Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"10/31/2020
May we honor the lives of those who have fought for our freedom with the way we choose to live our own, I was chosen because of a very close friend who served with the 48 Marines and Corpsmen who sacrificed it all; to read each story, to get to know a small piece of their lives through families and friends. I chose to honor each of them with a bible verse:

Ryan J. Kovacicek 7/10/05
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." - Colossians 3:12 (Kindness)"
Haleigh Kilgore of West Virginia

"WE LOVE YOU"
MORGAN TIGHE of INDIANA

"I was on patrol with Ryan that fateful day and was the person directly in front of him during the patrol and felt that same explosion. I am not sure how to contact his family but I have a couple of photos of him in Iraq that I am pretty sure that they have not seen and if they wished to contact me they could do so at hockman_cory_lee at yahoo dot com."
Cory Hockman of Pittsburgh

"I felt like a big brother to him. I remember speaking at his memorial services in Iraq and @ IUP. It's been 6 yrs but there will be no getting over what happened. I really miss him!"
Kyle Ferkett, USMC (Kov's squad leader) of Pittsburgh, PA

"Semper Fi"....Ryan and I were on the same gun team in Iraq. I will never forget the time or the moment when I heard what had happened. It has been almost 6yrs and not a day goes by that I do not think about him. He was a good friend and a great Marine.

Brad Bodkin"
Brad of Morgantown, Wv

"I can't believe it's been 5 years. I think about you often, especially this time of year. Campus has changed so much since we graduated but no matter what they tear down and re-build, every time I drive down that street I will always see the "tri halls" and I will always see all of us in the dorms having fun. You are sadly missed and you will never be forgotten."
Nicole Nicholson of Homer City, PA

"Kov,
I miss ya man...I'll never forget the conversations we had back when we were rack mates in boot camp. I'm looking forward to the day we can finally play that game of Magic the gathering in heaven. Rest well my brethren."
David Tidings of Sunrise, FL

"Ryan,

I miss you kid. I can't believe we're coming up to five years already. I got married to that Marine and it makes me think of you often now. Please, keep him safe during his up coming deployment"
Tracey of Kaneohe Bay,HI

"11/27/2008
To let you know you are not forgotten. I pray your loved ones find some comfort in the richness of their memories.
Rest in peace."
nj

"June 16, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Kovacicek:
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

"To the family of Ryan J. Kovacicek,
Although I had never gotten the chance to meet Ryan, I know he was a great guy/marine. He had to be because my boyfriend Tim and his friend Luba miss him terribly. Ryan will always be in thier hearts and never forgotten. And even though I had never met him, I will always rememeber him and keep your family in my heart and prayers. I only wish that I had a chance to know how great he really was. Ryan, thank you so much for your bravery and for fighting on behalf of our country. You will ALWAYS be rememebered!!"
Jess of Washington

"Kovy

I was sitting here thinkin about ya today at work. You're always in my thoughts buddy. You were a great teammate, roommate and friend. You're a true hero to us all."
Greg Sahene of Washington, DC

"I will never forget my cousin Ryan. He was funny and kind hearted. I will never forget fishing and riding bikes at the annual 4th of July family picnics. I will never forget when we sat together on the bus in kindergarden, we said we were gonna ride our bikes up to the top of the slate mounds and get married, of course we were too young to understand that cousins can't get married. I didn't believe my Mom when she told me the awful news, we just talked to him 6 days before it happened. I now wear a bracelet everyday to remember him and how special he is to me. My heart goes out to everyone that looses a loved one to the war. We will never forget any of them, they fought proudly for all of us. I love you Ryan."
Natalie Fraer of Washington, PA

"Kov--

I loved being around you back in high school. Every time we hung out I couldn't stop laughing or smiling, you were completely the most hilarious person I knew. You were also one of the kindest people I have ever met. I'll never forget the time at Luba's where his mom specially made food (the little party weiners wrapped in dough) for you becasue it was your favorite...then later that nigth we all went swimming in your pool at like 2 AM...A part of me died inside when I foudn out that you died, and I will always miss you! I love you TONS, Kov!! Thank you so much for everything you gave for us!"
Erin Boynes-Chatwin of McDonald, PA

"Your son is in my heart. I'm sure he was a very great young man and I am so sorry for your lost. I know he wishes he could be with you at this time.

He will be greatly remembered by all."
k of New York

"To the family of:Ryan J. Kovacicek I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"To the Kovacicek family,
We will always remember and honor your beloved RYAN as an American Hero. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers.
RYAN - Thank you Brave Soldier, we celebrate your life and honor your memory. Gods Speed and may the Angels watch over your family as they begin to heal.
From a grateful family of a US ARMY soldier, Ft. Campbell, 101st AVN Regt, now serving in Iraq 10-20-05."
--Sharon & Craig Erwin of Oregon, United States of America

"Dear Family of Ryan Kovacicek: I lost my son, Marine LCpl Chad Maynard, on June 15, 2005 in Ramadi. When I heard the news about your son, it was like I was reliving that day all over again. It's hard for me to type this even now. I'm so sorry for your loss. On the temporary head stone on my son's grave is the saying, "Not In Vain". That is truly what my son believed and what we, as his family, have to believe every day. Please know that I feel your pain and loss, and I cry with you. They say time eases the pain, and I guess they may be right, but with every new report, I feel the ache of missing my son so much. Always remember, you are not alone. There are others who love you and care about you and know exactly what you are going through. Thank you for your son and his service to us all."
Cindy Maynard, mother of Marine LCpl Chad Maynard and Marine Cpl Jacob Maynard of Kennewick, WA

"Rest in Peace Devil Dog
J and T USMC NC"

"I will never forget Ryan and the times we shared together especially in High School. We became friends and it didn't take me long to see what kind of person ryan was...honest, kind, compassionate, energetic, fun, and carefree. He will greatly be missed by so many and I am playing this year in the Pitt drumline my ultimate dream, for Ryan's memory because he will forever be a brother to me! thank you for your sacrifice ryan, I will look forward to seeing you one day again. Love you man."
Jared Macerelli of McDonald, Pa USA

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. We lost our son to the war. The road is lonely. We are here when you need to talk. DianeSantoriello@hotmail.com"
Diane & Neil Santoriello of Penn Hills PA

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Ryan J. Kovacicek,

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 use our link and 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

"To Ryan's family and friend, I was sorry to hear of his passing. I will be praying for him and all of you. God Bless You All"
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"TO THE KOVACICEK FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. MY PRAYS RE WITH RYAN AND YOUR FAMILY. RYAN YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. YOU ARE TRUELY; AN AMAZING SOLDIER. WE UNDERSTAND THE HURT, WE LOST OR SON LAST YEAR 05-03-04 ! SO THANKFUL THAT YOU BOTH HAD ONE ANOTHER WATCHING OVER EACH OTHER'S BACK AND EACH OTHER'S UNIT WHILE IN IRAQ. RYAN YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN NOT TODAY, TOMORROW OR FOREVER! I HOLD THE TERS I SHARED FOR MY SON AS I DO FOR YOU. GREGORY ONCE TOLD ME, DAD; NEVER WORRY ABOUT ME! I AM WITH THOUSANDS, THOUSNADS OF SISTER'S AND BROTHER'S. HEARING THAT PUZZLED ME; UNTIL HIS NEWS! THEN I REALIZED HE WAS RIGHT. EACH ONE AS WITH YOU RYAN, JUST BREAKS MY HEARY. YET, I KNOW IT TAKES A VERY SPECIAL MAN. TO ANSWER THE CALLING TO THE MILITARY. WITHOUT MEN AND WOMEN LIKE YOU ERIC. aMERICA WOULD NOT BE SAFER SINCE 911/ AMERICA OWE YOU AND ALL OUR FALLEN RESPECT! GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Marine Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Kovaciecek, "thank you" isn't enough for the ultimate sacrifice you gave to each of us. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family during this difficult time."
Jerry & Toni Longville of Akron, Ohio

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that Lance Cpl. Kovacicek will not be forgotten and will forever be a hero."
Elisa Gamache and sons Alex and Ian Urquhart of Akron, Ohio

"My prayers are with your family during this time. Your Marine is a true hero!"
Proud Sister of a 3/25 Marine of Massillon, Ohio

"For Ryan's family and girlfriend,
my deepest sympathies for your loss. He was a great Marine and man whom everyone liked. God help you through your pain.

Kov, you were a funny guy and I'll remember numerous things you said forever. And Triumph the Insult Comic dog, training at SASO, and your line of, "Be the one". Kov, I'll miss your humor. Rest easy."
Doc Sabo of Iraq

"Again our thoughts and prayers go out to another member's family and friends of 3/25. We are truly saddened at the loss of Lcpl Kovacicek."
Marine Wife of 3/25 Akron OH

"My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends of Ryan. May God keep you in his care and give you strength to endure your loss."
Marine MOM 3/25/4th of western NY

"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 ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Ryan Kovacicek, 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 Lance Cpl. Ryan Kovacicek:
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 Lance Cpl. Ryan Kovacicek:
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