Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Marine Pfc. Ryan M. Jerabek

18, of Oneida, Wisconsin.
Jerabek died due to hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 6, 2004.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Marine Pfc. Ryan M. Jerabek.

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Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

Please report inappropriate messages

"Hello Jerabeck family im a sixth grade from Wr thomas Middle school in Fl and i chose your son as one the of the fallen heroes for my Memorial day Project, you must be very proud of him and we are too so to honor his memory i'm going to make a poster about him and his comrades, We appreciate his service and i also have to cousins in the Armed forces and one who served in IRAQ."
Eric of Miami Florida United states

"I have never heard of you until I seen the movie about you family and your son. It's one of the first times in recent memory where they are real people and not just a statistic. I was so touched by your family's story and was very sadden at the lost of your son. I have two little boys and I wonder if I have the strength to face a lost at one of them as your family has done. May God bless and keep Ryan close and may he protect Nick your other son who is serving. Take care always and thank you for sharing your life and Ryan with us all."
ed of orlando, fl

"to the family of ryan and to ryan himself..... we fought hard my friend and i continue to do so for the time im still in. i still fight because of that deployment. to the family, your son will not be forgotten. ever."
chris feguson (2d bn 4th mar) of camp pendleton, ca

"Thank you Ryan for your service, and ultimate sacrifice. Men of your stature make me proud to be an American."
Craig John Hoag of Oregon

"To the family of Ryan Jerabek:
I want to reach out and send you a big hug. I have a 16 year old son that wants to be a marine and I am scared to death. But thank you so much for your sacrifice. I and I speak for so many others, we are proud of Ryan he is our hero also. Thank you so much for sharing him with us. God Bless you."
Daniel Borras of San Diego, CA 92101

"March 29, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Ryan M. Jerabek:
Ryan 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

"may god bless you. your talk @ suring has has moved everyone. and for me more than some. my son finishes his infantry training @ pendleton this fri nov14. i cant be more proud of him yet scared to death. i wasnt in favor of his decision at first but at his graduation i have never seen him more proud. i would like to thank you again for your wonderful speech.may god bless you and may he watch over all our troops in this time of trouble"
sue vandenbrook of suring wi

"GnySgt Mac,
Please get in touch.
Rita"

"hey devil,

back in the sandbox again. i think about you and old allan alot over here. every time i go out the wire to be exact. thanks for the overwatch. i hear your brother is one of ours now too. however, he graduated from Kilo. wish he coulda been a bravo nation brother too haha, but a Marine is a Marine. keep an eye on him as i know you will. and Rita, i hope you all are doing well. hope to get back in touch with you."
GySgt Scott McLaughlin of Hit, Iraq

"Please keep my Marine in mind. His name is James VanCalster. He is at Camp Pendleton. I also feel for the other females with men in there also."
Amanda of Yadkinville, NC, USA

"To the family of:Ryan M. Jerabek 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"

"Hello. My son James M. VanCalster ran in yestedays event and he will be leaving us soon to go to bootcamp for the Marines. I heard that yous will also be having another son leave soon and I pray for Gods protection for BOTH our sons to come home safely. God Bless Both our families."
Michelle Zwieschowski of Green Bay Wisconsin

"My tears are for the losses suffered to keep the freedom. Ryan is a Hero to me and many others who understand what it takes to maintain freedom. As a Marine who's Son is now a Marine we salute you and your loved ones"
allen of alexandria, La.

"I went to school with ryan from 4th grade through high school. We were friends for a long time. We even "went out" in like 6th grade. I have a lot of great memories of him just being the unselfish, compassionate person he always and will be forever. I am in the U. S. Air Force station at Eielson AFB in Alaska. I will always cherish Ryan for his courage and his way of making somone smile. Ryan always had something goofy to say when I was down or not feeling well. He made my day a little lighter. Ryan was a little piece of sunshine in everyone's day no matter who you were. I will laways love him as a friend and fellow servicemember. If there was one word to describe Ryan it would be Hero. Ryan truly give it his all and give his life for something he loved so much, his family, friends and country. Ryan, you are gone in the flesh, but you will always be with me in spirit. You have a special place in my heart and no one will ever replace you. I will see you again, Promise."
Rachel Johnson (Matuszak) of Eielson AFB, AK

"Ryan/
Now sleep, close your eyes and have no fear
A wide blue sky is very near"
Martin of Bakersfield CA

"Dear Jerabek family,

I am david lloyd and i served with ryan in iraq. ryan and i would talk for hours about everything from people we miss to computers. he always told me that he loved you guys more than any thing in the world. i got to meet your lovely family only a once and for only a few hours but i felt like i have know you my whole life. thats how much that ryan and i talked about you and my own family. we became really good friends when we arrived to 2/4. i really miss him and cant wait to see you all soon."
david lloyd of cartersville, ga

"Ryan, although I never knew you, I too lost someone very close to me in Irag. As hard as it is, I know the two of you and all of our fallen service-men before you are amongst God's angels watching over us just as you did as a Marine. God Bless & Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice."
Kevin Darnell of Mt.Pleasant, Michigan

"Semper Fi brother...you are missed.
---To all the Marines that were in Bravo 1015, leave some e-mail addy's.
mine is grappler6@hotmail.com
thank you."
Spec. Barnes of 137th Infantry Div. Kansas City, KS

"hey warrior,

made it back in one piece. thanks for the overwatch. definitely thought about you over there. talked to your mom on email alot too and she sent prayers. im gonna try to make it out there for your run this year. semper fi devil."
ssgt scott "mack" mclaughlin of camp pendleton, ca

"I had the wonderful pleasure of knowing Ryan. I went to middle school and high school with him. Dancing with Caryn and Ryan under the spotlight at Caryn's house is one of my favorite memories from school. Never a dull moment. Semper Fi my friend."
Alyx Winarski of Stevens Point, WI

"I went to Pulaski High with Ryan. We were assigned to sit next to each other in Physics class for a while. I was usually always lost and it seemed the course was over my head. One day we were supposed to check each other's work and he noticed all the ereaser marks and wrong answers and asked me if I needed help. He was so nice to me even though he didn't really know me. I was shocked to see that he died. I knew he was joining the Marines because he mentioned it to me on the last day we sat next to each other. He was really proud of that. The last thing I remember saying to him was, "good luck in the Marines, I hope everything works out for you." My husband is in the WI Army National Guard and is currently overseas and not a day goes by that I don't think about the sacrifice he and his fellow soldiers are making and how much respect I have for all our soldiers, living and dead. Ryan you may not remember me, but I'll always remember you."
Elise (Ball) Caldwell of Howard, WI

"Ryan, I didn't know you but I feel like the world is differant now with you gone."
RonJerabek.com of Portland, Oregon

"Ryan, I didn't know you but I feel like the world is differant now with you gone."
RonJerabek.com of Portland, Oregon

"The Mt.Soledad Memorial Association, in coordinated efforts with American Legion Post 275 of La Jolla, California, is conducting a Honor Ceremony on August 26th,2006 to recognize the dedicated service of PFC Ryan Jerabek and the other 20 Marines that paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Post 275 has sponsored the manufacture of 2 granite plaques to be placed at the Mt.Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, CA.

We are very saddened by this tragedy; our Memorial will honor these brave Marines and the memory and tribute will be forever on our walls.
For additional information and photos of our memorial please log onto www.soledadmemorial.com
We would be deeply appreciative if ALL interested in attending the ceremony could call Joanie at 858-459-2314 (e-mail:Joaniem7225@soledadmemorial.com) or Steve Marrietti at 858-705-2214.
THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!"
Joanie Miyashiro-Brennan of San Diego, CA/USA

"Thinking of you, Scott. My email to you was returned. Stay safe.
Semper Fi
Momma Jerabek"

"My sympathies and encouragement to Ryan's family. I thank you, Ryan, for serving our country with honor. I wish I would have had the privilege to know you."
John Koester of Green Bay, WI

"Dear Lcpl Hernandez,
Thank you for your comforting note! OORAH, Honor Platoon 1015! My thoughts & prayers are with you all each day.
SEMPER FI
Jerabek's Mom"
Rita Jerabek of Oneida, WI

"I was in Plt 1015 with PFC Jerabek and I am sorry to hear this I just found out, my heart goes out to his family, and loved ones, He will be missed but never forgotten, keep in eye out for us while we are out there Jerabek. Honor Platton 1015."
Lcpl Hernandez, E of San Antonio, Texas .... Heditha dam/ Alasad/ Fob Hit Iraq

"well devil,
its been two years. you havent been forgotten, and as i rolled out the gate, i was of course comforted by the knowledge that you and the rest of our brothers were up there providing overwatch, especially on this day. thanks. your memory lives on in us all."
SSgt Scott J McLaughlin RCT5 PSD Plt Sgt of Fallujah, Iraq

"Please get in touch with me, SSgt.McLaughlin. Thanks for your thoughts and support. SEMPER FI
Rita_Jerabek@yahoo.com
Proud Marine Mom of Pfc. Ryan Jerabek"

"hey marine,
its been a while since i visited this site last. ive seen some of your brothers from 1015 here in fallujah. sgt otti, and a few others from that honor platoon. we havent forgotten you. ive even got a few of your brothers from 2/4 in my PSD. keep up the overwatch, youre keeping us safe, thank you."
SSgt Scott J McLaughlin RCT-5 PSD PltSgt of Fallujah, Iraq

"I was in PFC Jerabeks platoon in boot camp. I was in complete shock when I saw his name and picture in the paper. PFC Jerabek was a good friend, Marine and is my hero. I am praying for his family everyday.

BRAVO COMPANY
PLT 1015

NEVER FORGOTTEN"
LCpl Craig Cummings of Farmington, MO Currently in Ramadi, Iraq

"My condolences to Ryan's family for the loss of their brave son in this worthless war.
"Only the dead have seen the end of war". (Plato)
Rest in eternal peace, Ryan, YOU earned it."
Anonymous Veteran of Melrose Park, Illinois

"I ran across this memorial while searching my family name, Jerabek. I do not know if Ryan is related to me in any way, but I feel as if he was. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. God bless you Ryan I know you served bravely. I would like to get in touch with the family to discover if there is a connection. I believe his grandfather might have been my uncle."
Marianne (Jerabek) Garrett of Ocklawaha, FL

"This says it all.

Semper Fidelis"
John Andrews

""To the family of Ryan Jerabek"
I did not know Ryan, but I would like to thank him and his family from that bottom of my heart for serving his country. "Some people live wondering if they made a difference, Marines don't have that problem." I lost my brother, Marine LCPL John Mattek, Jr. on June 13, 2005. My prayers are with your family. We will always stand proud for what they have done."
Jill Mattek of Antigo, WI

"To the Family of PFC Ryan Jerabek:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 6/20/05, 111 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put PFC Jerabek's name on one of them. We have called our display "Arlington MidWest." It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country. If you would like us to do this, please email martypres33@yahoo.com.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them." Anonymous"
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"God bless you and your family for protecting our freedoms and allowing your son to serve his country."
Tatiana of Green Bay, WI

"To the family of Ryan M. Jerabek:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"Not a single day goes by when I don't think of you and remember what an amazing person you were. You've touched the life of every person you met Ryan, in some way or another, and you will never be forgotten. I miss you."
Natalie Schuldes of Green Bay, WI

"It's been a year today, Ryan. Though I never knew you, I'll always remember your sacrifices for our beautiful country. Semper Fi, Marine. Rest in Peace."
Chrissy of USA!

"To Ryan's Family...We are so proud to be called Ryan's family. There is no greater sacrafice than a child or a brother. Your family gives strenth and peace to all that know you. You and your son Ryan will ALWAYS be remembered with heavy heart knowing all of the sacrafices that you have made for our country. Ryan will live in this family with a great legacy of heroism and bravery. He has forever made our family proud.
The Dan VanAdestine Family"
Dan VanAdestine Family of Green Bay, WI

"Hello to Ryan's family
I never knew Ryan but I to have a grandson that was in the MARINES and stationed at Twenty Nine Palms, CA and was LCPL Jason Andrew TeTrault killed on July 9th, 2003. It seams so long ago but the pain is still there. I pray for all the men and women over there and their family's. Ryan is deeply missed."
Cena TeTrault of Downey, CA 90241

"Thank you Ryan for the gift of freedom. I will remember your name each time I raise my flag in the front yard. To Ryan's family, I know in my heart that when you close your eyes for the last time, standing before you with open arms will be your Ryan. God Bless you..
A Grateful American Family"
The Shaw Family of Pasadena, Maryland

"To Ryan's Family,

My condolences at your loss. I can't imagine what you are going through but I do know about the worry you experienced when he left for Iraq. My daughter and Ryan's distant cousin, Capt. Julia S. Wold, served in Iraq, too. She was one of the lucky ones, because she came home. Please accept my love and prayers. (My great-grandmother was Anna Jerabek of Kewaunee, Ryan's great-great-great aunt.)"
Susan Bunda Weed of Madison, Wisconsin

"My younger brother Adam went to highschool with Ryan in Pulaski, WI. I know at one point we crossed paths as my brother always had a bunch of friends over and I only received a quick introduction to who they were. I wish I could have shook your hand Ryan. Or at least got to know you a little better, because it would be an honor to know someone who so unselfishly gave his life for something you so strongly believed in. I never had a chance to say more then just "hi" to you Ryan but now I would like to say "thank you". R.I.P. You're are gone but not forgotten."
Ryan Juelich of Green Bay, WI

"I didn't know Ryan but he is greatly missed, I lost my brother-in law in November 2003.We love you and you are deeply missed."
Antoinette Brooks of Stone Mountain, Georgia

"I have been fortunate enough to know the Jerabek family since I was a freshman in high school, already 14 years. I graduated with his oldest brother Aaron, spent time at the Jerabek house in school, knew Ryan as a child and as a middle school student, worked with his brother Nick while I was teaching in Pulaski, and have always respected and appreciated my relationship with the Jerabek family. The news of his sacrifice was devastating to so many...students, teachers, community members, anyone who knew Ryan. I travel past the Jerabek's home frequently and talk with his father when my fiance and I go on marathon training runs. To hear what happened that day in Iraq is difficult to swallow, yet inspiring. The fact that Ryan made such an impact on so many people in such a short time is wonderful. Just yesterday, Sunday October 3rd, I spoke with Ryan's father and expressed our sadness and not being able to attend his memorial on Saturday the 9th back in Wisconsin. He said something to us that has inspired both of us in our final week of preparation for running the Chicago Marathon..."Run it for Ryan." He's exactly right. If PFC Jerabek and his family can make the ultimate sacrifice for their country, the least I can do is run a marathon in his honor."
Tyson of Grafton, Wisconsin

"a coward dies a thousand deaths, a soldier dies but once"
Adam of Pittsburgh, PA

"On 9 September 2004, I read Ryan's name at a vigil on the steps of the Texas capitol. He died on the 6th birthday of my grandson."
Sharlyn Kelley of Austin, TX

"My husband was with Ryan, his name is Cpl Ryan Opeka he said such great things about him he said he was the haredest working marine and the most devoted person he knew. My husband said when i get out, that boy is going to take over my job. Ryan was actually the one to speak at the momorial in ramadi that they had for the guys out there. Ryan was such a good person i wish i could have met him. I am so sorry about your loss. I pray for your family all the time and when my husband returns i bet he could tell you some great stories about jerabek and what a wonderful marine he is and how well he did out there."
jenny opeka of 11360 kitching st moreno valley ca 92557

"I was on my way to my kids' school to watch them perform their annual "Passion Play". I was listening to the radio as I was driving to the school. I heard on the news that a young man from Pulaski, Ryan Jerabek, ahd been killed in combat in Iraq. It broke my heart to hear about such a young man dying. I then arrived at the school for the play. If you are not familiar with the passion play, it is about Jesus's last days on Earth. The kids read different Gospel passages and stories. One boy read "There is no greater love than he who lays down his life for another." All I could think about was Ryan Jerabek and how he loved America so much that he gave the ultimate sacrifice. He lay down his life so that others could live on. So that little kids like those performing in the play could live more safely and be free."
JD Gregory of Appleton, wisconsin

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"I went to high school with Ryan, and we were in the same, close group of friends. I am honored to say that I knew him and his friend Mike who is also a marine training in California. A genuinely nicer person I am sure I never will meet. I cherish the times that we shared on the same track and field team, at parties, and other important events in a high schooler's life very much. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you and your family, Ryan. I miss you now and forever."
Libby Nowak of Pulaski, WI

"I was PFC Jerabek's Senior Drill Instructor in boot camp. When I saw his name in the paper, I was truly shocked. But then I remembered what kind of recruit that he was, driven, dedicated, and selfless. It was this remembrance that allowed me to understand that he died as only a warrior could die. Jerabek was a good kid, a good recruit, and I'm sure an awesome Marine. He happened to die in battle with my best friend, SSgt Allan K. Walker. Two warriors from Bravo Company, they watch over us. God bless the Jerabek family and friends. You will not be forgotten."
Sgt. Scott J. McLaughlin of MCRD San Diego

"I'm the older brother of PFC Ryan Jerabek. I just wanted to thank you all for posting such wonderful memories of Ryan. I knew my brother was special, but I had no idea he touch so many people in such a way. Jennifer Katz... I look forward to meeting you, your husband and your wonderful baby boy some day. If any one would like to get in contact with me my email is aaronj45@yahoo.com. Once again thank you for your thoughts and prayers... Semper Fi."
Aaron Jerabek of Milwaukee, WI

"Thank you Ryan Jerabek. You are my hero. You will not be forgotten."
L. Nguyen of Los Altos, CA

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

"Jerabek (the name we called him by) was honestly one of the most compassionate people I have ever met in my life. He was my husbands roommate before they left for Iraq, my husbands close friend, and an awesome friend of mine. I told him all the time that I loved his last name and was going to name my kid after him. Till this day I am still keeping that promise. I am currently pregnant with a boy. His name is going to be Ryan Jerabek Katz. My husband and I could never thank Ryan enough for what he did for us. He lent my husband 13 dollars so I could have gas to go and say goodbye to him before he left for Iraq. Were it not for Ryans heart, I wouldnt have been able to say goodbye to my husband. When my husbands wall-locker was dirty and he had to stay up and clean it...Jerabek was always right there helping him not caring about himself being allowed to sleep. He was always helping us everyday. I saw him everyday and there wasnt a day I didnt see him smiling and helping someone else. I'll never forget Jerabek and neither can anyone else. He was such a special kid. Last year I lost my Dad to suicide and that was the hardest point in my life....this year we all lost Ryan Jerabek. My husband and I have total faith that our God, my Dad, and Ryan are watching over him and the others in Iraq. My husband bought new trousers over in Iraq. When he went to put them on, they were Ryans. Ryan died for his love and his passion. He made an impact in the childrens lives in Iraq and those in America as well. I know he would do it all over again, but it will never be the same without him when my husband comes back (May the Lord protect him). My husband is barely 19 and im almost 20, we are young. Ryan was younger yet I never have seen a person of any age with the heart, desire, and passion that Ryan Jerabek did. I knew his parents were great people just from raising a child as Ryan. I'll never forget the last words Ken Jerabek said to me last time we spoke on the phone. His last words were: "Semper Fi". I now have a sticker on my car in memory of Jerabek saying just that. He was always faithful and we lost him on April 6th in which he left us being faithful. We lost such an special, unique person but his memory and his love still remains here. I look to his example each day I get up now, maybe I can make a difference as Ryan Jerabek.

**We love you Jerabek. Thank you for what you did for my husband and I (we will never forget) and for what you did for your loved ones and our country.**"
Jennifer Katz

"My name is Max Prahl. Ryan was not only my neigbor that i deeply respected but a great, determined kid that i grew up with and had known since i was born. Ever since i was old enough to realize who he was i knew there was somthing special about him. Whenever he was around it seem as if everything was better. I remember when we were growing up we had races with our go carts and sword and boxing fights in his basement our outside. We had many great times together and he was truley a person with very high spirits for his family, friends and country. As we got older he got more into computers and paintballing with his friends and brother Nick. You could never hear Ryan say anything bad about anyone or put anyone down. Even though he wasent the most talkative person i knew he was the nicest guy i have ever met. When he came home after his basic training i walked on over to his house to talk to him for the first time in about a month or so. At first i dident believe it but it was him. He looked so much different. His Parents, and my parents tried to talk him out of going to the front line but its what he wanted to do and im proud of him for going for what he believed in. Even though hes gone now, to all of his friends and family he will live on. The night i heard the news i couldent sleep and i was just shocked that it happend. Right away after school i went over to there house to see how they were holding up and i couldent bare seeing them like that.
We are proud of you Ryan
Semper"
Max Prahl of Hobart

"Ryan was a very good friend of mine. My boyfriend is also a Marine and was Ryan best friend. The loss of him is still hard to deal with, but there hasn't been a day that goes by that I haven't thought or prayed for Ryan and his Family. He will forever be in my heart. Ryan is a hero in my eyes and the world will not be the same without him. Ryan, I love and miss you more and more each day. Semper Fi!"
Kim Potts of Bluefield, WV ( Hometown Pulaski, WI)

"From one Marine family to another
"Though you cannot always see the bird singing, if you listen with your heart, you can always hear his song.
Though the ones we love may leave life as we know it, in our memory, the love we knew will always carry on." unknown author
Our heart and thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Your precious Ryan will not be forgotten. He was a true American!"
Charles Davis family of Kailua, Hawaii

"To the family and friends of PFC Ryan M. Jerabek,

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

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. 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. Please register so we can send you
our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Member Of Marine Comfort Quilt group, and Proud Marine Mom"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"God's Blessing on the family of Ryan. Such a young brave soldier has died fighting for my freedom and that of others. Saying Thank you seems so insignicant at a time like this. May you rest in peace dear son."
Candy Knutson of Poynette, WI

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

"To Ryan's Family:
There aren't words to express the grief we all feel for your loss. May God bless you and watch over you."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincere condolences. We share the same loss...the same pain. Our prayers are with you and we thank you for your child's bravery & sacrifice.

From the family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden,Semper Fi
The Taylors
USMC
NC"

"Thank you Ryan Jerabek, 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. Ryan Jerabek:
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 Ryan 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. Ryan Jerabek:
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 Ryan, 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