Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To the family of Joshua Ramsey,
I was honored to carry a flag of Ohio's 288 fallen servicemen in my (Parma Heights) Home Days opener. It happened to have Joshua's name on it. I don't know him but am sorry for your loss and am grateful for his courage & devotion to the neverending cause of freedom. I also said a prayer for both him & my dad who passed away in February. He was also in the army. His flag waves freely on our citie's park for all to see."
Brenda Hebebrand of Parma Height,OH/USA

"The Ohio Veterans' Memorial Park in Clinton, ohio would like to honor Joshua on 8-4-12. pls contact Sharon @ (330) 882-4131 or Michelle (330)907-0264"
sharon kerechanin of Clinton, Ohio USA

"To the family of:Joshua A.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 met Josh my junior year. He became a very close friend of mine that never failed at making me laugh my * off. Josh was always in a good mood for the most part and occasionally got excited but that was Josh and he had strong beliefs and integrity. I found out when I got home from basic training in Fort Jackson SC. My mom said she had some bad news. I had no idea this is what she was gonna inform me of. She handed me a note and I could not read the rest of it cuz tears blurred my vision anyhow. Josh was a man of integrity to the core which made him the great soldier he was and my heart goes out to his parents. I loved/love him like a brother and think of him everyday. I put loved/ love cuz hes still with us. Love you bro, see ya soon."
PFC Timmons of Bryan OH

"I was in the same PLT in Basic and AIT with Ramsey. I remember reading the Army Times while in Baquba, Iraq and seeing his face and thinking 1st PLT Mad Dogs just lost its first brother. Ramsey will be missed and always remembered. See you soon again."
SGT. Chipperini of Gloucester, MA/USA

"I just wanted to let everyone know that this past Saturday was another hard year from when Josh died. This whole month is depressing due to we lost grandma Buckles 2 days after we laid Josh to rest. I love the whole family and everyone who has supported the family while we have had a tragic loss and like many other families. Support Our Troops."
Brooke Westcott (Josh's Cousin) of Marion, Indiana

"Dear Bruce and Joy Ramsey,
I was your Sons Team Leader, room mate, and he was the only brother I ever knew. I hate remembering how he died, but how he lived. was He was a soldier thru and thru. A man of Honor. Your son and I served in Iraq together and I was promoted to SGT while we were there. I have always wanted to contact you. I can only Imagine what you have to deal with, I only knew Josh a short time, and after what happened to him to this day I wish I never left Iraq. Every Dec 12 haunts me and it is all I can do to get out of bed. I can tell you that your son was a vital part of our operations and an awesome soldier. I can say that on more than one occasion his actions saved the lives of not just the members of our truck but those of our platoon. I knew with the way his peers looked up to him, that he would have been an awesome leader. Like no other soldier I have ever met, he could read a training manual and put what he learned into action with no further instruction required. He took the initiative to always do the right thing, even when he thought nobody was looking. I can't tell you how proud I am to have known him. I am deeply sorry for your loss, and thankfull for having the chance to have known him. After his loss I lost the will to continue on, and due to family issues at home, I did not re-enlist after my 5 year commitment. I died a little that day, but because of the actions of your son I can say I live today because of him."
Stephen Shock (former Sgt of the United States Army) of Spartanburg, South Carolina

"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

"On this Memorial Day I wanted to Honor a Outstanding Soldier who I alway call a Pistol .PFC Ramsey New His Job as a Combat Military Police Officer 100 % .In April 2004 I had the Honor to sever with him in Iraq .He was the Best Machine Gunner in the Platoon .A soldier who volunteer to sever his countery and volunteer to go to combat in Iraq.PFC Ramsey gave his Life and soul to his Friends and to people who knew of him .I was heart Broken to learn what happen to PFC Ramsey .I found out that He was Kill in Action on my birthday 12 Dec 2004 .For many years I have been in the US ARMY and have complete 4 additional tours to Iraq and every time I see a Gunner , It always brought me back to see this Great American PFC Ramsey always taking care of Troops .So on this Memorial day , I was raking my lawn and out of the Blue It came to me to call today PFC Ramsey Father and Mother and I did and I spoke to his Mother and assured her that Her Son PFC Ramsey Was a Great American Soldier for everyone to Know .It was Nice to tell his Mother PFC Ramsey is Still severing his country and he is right there with every military police gunner today in Iraq .I am a 22 year Veteran of the US ARMY and threw my Military tour as a Senior Non Commision Officer We meet Lots of Soldiers but Some Soldiers Stand out Because they want take upon themself and learn there jobs and be the Best of Everyone , I Call them a PISTOL and That is What PFC Ramsey is .PFC Ramsey Should have Been awarded the Brozen Star Medal for his actions on 5 April 2004 at 1000 am when his Protective Service Platoon was call to secure the Site of a Shot down AH-64 Gun Ship .During the Period there was lots happening and a few of us came under direct emeny small arms fire , I saw PFC Ramsey Take the right action and fire his M-2 50 Caliber machine gun threw his quick thinking and tell other soldiers where the fire was coming from , PFC Ramsey Save alot lives that that Day .He Never recive the Medal what he trudey earned that day because of his squal leader and the Platoon Sergeant was only thinking and taking care of themself .I Salute You PFC Ramsey , God Speed , Climb To Glory , You are Never Forgoten Trooper . My E-mail is mountainsoldier47@yahoo.com"
Staff Sergeant Joseph S.Principe II United States Army Retire of New York

"December 7, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Joshua A. Ramsey:
Joshua 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

"myself and ramsey went to basic and AIT together then when I went to St.louis airport only to find that we were gonna be stationed in germany we didnt know where but in germany. we flew over there sittin side by side only to find that we were gonna be in the same company in the same platoon. As the PSD for the Battalion Commander and CSM Josh and I were roomates til we deployed and for while in iraq...my Platoon Sargent once said that we made the perfect private because ramsey was very book smart and i was a soldier who learned by hands on...so losing ramsey was like losing half of me and to this day I think about the soldier he would be today and how his life as impacted me so much...I want you to know from me that he was the one of the greatest friends I could have ever had his memory will forever live in the hearts of the Guardians"
Spc Darin Teague of Ft. Hood TX dwt13@hotmail.com...401st MPCO

"I've known Josh since Jr year in high school. We were both in the same class. Josh was a great individual. Josh saw me when I first went to basic. He was in the company next to me and he would laugh at me. I found that out later on down the line. Then I went home for christmas to surprise everyone, but I was the one to be surprised. I was told about what happened to Josh at 0400 the morning of his funneral. I went to the funneral to say by goodbyes and saluted a fellow soldier as he crossed over. I will never forget Josh and I thank him for everything he did. I hope i can be the kind of soldier he was one day."
SPC Ernske of Camp Humphrey's Korea

"I will forever remember PFC Josh Ramsey. From bunking next to you in basic training and AIT to our units being at the same place in Kuwait. We crossed paths again and again.Our convoys passed each other. We both exchanged a look of excitement but had to continue on. I served with Ramsey in training and continued to do so under the 16th MP BDE(ABN) in Iraq. I miss you man... And to Josh's family, I'm deeply sorry for you loss. A fine soldier and a great person."
Tanner of Ohio

"Joy and the rest of the family,
Joy I am so sorry for all of your losses!
Both Josh and your mother were the finest people. I have said a prayer for them and I wish you the finest of futures"
Richard Davis of Norman, Oklahoma

"Josh was my best friend, and I loved him like a brother. I first met him while I was in basic training and by some strange luck, we where stationed in Mannheim togather, then in Iraq. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him, Rest in peace PFC Ramsey."
David Streeter of Tampa, FL

"I came across this young mans name while seaching to see if anyone from my husbands home town had been lost, thankfully none at this time. But Defiance is just down the street from Bryan and I wanted to say how sorry I am for the family, I hope that as these two years have past you have found some peace. I lost a friend in Jan 2004 in Iraq, and my husband is in the Navy so I know a little about what you are feeling, but thankfully only a little.
We will keep you in our thoughts forever."
Dessie Yates(rowdie696@yahoo.com of Andrews AFB, MD

"I know for a fact all the messages that everyone has left is greatly appricated by the family, and many others. I met Josh on the school bus and ended up dating him and we were to be engaged on my birthday of this year. I miss him so much. Thank you for the messages from his family and my self"
Jaylynn of Defiance

"To the family of Joshua A. Ramsey, This really touches me because your son is from my boyfriends hometown and he died on my birthday and he was just 19 years of age. I want you to know that I respect and appreciate what your son done for my daily freedoms, how he gave his life for The United States of America and what he believed in, May God be with you each and everyday just as Joshua will always be in your heart. God Bless!"
Anna Nelson of Harriman, Tennessee, USA

"For Joy Ramsey, Mother of Joshua Ramsey

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free.

Miss me a little but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared.
Miss me but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone
It's all a part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds'
Miss me but let me go.

Josh's Picture is in a place of Honor at the Marion VA Hospital and bears a Black Ribbon.

God Bless you Joy & Kirk. Words can never express the sorrow for your loss."
Leland of Fairmount, Indiana

"I work with Josh's Mother Joy Ramsey at
the Marion VA Hospital.
I met Josh while he was Home on Leave and he was a Fine Soldier and a Fine Young Man!
My Heart goes out to all of his Family and Friends in their time of sorrow.
God cradles Joshua now, as he travels the streets paved with Gold.
God Bless the Family of PFC Joshua Ramsey!"
Lee Lamb-1st Cavalry of Fairmount, Indiana

"I went to basic training with Josh who was a great soldier from day 1. On behalf of 1st Plt Mad Dawgs, Thankyou for your sacrifice and you will not be forgotten. We will miss you Ramsey. And to Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey, I am deeply sorry for your loss."
Spc. Steele of Pittsburgh, PA

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

"Ramsey Family-
We just want you to know that Josh will never be forgotten!! We will always have the memories!"
Wendy & Richard Easley (Cousin) of Louisville, KY

"Josh was my friend. We met when we rode the same bus clear back in jr. high school. He was a very charming person. The last time I seen him was Labor Day weekend 2004. He drove all the way out in the middle of no where just to give me a hug while he was on leave. He is missed greatly!!!"
Christy D. of Defiance, Ohio

"PFC Ramsey is a Great Soldier and is still severing with are Lord Jesus Christ and severing his Contry.He will be remenber by those who he touch .God Bless Him and His Family and to those Soldiers who sever with him."
SSG Principe II of PO: Box 1061, Fort Drum NY .13603

"Military Police Corps Regimental Prayer
By Chaplain Michael Yarman

Heavenly Father - We approach You today because You have called us to be a people of prayer.

We praise You because You are our Creator, our Redeemer and our Provider.

We acknowledge our great need for You as we fulfill our mission as soldiers.

We have been called to serve our nation as Military Police and we are proud of the honored heritage of the Regiment and our motto: Of the Troops and For the Troops.

Whether we are fighting an enemy, securing as area, patrolling the streets, or helping someone in distress, help us, O Lord, to always be men and women of integrity who can be counted on to do the right thing.

Give us the strength to stand for what is right and to oppose those who would do harm to our nation and the people we serve.

May we always be truthful in Word, Deed and Signature, and bring honor through our service to the memory of those in the Regiment who gave the supreme sacrifice for their country.

Guide us now, Father, by giving us wisdom and knowledge from on high, that as Military Police we will always be prepared to Assist, Protect and Defend."
CPT Glidewell

"I typed my name in google and this came up. We have the same first name, middle initial and last name. I'd just like to say thank you to you and your family for your sacrifice"
Joshua A Ramsey of Salt Lake City, Utah

"Dear Bruce and LeAnn,
I know how proud you were of your son, Josh. So was I. When he went to Iraq I tried to let him know that he was loved and wasn't forgotten, by sending him care packages and oatmeal cookies. He will remain in my memory as a hero."
Aunt Kathy Barnett of Paso Robles, California

"We heard of Joshua's death on the news and just wanted to express our sympathy at your loss. May God comfort you now and in the future."
The Stout family of Grant County, IN

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

"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

"My class and I wish to offer you our condolences on your loss. Thank You Josh for helping to keep us safe."
Mrs. Arthur's 4th Grade Class of Nelsonville, Ohio

"Thank you Joshua 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 Pfc. Joshua 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 Joshua 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 Pfc. Joshua 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 Joshua, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia