodbye sailor and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

""To the family and friends of Ronald A. Ginther. Your son and father is a true American hero, we can only hope that future generations understand the sacrifices that were made by these soldiers to keep America the greatest nation in the history of the world. THANK YOU.""
Benjamin Hill of Seattle, WA

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald A. Ginther,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

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

"To the Family of Ronald Ginther; As a Seabee family and the family of one of the first KIA's in Iraqi Freedom, we wish to express how sorry we are to hear of your loss. When our son was killed (March 21, 2003) we had hoped no other family would have to know the pain of losing a loved one."
SWC-R Joe and Judy Childers of Powell, Wyoming

"To Ronald'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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.

Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX"

"""There is often a lack of comforting words at a time like this. However, I hope you can find some peace in that your loved one, Petty Officer Ronald A. Ginther, was upholding the Seabee "CAN DO" tradition and the Seabee motto: "With compassion for others, we build - we fight, for peace with freedom."""
LCDR Michelle Breaux, CEC, USNR of Norman, OK (formerly NMCB's 74, 24 & 22)

"REST EASY SHIPMATE"

"To Ronald'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 Ronald Ginther, 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 Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald Ginther:
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 Ronald 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 Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald Ginther:
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 Ronald, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia