Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Pfc. Ryan E. Reed

20, of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Reed died in Baghdad, Iraq, when a vehicle approached his unit and the driver detonated a bomb. He was assigned to 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany. Died on April 29, 2004.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Pfc. Ryan E. Reed.

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Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

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"On this day, we recognize all our fallen soldiers. Nearly twenty years has gone by since your untimely passing, and you cross my mind each year. I was a young airman when I heard. When I deployed to Iraq, you crossed my mind. While each injured soldier was brought to our ER (there were numerous amounts at this time), I thought of you. We weren’t actual friends in high school but had a mutual respect for one another, and is death still hit me hard. To his wife, Alicia, she was my friend and I felt extremely sympathetic to her. I hope she was able to cope and move on. My time spent in the military, I witnessed the heartache and damage left after a loved one passed.
Till Valhalla, rest easy man"
Chris Carpenter of San Antonio, Texas

"Thinking of you today and honoring your memory and the sacrifices you made for your country. You are a true inspiration and I will never for get you."
Lasandra Talleyrand of Tampa, FL

"I am Ryan's father Leonard. after all these years I am able to go through Ryan's effects. I would like to thank everyone for their support. I am sorry to take so long to responded. I would like to thank everyone for their support and I am sorry for any and all loses. I would gladly trade places with my children. I loss my daughter due to her injuries in Afgan. I can not thank you for all of you support. I would like to thank a few personally. Marilena Beckstrend. sorry your loss. Angela Rosenquist, Troy Hodges, Ryan Regan, Maeja of Kent, Wash. Patti Maasarani. Adam Vejil, Gail Swetman. thank you all/ this is a long time coming but I am just now dealing with my losses. thank you all. walk_proud@yahoo.com,"
leonard brown of new port richey,fl.

"Dear Son, We just made it through another Holiday without you. It doesn't get any easier. The last Christmas we spent w/you was the Christmas that you and Alicia got married. You were wed the day before my birthday, on December 27th, and you didn't leave for your honeymoon because you wanted to take me out to dinner for my birthday on the 28th. I have not had a birthday since that I don't think about the fact that my birthday was the last time I saw you alive. Who could have known that 4 months and 1 day later you would be killed? I'm so grateful for the years God gave me with you, and also that I did get to spend that birthday with you. What if, right? You really mean so much to so many. You were one in a trillion. I look at the stars and try to determine just how far past them you are, and then I think, nah, he's not that far, he's right here, standing next to me. My love, my son, my sweet baby boy, you are dearly missed! I love you Ryan! Merry Christmas!!!!"
Ryan's Mom of Colorado Springs

"Ryan,
Today, we are celebrating not only your life because you would be 27 today, but the sacrafice you made for the country you love so much. I cannot express how much we all miss you here but one thing is for sure, you will never be forgotten. You have left so many memories that it would be impossible to forget you. I will never forget the day you said you were going to join the Army. I was so worried, but you were so passionate and I wanted to support your dream like you had always supported mine. Miss you always, Ryan. Happy Birthday and Veteran's Day. Keep 'em busy up there ;)"
Alicia of Colorado Springs, CO

"Ryan- I am so grateful for the time that I knew and loved you and still do.I remember you and Patrick spending the weekend with me in Fayetteville that time.Rembered it snowed!Then after Gene and I moved back to Wilmington, you and Patrick helped me with my flower garden.You will always be in our hearts.We miss you so much.05/29/2010"
Bobbi Swinson of Wilmington,NC

"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
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"To the family of Ryan. My brother James Beckstrand was in Ryan's unit when Ryan was taken from you and James was taken from us. We think of Jim always along with Ryan and the other 6 soldiers, Ryan C., Norman, Justin, Jeremy, Esau and Jeffrey. We always smile knowing that the 8 of these amazing men are around us 24/7 for their job of protecting us has now gone from the war but to eternity. God Bless your family...
lucy.lu75@yahoo.com"
Lucy Mejia of Anaheim, Ca/USA

"Ryan,m sorry i didn't get ot know u.
i really wanted to!!!u made evry1 laugh so much(alicia,me-sabrina,felicia,)..u were so loving and os kind..im just glad i got to know u a little.:)we all miss u ....and we all know ur in the safest place.....and u tried thats all that matters...I'M SO SORRY UR NOT HERE..I COULDVE LEARNED ALOT,FROM U!!!

XOXO..
sabrina prast

P.S.love u !!!!!!!"
sabrina prast of Fountain,CO,,US

"I met Reed while becoming certified as a Combat Life Saver, it took me 4 sticks to get the IV in and he got it on the 1st Try. He told me he was married and to his MRS I am So Sorry for your loss. Its been so long but I still remember him he was an Awsome Young Man."
SGT De Leon of SVC BTY, 4-27 FA

"I met Reed while becoming certified as a Combat Life Saver, it took me 4 sticks to get the IV in and he got it on the 1st Try. He told me he was married and to his MRS I am So Sorry for your loss. Its been so long but I still remember him he was an Awsome Young Man."
Emmanuel J. G. De Leon of Columbia, SC

"Happy Veteran's Day and HAPPY 26th Birthday. We all miss you and cannot wait for the day that by God's grace we get to see you again!"
Alicia of C-Springs

"Ryan,
It has been over 5 years now and I am just able to sit and tell you thank-you for being one of the heros. You gave all and will always be remembered and missed. Everytime I think of you I remember when you were at the house getting ready for a date with Alicia. I told you that you looked nice and you gave that grin of your's, flicked your collar and said thanks like you already knew you looked good. That memory always makes me smile. I can't thank you enough for the sacrifice you made. I know one day I will be able to thank-you face to face. You will live on in all of our hearts. Love Matt's mom."
Valerie Sorabella of Colorado Springs, Colorado

"Five years now since the horrible news broke. It has been quite the ride. Ryan, you were loved so much by everyone and you helped so many people in ways you will never know. I am so blessed to have known you and to have been your wife. You are still an inspiration to me, my hero, and a driving force for me to live each day. You were one of a kind and no matter what path may come in life, I will always love you. I will see you again someday!
If you knew Ryan this makes sense:

When you’re on a holiday
You can’t find the words to say
All the things that come to you
And I wanna feel it too

On an island in the sun
We’ll be playing and having fun
And it makes me feel so fine
I can’t control my brain

hip hip
hip hip

When you’re on a golden sea
You don’t need no memory
Just a place to call your own
As we drift into the zone

On an island in the sun
We’ll be playing and having fun
And it makes me feel so fine
I can’t control my brain

We’ll run away together
We’ll spend some time forever
We’ll never feel bad anymore

hip hip
hip hip
hip hip

On an island in the sun
We’ll be playing and having fun
And it makes me feel so fine
I can’t control my brain

We’ll run away together
We’ll spend some time forever
We’ll never feel bad anymore

Hip Hip"
Alicia of CSprings

"Ryan. I have tried before to leave a message for you but have been unable to handle it. You were so special to all of us and an inspiration to all who knew you. As I read some of the previous messages that others wrote, I was struck by how many people spoke about how much you loved the Lord and that you had helped them in their journey. What a testimony for one so young to have made on people. You were always a wonderful young man.
Love to you always,
Grandma
PS. Keep watching over all of us. We sure need it."
Grandma Swinson of Colorado Springs, CO

"April 18, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Ryan E. Reed:
Ryan 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

"I went to middle school with Ryan in Wilmington, we used to joke that he looked like JTT! or Simba from the Lion King!! He was always so passionate about whatever he was doing and appreciated everything around him. God takes good people to teach everyone else compassion, he died for what he believed, in return we should live for what we believe. So Thank you Ryan and God Bless your family."
Gabrielle Barrows of wilmington, NC

"Five years Ryan. I think about you more and more everyday. The closer I get to deploying the more I wish you were here to lift my spirits. I feel praying is in order everytime someone talks about Afhganistan, but God and I haven't been on talking terms since he took you from us. Everyone believes I've become a better person, and that I'm following in you're heroic footsteps. But I feel everything falling apart without you here. Ryan you are my rock and what keeps me walking. You remind me everyday why I'm here and what I'm doing this for...My babies. You're the best brother a sister could ask for. You're my hero and I love you."
SPC. Sasha Finan of Ft. Carson, CO

"To the Reed Family,
I do not know you or Ryan, but I am sorry for your loss. I am praying for you in hopes that God will touch your lives. May you find peace and comfort. And Last, May God Bless Ryan."
Laci Steele of Lantana, Florida USA

"An absolute shame the he all other service men and women have lost their lives for a senseless war and cause. Tragedy."
Michael H. of Sherman Oaks, CA USA

"An absolute shame the he all other service men and women have lost their lives for a senseless war and cause. Tragedy."
Michael Haddad of Sherman Oaks, CA USA

"I just moved back to the Springs, and went by last week to visit your grave; it was hard to see that piece of stone with your name on it; I thought about the days that I babysat you and your sister. You were the cutest little boy with your blonde curly hair and beautiful smile. Did I ever think that you would grow up to be killed in a war? No, never. I am so happy that I got to see you right before you left to go overseas. I could not believe it was you. You were so darned handsome, and you still had the same smile.

I know that if your Nana and Poppy Brown, and Dad Lenny were on the computer they would have left many messages too. They miss you horribly !
Our wish for you is to rest in peace and know that you are forever in our hearts and minds."
Gail Williams Swetman of Colorado Springs, CO, USA

"Four years have passed since you have been gone and there is never a day you aren't in my thoughts. Moving forward has been one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do, but I know in my heart that you would have wanted that for me. You were the most incredible man I had ever met in my life and I could never forget you. You are irreplaceable and a truly unforgettablt person. We were all truly blessed to have known you. Thank you, dear Ryan, for always being my rock. Love you always T.B!!!"
Alicia Reed of Colorado Springs

"four years today... i'm almost done with freshman year and i'm getting ready to get confirmed. two weeks. o man.. how much i cried this year. But i went on my retreat with my class. it reminded me of when i'd tag along with you guys on yours and you'd give me a big old hug when i felt left out.. i was angry, that you weren't there. Alicia wasn't there.. i felt so lost. but i never knew how much anger i held inside... It almost felt like you were there blessing me with the rest of the youth team. Ryan you will always be my godparent for confirmation even if you're not here. I know you're with me everyday you're my gaurdian angel.. and for the first time i'm not mad anymore.

I love you Ryan. I miss you so much. you'll always be my hero. You'll always be my inspiration"
Nana Ricotta of C/S CO

"Dear Ryan - Four Years today and it still seems like yesterday --- I miss you as much today as I did the day we buried you. A picture of you and your beautiful bride Alicia hangs so I see it every morning and throughout the day. Thank you for the Foxes you send to remind me that you are near me. I wish w/my heart that Alicia and I could have stayed in touch, as well as Matt and I am making it my mission to reconnect w/them. I love you and miss you, but I know w/out a doubt that God is building his army and needed YOU."
Ryan's Mommy of Colorado Springs, Colorado

"Life seems unfair, but you have a clearer picture from up there. Our paths crossed for a short time, but I will always remember those determined eyes. You will always be a hero."
JMC of OH

"I went to elementary school with Ryan. He was a great friend. I miss him dearly."
Lindsey McKoy of Wilmington, NC

"Ryan,
wow, it's been three years. I remember exactly when i was told what happened. I was at school fifth grade getting back from a field trip. My whole class prayed.
I am now going into 9th grade, ya highschool. not a day goes by that i don't think of you or Alicia, not a day goes by that i don't remember. I don't remember if i told you goodbye before you left to Iraq i don't know if i gave you a hug. I don't remember.... i wish i did. I can't believe it's been so long. I wish you where here to help me like you did my sisters. I wish you knew me now. Thank you for the memories of "mud monsters" at the lake and all the good times at church. I will never forget. Never. Your picture hangs on my mirror and every morning i see you. I miss you soo much! You are my hero and you where my big brother figure. I love you soo much and would give anything to give you a hug one more time.
** Alicia**
if you ever see this, i don't know if you remember me. It's Nana Ricotta, i was in fifth grade the last time i saw you. I remember at Ryans funeral you gave me a hug and told me to be strong for him. That will stick with me for the rest of my life. Please, get in touch with me again. I miss you soo much. Yup i'm going into highschool. wish you where here. I love you! my email is foofumaj@aol.com. please if you ever see this email me."
Audrianna "Nana" Ricotta of C/S CO

"Alicia,
I'm sorry for your loss, i can't even imagine how you feel. when i first found out, it hit me like a brick wall. your in my prayers."
chris carpenter of san antonio, tx

"Your life was not given in vain. You are a true hero. Just like my brother James L Beckstrand who also gave his life for freedom."
becca of auburndale fl USA

"I miss you brother!!! You will never be forgotten!! The time we spent together in basic and deployed I will treasure forever, and you passing will haunt me for just as long. After 20 months of combat operations I know you are with me becuase I survived!!! I couldn't save you then but I can protect your memory and help your family. I am here for you brother!!"
SPC Duane Topping A Btry 4/27th FA of Baumholder, Germany

"Missing you and loving you every second of every day, until we meet again our beloved angel. D and S"
Pierce of California

"God bless you Ryan and Alicia. His memory lives on."
Rick Collazo of Colorado Springs, CO/US

"Ryan-
I think about you often. I remember when you would come in to Subway after your day's work at Office Max for a free sandwich. I did not know until after you were gone that you and Alicia ended up married. I could not be happier that you guys were able to spend some time together. You are missed. You always made me laugh. Eventhough we lost touch, just know that I think of you and Alicia often."
Jennifer Bump (Seifert) of Colorado Springs, CO. bumpij@msn.com

"hey buddy i hope this message gets to you in heavin, i'll never forget you buddy thanks for always making me laugh when i was down youre a great friend and i'll keep visiting as much as possible.

love you lil buddy
alex trevizo/boogeyman"
alex trevizo of colorado springs, colorado/usa

"Ryan,
I just wanted to tell you that I will never forget what you did for this country. You're a very brave person that no one will ever forget. And for the families of this brave young man, Im very sorry for your loss, and I thank him everyday."
Miranda Martin of Colorado

"I can't believe how long it has been since you have been gone, but I never see a sunset that doesn't remind me of you. I miss your laughter, your humor, your touch...I just miss you. I love you!"
ALICIA REED of COLO.SPGS,CO USA

"To Alicia Reed:
I know your Ryan is up there with my Jim....... I would like to get in touch with you, and this memorial board is the only way I think I can reach you. Feel free to write me at jimsmyhero@yahoo.com
I think of the guys who lost their lives with my husband Jim all the time.
Lots of hugs,"
Marilena Beckstrand of Menifee, CA

"Two years now brother....still in my mind...everyday....thinking of you down here...watchin us from up there...memory's gonna be always in my heart. Thanks again."
SGT Francisco of Vermillion SD

"I send my sympathy and prayers to Ryan's family and his young wife. Only God knows why these things happen and when it is our time to go. I knew Ryan from Mitchell High School we shared several classes together. He was an awesome friend, and always made me laugh. He has a place in my heart always. God Bless His family and Alicia only God will give you the strength to go on..."
Aleida Rodriguez of Colorado Springs, Co

"***RYAN***
Amost two years have went by and how fast at that. Though the time passes and ever so quickly, it never takes away the pain, the love, or the memories. Life has taken me through paths both good and bad, but never away from you. While I am here on this earth I will share your story with the world, it is a story that deserves to be told. I miss you Ryan, my husband, my hero, and when it's my time to go, we will spend eternity in Heaven together. No matter where my life takes me, I will always love you and I will never forget.
For My Teddy Bear
From Your Angel"
Alicia Reed of Colorado Springs, CO

"Ryan, I am a better man for having known you. I will always love you. I will see you again. Until then May God keep you. Your Uncle"
Bill Swinson of Wilmington, NC

"To the family of:Ryan E Reed I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully one day we will meet in Heaven 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"Authored by: Angela Rosenquist on Thursday, November 03 2005 @ 03:13 AM EST
I don't know Ryan Reed, but I am honored that he spent his days fighting for not just the freedom of Americans, but for the idea of protecting freedom for strangers he had never even met, from Afghanistan to San Francisco.

To his wife, again, we have never met, but thank you for your sacrifice, and I hope you find happiness in this world, and that happiness deservedly finds you, until you meet your love again, though to you, maybe he somehow will always be with you."
Angela of Stockton, California

"Ryan,
It has been a while now baby and not one day goes by that I do not think of you. I still cannot get through my head that you are not here. A big part of me is still expecting a phone call or a letter saying "I'll be home soon." I have been through a lot of crazy times lately without you. I just wish you could be here to live the Perfect life we wanted to together. But my faith has strengthened and I know that God only takes the best, and Ryan that's you. Not one person could ever say you were a bad person, everyone just adored you. I am so proud of you every day. You will live on in so many hearts, and in a very special way especially mine. You were the best husband and a great soldier. Your courage will always be admired. I also am encouraged knowing that there are sodiers out there like you willing to give everything for the love of our country...I love you baby. YOU ARE MY HERO!!!
P.S. "If dreams could build a walkway
and memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again."
I LOVE YOU FOREVER"
ALICIA REED of COLO.SPGS,CO

"DEAR RYAN YOU WONT GET THIS BUT I JUST WONT TO SAY YOUR MY HERO"
YOUR BROTHER PAT

"Like many of us in 4 2/7 the events of that day were tragic. but to those who knew ryan personaly it hit a far deeper note. i was with ryan through basic and inprocessing. always with a smile on his face he kept you in stitches. ryan will be greatly missed by all."
PFC Troy Hodges B BTRY 4 2/7 FA of Oak harbor WA

"Ryan, We went to high school together, we hung out a couple times... i never knew you joined the army... you never knew that i joined the army either... then i got a phone call from our buddy aaron barbie telling me about you. my heart split... i dont really know what to say but i can say this, i will always remember running from Compton, tryin to smoke at lunch period! ill remember the good times bro'. We love and miss you bud..."
CPL Ryan Regan of Ft Drum NY

"Your loved one was remembered on 27 May 2005 in Bicentennial Memorial Chapel General Protestant Worship Service in Fort Gordon, GA. His life and your sacrifice are not forgotten. Thank you. We are praying for you.
Chaplain (Major) Alva Ray Bennett"

"My condolences to Ryan's family and those who knew him, it is a terrible day when a mother has to attend the funeral of a child. Ryan sacrificed his life doing his duty, and his sacrifice will not go without just cause. He is one of many who have fallen in the fight for Iraq's independence. I pray every night for the safety of fellow service members and contractors deployed, hoping they make it back safely to their loved ones."
Eric of Ft. Bragg, NC / USA

"Hey,
You are the one that protected me, that fought for me, and gave his life for me. And I know I can never repay you, you are a Hero. To all those that loved and knew this man, I have deep sorrow for you. I never had the privelege to meet or even know him, and found this link because a friend gave it to me. But I support the troops in all that they do, because they make America what it is. I'm proud of our military and hope to one day join the proud ranks, but until then...... I just want to say Thank You."
Maeja of Kent Wa, USA

"Ryan,

In the hearts of those who loved you, shall you dwell, even into the last days of our lives. Your guidance and direction is still felt by those who loved you most, seeing you from time to time, we ask ourselves, why? The answer to this question might never be known, but the imprint you have upon our hearts can never be forgotten. Though not physically here, your presence is always with us. Thank you, for the existence of your emotional footprint. I’ll give your mom a hug the next time I see her, and if there is anything you need, let me know. Take care, as on this day, you became my brother.

Always, in heart and soul,"
Lindis. Y. Webb of Colorado Springs, Colorado

"Well it has almost been a year since you left this earth Ryan, and i just wanted you to know that i don't think a single day has passed that i have not thought of you, your smile, your sweetness.
The only thing that makes this all bearable is knowing that you really are so much better off than all of us that you left behind.
I miss you Ryan and i love you very much!!...........maxsmomma1958@aol.com"
Patti Maasarani of Wilmington, nc

"Ryan you know its taken alot to get over you I so glad that I could write you and tell you that I miss you and I will never forget you. I pray that some day you and i can get together and hang out like we use to before i married and i had a kid i had no time to kick it with you but like you helped me to come to know when you were still on this earth you told me "dont worry about the past homie its gone dude you cant do * about it just thank god you have your family" . I was so mad dude that you joined the army cause i was worried that something would happen but i know now that you did it for your family just like what i would have done.
god works in crazy ways man i have always had a hard time getting alog with god you know that but when you passed man it made me a little stronger i just wanted you to that cause i dont want my son growing up without a faith so your love for god rubbed off man so thax again homie, i think thats all for now but i will try and go atleast 2 times a month to visit you and tell you more and maybe pray wit you sorry it took my so long but i never knew about this web site.


RYE DOG i miss you and i Live cousin i
WILL NEVER FORGET YOU K

Adan Concepcion Vejil & the VEJIL's"
ADAN VEJIL of COLORADO SPRINGS CO

"I am so thrilled to have found this website ! I knew Ryan so well. When we first moved to Wilmington , we had only been here a few days when my son ( then 12 ) brought home a new friend, it was Ryan. I still remember the warmth and love that always seemed to radiate from this young boy. Ryan used to refer to me as his second mom and i wore that title proudly!! Over the years Ryan and Bryan stayed close and always seemed to be able to pick up just where they left off. I loved and adored this boy and i think of him every day, he was so full of love for his family and was such a loyal loving person, his beauty will shine forever. I miss you and love you Ryan.."
Patti Maasarani of Wilmington, North Carolina

"Mi baby te extranamos"

"I want to thank everyone for their condolences in this time of grief. Being PFC Reed's wife it is extremely hard and he will never be forgotten.Thank you all for remembering the fallen, for it is people like you that give me hope everyday."
Alicia Reed of Colorado Springs, CO USA

"I taught Ryan at Mitchell High School for two years. He was a teacher's dream - as a freshman and as a senior! Our Mass Media class watched the horror of 9/11 unfold on television, and I know he was deeply moved. After he graduated he moved into my apartment complex and I saw him almost daily. For the first time I told him he could call me by my first name. He was a wonderful young man, and I think about him every day. Thank you for your sacrifice. To his young bride, Alicia, and to his family, my deepest sympathies are with you."
Constance Bleam Swift of Peacedale, RI

"I LOVE YOU PFC RYAN REED"
PATRICK

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

"I just received the news of Ryan's death from his grandmother. I used to babysit Ryan when he was a little boy. He was a babysitter's dream. He was the cutest little blonde curly haired boy. He adored his little sister Sasha. I have'nt seen him in a long time but I am devastated. You see this on the news everynight, but you don't think that one of these soldiers will be someone you know. Thank you Ryan, for protecting our country from these terrorists, we are blessed for having known you."
Gail Williams-Swetman of Layton, Utah, USA

"I pray for peace. For this country and for Ryan. My sincerest sympathy."
DeAnn Curtis of Wilmington,NC

""I'm truly saddened by your loss, though i did not know your son. I was there on site once it happened, it makes you feel like you knew him. I was completely shocked. Everyday i think of those soldiers that made the ultimate sacrifice, and then i think of you. Even though we maybe be strangers you're in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless mfrancis@usd.edu""
Spc. Mark Francisco of Estelline, SD

"To Ryan'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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.

Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX"
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com

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

"To Ryan'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 Ryan Reed, 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. Ryan Reed:
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 Ryan 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. Ryan Reed:
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 Ryan, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on