Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Ray Ray, I'll never forget eating olives with you 2 hours before you fell. It was the last time I saw you laugh... Rest easy. You are missed"
Rus Currie of Sacramento, CA

"Ray,
Nine years and I'm still wondering if things were different. I hope I helped your family with the details of that day. You will never be forgotten brother! Rest in peace!"
Cyclone 6 Ancient of Texas

"To the Family and Friends of Raymond Hill... In honor of Raymond...
October 2013 I went on vacation to Maui and while on Maui I learned we would have the experience of a full moon. I headed to Kaanapali Beach @ 5:30am to photograph the full moon setting over the ocean and noticed a man doing Tai Chi. I didn't want to disturb him as the anchored sail boat that I wanted in my picture was directly aligned with the reflection of the moon where he was excercising. The man recognized what I was trying to do and suggested that I move his direction so I could align the sail boat with the moon's reflection in the water and in the sand. This was a magnificiant sight as the shades of pink, lavendar and blue blended perfectly in early morning Maui sky.

We started a conversation and he learned that I was from Turlock and I learned that he was the Military Chaplin that attended your son's funeral. He told me that he was the last person to see Raymond's face prior to his trip home. He recalled the outpouring of love and recognition for Raymond and said he had never seen anything like this before and he recalled the 2005 event with great detail.

The Chaplin spent time in Iraq and he is suffering from PTSD and has been instructed by his doctor to take two years off from work to work through this battle. He shared with me that he was passing out daily, had his drivers license taken away at one time and was using Tia Chi and journaling to work through the emotions and trama of the PTSD. He is a Chaplin at a church in Southern California. I cannot recall his name and wish I could. He was a wonderful man and spoke w/such high regard on behalf of Raymond.

Some stories are never shared - I thought you would like to know on this Veteran's Day that Raymond was remembered for his ultimate sacrifice and how he has touched this Chaplin. Raymond has now touched me on behalf of the Chaplin.

I have two nephews that have recently entered into the military (Jan 2013)- one is a Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton and the other is on a nuclear sub out of the State of Washington. I love these boys with all my heart and am so very proud of them and their choice to serve. They are already brave!

Sending prayers to Raymond's parents, wife, daughters, family and friends and to all of our Veteran's that gave their all.

May love surround you all!"
Sue Genest of Turlock, CA

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families 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"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I am proud of Raymond D. Hill.
I enjoy that I was one member of Cal. State Stanislaus. I wish Turlock will be stronger under the help of federal program."
Phobus, Chao-Kung, Lee of Taipei, Taiwan, ROC

"”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 1,450 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!
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"
Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"September 30, 2008
To the family of Capt. Raymond D. Hill, II:
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

"To the family of:Raymond D. Hill 11 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"

"To Raymond Hill's family:
I was touched and saddened when I saw the news on TV about Mr. Hill's sacrifice. What a wonderful family he has left behind. You must be so proud of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, The Wilkinson family"
Carol Wilkinson of Delmar, NY USA

"I will miss you Ray. Our time was cut so short.I beleive we lost a true hero !! My heart goes out to all the families of our fallen heros."
Kathleen Gorman of Lemoore CA

"TO THE HILL FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY ! WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE NEWS. RAYMOND THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON AS HE WAS TO YOU! MILITARY SOLDIERS HAVE THAT COMMON BOND, NOT TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER, AS STILL AS BROTHERS WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER AND UNITS. RAYMOND YOU HAVE NOT DIDE IN VAIN! YOU ARE A HERO! AN THE REALITY MUCH MORE THEN A HERO TO ALL THAT KNEW YOU. WE ALL DEAL WITH OUR LOST VERY DIFFERENTLY. sO THANK YOU RAYMOND, MEN LIKE YOU SERVING ALONG SIDE OUR SON. EASIED THE PAIN OF HIS LOST. KIA BALAD, IRAQ 05-03-04 SGT. GREGORY WAHL. TODAY MY TEARS THAT NEVER STOPPED FOR HIM ARE YOUR'S TODAY RAYMOND. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU RAYMOND AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To Capt. Hill's Family, I am so sorry for your loss, I read your Raymond's letters on the anysoldier site, and thought what a great man, and how much he loved his two daughters. He is truly an American Hero. Raymond will always be remembered and honored. Not only in our country, but in Iraq where he no doubt impressed so many children. We are praying for you all. May God Bless all of you and God Bless Raymond."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Raymond, I'll miss all the good times we had camping and fishing when we were kids. You were the big brother I never had when we were growing up. With love and much respect, your cousin Robert"
Robert of Tacoma, Washington

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

"Rest in Peace Capt Hill
J and T USMC NC
Sister of a FALLEN MARINE"

"Thank you Raymond Hill II, 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 Capt. Raymond Hill II:
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 Capt. Raymond Hill II:
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