Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"9/11/16 PRIM, you were in my heart right now as always. I feel compelled to tell you, I miss you and Arron and your both strong in my heart. I remembered you and Him today a clear as you were on 9/11/2002 when you put on that extremely good act that you didn't pack my socks and then tried to sell me on that they were yours, not knowing they were stamped with my name on it the bottom. Every Marine had like 5 of those stupid rubber stamp they make us use at P. Island and for Neverending 4am 7th MARINE gear inspections for like 6 months straight where we had to go lay out our personal 162 peice Iraq gear list all stamped with the rubber name stamp. I caught you red handed!!! Who woulda thought the next two year would get so Wild West in the AL Anabar Province. You always laughed so much through the small things, I'm sure everyone wished they had that ability in them, I know personally you made so many people smile. You had such an impact this many years later I still smile especially today for something so small. I thought about you that day. You had a solid smile prim!! Your memory is strong. I wanted to just let you know im thinking of you...

J. O'DELL- SEMPER 7th MARINES HQ"
of THE HQ MT - Warfield/Gillihan/Lane/Bowser/Lombardo/Fitzpatrick/Busey/Jackson/Warren/(Mateo/Boyles)

"This morning (Memorial Day), I found a balloon in my yard bearing his name (pictures in link).

Rest in Peace, Ramon Mateo. And to Ramon's family and friends, I'm so sorry for your loss.

https://www.facebook.com/sarah.pryputniewicz/posts/10201741893025725"
Sarah Pryputniewicz of Maynard, MA

"It's been 11 years 1 month and 11days, and I remember the day like it was yesterday. The day we found out we lost you was 1 of the worst days of my life. I lost my brother, my friend and mentor. I looked up to you. You were so full of life, happiness and strength. Losing you was like losing my heart. I hurt for so long to try and understand why you were taken from us so soon. But, I understand now. I miss you, I love you bro. Thank you for always being there for me when I need you most with out your guidance I wouldn't know what to do.
-Ang"
Andrea Mateo of 610 veterans Highway Hauppauge, NY 11788

"I was a NCO in the Maries with Ramon Meteao. He was a great guy & a good friend. I remember several times we would be on fire watch together & we would talk about his family especially about his wife. The only thing I wish I could do again is talk some more with him. Well every time Nov 24th comes around I dink a beer to him & pour him a glass of what I believe is the best beer I can find. So brother, family members, & close friends I will finally have a link on my face book dedicated to him & another Marine brother."
Edward LaValley USMC of West Jordan, UT, USA

"Tomorrow my husband, who you knew as CPL Foster, and I will walk in a parade in your honor. Rest in peace my friend. We will never forget you."
Lindley Foster of Mineola, Texas

"Hey PEYIN,
It's been a long time since i have seen you, my regret is that i never hung around to watch you grow to become the responsible young man you were, but i knew that you did what had to be done to provide for your family and that commanded alot of respect.I have alot of my teenage memories of you to hold on to and they are filled with the most energetic 5 year old i have ever met in my life, even at 13 years old i had a hard time trying to keep up with you, i miss everyone i grew up with back in LI,I would never dream in my worst Nightmare that i would lose a relative so young, serving in our military.I'm not sure if you were ever told that i was deployed the same time you were(US ARMY), before this tragic blow to our family occured, but i wish i could have at least made a trip down there from where i was(Port of Umm Kasr,Iraq).Once again to your Widow Concetta Mateo i Mourn and am sorry for your loss, because it is mine and my family's ...i wish you and your(child)ren all the love and success life has to bring and never mourn your loss, but always celebrate the life and times of an outstanding young man, to my Titi Luz and my Tio Peyo, i hope you all are well, to the rest of my family i love you and miss you all dearly,God Bless You All!
SSG Almestica, Fernando
1174th DDSB
Hijo de Sonia Mateo(NOT to be confused with Sonia Mateo my Cousin)"
SSG ALMESTICA, FERNANDO of ALLENTOWN, PA UNITED STATES

"Ramon Ramon Ramon, the 6 yr anniversary of you passing just passed. I was sitting here thinking of you and googled your name and came across a lot. What can i say... i miss you a lot you were always a true friend always there for me and all my drama. I remember driving crazy with you and your friend, computer graphics class, mr escobores class. Remember when he got us in trouble. I remember you telling me when you were in Cali that you felt you were going to live a short life, i knew at that moment that you should of come home. Thank you for giving us your all. You truely are a hero and a great friend and a great man. Until we meet again."
Melissa of Brentwood NY

"Rest in peace. We will never forget you."
maria grout of San Jose ca usa

"hey i never met you but i got to the platoon soon after you passed, i have so many stories of you and about you that i feel like i knew you so just know that people still think of you."
Cpl. jonathan b vest of quantico, VA

"Just remembering playing one-on-one basketball at the Motor T Bay in Iraq. That cross-over was pretty good. I had never been to New York, but always wanted to of course, at least once. You offered to show me around and introduce me to your friends and family when our tour was done, you made me feel welcomed, I'll never forget that. I had the opportunity in November 2007, and you're right, it is definitely a sight to see and an experience. Thanks man, you inspired me to fulfill one more goal out of a hundred plus, here's to you Mateo~"
Spencer Chao of Portland, OR

"whats up Ray its me joey just wanted to let u know that i love you and miss you alot i remember the last time we spoke you were goofing on me and the red fire truck i was driving ... the last time i saw your face you were laughing at me and walking across the street back towards Sonia's house the day bofre you went back . i think of you all the time , i have had lots of dreams of you i miss you kid and cant wait to see u again i will always remember all the stupid * we did together from climbing through jasons room window in regis park . to letting u practice wrestling moves and football to back in the day with the hot97 morning show with dr.dre and the roll-call , man hunt on bikes,trying to smoke dryed leaves in the kitchen . to watching your moms show up madd at you cuz we had made a mess and and she hit you with the bike handle bars i had in my room .. 1 love my nigga love joey....."
Joey of bayshore n.y. 10/31/08

"RAY RAY
WUTS GOOD BIG MAN. WE MISS U EVERYDAY, WE MISS DA CLOWN THAT ALWAYS KNEW HOW TO MAKE US LAUGH,THE DUDE THAT ALWAYS KNEW WUT TO SAY WHEN THINGS WERE ROUGH AND I MISS THE DUDE THAT HELPED ME BECOME A BETTER PERSON. I KNOW U WATCHING OVER US AND I WANT TO THANK U FOR THAT. SEE U WHEN I SEE HOMIE."
Alex Gomez of SANFORD FL

"Yo ray wassup brutha I miss u so much my dude I wish u were still hea I look at ur picture and jus cry I can't believe its 4 years today man I wish u were still hea and I wish my son was able to meet his uncle ray but 1 day we will all meet again maybe u can open up dem pearly gates for me but til da day we meet again in my hearts were I keep u brutha u will never be forgotten u will live through all of us luv u brutha
Anyone dat new my brutha can reach me at enewyork23@yahoo.com I would luv to speak to the soldiers dat served wit him it would be a great thing for my family to hear from u guys thanx so much and godbless"
mike of long island ny

"August 20, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Ramon Mateo:
Ramon 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

""RAMON,
HEY I REALLY DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY, I REMEMBER THE DAYS WHEN CONNIE AND I USED TO HAVE GIRLS NIGHT OUT AND ALL SHE COULD DO IS TALK ABOUT YOU. I NEVER UNDERSTOOD HER THEN BUT NOW THAT I AM MARRIED I SEE WHAT SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT, I NOW SEE WHAT LOVE IS I NOW UNDERSTAND WHAT LOVE IS.SHE REALLY LOVED YOU RAMON. I THINK ABOUT YOU A LOT AND I HOPE YOU ARE IN A SAFE PLACE NOW. MAYBE YOU ARE ONE OF THE STARS SHINING FROM ABOVE LOOKING OVER US OR MAYBE YOU ARE AN BEAUTIFUL ANGEL GLIDING THROUGH THE CLOUDS. WHERE EVER YOU ARE, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEBERED THROUGH EACH AND EVERY MINUTE THAT WE LIVE, THROUGH OUR LAUGHTER OUR SADNESS AND MOST OF ALL OUR MEMORIES OF YOU".TO RAMON'S FAMILY AND CONNIE, WORDS CANT DESCRIBE HOW SORRY I AM FOR YOU LOSS BUT ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT I BELIEVE HE LIVES THROUGH EACH AND EVERY BEAT OF YOUR HEART."
VIVIAN GRAVANIS of WHITESTONE, NY

"Lcpl Ramon Mateo,
I remember the first time I met you. You were cool and I knew right away that 7th marines motor t was gonna be a good unit to be in. then a week later you and i were roommates. we got along real good. you were showin me the ropes. In our room we would talk about home and family while playin video games and smokin black and milds. we became like brothers. then that day came around. it was suppose to be just another convoy. sept 24, 2004. can you believe its been almost 3 years already. I still havent forgot you. You had a huge impact on my life and helped me to become the marine i am now. I am a sgt. now and i believe if it wasnt for your first guidence i wouldnt have made it this far. I want to thank you for just being you and i will see you again. rest in peace brother."
Sgt. Robert Valdez of 29 palms, Ca USA

"Lcpl. Mateo R.
You were the greatest man, you tought me alot out in Iraq, I seemed to get along with you and Lcpl. Boyels the best and you two were takin away from me just like that, when i woke up from surgery that day in Bagdad and heard there was a second I.E.D. and it hit and killed you i didn't want to belive it. i was like na, no not our Mateo he's so brave and strong, He's a survivor theres no way he's been taking away from me also. When i found out it was you i started crying, it seemed like every moment i was awake i cried, and when we were hit by that first I.E.D. man that was horrible. I looked over at Boyels and, He stopped breathing, he died right in front of my eyes and i couldn't do a thing about it, then i heard about you mateo, MAN i didnt know what to do. It's been a little more than two years now, and everyday i still think about you mateo and boyels, and to this day I still shed tears for you and him, the whole thing plays over and over again in my head. somtimes i think why them? why not me, they had families, i didn't. Mateo I,we miss you so much over here, and to his family, i would just like to say he was so brave out there, he was strong minded and prepard me for the worst, Ramon Mateo died with Honor, never for a second did he stop working since I knew him. Sept. 24th 2004 was a horrble day for all of us and i saw things i wish i never did but he gave his life for you and I, for all of us! He's a real hero that no one ever hears about, but as long as we know, it's ok, Lcpl. Ramon Mateo may you and Lcpl Boyels rest in peace, you'll never be forgotten, And i wait for the day we meet again. -Cpl. Orosco NM."
Orosco Nick M. of 29Palms, Ca/USA

"Ramon,
What can I say? You were the coolest. You always found a way to make anyone laugh. We had some good times man. We didn't get to hang out the way I think we should have had, but we chilled here and there. And anothe thing I thought I'd throw in here....I always knew you and Connie would make things happen. You and connie will always be in my prayers. See ya when I se ya man!"
Erica of NY and Kissimmee, Florida

"To the family of Lcpl Ramon Mateo, I did not know Mateo for very long but he was the first Marine I met when I got stationed at 29 Palms. When we were in Iraq together we had a tight bond because we were the only two New Yorkers in the Platoon. He always stuck up for me because I was the "new guy" Mateo was a great guy that always made you laugh. He and his family are in my Prayers and I will honor Mateo ever Memorial Day and Independance day for the rest of my life."
Cpl Vriens of New York, New York

"thank you for serving this country .......that each soldiers that serves the united states more than what get in life.............from a Mateo family member to another Mateo family"
davey mateo of rochester,new york

"TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF RAMON MATEO, I SERVED WITH RAMON IN IRAQ. I WAS HIS SNCOIC AND WORKED WITH HIM EVERYDAY. HE WAS A GREAT MARINE AND A GREAT FRIEND. HIS CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY WAS WHAT SET HIM APART FROM THE OTHER MARINES. HE COULD ALWAYS MAKE YOU LAUGH NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION WAS. WHEN I WAS INJURED IN APRIL 2004 HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST MARINES TO ARRIVE AT MY SIDE. HE WOULD GO THE EXTRA MILE TO GET THE JOB DONE. IT WAS A TRUE PLEASURE TO HAVE SERVED WITH HIM AND I THINK OF HIM EVERYDAY."
GYSGT MICHAEL RAY LANE of FORT LEONARD WOOD, MO/USA

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

"TO THE MATEO FAMILY WE HAVE RECEIVED A DONATION OF 150 CHRISTMAS WREATH'S. TO PLACE AT EACH SOLDIERS PLOT. FROM LONG ISLAND TO ARLINGTON. ALSO I NEED A CHRISTMAS MADE UP HONORING YOUR SON. IT WILL BE HEADING TO A FIFTY FOOT PINE TREE IN INDIANA 12-16-05 YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT LWAHL1 @SEARS.COM AND OR CALL LMAIL A NOTE TO 22 CLARKE STREET BREBTWOOD, NY 11717"
FALLEN FAMILIES of NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN

"Ramon,
We all apreciate what you have done for our country... in a time where questions are being asked about why we are fighting, you went ahead and did something many people do not have the courage to do. I thank you for being who you are. I remember you as a classmate in middle school and could not beleive the headlines when I saw them... someone I actually knew has lost his life... regardless of what the cause is, you did for our country the most generous thing anybody could do. May God be with you."
Former Classmate of Bay Shore, New York

"My son served with Ramon in Iraq. I am so sorry for the loss of your son and the ultimate sacrifice he gave for his country. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, always. A true hero is never forgotten and your son will never be forgotten."
Debbie Gross of Pensacola,Fl , USA

"My Pinche freakin huey,
What can I say but that I miss you man. I hope that right now youre in a place better than everybody else. All I know is that we all wish you were still here with us. Like I said to you once, God knows why he does things. I guess this is what I meant. He took you for a reason and we can't really fight with him but just be sad. Ramon, you were my best friend and still are. I know you still here. You'll always be here in my heart. I just want you to know that you will never be forgotten never! One day we'll meet again. Until then, I'll have you in my thoughts and prayers every day and I just can't wait to touch heaven to see your face and give you a big hug.
To all his family,
I feel your pain and just know he's watching you because I know he is. Andrea, he said he's your guardian angel and that he's behind you in every step you take. Just remember that."
Janet of Brentwood, NY/USA

"My beloved Ramon, When I think of you I can still see your sweet smiling face as a young boy, playing in grandma's back yard with all of your cousins. Those were great days! I miss those days dearly But.. I miss you more. I will never forget that you gave us more than we could ever give back to you. I know we will see each other again in the hereafter.. My love is with you always. Rest in Peace and God be with you. Love Titi Vickey"
Titi Vickey of P.R.

"RAMON RAMON RAMON,

Man what can I say? These isn't easy for me but I'm gonna try my hardest. I remember us being in Iraq like it was yesterday, but you know we go back futher than that. All the crazy times we had at the barracks and what not, those are the times I will always hold on to. You Bryant and WIlson, I am not gonna mention what went on but man it sure was fun kickin it with ya'll. You were one of the coolest cats in Motor T platoon. Even when ya'll worked late or had to go through BS with TOP G. You still managed to have a smile on your face or crack a smart joke. And then it was the same at Al Asad. You always had me laughing. Hey, you remeber that one time in the computer lab? That was funny, I know you know what I'm talking about. And that little club they had on MainSide. Those were the goodtimes Man. I was already back in the states when I heard about what happend. Honestly, I didn't wanna believe it, it's still kinda hard to accept what happened. It tore me apart I cried for so long. It's like you never expect things like that to happen to someone you know, someone you hangout with and go to the club with. But the pain didn't last long, cause I know that where you are now is the best place to be and it's a whole lot better place than Iraq. But just know that you are missed, loved, and constantly on my mind. Take care, and I'LL SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE."
ALLEN L. HAYES CPL/USMC 7TH MARINES HQ CO. COMM PLT of 29 PALMS, CA

"To the family of Ramon Mateo, 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. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or to talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church: Rev John B. Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. 30016 phone 770-787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga. U S A

"Ramon a soul that is gone but will always be missed by many In brentwood.Thanks for protecting this country.We grew up in the same neighborhood just years ago.To me you are another angel watchin over me besides my grandma.All I can say is thank you ramon .Rest in peace. This is for you ......"
Ruben of brentwood Ny

"Ray,
Life's been tough w/ out you here. I keep thinking about you. You were my "better" half. I keep your picture w/ me everywhere I go. I miss you man.. I miss you so much.I hear you, but I can't see you. That hurts me most. God bless you, I'll be w/ you shortly.. We'll speak on it. Remember, the cocoa and cheese is our best kept secret. lol. You know what I mean. I Love You Ray, more then you'll ever know. You're my Soldier. Connie, muah. I see you ma, stay strong. Merry Christmas pa. I got the Henny on Ice for you."
Jason, your cousin. of Tampa, Florida

"To the wife and family of Ramon, I was his roomate and good friend for seven months in Iraq this year. He was one of the best people I met in the Marine Corps. We always laughed and tried to make the best out of the situation we were in. He kept my spirit high through his personality and character. He was a great Marine and a great friend. He talked so highly of family and absolutly loved Connie. Often we would talk about how great it was to have such good people in our lives. We would go to the gym almost every day and go eat our meals togeather. Most of the time I could'nt get him out of bed in the morning so I would just go get food and bring it back so we could eat togeather before we headed out for work. He would do the same he was my brother and will always be my brother. I left to get out of the Marine Corps on Aug 23. I believe that was just a few days before he left to go home for Leave. It was sad when I left Iraq as dumb as it sounds. I could'nt take not being with my unit and my brothers but to my comfort Ramon said as we huged " I know you'll be with us in spirit man " And I replied " You'll always be my boy primo, stay safe and keep trucking" Ramon was my good friend and he helped me get through one of the worst times of my life. For that and being such a good friend he will always have a place in my thoughts."
Josh ODell USMC of Crofton,Maryland

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

"To Ramón'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 your soldier's bravery and sacrifice. Que el Señor le de fortaleza!

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

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

"To the family of Ramon,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Ramon is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
Vic and Tammy McClain--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"My deepest sympathy, our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. May God bless you and help you through this time. Forever in our hearts a HERO Ramon Mateo"
Amy & Aaron Monier of Waterford, MI.

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Ramon Mateo,

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

"To the Mateo family from the Wahl family. Our family is deeply sadden by your lost of Ramon. Our heart and prays are with your family. Along with the other fallen soldiers of LONG ISLAND. Ramon was truely a hero and the very elite of all Americans. God Bless!"
leonard wahl of Valley Stream Long Island

"To Ramon'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 Ramon Mateo, 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. Ramon Mateo:
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 Ramon 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. Ramon Mateo:
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 Ramon, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia