Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN...
HAPPY MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY "RICK" SSgt Pummill!
Served with you on Recruiting."
Robert Wade USMC retired of Pensacola, Fl, USA

"10/20/13:
It has been 8 years when Richard gave his life for the Operation Iraqi Freedom. We will never forget his sacrifice for his country.
June & Walt Smithers, parents of Mst Sgt Wayne Byron"
June Smithers of Ithaca, NY

"10/20/13:
It has been 8 years when Richard gave his life for the Operation Iraqi Freedom. We will never forget his sacrifice for his country.
June & Walt Smithers, parents of Mst Sgt Wayne Byron"
June Smithers of Ithaca, NY

"He was a good Marine but more importantly he was a good man
I sorry for the Pummill family's lose"
David Geisman of Greeneville TN

"To the family of SSGT Pummill my thoughts and prayers go out to you. I served with Pummill when we were assigned to 3/2 Kilo Co. Wpns PLT he was a great friend and a great Marine. He will be missed and I will think of him always! Semper Fi Brother!!!"
Billy Cripps "Billy D" of Jackson Springs, NC USA

"Hey Pummill! Remembering You today. We had some good times together back with 3/2 Kilo Company. Thinking of You."
Goggins of NYC Bronx

"Memorial Day weekend and I have Pummill on my mind. RIP BRO, It was an honor to know you! SEMPER FI"
Walkdawg0351 of Lumberton, NC

"To the family of:Richard T. Pummill
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""

"Pummill was one of my marines for 3 years. He was fresh out of bootcamp. He was a good kid and a good friend to those around him. I cant express what it feels like to see this. Semper Fi Pummill you will never be forgotten."
Maddog of Baltimore

"To the family of Rick Pummill,
You don't know me, but I knew your son well. We were recruiters together out of the Lexington Office. Actually we were the two the were the farthest from the office and often we were there for each other when the duty became too much. Rick and I used to talk all night on the phone and I would talk to him about my relationship with God and he would just listen and ask questions. He left the job about 6 weeks before me and we still talked nearly every single day. He told me before he left that he too, had started a relationship with God and just wanted to tell someone. It has now been nearly six years since we lost him and I still find myself in tears while leaving this message. He was what every Marine, brother, friend, father and child alike should strive to be like. A person of integrity that always wore his heart on his sleeve and loved everyone around him. I miss him every day and pray for those who have had to endear such a tragic loss. To Rick, you are missed everyday, to include today when I told my son (our son's are the same age) about you."
GySgt Dustin Barnes of Quantico, Va

"My husband SSGT. Richard T. Pummill's memory will continue to touch the hearts of everyone he came into contact with throughout his life. He was a great father, husband, friend, and hero! The memories and the love we shared will remain in my heart and will continue when we are together again. Thank you to everyone who has kept him close. I would also, like to send my heartfelt sympathies to those families who have lost a loved one in these many wars, and those who have passed on that served with Rick.
!!!Hugs and Kisses!!!"
Chantal Pummill

"It is sad to see the Pummill name in this context as all bearers of this proud family are all realated.God speed Richard"
Don Pummill of Byron Center Mi

"Ssgt. Pummill was a true mentor of mine. I remember walking in to that recruiters office in Lexington, Kentucky and He, and Sgt. Riley were engaged in a "discussion" as to my chosen field. He had influenced me to become an Infantry Marine. He told me about how Mortars were the way to go, and that I would love the field if I chose it at SOI and would never regret it. He was right! Imagine my surprise when he walked into the Weapons Company office after I had just reported there after SOI. I could not believe it, there he was. I told him that I had chosen to be a Mortarman and he just smiled his crooked smile at me. Then he became my boss as my Section Leader in the 81mm mortar platoon. He was what every leader desired to become; firm, fair, and consistent.
Ssgt. , there isn't one day that goes by that I don’t think of you and the profound way you have impacted my life. If it were not for you I would not be the man I am today. God bless you Staff Sergeant, may the lord our God smile upon your soul and admit you into his eternal kingdom.
To the readers; I am desperately trying to find his wife so that I can offer my condolences and friendship. I can be reached by email at jwallens84@yahoo.com
Please, help me find her. It has been too long, over five years now, and I simply must find her. Thank you very much."
Sergeant James Wallenstein, USMC of Charleston, SC

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH / USA

"Rick!
It feels like enos ago that I hugged you as you left for "HELL". Yet in my heart you still hold strong there is not a day that I don't think of you and the terrific son, grandson, father, newly wed husband that you were. Just last week at Oktober fest I had a jagerbomb toast to your memory. I'm sure you know the turn of events that have occurred since your passing. Your mother's heart as been broken more times than one, by the women you chose to marry. She aches for you and to spend time with Cliff. We struggle to hold fast to hope that God is in charge and all things work to the good. Semper Fi xoxoxo Pat"
Patsy Hager of Milford, O USA

"Richard is truly a hero to me, I grew up down the road from him and i member helping him working on his car once and when I heard he died in action I cried. He Was a great man and friend. God bless his family and hope the best for all of you."
Damon Mallott of Cincinnati,Ohio

"November 11th, 2008

I lived right down the street from Rick and his grandparents for years. I went to high school with him and was proud to have called him a friend. I was so happy for him when he enlisted. He was a wonderful person to be around, he could make anyone smile when they had a bad day. When I heard the news of what had happened as my father was visiting Cincy on the day of his funeral, I was stunned, all I could picture was his smiling face and remember all the jokes he told. My heart broke for his wife and son as well as the rest of his family. My heart goes to his family on this Veterans Day. I give thanks for him and all that have been lost to us trying to fight for what we all hold dear. Their sacrifice was the ultimate and he is truly missed. I am glad to have known him and called him a friend. God Bless America."
Megan (Perry) Mitchell of Spartanburg, SC

"September 29, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Richard T. Pummill:
Richard 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

"Staff Sergeant- I think of you every day. You usherd me into our Corps and I look fondly at all the DEP memories from Back in Kentucky. You'll be happy to hear I now have two kids and they are doing wonderfully. I'll be visiting Steve this weekend. I'm up here for MECEP in quantico. I remember the last night I saw you. That sand storm had you coated like a sugar cookie after that shower! I laugh every time I think of it. God bless and keep you Staff Sergeant. I'll see you some day. Semper Fidelis"
Sergeant James Wallenstein of Quantico, VA

"So few of us that share this name and now to find you've gone on. What glory, what sense has brought me here...
A 'fallen hero' I've come to say and one that was Proud to have shared a noble name.
May the family be Blessed with love, always!
Pattricia Pummill"
P. Pummill of FL

"WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER AT THIS TIME, BUT I WISH TO HONOR THE SERVICE AND MEMORY OF SGT. PUMMILL. PLEASE ACCEPT OUR SYMPATHIES AND PRAYERS. IN MEMORY OF SPEC. NICHOLAS P. BROWN KIA 1-22-2007"
BERT HOLLER of WEST MILTON, OHIO USA

"Here it is over 2 years after Ricks death and I think of him all the time. He was a true friend, a great Marine and a truely great person that I'm proud to have served with. You will be missed my friend but never forgotten...SEMPER FI"
Ssgt Todd S. Willey tswilley265@comcast.net of Leesburg, Fl

"Ssgt. Pummill, was my Ssgt in MAP Black. He always looked out for all of us and made sure that everyone in the BN know that we were his and noone could touch us. I miss the grin that he would always walk in with. I remember him very deeply and I will always remember him always. See you on the other side Ssgt."
HM3(FMF) Saenz, Antonio of CLNC

"I just found out today almost a year after his death that Rick is dead. Rick was a good friend of mine during my first enlistment. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. My contact information is ethanmanning@yahoo.com"
Ethan Manning` of Albany NY

"I met your widow yesterday, Devil-dog, and you should rest well having such a strong woman. Peace be with you brother, and may your family live strong."
SSgt Stanley of CLNC

"It's awful what happend to Rick. It's even worse trying to explain to my son why he can't see him. Rick and Cliff had a strong bond. When Rick would come home from work, Cliff would hear his truck pull up and run to the window with such excitement. Every day it feels the same as the first day I found out the news."
Jamie of Va

"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

"I was deeply saddened to find out about Rick. Rick was a great friend of mine when we were in 3/2 K in 99/2000 and seeing that he is gone is a loss to the world and more so to your family. He was always a warrior and always a friend. He would give anything to anyone to help and he will never be forgotten in my mind! I am so sorry for your loss!"
Mark Hardesty of Omaha, NE

"Dear friends and famly of staff sergeant Richerd T Pummil , I met rick in high school.we became good friends over the years and shared many good times together that will never be forgoten.Rick thanks for all the sacerfices that you made for are great country. And to all airmed forces fighting for are freedom ."
keith molloy of cincinnati ,ohio

"To the family of Sergeant Richard Pummill:So sorry for your loss."
AOCS Don Pummill,USN Ret. of Freeport,Me.04032

"News of a fallen comrade always tear your heart to shreds. Rick was definately a warrior who will never be forgotten. Thanks for all the good times my friend. I know you have gone to a better place and I smile knowing we will meet again in paradise brother."
SFC Jeramy S. Dearmon of Lexington, KY

"I met Ssgt Pummill the day our men left for Iraq. He was so friendly and even gave me some advice about getting through the deployment---"just look at it in terms of paycheck to paycheck, that's what my wife will do"...and when I heard the news my heart absolutely broke for his wife and family. He was a fine Marine and will NEVER be forgotten. My husband is very priviledged to have worked under him."
Katie P of Jacksonville, NC

"To the family and friends of Staff Sergeant Richard T. Pummill,

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. If you're not certain that your loved one's next of kin is registered, please use our link and register them for a quilt so we can send our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts "
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, California USA

"Just a few weeks ago I was talking with Rick's wife Chantel. We were decorating for another friends wedding shower. She spoke so highly of him with complete love and joy. She told me of the big dreams for the new future as husband and wife when he returned. My heart broke when I heard of Rick's passing. And it continues to break for his family. Chantel, you and your husband gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country. I will never forget! I hope God surrounds you with peace,love and security."
Sandy (USMC wife) of Jacksonville, NC

"Saturday afternoon, I sat stunned, listening as another friend and recruiting buddy told me the news. Rick was a good friend, and a great Marine. His life and passion for the Marine Corps touched alot of lives, including my own. Trying to put my condolences into words here is difficult because there seem to be no words that do justice. Rick will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. God Speed good friend and Semper Fi.

To the Pummill Family, my prayers are with you."
SSgt Michael Shane Burton of From Lexington, Currently Cherry Point NC

"To The Family Of Rick Pummill
In my eyes Rick is my Hero.I knew Rick.
I am so sorry for your loss.May time ease your pain.Rick was a really great guy.He was always nice to me and always smiling when he would come over to visit.Rick will be missed but never forgotten.He will always be in my heart."
Becky Bowman of New Richmond, Ohio

"To The Family Of Rick Pummill
In my eyes Rick is my Hero.I knew Rick.
I am so sorry for your loss.May time ease your pain.When I heard the news I found the pictures of Rick that I have.
I look at them every night and I pray
for your family.God bless you and your
family."
Becky Bowman of New Richmond, Ohio

"To the Pummill family. I went to high school with Rick and I am very proud to be able to say that he was a very good friend of mine. He will always be in my heart as well as in the hearts of many others. He was a great friend."
Michelle Edmonds of Batavia, OH

"To The Pummill Family,
Our Family, Our City, Our Country grieves with you. We are so saddened by your loss. Your Soldier is OUR HERO! We will never forget him or the others who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety & freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You and your Brave Marine..Semper Fi!"
The Grogans of TN..

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

"To the family of Richard Pummill, my heart breaks for you all. May God give you peace as he has given our family with the loss of my nephew. We will never forget, not a day goes by I don't think of all of our soldiers sacrificing for our freedom. I will never forget you Richard, thank you for your sacrifice. May God be with you all"
Maureen Ledet of Loveland, Ohio

"To the Pummill family: Thank you seems an inadequate thing to say, but I do thank you for your incredible sacrifice. May we all be worthy"
Regan Mowdy of Spring, TX

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden...

J and T Taylor USMC
Sister of a Fallen Marine"
of NC

"To the Pummill family,my heart is so sad today. When I got the call yesterday I had to pull over the car, because I knew SSGT Rick Pummill. We worked together on recruiting duty together in a two man station.(Just me and him) Recruiting duty will test a Marine as you probaly already know I'm sure he told you. But your Marine, my friend always kept me laughing. We spent many days lost on backwoods Danville roads. We were on recruiting duty during a time of war, thats why we never took ourselves to seriously. Your Marine always went the extra mile, always volunteered to get the job done. I will never forget him. I am a SSGT today because of his hard work. Rick called me all the time, I just talked to him a month ago and we talked about him coming back to recruiting duty so he could be closer to his son. My heart is heavy I will never talk to him again. Semper fi SSGT Rick Pummill America is better place because you served."
SSGT James Morgan of Currently Jacksonville Fl

"TO THE PUMMILL FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. MY TEARS FLOW WITH EACH FALLEN SOLDIER AS IT DID FOR OUR SON GREGORY. RICHARD YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN. YOU ARE A HERO! A MAN THAT WAS UNSELFISH, BUT TO HIMSELF OUT OF LOVE FOR HIS COUNTRY. HE RISKED DAY IN AND DAY OUT FOR US ALL HERE IN A,MERICA AND THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ. FIGHTING OFF TERRORISM AND TO KEEP THOSE IN IRAQ HOPE AND HOPEFULLY; PEACE! RICHARD YOU ARE SOMONE'S SOMEONE AND YOU ARE SOMEONE TO THE WAHL FAMILY. WE THANK YOU FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. SOMETHING ABOUT SOLDIERS THAT THE DIFFERENCE IN BRANCHES. NEVER COME BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER FOR THEIR COUNTRY. YOU TRUELY, TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY RICHARD. AN TO THOSE YOU HAVE. ALL HOLD VERY PRECIOUS MOMENTS SHARED TOGETHER WITH YOU. THAT YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTN. YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER! PLEASE REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED IN RICHARD'S HONOR. SO NO ONE IN HIS COMMUNITY WILL EVER FORGET HIS SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY, STATE AND COUNTRY. IT IS THE VERY LEAST HIS COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS CAN DO FOR RICHARD. REST NOW RICHARD MY PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY."
Leonard Wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

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