Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hard to believe that 10 years ago to the day my husband's unit lost Staff Sgt Ostrom. We still think about the family often, and I know that today will always be a hard day for many. We are making the trek right now to pay our respects at his gravesite. Gone but not forgotten."
Bryan and Loren Bellows of Towanda PA

"Ten years today...your honor is everywhere from town to town...thank you for all you have done in the name of the ultimate sacrifice...for a hero is gone but never forgotten...time does not heal it is always a reminder that a loved one is no longer with us...for many years to come your name and memories remain..."
Kasy Linda of Williamsport, Pennsylvania/United States

"RIP Ryan. We were privates together but I left before the unit headed to Iraq. My thoughts are with the Ostrom family this Memorial Day. I still remember fond memories of you and B Co"
MAJ Michael Morella of Washington DC

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

"You are not forgotten"
The Beggs Family of Williamsport PA

"Ryan We Miss You"
Bob & Bertha Smith of Mansfield PA.

"I was a fellow Mansfield University student at the time of Ryan's death. I understand he was awarded a much deserved degree from MU at his funeral. Yesterday on Memorial Day (5/31/10) I placed my MU parking permit on his stone. My Dad, Roger Black; is buried in the same row, just a few stones away from Ryan...my Dad would have been proud to know that."
Tim Black of Blossburg, PA

"Thank you for the sacrifice and I will never forget you and the time we served together."
Brad Trate of Portage Wisconsin

"RYAN I THINK OF YOU QUITE OFTEN EVEN THOUGH OUR TIME TOGETHER WAS BRIEF, I STILL WEAR MY UNIFORM WITH PRIDE EVERY DAY BECAUSE OF YOU AND MEN LIKE YOU, WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON LIFE AND YOUR WITTY WAYS WE WILL MEET AGAIN SOMEDAY..."
SGT JOHN HERB of MONTOURSVILLE PA

"Ryan, I served with you in the PA national Guard. I always new you as the fun loving and easy going guy. I will always remember the fun times we had serving together we will always look at you as the hero that will never be forgotten."
Ronnie Michael of Muncy Valley ,PA

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Ryan S. Ostrom:
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

"Ryan will forever live in our hearts and minds, He touched so many people in so many different ways. Always willing to put everyone before himself. Not a day goes by that someone does not think of him. Always missed, never forgotten."
Jessica Sherman of Trout Run, PA

"Ryan,

I just recently found out about this unfortunate event when I was reading about fallen heros. I remeber you from basic training, Ft. Benning, GA. Those were hard but fun time and you continued to climb the ranks and became a true leader. My thoughts a prayers go to you and your family and I am pround to have known such a hero.

Thank you for your selfless service and it was my pleasure knowing you.

Sgt Jeff Rose"
Jeff Roes of Gig Harbor, WA

"Ryan,
You will not be forgotten. You were the best friend anyone could have. Not a day goes by without you in my thoughts. You were my brother, best friend, and someone I could always count on. There are so many things I wish I would have said to you and wish there was one more chance to talk. My life will forever be altered without you here. You are with me at home, at work, and always whenever I put on that uniform. I hope to be half the man you were. Ryan, you'll never be forgotten!!"
Carson Raker of Ft. Huachuca, AZ

"I first learned of Ryan's unfortunate outcome after my Father attended Ryan's funeral. My Father knew Ryan and his father through friends in his hunting camp in Tioga County. My prayers and thoughts go to Ryan's family. God Bless the Ostrom family."
Eric Pierro of Branchville, NJ , USA

"I have recently ended my enlistment with the Marine Corps and continue to support all the troops around the world. This story struck me very close to home when I found it. My name is Rion F. Ostrom (pronounced Ryan), I am originally from Seattle, WA but live in Columbia, MD. I wanted to extend my condolences to the family of Staff Sgt. Ostrom. God Bless!"
Cpl. Rion F. Ostrom (EAS) of Columbia, MD, USA

"With deep appreciation of your loved ones dedication to duty, honor and courage, i wish to thank your efforts in establishing peace on earth.

Yours most sincerely"
Marvin B. Ostrom of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

"Ryan..
Until the day that I leave this earth and join you I will honor you in a million ways. I will never let your name be forgotten nor be tainted with harsh words. You were more like my brother than my cousin. I'm glad the last time we saw each other we smiled and said we loved one another. Thank you for every ounce of wisdom you gave me and take care of Aunt Janet and Grandpa Jack up there. Grandpa couldn't stand the thought of you being gone. So take care of him. Now you both have war stories to tell. I just want to hear them someday. I will always love you Ryan."
Becca Ostrom of Liberty

"thank you 4 the people who died 4 us in thewar and i am grateful 4 that and if it werent 4 you i would not be here thank you love tina"
martina of oldham lancashire

"I salute you, Ryan."
John Ostrom, MSG(ret) of Fayetteville, NC

"Ryan,
I miss you so much. I wish we could have gotten along a lot more and been closer. No matter what had happened in the past I just want to let you know that you ARE a great cousin and I love you more the you'll ever now. Now i know you always wanted the best for me and that is why you were always hard on me to do my best. I love you Ryan. You are my hero and I will never forget you and the memories we had."
Kayla (cousin) of Liberty, PA/USA

"RYAN YOU DID KNOWN OUR SON GREGORY. YOU ARE TOGETHER NOW. AN I THANK YOU FOR WATCHING OVER HIM AS HE DID FOR YOU. RYAN YOU ARE THE ELITE OF AMERICANS. RISKING YOU LIFE FOR US ALL. AN FOR THOSE IN IRAQ. YOU ARE MORE THEN AMERICAN HERO! YOU ARE APART OF IRAQI, AMERICAN AND WORLD HISTORY. YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN. YOU ARE SOMEONE'S SOMEONE AND SOMEONE TO OUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Ryan is a true american hero!!
RYAN IS OUR HERO:
Ryan is our hero who walked among us never looking for glory or praise. He was the hero and always stood proud. Ryan lived a deep commitment providing for those who held dear. Steadfast with a quiet strength through times of laughter and tears. We have many memories that will never be forgotten Ryan.
He was that person to us for all those years. He was the most unselfish man by far. So Ryan we would like to thank you for being the hero that you are and always will be. You will be sadly missed by all of those who love you… We will be seeing you at that golden gate so be there waiting on us with that breat big smile and hug you always gave us!!! Bryce will be there also someday for you to teach him how to throw a ball!!
We love you our hero,
Love
Andy, Dawn, Beau & Bryce"
Dawn & Andy of Liberty Pennsylvania

"Ryan is a true american hero!! He was a leader in every sense of the word. Ryan will be missed by all especially those of us who were blessed to know him. The Nation will be forever in his debt!"
Uncle Joey of Crofton Maryland USA

"Doing nothing is the way the evil can win...salute to mr Ryan S. Ostrom..it is better to do everything for country than to do nothing at all...the lord will guide your path to reach the eternal life.My deep condolences."
marlon of philippines

"I served with Ryan and his father in the Pa Guard. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."
Roy Snyder of Williamsport, Pa

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your
Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the loyal service and sacrifice that was made and
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Our cousin LCPL Michael Smith Jr. gave his life on 4-17-04 fighting for freedom.
Please know that this was not in vain and these American Heros will FOREVER be honored.
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

"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.
God Bless you ALWAYS.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"AUG 12, 2005
ARMY STAFF SGT RYAN S. OSTROM
You are an American Hero whose ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten by a grateful nation. Rest in peace brave soldier.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ryan and may memories comfort you during this very diffcult time and always. We are very sorry for your loss.
AMERICA SALUTES ARMY STAFF SGT
RYAN S. OSTROM"
Brad & Dorothy Burt of Rhode Island

"Thank you Ryan Ostrom, 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 Staff Sgt. Ryan Ostrom:
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 Staff Sgt. Ryan Ostrom:
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