Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Dane, Rest in Peace. Not forgotten. All my 1/3 brothers in Fallujah. Navy EOD will never forget."
Pete of San Diego

"You will always be in my heart and memories. You truly touched everyone you came across. You will always be missed, but you will never be forgotten!!!"
Michelle Alonzo of San Antonio, TX

"To the family of:Rhonald D.Rairdan
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""

""Dainger" Dain Rairdan is a prime example of a Man with a heart of gold and unwavering American Patriotism! More than that, he was like a brother to me. He stayed with me through the thickest of my troubles, even when he didn't have to. And it was this attribute that made Dain who he was. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to befriend such a wonderful soul in Dain, but the selfish part of me will always miss his presence, his happiness, and his friendship. Dain, thanks for looking out for me, even to this day. I miss you, Bro. When God sees it fit, we'll all be laughin together again... until then, I'll do my best in your memory."
Allan Laggui, CPT, U.S. Army of San Antonio, TX

"It's been 6 years now. Every day that I'm given to live this life I remember my friend who gave his life so we can live free. Miss you every day."
PO3 Kelly Hogan of Kauia, HI

"January 18, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Rhonald D. Rairdan:
Rhonald 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

"hey whats up ronnie! I wish you guys were still with us partying in waikiki. I miss you guys a lot.
Ernie Jimenez
C.co 1/3 Weapons plt. Assault Section"
Ernie of San Diego, CA

"Almost 4 years and still not a day goes by where i dont think about you bro. Dane was a great human being and always put others ahead of him, without him i wouldnt have made it into the Marines. I want to let his parents and family know that they raised a great man. May God Bless you all."
Rene Gomez of S.A. TX

"I am LCpl Antunez with 3D Marine Regiment stationed out in Hawaii. I just want to pay my respects to LCpl Rairdan's family and inform them that I'll be running LCpl Rairdan's Dog-Tags to and from our Iwo Jima Memorial here on are base, in the 3D Marine Regiment 24 hour Memorial Run (an event in which we Honor our Fallen brothers). It is a great privledge and Honor to run with LCpl Rairdan's Dog-Tags. Thank You for your sacrifice and God Bless."
LCpl Antunez, Andrew S. of MCBH Kaneohe Bay, HI

"Dane was a great kid and great friend of my son Kevin throughout high school. My son was in advanced training at the time of Dane's untimely death. He'll be missed by all."
Ron Kelley of Texas

"""As a veteren of K Co 3/3 and a very short stint (2 Months with G Co)(1986-1990)MCAS K-Bay it saddens me to hear of the loss of my brother Marine but I know he left us bravley fighting to keep my family safe from the evils of the world keeping with the highest traditions of the Corps. I'm now to old to reenlist but if I could I would."""
Lcpl. Robert Blaylock of Lakeside CA, USA

"I am so sorry for your loss for I am feeling it also. I am the father of Lcpl Brian Hopper, who was on the helicopter with Rhonald. May our memories never fade."
Rob Hopper, rob.hopper@pbsgc.com of Wynne, AR

"My husband was a friend of Rhonald's before he left to marine boot camp training. They used to help each other work out and spent lots of time together at the recruiting station. He is now fighting the war in Iraq, but we would like to give our condolences to his family. It's unbelievable that someone you know is taken away from you in such short time. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. His bravery will never be forgotten."
A Proud Marine Wife, Dulce Villalobos of Oceanside, CA

"My son Sgt. Michael Finke was on board the helicopter with Rhonald. My condolences to the family, as I share in the pain of losing one so loved. We are forever united through the sacrifices that our young men made. Thank you and God Bless"
Sally Rapp of Westlake, Ohio

"My heart truly breaks for you. My son, Richard Gilbert, Jr., was also on board the helicopter with your son. I had 2 sons, with Richard being the youngest. May God bless you and ease your pain."
Helen Gilbert of Dayton, Ohio

"to the family and friends of this young Marine,I grieve for your loss.Rhonald is a true hero."
Marine Dad of New Jersey

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Rhonald D. Rairdan,

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"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"To Rhonald'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 hero's bravery and sacrifice as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' sons.

Sincerely,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern"
82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"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

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

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