Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"What's going on Rayshawn, I still find it hard to believe that your gone. I remember when you used to see me on the block (Maple St) you would say what up. But for the most part, I was just stopping through to pay my respects."
Jarvis Redwood of Brooklyn, NY

"thank you for your Service Rayshawn - you are honored & remembered -
we salute you."
Demetri Melekos of New Orleans, LA

"Hey Bro, I miss you BATTLE Buddy. I remember BASIC Training and all the smoking I got from the letter's you got but it was all worth it. You was my BATTLE Buddy until that faithful day Nov.3,2003 but your still BATTLE Buddy bro. It plays in my head everyday. Well Bro I hope your having fun up there, don't have to much fun without me. See you when we meet up again. Miss you BATTLE."
Justino Garcia of Ardmore,Oklahoma

"Hey Bro, I miss you BATTLE Buddy. I remember BASIC Training and all the smoking I got from the letter's you got but it was all worth it. You was my BATTLE Buddy until that faithful day Nov.3,2003 but your still BATTLE Buddy bro. It plays in my head everyday. Well Bro I hope your having fun up there, don't have to much fun without me. See you when we meet up again. Miss you BATTLE."
Justino Garcia of Ardmore,Oklahoma

"My darling son its almost 10 years, and I miss you dearly. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I love you now and always"
Deborah Wynter of Albrightsville, Pa

"Johnson, how's it going brother, it's been nine years since that fateful day that would my life forever, not a day goes by that doesn't remind me that it should had been my crew out there and not you, I'm so glad that i got the chance to serve with you, always mention your name and Scott's to my younger Soldiers, the ones that just like you are so eager to learn, and make a difference on someone's life no matter what the cause nor the prize, Soldiers like you are one a dozen, you are always remembered brother. "First at Omaha""
SFC Uribe, Jorge of Afghanistan (currently)

"Rayshawn, I am thinking of you today."
Tyler Olson of Spokane Valley, WA

"Rayshawn, Its almost 8 years since you've been gone & its 10 years since 9-11 but your memory lives on forever. Your service to our country will always be appreciated.You were one of the first people i met when i moved to Maple Street & i can never say you've ever passed me by without as much as a hello, what's up, or even a smile...you were a nice person with a great heart! R.I.P"
M. Lewis of Brooklyn, NY

"My son SPC Justin Cooper changed jobs with PFC Rayshawn Johnson shortly before Rayshawn was killed. Justin has survivors guilt (PTSD) because he came home and Rayshawn didn't. It haunts him to this day. I'm going to place part of this story on the 299th Engineers Facebook page."
Edwin Cooper of Shelbyville, KY/USA

"hey rayshawn im up at 6:34am thinking about u..i just wanted u to know that i love nd miss u alot...its not one day that goes by in ur not on my mind..but im glad i have the memorys that we all share and thats something that will stay wit me for a life time..will once agaiin ii love u so much sleep good rayshawn your 4eva in my heart(kisses]

Love Always ur cousin Alicia.k"
Alicia king of Brooklyn ny.

"November 2009
Every year I come to this site and read what everyone has to say and it touches me deeply to see how much people care. I'd like to say thank you and Rayshawn I want you to know I love you and miss you.

Your little sister, Diana"
Diana Herbert of Brooklyn, N.Y.

"November 3, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Rayshawn S. Johnson:
Rayshawn 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

"hey rawshawn im sorry that you had to leave i would have taken your place that day we were out there. you were a great friend and an awsome soldier. Im glad i got to meet you i wish is was a diffrent time and place. your free now."
andrew terwey of richfield,mn

"dear sha; i go through every day sorry that you are not here, and feel responsible. i go to your tombstone evry year. ty for bringing light into my life."
christopher costello of jensen beach fl

"To the family and friends,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a loved on is the hardest thing in life. I am writing to not only express my sorrow for you but to let you know about a memorial I am working on. I am creating a quilt to honor the fallen soldiers from the New York City Area. Each soldier will have a panel created. I am inviting the friends and families to get involved. If you are interested or would like some more information please contact me at nycfallensoldiers@yahoo.com"
Esther Kabalkin of Staten Island, NY

"did not get say how sorry i am for the the death of a loved one continue to stay strong SGT HAWTHORNE"
KENNETH of FORT LEWIS

"12-30-05 HUNTINGTON TOWNHOUSE 11 AM CANDLE LITE HONORING OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS. PLEASE CONTACT MOE FLECTHER AT 516-889-2203"
moe FLECTHER of ISLAND PARK

"i want to praise u and thank you for your service, bless u"
ken of brooklyn

"to the johnson family from the wahl family. our family deeply sadden for the ost of Rayshawn. An want to thank you Mrs. Johnsona and Mrs. Heighter for helping increase the benefits for all our son's and daughter's families. Money not as important if we could have our children in our arms. Each visit at Pinelawn is very diffucu;t. An I sometime's sit with Gregory for hours. An visit with your son and all those with them. So you see that flower you wonder! It's my way that all are family, that none of them will ever be forgotten ever."
leonard wahl of valley stream ny

"Sorry you are gone man. My prayers are with your family and with you in heaven. There has not been a day gone by that I didn't think about you when I read your name in the Stars and Stripes. Alpha 35th Eng Bn"

"I want to send my deepest condolences to the family of Army Pfc. Rayshawn Johnson. I'd too lost my cousin Lance Corporal William W. White on March 28th, 2003. So I'm well aware of what the families of Pfc. Johnson are going through. I also know Pfc. Johnson's colleague who was with him that day during the tragic incident. Your son Rayshawn is a true hero, who had chosen to serve his country right and protect those that were feeble to fight. May God bless the Johnsons' family and strengthens your hearts as he continues to help you cope through difficult times. Please feel free to contact me at kensleyccharles@hotmail.com or (347) 351-2791."
Kensley C. Charles of Brooklyn, NY

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

"Our Parish is praying for you and your family this Lenten season. We have doves with the names of every soldier who has lost their life in Iraq since the end of the war. I pray especially for Rayshawn as he died on my 50th birthday.Please join us in praying that no other families have to lose their loved one in such a manner."
Our Lady of Victory Church Ms. Rodrigues of Centerville, Ma. 02632

"I have walked in your shoes, and yet never went as far as you have. there's a place for you in heaven. I know, god told me. left over right, right over left.
0351( assultman) 3rd BN 8th Marines
Semper Fi
Asprilla"
Asprilla of NC

""God Bless You Rayshawn.You will always be in my heart and will never be forgotten.You are my true hero.""
Dee of Brooklyn N.Y

"To Pfc Johnson's Family:
Though we are strangers, we want you to know how sorry we are your Rayshawn was taken from you. He is our hero. We will never forget. You are in our hearts."
Carol & Larry Miller of Tampa, Florida (2/24/04)

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

"Rest in peace brave soldier!"
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"God bless you Rayshawn and thank you for your sacrifice. My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. And please, if anyone knows a link where I can find a picture of Rayshawn, can you please post it? I've had no luck searching and I'd very much like to print one to add to the scrapbook I'm making for my husband who served with him in Iraq. I'm told he was a very quiet guy who hadn't been in the Army long, and I've had a lot of trouble finding any information on him besides the basic release. I want to pay him the respect he deserves. Rayshawn, you'll never go forgotten."
Casey Taylor of Michigan

"Thank you Rayshawn Johnson, 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. Rayshawn Johnson:
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 Rayshawn 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. Rayshawn Johnson:
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 Rayshawn, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia