Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I have never and will never forget you Cheeks. You will always will be my brother, in this life and the next.

I have tried my best to forget the dark days of your passing over the last ~15 years.

But over the years I’ve come to realize that keeping you in our thoughts, and remembering your smile and laughter, is what gives me strength to keep going.

You gave everyone who ever met you the gift of your smile and laughter.

Thank you Cheeks.

Rob Spadoni (Cpl. 3/5 Wpns Co.)"
Rob Spadoni of Seaside, CA

"Benny was a student of mine his Senior year at JEHS. He was a fun loving kid who was always smiling and cracking jokes. It was difficult to not like him. The last time I saw Benny was just a few months before his death. He came by school and stopped into see me. He had changed from a pudgy kid into a lean and fit soldier, into a man. I found out about Benny’s death from his brother, who was in my class at that time. I think of him from time to time and remember the boy who became a man. After I get over the moment of sadness at the loss I fondly remember the kid I knew and wish I could have known better the man he became. RIP Benny. I pray you are always remembered as the hero you are."
Robert Gilbert of Edinburg, Tx USA

"Benny was a student of mine his Senior year at JEHS. He was a fun loving kid who was always smiling and cracking jokes. It was difficult to not like him. The last time I saw Benny was just a few months before his death. He came by school and stopped into see me. He had changed from a pudgy kid into a lean and fit soldier, into a man. I found out about Benny’s death from his brother, who was in my class at that time. I think of him from time to time and remember the boy who became a man. After I get over the moment of sadness at the loss I fondly remember the kid I knew and wish I could have known better the man he became. RIP Benny. I pray you are always remembered as the hero you are."
Robert Hilbert of Edinburg, Tx USA

"Cheeks was the best .50 cal gunner I ever saw or served with but most of all it is his smile that any of us that served with him will always miss. You raised a great man and not a day goes by that he is not in my thoughts. Because of your son I get to raise my kids and for that I can never repay. Y'all are in my thoughts every day too and I a con't put into words how sorry I am for your loss."
Chris Johnson SSgt retired 3/5 JUMP of Lexington sc

"You have touched the hearts of so many. To the family: sending my love and support."
LCpl Beutler of Donna, tx

"We remember, you will never be forgotton"
Tom Patterson of Tucson, AZ

"To the family of:Benito A. Ramirez
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""

"Although I do not know you we share two things. Firstly, the Freedom and love of America, and secondly May 21st. For me it is a birthday, for you a rebirth. Everyday on my birthday I will remember you, and celebrate my freedom the freedom for others you helped provide. Thank you."
Brandon of Newport Beach, Ca

"Cheeks, I can still see you; I can still hear your voice; I am still laughing at our sponge bob square pants sheets. I will see you when I pay the boat man; we will stand on the otherside of the river, and we will be at peace."
Plt Sgt CAAT3/5 OIF 1 of San Clemente, Ca

"I will always remember you & though we weren't close, it's was heart wrneching to know someone I saw every day at school, had passed. Thank you, Hero, for your sacrafice. To the family, I wish you peace & many blessings."
Judy of Edinburg, TX

"May 20, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Benito A. Ramirez:
Benito 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

"Cheeks my friend, you dont know how much i miss you... I know you hear me when i talk to you buddy..."
Cpl. Cervantes of Los Angeles, CA

"BENITO THANKS FOR FIGHTING FOR US WE WILL MISS YOU FOR EVER!
MISSING YOU ALWAYS JULIE!"
JULIE of EDINBURG TX.

"Cheeks, Thanks for all the jerkey. Those night patrols were brutal but between you, Richie and Ssgt Maxwell, you always seemed to keep me motivated. Ill see you at the Gates."
Sgt. Stephen Kephart of 1/4 Alpha Co.

"I met Benny Ramirez once, he was a very good person who loved his country.He liked to have fun and party all night long. He will be missed by his friends."
Danny of Edinburg, TX/ USA

"It has been just over a year my brother...you will never be forgotten. Your smile is eternally engraved in my memory. Rest in peace Cheeks."
Doc Rohner of Kapolei, HI, USA

"God Bless you and all your Family!
Benito,(aka)Benny you will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Today, Tomorrow and Always."
Jimenez Family of Edinburg, Texas

"We had never met but both our sons served together in 3/5 HS Jump Plt in Iraq. I was sadden to hear of your loss. My son was a friend and was deeply sadden by the loss too. He was a machine gunner and took over Benny's hum-v. We too lost our son two weeks after Benny. I know in my heart that they are together in Heaven. May God Bless you for your son's courage to do such a difficult job. They are true Hero's."
Kristin Morrow of Riverside, CA, USA

"To a friend, and a heroe who died doing what he loved, we will miss you Benny...semper fi"
IRENE of Donna Tx USA

""CHEEKS" You will always be missed and never forgotten i just heard the news the other day and did not believe it at first I'm in shock like everyone else. He was truly one of a kind......"

"I met Benito while I was a recruiter assigned to the Mcallen office in which he began his career. Benito was always respectful, motivated and anxious to become a Marine. Even in days when he wasn't feeling well after a night of partying, he was always there ready to participate in the phisical fitness training program giving it 110%. I will always remember his smile the day he walked in the door in his uniform upon returning from boot camp. Then came the day he returned from his first tour in Iraq. I could tell then that he was a changed man. He loved being a Marine and believed fully in what we are doing in Iraq. I recently returned from Iraq and was saddned to hear the news of his passing. I want to express my most sincere condolence to Benito's family but know that he is now keeping watch over all of us from a higher place. God bless you and Semper Fidelis."
SSgt David Martinez Jr. of Camp Lejeune, NC

"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, Benito will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS.
May we never forget: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!"

"Juliana, May god grant you the strength to carry on and I hope that the peace you so strongly deserve finds its way to you and lifts the hurt of a love lost. You are an amazing woman and I wish you all the best during the difficult days ahead. I was very sorry to have to tell you that your husband died in combat, but I also feel blessed to have met you. If there is ever anything you need, I will always be there for you. God bless you."
SSgt. Allen of Camp Pendleton, CA.

"My heart aches and breaks with you at the loss of your Hero, America's Hero, Lance Cpl. Benito A. Ramirez. He was a friend and Marine brother to my son, who will miss him. He will never be forgotten. May God grant you strength to face the future and peace and comfort in the memories of your Hero.
Jen
Proud Marine Mom of Cpl Tom
3/5 Wpns Co MAP1, Iraq"
of Tucson, AZ

"To the family of Benito Ramirez,
A true American Hero. All of Rio Grande Valley soldiers are heroes. We will never forget them. We will be praying for your family."
Rafael Garces Jr (brother of Sgt Tomas Garces KIA 9-6-04 of Weslaco, TX

"I am deeply sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and strength in God as you face the journey ahead.

Michele Carter
Sister of CPL Gary Walters
KIA in Baghdad on April 24, 2005"

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