Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Ryan, I think about you often, but especially on these Memorial Day weekends. You were always quick to ask how I was doing and even how my family was doing even though you had never met them. I remember how my stomach just sank the day it happened and I was back at base working in the COC. I felt helpless and hoped it was a bad report. You loved being a Marine and I’m proud to have known you and served with you."
Brett Mixon

"Ms. Jan your son has been my inspiration since that uneventful day. I think about him every day. I remember all his stories from our long conversation and I look to them when I need a smile. I will visit you one day soon. It’s about time for me to unleash this burden I carry and let Ryan fly high. But know this I will always carry our fallen as long as God let’s me breathe. I am relocating down by Clifton, so he’ll take me to see you. Ryan keeps me in the fight, because there are days where I wish they (insurgents) had succeeded in my explosions days prior to his valiant experience saving Clifton. They might have laid off our position. All this time has passed and I still see his smile that he had when he took his boots off. He is and will be always be a cut above the average American. A true war hero. There is nothing I can say to help ease our pain. Just that I know he is looking down smiling at us all. And Ryan thank you for saving Trotter. Semper Fi Devil Dog. Til Valhalla"
Walsh of Aurora, Illinois

"In memory of my son best friend, you were his hero and ours too. Thank you for your sacrifice. You will always be remembered and always in our hearts. We love and miss you . Ms. Jan we love you always."
Ricky and Cheryland Moore, , Jeramie and Lindsey Green and the girls of Baton Rouge, LA. and Houston Tx.

"This is doc reed I just wanted to say ryan was a hero and a great friend. His love for his fellow marines was greater than life itself. With love doc reed see u up there"
corey reed of dover de

"To the family of:Ryan S. McCurdy
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""

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"Platoon 1004 for life brother."
Wyland of Lancaster, PA, USA

"Miss you and think about you all the time."
Nathan Chrapowicki of Holmesville ohio

"Just looking at a picture of ya buddy....I'll be there to guard the gates with you someday soon, love you brother"
CPL Greyson Fabiano of Detroit MI USA

"Were toasting to you right now brother!!!
You live in my heart till it stops beating.."
Greyson Fabiano of Detroit,MI

"Ryan I remember the night on that pointless post theyd sometimes give us on camp Fallujah, where we laughed the whole shift making jokes and keeping eachother entertained. I remember the higher ups always worried about why u wouldn't shave everyday and creating nicknames for you. But on that one day without hesitation you Risked and gave the Ultimate Sacrifice for another marine. You are and will always be remembered as a Hero and one Hell of a friend. To the family of Ryan.. Please know that he will never be forgotten. And you raised one very unselfish and extremely fearless son. He will forever be in our minds and our hearts."
Lcpl Johnnathan R. Pena of New York City

"I am so proud that I got to serve with such a selfless, courageous person such as yourself. Although you are gone you will never be forgotten. You are my hero. Semper Fi and God bless"
Tara Pryor of Strongsville, Ohio

"Every time I raise my glass it's to YOU Ryan, you were a good Marine and a better friend..TO ABSENT COMRADES! We miss you brotha and we will never forget your sacrifice"
Greyson Fabiano of Detroit, MI USA

"Me and my family were at the USS Kidd today where we honored to learn the legacy you left and the ultimate sacrifice you made. Thank you falls short in words to express the gratitude you and your family is owed! You are a true hero!"
Mary Bush of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

"Every year I tell my students of a young man who once sat in my class, that grew up to become a man that laid down his life for a fellow soldier. I smile at the boy you once were and cry for the soldier you became. Thank you for your service. I will always remember."
Dolly Green of Baton Rouge, LA

""This Memorial Day 2011 we will honor your service and remember the sacrifice you and others made for us to be free. We will watch as your name is added to the Memorial Wall at the USS Kidd. God Bless You!

Bob and Judy Barnett""

"Just leaving the message to let the family have ryan to know that we have not forgotten about him... he is in our thoughts frequently.... He will never be forgotten... I send you guys all my love and hope you're doing better. SEMPER FI"
AARON SAWYER of BOSTON MA

"Dear Corporal McCurdy,

Thank you. The world is a little darker today without your spirit. We will do the best we can to press on.

-The Texter Family"
Jeff Texter of Hsinchu, Taiwan ROC

"I'm very sorry for his families loss. Another brave American has done his duty. I wish he didn't have to give his life, but he was doing what he knew was right."
Mike C of Roseville, Ca USA

"I am not a service member, I found this page by a link on a blog.
Marine Lance Cpll. Ryan S. McCurdy,
Your sacrifice has not only made you a hero in the eyes of one of your fellow Marines, but it has made you a HERO in the home of my family. And I will tell my children of your bravery, and by your sacrifice teach them to be ever grateful for this country and the blessings those like your self have bestowed upon us by your heroic acts.
GOD BLESS YOU Marine Lance Cpll. Ryan S. McCurdy.....AND GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY!!!!!!
I GIVE MY WORD SIR, I WILL SHAKE YOUR HAND WHEN I CATCH UP TO YOU....I WILL THANK YOU PERSONALLY!!!!!!"
TYE of LAS VEGAS, NV

"I apprecaite the men and women of our armed forces for protecting us from the evils of this world. I whole heartedly support them and greatly appreciate the sacrifices they make on a daily basis.

May Ryan rest in piece for the sacrifce that he made for freedom and all of us back home."
Steve Dessent of Algonquin, IL, USA

"Know there are those of us who will never forget what soldiers like Lance Cpl. McCurdy sacrifice. Godspeed Marine."
Mark of Amarillo, TX

"John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

I've never had the honor of meeting Ryan McCurdy, but rest in peace my friend,"
John Masterson of Melbourne, FL

"Thank you Lance Cpl. McCurdy for your service to this country. Thank you for giving your life so myself and my family can sleep safely at night.
God Bless you and may God bless the McCurdy family during their time of grieving."
Lee of Midland, Texas

"This is SGT Trotter Clifton R . Ryan gave his his life to save mine, out of a act of kindness , careing mabe a bond between Marines no it was pure sacrafice of love for another humanbeing. As he lay on top of me dieing i remember telling him i loved him and he was going to be alright. when the doc got there i kept trying to tell them to take care of Ryan and leave me be. but no one could hear me because i was shot in the throat so only a whisper came out . Ryan I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!! I think about u every day &every min. I know when i get to heaven ill see u again guarding the gates of that beautiful city they call Heaven"
SGT Clifton R Trotter of LUverne AL USA

"My name is HM1Reed i was the corsman assigned to that division he was a good marine and a better friend he passed in my arms after I performed cpr.HE has been on my mind for a while and I am so sorry that it took me so long to write.I did all I could to save him not a day goes by that I think that I could have done more.so please contact me and I will tell you more."
COrey Reed of waldorf,md

"Ryan S. Mcurdy was the single most outstanding, brave, heroic, courageous person i have ever been around... theres too many good words to describe him, not just for his actions on the battle field but for his amazing character and personality... Ryan was a natural leader and a good friend. I first met Ryan in school of infantry... I remember it like it was yesterday... We both pulled the worst possible fire watch shift on a freezing ice cold morning... we were miserable, but at least we were miserable together.... Ryan had a lot more motivation and love for the marine corps than i did... He talked about highly of his brother also being a marine... On January 5th 2006 I was there the day Lcpl Ryan S. McCurdy sacrificed his life to save another marine... The heroic actions of Ryan on that day can not be trained or taught... The word Hero could not be defined more than Ryan S McCurdy and his actions. To Ryan's family i give you my deepest condolences, and send all my love... Being able to serve with Ryan was an absolute honor, God Bless"
AARON SAWYER of BOSTON, MA

"Your Canadian brother in arms, of your family name, us McCurdy, we fight on, in your name and more; the gold heart of Baton Rouge is borne to the fields of Afghanistan, from Toronto, Canada, and I, particularly, will not bleed without my remembrance of all things you have done and your death, your sacrifice for all we love and know; believe, and I will never drink a sip without pouring one for you. In the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit. Amen."
McCurdy of Toronto

"Semper Fi, Marine"

"January 4, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Ryan S. McCurdy:
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

"old friend i will miss you we joined together we were in carolina together and brother im gonna miss ya man god speed"
Lcpl chatelain of MAD 41 fort wourth TX

"McCurdy Family,
My name is SSgt Reynolds. I was one of Ryans Drill Instructors at Parris Island. I would like to send my deepest condolences for your sons sacrifices. He was a good man and knew what he wanted. I often think of all the Marines that were once recruits of mine. Our great country will continue to flourish with people raising their children with values and morals like you did. Your son will never be forgotton for his unselfishness and patriotism. Semper Fidelis

SSgt Reynolds
2nd Amphibious Assault Bn
Camp Lejuene NC"

"I will never forget you. I was proud to have served with you. You gave your life for everything I believe in. You are a hero to me. I hope someday I can match the sacrifice you made. It won't be an easy thing to do. A picture of you hangs on my wall. I will remember and serve the greater good we believe in. SEMPER FI."
Cpl Thrift, Matthew P. of Spruce Pine, NC

"dear ryan,
i miss the times we all used to have when we were in high school. im sure that i speak for all of your friends when i say that you are missed everyday.
everytime i drive by your house and see the american flag hanging, i cant help but think about your sacrifice. I think about the flag and what it stands for...the land of the free and the home of the brave. some say that not only you, but all others who have fallen in iraq, have all died for a lost cause. i on the other hand, realize the sacrifice you have made and still have the upmost respect for you. people do not realize that FREEDOM IS EARNED, NOT GIVEN!!! and if our freedom was left up to them to defend, we would be speaking german or some other language right now. i do not understand how some people can live in this country and not fight for it. everything is possible here for whoever wants it bad enough, but there are still people who think this country owes them something. USA is the greatest country in the world right now and we owe it to men like you. if we only had more young men who were raised like your mom raised you and grant. i know you are in heaven right now and i hope you hear the words i am saying...i hope one day,if i live long enough, to look back at my life and feel content with it. i feel worthless after seeing the life you lived. you give me encouragement when i think of you. you are the epitome of what an american should be. god bless you, mrs. jan, grant, and ur dad. i will never forget you ryan mccurdy, my teammate, my fellow american, my friend."
robert clayton mccoin of baton rouge, la

"Ryan,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

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

"To Ryan's Family
Unfortunately we share the common bond of losing a child in this war. Jan, you and Grant have shown what a loving and supportive family Ryan came from. We keep you in our hearts and prayers every day and may the One who knows all, wrap his loving arms around our sons until we can be with them again.

Bob and Judy Barnett
Parents of 1LT Chris Barnett (1972-2004)"
of Baker, LA

"Thank you Ryan McCurdy, 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 McCurdy:
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 McCurdy:
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