Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Spent so many special memories with the Ramsey family, all our fishing and hunting trips its going on 11 years bro since you left us physically but your spirit lives on...You are truly missed"
Steven J Wilson of San Tan Valley, Arizona

"My brother, It has been 9 long years since you left us. But we as your brothers (pete, warpinski, espi) are continuing to honor your memory. You will never be forgotten brother! Today, I donated my combat boots with your name and your pic. So volunteers can line them up on our 8K run/walk honoring all the fallen. Honor and Courage Brother!"
Mark of Erice

"It has been many years but the memory of PFC Ramsey is still there. RIP Carson, you are not forgotten. From a former Cobra 9"
SGM Robert DeBlois of Ft. Bliss Tx

"To the friends and family of Carson,

He will never be forgotten.
He was one of the greatest Soldiers ever to be called a Cobra.
He was one of the greatest men to ever be called an American.
We all loved him, and miss him dearly.
We carry his memory proudly forward, just as he carried a smile on his face every day.
He was always the first person to try to cheer you up; never let his memory get you down."
SSG (Ret) Anthony Whittington of Farmington, MN

"8 years ago today, I found out that I had lost one of the most important people in my life. Destani's "godfather" and one of the greatest most honest friends anyone could ask for. They say time heals all wounds, but it hurts as much today as it did 8 years ago.

To Carson's parents and family, his vibrant alive happy carefree nature continues to live on in our house everyday. He will never be forgotten.

Carson, I miss you each and everyday. I was so blessed to have you in my life. Even though yours ended to soon, your memory lives on in all of us. You are a true hero. RIP my friend. Love you.

Spc Carson James Ramsey
C company, 1 Cav Division,
2 Battalion, 8 US Cav regiment
Fort Hood, TX
KIlled In Action
Camp Cuervo, Sadr City Iraq
Jan 04, 1982- Oct 10, 2004"
Nichole Aranda of Fort Benning, GA

"Since Carson was killed his grand mother passed 2 years to the day after him and his grandfather 4 years later it has been realy hard but they are together buried at the national cemtery in Phoenix. Thank you for all your kind words and prays."
carson's mom

"To carson family
I knew Carson for 2 years and served with him in corba co. 3rd. Plt. Its been 8 years and I just want to say to ramsey family that Im sorry I couldn't be there for him and for the rest of charle co there's not one day that I don't think about him. he will not be forgotten"
Spc.lara of California

"To the family of:Carson J.Ramsey
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""

"I can't reach you via email anymore -- we'd love for you to be our guest at this year's Freedom Concert. Please email me jen.ohman@freedomalliance.org"
Jennifer Ohman of Dulles, VA

"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 E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"Carson was a great friend. I remember waiting for him to get off the bus every morning and walking with him to the ROTC building. Even though I never was in ROTC. At lunch I remember hanging out with him, Leon, Jacob, Curtis and Dirty Dave.

After I found out I was pregnant, Carson was there. I wanted to do adoption but carson talked me out of it. Reassuring me that I was a stong person, and that I could do it. And that I would always have great friends to be there by my side. And he was right. When my oldest daughter was born, Carson was one of the first people to show up when I got home to see her. I still have the blanket he brought for her. He used to tell her, dont listen to what mommy says. If you want a better daddy, I'll be your daddy. For that I mad him her godfather. If it wasnt for him I would have missed out on it all.

The June after my second daughter was born, he came home for leave, and sure enough I got a call from him. I can still remember his voicemail. "Hey! Sorry I couldnt get a hold of you. Just in the area for leave. I'll call you again later."

I never got that later call. In August he suffered a facial injury. I remember thinking "Wow, that was such a close call. I am so glad he is okay." I never would have thought that October morning my mom would have called me to tell me that he had passed.

When she told me, I did not believe her. I told her she was wrong and went back to bed. I woke up to the news report. I screamed "No!" as I hit the floor. Unable to move.

Carson was awarded the Silver Star and 2 Purple Hearts. But to me the greatest award he ever recieved, was the piece of my heart he took with him to heaven.

Carson, you were such a great friend. You went away to soon. I can not believe its been almost 5 years. Carson, you taught me the greatest thing. Never take anything for granted. Embrace everyday and every moment, and every life around you.

I pray that while my husband and brother are in Iraq, you watch over them and bring them home to me safely. And watch over all our friends who are there. I love you Carson, and I wish you were here. God bless you my friend."
Nichole Skillings-Aranda of Fort Benning, GA, USA

"Thank You for all the great stories about Carson. Yes it has been 5 years in October. It just seems like yeaterday when we were told about him. Our family and friends are going to get to gather on the 10th of October. May be a few of his friends would come to. I hope someof you will look us up. We would love to hear the stories about Carson. Take care Carson's MOM"
Elaine Ramsey of Mammoth, AZ

"It's so hard to believe that it's already been five years since Carson left us. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. I light a candle for him in my church Memorial Day and October 10th. I loved Carson with all of my heart and soul. He was the best friend a person could ask for. Always willing to do whatever was required. He may have a few words to say about it, but they were usually always in jest. I think the whole time I knew him, I had only seen him truly angry one time.. Carson was an unusual young man in that he knew what he wanted with his life and was always telling everyone who would listen. I miss hearing his voice.. There are days when I play back every memory I have of him, hold my pillow, and just cry.. I will never forget him and I hope that other's don't either.."
Allison of Waco, Tx

"I was one of Alpha Co 2-81 Ar Drill Sgt's when Carson was in Basic Training. I rememeber him well. He was in DS Black's platoon and a good soldier. I was also the Brigade Master Gunner in Ironhorse Bde 1st Cav when he was killed. I often think of him, hope his family is well. May God Bless you all. See you on fields of green some day Carson."
Henry "Dick" Chaney, SFC (Ret) of Lampasas Tx

"Hey brother,Ever since 7:48 am oct 10 2004 I think about you every second of every day i just cant get over it i wish to god that i had been in the gunners hatch that morning instead of you.I wrote to your mother that week for me and 3rd plt the hardest letter that i had ever written.I tryed to put into words the best that i knew how what you meent to me and the plt,but there was not enough words in the world to express what you meent to us.i just hope that one day i will be able to stand with your mother and tell her eye to eye what you mean to me.I have tryed so many times ta call her over the years and say this but to this day i just cant bring myself to do it.i just pray that she will forgive me for not bringing you home.I hope one day i can forgive myself.

sincerly,sgt michael sumrall."
sgt(ret)sumrall of coushatta,la

"September 29, 2008
To the family of Pvt. 2nd Class Carson J. Ramsey:
Carson 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

"Thank you for all the great things about Carson. AAliyah, (Carson"s neice) asks about him all the time and says how much she misses him. We have pictures of him around the house so she see him every day. In May,o8 Phoenix is going to have dedication of a statute for those who were killed in Irag and Ifgan. My heart goes out to all those young people who meet Carson he truly was a great person and touched alot of hearts. thank You for all you memories. I read these alot and it is great to know that Carson is still out there with all of you."
Carson's mom of Mammoth,AZ

"It has taken some time to accept what happened that october morning, but i can finally come forth and describe carson. Although i search for the words to describe them and i come to the conclusion that only those who were close or worked with him know no word can describe him. A young man with dreams that some understood and others did not take time to understand. He indeed was a friend with much sympathy and compassion for those with larger troubles. Years cant erase what cobra company went through, what we soldiers experienced, and years definetly will not erase you from my mind. Hope your looking down on us and smiling knowing you will always be remembered"
sgt.flores(no longer serving of california

"Carson Ramsey! What a great guy! He loved his little neice so much. My husband worked with him and before they deployed Ramsey came over for a 'going away' BBQ he asked my husband if he could bring some big sword he got to Iraq with him it was sooo funny! I remember the day my husband called to give me the news. My heart broke.. We will never forget you Ramsey...Love always, SFC Alex S Garcia & family."
Marianne of Germany

"first off, i write a blog about Carson every year on Oct 10th... a friend of mine read my blog tonight and then looked him up and found this site... here is what i wrote earlier this evening...

hey you... i didn't forget you yesterday... i knew what day it was... but i was really thinking of you today and decided i wanted to write something... i can't believe it has been three years... can you?/? i remember first meeting you guys at the gas station... lol, i thought you boys were soo cocky for thinking you were hot stuff... then when you met us up at jesters... it was either that night or the night we met that you were wearing all yellow... i remember thinking you looked like a banana... but we luckily got to hang out more and i found out you were a really funny guy... a guy in the army who eventually wanted the family thing, but you first had to get a girlfriend, lol... you stayed my friend even through all the crap i pulled... you were always there for me to talk to, even at the club when i would get upset/frustrated about Jay... remember at the airport?/? i drove and went with you to i think either pick your sister up or she was leaving... she was in the army too... while we were waiting, i wanted to check out the gift shop... well we didn't realize it wasn't open until i ran into the glass door... we were both laughing soo hard and i said you were a brat for letting me do it... or your 21st b-day... you couldn't wait til midnight so you could go wash off the huge X that they put on minors hands and have a few beers... i think you got pretty trashed that night... i remember you telling me you were deploying, so i promised to write... we were suppose to hang out and get me an address... like a typical guy, you never got me the address or told me the day you were actually leaving... i think i saw you once... it had to have been your sister's truck, and you were in the back... after pulling through the gate, i heard my name and a horn being honked... i saw a person that looked like you waving out the back window... that was the last time i saw you... when i read the article your local newspaper wrote, it had said you had been sent home because of an injury... that must have been the time you came through the gate... only after two months of being back in Iraq, you were killed... Ruth came and told me while i was at WC... i couldn't believe it... i didn't want to... i started crying and suddenly couldn't breathe so i ran to the bathroom... i was thinking that it wasn't fair... you were soo young, and had all these plans... i didn't know that many people that had been deployed over there so i never thought one of my friends would get hurt... i came home that night and looked you up on the DoD site just to make sure... and there you were... that is when i looked up your hometown for a local newspaper article... i found it and a picture that i use when i talk about you... it had talked all about you, and quoted your dad, he even said how when you came home on leave the first time from getting injured, you couldn't wait to go back and do your duty to help... i wrote a comment to the writer and asked her to print it in the next week's paper... just so your family would know that your friends in Killeen loved and missed you... i hope that they saw it... i saw some of the guys from your company when they got back and we had a shot for you... i can't believe that i didn't get to see you again or give you a hug before you left... so while you turned out to be the better friend, i promise you this... you will never be one of those soldiers who is forgetten... i will always remember you and the laughter... i know that i am not military or a military wife, but i feel for them and the guys overseas... i know that i don't understand what they go through, but that doesn't mean i don't care... i hope to see you again one day Carson... until then...

after reading all the comments people have written on this site, i cried for the third time today... Carson rides along with me everyday... i have his name written on one of those black "will not be forgotten" magnets, along with the day he died, on the side of my car... i am soo glad to see all this about him on here as i am sure his family is... you are soo loved Carson!"
Amanda of Texas

"well i was sitting in my tank the day ramsey's was hit ome dam iraqi with a vbied drove into there humvee and boom he nevr made it to ironhorse, the sad thing is it was only bou a mile down therad r.i.p brother"
fernando cardenas of tucson,az,us

"I was in JROTC with carson for two years. we were both afraid to repel and do the crazy rock climbing stuff. we hung out alot. I was really upset when i heard of his death. ive worn his kia bracelet ever sinse i found out! to his family, im sure we've met once, at least at some sort of JROTC get together. im sorry for your loss and he will always be in our hearts, especialy mine."
Spc Nick Rush of OEF, AFGHANISTAN

"Monday, May 28, 2007. Carson is still in our minds & hearts. He will never be forgotten. I just wish I could have been there for him & the rest of the Soldiers of Cobra 2-8 Cav."
SSG (Ret) Steffler of New Albany, IN.

"Sup Ramsey I remember when I was your commo guy before benny took over and I remember when you use to stop by my room back at hood and joke with me. even when we was at cuervo, how you use to mess with me about going to 115th fsb. I can tell you the truth man it shocked me to hear what happened. You still gon be one of the coolest cats I know man. I appreciate the help with my bright yellow sentra when I tried to supe it up and the rides to my GF house when I was to broke to afford gas..lol. May God Bless you man and you know the Stallion Battalion, Especially Cobra Company and me are really going to miss you. You a cool cat 4 life bro. peace"
SGT Favors of FT Bragg, NC

"I remember Carson's second day at fort hood: My friends and I had a situation, and needed help, and he was there, without hesitation. My gunners wife was going home to Chicago to visit her family, and we didn’t have enough room in the car for all of us who wanted to say goodbye and her luggage.

I asked Carson to help, and without even knowing me, or those involved, he agreed.

While driving, we thought we saw the car we were following head north to Dallas, when we thought we were heading to Austin, so we headed north. It wasn’t until we got to Waco that we realized we were following the wrong car. The ensuing trip down to Austin, where we proceeded to get lost, several times, was a friendship bonding experience, the first of many.

It was just one instance of fun with a great young man, one of those types of individuals who you remember for your entire life. The solders I served with are right: Carson was an amazing individual, always ready and willing to help someone in need, always upbeat, always smiling.

I remember playing bond on his ps2, then switching to my roommates Xbox for halo, and he just stunk at this game, but he always played when someone wanted to, just for the fun. I would sleep in his room when I had an upcoming room inspection, just to make sure I didn’t mess up the room overnight (yes somehow, it was still messed up…)

Carson was my friend, and he will be sorely missed."
B.L.O.B. of Rochester, NY

"I want to thank all those who have wrote about Carson. He truly was and still is a great person. I loved him from the first time I seem. I watched him grow from a boy to a young man and he truly will never be for gotton. Thank you for your prays and thoughts."
Carson's mom of Winkelman, AZ

"To the family of Carson Ramsey- I was friends with your son when he was stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas. He was a fantastic man, with a wonderful smile that would brighten anyone's day. The day that I found out Carson had passed away was the second hardest day of my life (the first being when my own grandfather died). He was a fantastic man, who died way too soon. He leaves behind a legacy and a list a mile long of lives he has touched throughout the years. I am moving to arizona in june and i would love to be able to meet with you. please feel free to contact me at any time.

emtchick1983@aol.com"
Allison Walker-Bruner of Waco, Texas

"Dear Ramsey Family,

I served with your son in Iraq and was 2 trucks behind him on that dreadfrul day. He was a great person and layed back... he will be missed greatly. As a fellow Cobra I will miss him greatly.

Spc. Ghilani c-2-8 cav"
Ghilani of Ft. Hood, TX/USA

"Remembered still."
anonymous of USA

"To the family of Carson Ramsey -

I ordered a KIA bracelet to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Unless you specify a name, you are assigned a soldier randomly. I recieved PV2 Carson Ramsey's name. When I found out he was a 1st Cav soldier out of Fort Hood, it didn't seem so random. I want you to know that although I didn't know him personally, I'll wear his bracelet in honor of him, and all the other heroes for as long as it will stay on my wrist. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
PFC Laura Page of Fort Hood, TX

"I was stationed with PVT Ramsey in C co 2-8 CAV at Ft. Hood for two years. I spent many hours with him in the motor pool and standing at the gates outside the post, and I'll never forget his relaxed personality and his great sense of humor. No matter what the mission was, Ramsey never seemed to mind and carried it out without hesitation. There is no doubt in my mind that he carried that same professionalism and outstanding character in combat. I am deeply saddened to hear of his family's loss. From one Cobra to another, I'll miss you Ramsey, you will never be forgotten."
SPC Chad M Roberts of Yongsan, Korea (chad.m.roberts@us.army.mil)

"I was stationed with Ramsey in 2-8 Cav for a time and I was his gunner during a JRTC rotation in FT Polk. Many people will miss him. His room brightening smile and goofy ways will never leave me. Ramsey, we can not thank you enough for giving so much for your country. My condolences to the Ramsey family."
SSG Thomas Young (thomas.a.young@us.army.mil) of FT Bragg, NC

"im sorry to his family an everyone he left behind but carson was an awesome friend an a very outgoing an a goofy person an i want to thank him for fighting for are country an ill miss him forever an sorry to his mom an dad he will always be with ya'll"
mercedes of killeen, tx/bell

"I was Carson's Tank Commander for a time in Cobra Co. 2-8 Cav. I send my condolences to his parents. He will always be remembered."
SSG Steffler, Cory T. of Fort Hood, TX.

"Private Ramsey, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"To Carson'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 soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To Mr. Carson Ramsey:

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

His peace is here and now.

Carson Ramsey, thank you so very much."
R. Cannon of Sun Prairie, WI USA

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these guys as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace Carson, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest"
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"To the family of Carson J. Ramsey.
My wife and I grieve for you and the loss of your loved one. No words can ease the pain in your heart and soul. Our son, Sgt. James Faulkner, was killed in action in Iraq on Sept. 8th. He was also from the 1st Cav. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers."
Greg and Pam Gilkey of Clarksville Indiana

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

"My deepest sympathy, our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. May God bless you and help you through this time. Forever in our hearts a HERO Carson J. Ramsey."
Amy & Aaron Monier of Waterford, MI.

"Carson J. Ramsey- You're a hero and a very brave young man. Thank you so much for your bravery. To the family - I'm very sorry for your loss. I know your hearts must be broken with devistation. You raised a wonderful son. He is a hero in all of our hearts. Thank you and God Bless you."
Alicia Bilby of Nevada, Missouri

"To Carson's Family:
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

"Thank you Carson Ramsey, 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 Pvt. 2nd Class Carson Ramsey:
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 Carson 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 Pvt. 2nd Class Carson Ramsey:
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 Carson, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia