Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"8 November, 2025
Hey man. Well I'm still dancing and caught the competition bug. Still haven't won any since my return, but enjoying it none the less. I'll be competing in The Open World Swing Dance Championships at the end of the month. Sounds cooler than it is. No special requirements though, other than buying an event pass and registering to compete. Almost done restoring the Prelude. Just need suspension bushings and then the niceties like a push button start, and modern stereo with a touch screen. Basically at that point it will be no different than all the new cars now. I think you'd be amused how the manufactures have everyone all F****d up thinking cars are so modern now. When really the only difference is the stereo and push to start on every car. Also, no more manuals. I even have been asked to self park by the Valet on multiple occasions because no-one can drive a manual. Imagine your job is to professionally park cars. And you cant because of that lever coming out of the center console and the 3rd mystery pedal. Ha! I just realized my registration is due on the 8th of November each year. Funny how stuff like that works out. Anyhow, life is good and I'm finding a new path with dancing and writing. This time next year I'll tell you all about my YouTube channel for reading children's books, my story about our time in Iraq, and how I did at Worlds and any other cool stuff that comes up. As always, you are not forgotten.
Semper-fi Devil Dog."
Sgt Stamm of Camarillo, CA

"8 November 2024
This last year has gone by pretty quick. I imagine it will seem more and more like that as time goes on. I went back to West Coast Swing dancing. First time being out in like 18 years. Won't be competing again, just for fun this time. But nice to get out again all the same. Talia is in 5th grade now and Elle is in her first year of TK. I also started restoring my Prelude. Bought it about 2 weeks before we were activated and sent out there and have had it ever since. First brand new car I ever purchased. Think I'll take a road trip up to Swan Island once I'm done. Won't be going on the base, but I'll drive by, and then go have a drink at a nearby bar for old times.
Seper Fi Devil Dog, you are not forgotten."
Sgt Stamm of Camarillo, CA

"8 November 2023
Hey man. Well quite a bit has been going on this last year. My oldest daughter is 9 now and made it onto a gymnastics team. Funny how we enrolled her in just a weekly class, thinking it would help her burn off some extra energy. Then she made the team, goes 3 days a week for 2 1/2 hours each day and has more energy than ever. But she enjoys it quite a bit. She's also become quite a piano player after playing for the last 5 years and just picked up ukulele. Our 3 year old has developed quite an amusing personality and I think she would crack you up with he antics.
I'm hoping to get back to Jiu Jitsu soon, just got to work out the timing.
I never managed to re-connect with Mike or really anyone we served with. Seems a bit difficult to relate anymore after having left the Marines.
I do know that everyone is doing well from what I've seen on Facebook, and I know that your family is doing well and is happy.

As always, see you when I see you,

Semper Fi Devil Dog"
Sgt Stamm of Camarillo, CA

"8, November 2022
I was thinking the other day of when we went over to SOI to hit the PX, looking for the "new" digital cammo.
For some reason we got the blouse and trousers, but there were no digital covers. The PX there was out as well. You went off to the barracks where the Marines in combat training were billeted and came back with one you managed to purchase from one of the young Marines there.
The rest of us just ended up having to look like a patchwork group of Marines with digital blouses and trousers with the old-school cammo covers and whichever random boots we wanted to wear. Cadillacs, black or tan Jungle Boots, or those shitty knockoff Gore-Tex boots that all had random sizes. (My actual boot size was 11 and my GoreTex was 14XW.)
On the bus ride back, there was that crazy dude who smelled up the whole bus and had those disgusting sores on his face he kept picking at and eating. He noticed we were grossed out and looking at him and he pointed his finger saying, "I'll get you all kicked out of the Marine Corps." and just kept staring at us the rest of the bus ride. Since he was at the front, when we got to our stop, we all went out the back door so we wouldn't have to go past him. And with the hopes he would not follow us. That was a good story to tell once we got back to the barracks.
I've relayed that story on more than one occasion since then (with a lot more of the gory/hilarious details of course).
I haven't heard from Mike for years. Really since I got out, but you know how it is. Once someone leaves the Marines and everyone else stays, we loose touch quickly.
I do talk to "Treball" from time to time. But I think the fact that he was not deployed with us is part of why we are still able to talk.
Strange how that works out.
Anyhow, I'll check back in next year and of course will see you when I get there.

Semper-fi Devil Dog,


Gideon"
Sgt Stamm of Camarillo, CA

"Dave,
This year I am responding to your son Zachary. His email is no longer valid, so I'm posting it here.

Semper Fi.

Zachary,
Your father Dave was an outstanding Marine and a good friend to everyone.
Dave was well respected and always presented himself in a manner which made him an example to all of us. Of what it means to be a Marine and an ideal of what we should all strive to be as Marines.
I was always impressed with the amount of volunteer missions he was a part of and I even recall him speaking about taking part in the Operation Cobra Gold exercises on more than one occasion. Which is definitely one he was quite proud of.
While serving with him in Iraq, we were generally sent off on separate missions. Both of us being Electrical Equipment Repair Specialists. From what I remember, Dave was primarily working at a camp tasked with providing the electricity needed to run the water purification units, which generated thousands of gallons of safe drinking water every day. Any time there was a need for someone with his leadership abilities and electrical expertise, he would volunteer.
For the few times when we were at the same camp, Dave, Mike and myself, along with a few Marines from Michigan would try and all have our evening chow at the same time. We’d all sit together and treat it as a family meal, telling stories and joking as friends and family do. We did all get a bit silly, and started calling ourselves “The Family” and decided that since Dave and I had already been shaving our heads (for cleanliness), that anyone who wanted to sit and eat with “The Family” had to also shave their heads. Except for any women, they could do what they want with their hair.
After dinners, we’d all drink these awful cups of dehydrated coffee with sugar and powdered cream and relax for a bit longer before heading back to our various hooches to get ready for the next work day. Dave always was in high spirits and no matter what the stress of the day, he was always in the best of moods, telling jokes and laughing like we weren’t away from our families and missing everyone back home.
The last time I saw your father, was the day I was checking out of the Marines, back in Portland. I saw him on the parade deck and informed him I was getting out, since my contract was up. For me, that deployment was enough for me and I had decided to pursue a direction in life outside of the Marines. Dave said he had volunteered to go back. Before we left our first deployment, he had started going into Falluja to help with restoring electricity to that city.
We shook hands and Dave said it was an honor to have served with me and I said the same.
Once in a while, I’ll find myself somewhere that is serving terrible dehydrated coffee with sugar and powdered creamer, it brings be back to that dimly-lit chow tent. And I can hear the laughter we all shared in a place and time that is so far away, but every day still feels like yesterday.
It was an honor to know him and you should be extremely proud to have had a Marine like SSGT Ries as your father."
SGT Stamm of Camarillo, CA

"I think of you often brother. Keep em covered and aligned until I get there."
SSgt Campbell of Kinderhook, NY

"10 November 2020
Happy Marine Corps Birthday SSGT.
Another year. And boy you missed a big one. 2020 was quite the year.
I haven't been to a Marine Corps Ball since I got out. But I know you are remembered when 6th ESB has theirs. We all miss you Devil Dog.
Semper Fi"
Sgt Stamm of Camarillo, CA

"25 November 2019
Hey Dave, Had some trouble posting messages the last couple years but I was able to get in touch with the WebMaster to get it fixed.
Semper-Fi Devil Dog. You will not be forgotten."
Sgt Stamm of CA

"If anyone wants to tell me about David here is my email- 2019tylerz@lacenterschools.org and my phone number-3602810412"
Zachary tyler of LaCenter WA

"I didn't really know David Ries until my mom told me that he is my biological father that I did not know about him till I was 7 years old and I wish I could have met him before he passed but I was only 1-1/2 years old when he was alive but I would like to meet my dads side of his family cause I have a lot of questions about him."
Zachary tyler of LaCenter, Washington, United States

"8, November 2016
Hey Staff Sergeant. I have a daughter now, she's 2 and has a great sense of humor. I think you'd get a kick out of her.
Semper Fi Devil Dog. You are not forgotten."
Sgt Stamm of Camarillo, CA

"8 November 2015
Not forgotten. We all miss you."
Sgt Stamm of CA

"Brother,
it has been a long time. I will never forget you, or you standing on the line calling out commands on the firing line. Know that you are thought of often.

Semper Fidelis,
MSgt Hernandez"
of Phoenix, Az

"Semper Fi Staff Sergeant."
Sgt Gideon Stamm of WA

"RIP Brother. Semper Fi."
Sgt Thomas Dawson of Wilton, NY

"Dave and I served in Kings Bay, 2/6 Echo Company 2nd Plattoon, and deployed to Okinawa, Japan together! He was a great man and we will honor him for eternity! My thoughts and prayers go out to his freinds and family! Until we meet again and thank you for your sacrifice!"
SGT Brad Trate of White Deer, PA

"Dave was my 1st Team leader Echo 2/6 97-98...I loved his sense of humor...He volunteered for the worst missions when everyone else hid...Just found out about this and I am just devastated! Until we meet again brother, Semper Fi!! My prayers to his family!"
Gonzo of Seaside Heights, NJ

"Served with Ssgt Ries in Fallujah,Iraq in 2004. RIP.You will always be by our side and forever in our hearts."
Jeff Scott of Honolulu, Hawaii

"8 November, 2013

You are not forgotten Staff Sergeant.
I'm proud to have served with you. I always think back to those "Family" dinners all of us had and the gourmet freeze dried coffee the Marine Corps so kindly provided us. I'm having one for you tonight brother.

P.S. I still think that dung beetle deserved a pardon though.

See you when I get there man."
Sgt Gideon Stamm 6th ESB, Portland OR of Snohomish, WA

"Rest in peace brother. It was a pleasure serving with you and you are missed."
Sgt Jeremy Willett of Portland, OR

"Gone but not forgotten"
Thomas j Felton of Roscommon M.i.

"8 November 2012
Not Forgotten
Semper-Fi Devil Dog"
Sgt Gideon Stamm of Snohomish WA

"8 November 2012
Not Forgotten.
Seper-Fi Devil Dog"
Sgt Gideon Stamm of Snohomish WA

"Hey Ries my partner Alison served with you and yesterday we made a small memorial for you hope you seen it......Thank you for giving your life up for me and my family......."
Kerri Marlette of Grand Rapids MI

"Seven Years ago SSGT Reis died in my arms. Not a day goes by that I wish I could have done more to save him. I think about that night every day and think about his family. I hope that you can some how forgive me. Semper Fi Marine"
SSGT Luderman BA of Rossford, Ohio

"7 years....seems unbelievable David. I will never forget the journey home watching over you. Semper Fi my brave friend."
Christie Weber former SSgt of Fredericksburg, Va

"7 yrs ssgt."
Unknown of Gr

"8 November 2011,
7 Years now SSGT. All of us having chow and drinking that horrible freeze dried coffee every evening is one of the best memories I have of that place.

Semper Fi Devil Dog. You'll never be forgotten."
Sgt Gideon Stamm of Snohomish WA

"Hey ssgt.
This is really weird for me. I still think about that cold rainy night to this very day. I can't forget it. I miss ya, you were a good leader. Still hard for me, joking one minute and the next is burned in my mind. You'll be missed. One of the best, unlike the rest."
Lcpl unknown of Grand rapids, Michigan

"Thinking of you this day when Bin Laden is no more. I am happy to have known you and think of you still."
Amy Propp (Hill) of Billings, MT

"Semper Fi Devil Dog. We all miss you."
Sgt Stamm of Snohomish WA

"Dave, we are coming up on 6 years next week and not a day goes by that I don't think of you. You were always there for me no matter what. I miss you so much more than I can say and I know that many more people feel the same way. You were one of the best friends I ever had and you will forever be missed."
Brianna Ehlinger of Vancouver, WA

""To any Family and Friends of the fallen Marine: My name is Sgt Mariko C. Willis, I serve with 6th ESB and I also am the C.O.O of the Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis Foundation. My family started a non-profit organization in memory and honor of my deceased brother Cpl. Willis back in 2004. The Foundation has built a MEMORIAL CABINET in honor of the four fallen Marines attached to 6th ESB OIF I: LCpl Jeffery Lam, SSgt David Ries, Cpl Joshua Palmer and LCpl Thomas Zapp. I would like to make contact with friends and/or family so that we can attain pictures/bio's and any other memoriabilia you may want presented in this case to honor your fallen Marines. Please contact me at Mariko.Willis@usmc.mil or MarikoCWillis@aol.com.

Semper Fi""
Sgt Mariko C. Willis of Battle Creek, MI USA

"Five years today,If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane,
We would walk all the way to Heaven, to bring you home again. Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal and love leaves a memory that no one can steal. You were one of a kind. We miss you everyday Marine!"
Co-workers from your Mall of Vancouver, Washington

"It's five years today Dave, and your friends gather in your honor once again.
You are missed, loved, and remembered with pride and honor. Rest well."
Donna of Vancouver, WA

"David, I remember the first time we met and always will. There are few men who love this country as much as you did. It is easy to fly a flag and sit on a couch when the chips are down. You and your fellow Marines know what it is to protect and defend the Constitution. You and your fellow Marines know sacrifice intimately and still volunteer for more. Semper Fi indeed! God bless and keep you and every man and woman in uniform and in service of this great nation. Ho Rah!"
Craig of Vancouver, Washington

"November 16, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. David G. Ries:
David 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

"Here we are 25 days since Memorial Day, three days to David’s birthday and 14 days to the Fourth of July. Yet the red white and blue shines through. Regardless of holidays, birthdays or days set aside to remember those who have fallen; some live day to day and never forget, or wish they could remember more. Camryn Jean Ries never got to know her father. David never got to watch that first trip without training wheels or the first time she will dump the clutch, and last but not least wont get to walk her down the aisle. But it doesn’t mean she hasn’t forgotten who her Daddy is or the colors he stood for and still would if given the chance. She chose these colors for this day, without help and without any assistance. She wanted to share this day with her Daddy. If it wasn’t for him and many others before and to follow, we wouldn’t have this choice. To celebrate three colors that represent and describe exactly who we once were, ARE and always will be. So lets celebrate life and those who have given theirs, the ones that made it possible to live ours and the ones left behind to honor them. These are the colors we salute and cover our hearts for, these are the colors of her Daddy’s flag. The colors that won’t run; no matter how many tears are shed upon them."
Justin Hays of Vancouver, WA

"Dear Family of David G. Ries,
I am so sorry for your loss, he is a hero. I was checking Bryan P. Kelly profile, and saw that you left a message. The car you saw, that was my husbands. We just moved up here to Vancouver and were living with friends. I drove by your house everyday and would look up at the flag and think of Bryan. Bryan was one of my husbands good friends. I wish we would have stopped by to say hi and to tell you what a hero those men are. If you every just want to talk my e-mail is marcimac04@yahoo. By the way I have walked by your house while taking a walk and noticed the picture in the window. I love bulldogs, where did you get him/her? Hope all is well and take care!!"
Marci McEnroe of Vancouver, WA

"To the family of:David G. Ries 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"

"My email is riespieces63@yahoo.com. thank you so much for all that you've done. Hope all is well with you and yours. Cant believe its been two years already"
Amanda Ries of Vancouver, WA

"Amanda,
Can you please give me an email where I can send a poem that I wrote? Thank you."
SSgt Christine Weber Escort for David of Frederisckburg, VA

"I escorted David home and not a day goes by that I don't think about him. I am on my way to Iraq tomorrow and have my memorial bracelet with David's name on it around my wrist. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have a poem that I wrote that I would like to share with his family. Please contact me at cweber@falmouthfire.com.
Semper Fidelis,
SSgt Christine Weber"
SSgt Christine Weber of Quantico, Va

"First off, let me start by saying that he never should have been there. None of our troops should be there. Saddam Hussein was not a threat to our "freedom" or our national security. He had NOTHING to do with 9/11. My cousin, David Ries was doing his job. The president called on him and he went. I love my cousin and pray that nobody else has to lose a loved one like this."
SSgt Benjamin S. Rall of Spangdahlem AB, Germany

"that ribbon you saw, i have seen on his wife's car. i never knew david but i know his wife and i feel bad for her and the children. SEMPER-FI david you did good man!"
mecca of vancouver,washington

"Dave~ You will always be remembered as a man of honor. You stood for everything good. We will NEVER forget, you'll always be in our hearts."
Mary & Trevor Dunn of Clark County WA

"I saw a yellow ribbon on a car in Oregon City this past Friday that said in memory of David Ries, USMC, so I wanted to look him up. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those serving still. Thank you to him and his family for your sacrifice. It will not be forgotten."
Kate T. of Oregon City, Oregon

"To the family of David G. Ries:

My deepest sympathy and regrets to the family of this hero. Unselfishness is the one thing our world needs, and this brave soul tested us Marines everyday with this characteristic. I was in charge of our motor transport assets in the company, and his platoon had two of them. I reported to him every time they had a problem or needed an extra vehicle. He was a kind, honest man who was a living example of what to base your life as a Marine by. I still have not forgotten him, nor will I ever. It was the grace of God that I had an opportunity to serve with him. Semper Fidelis and God bless your family Staff Sergeant Ries."
David G. Martin of Lansing, MI

"MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND DAVID'S CHILDREN. I RAN WITH DAVID AT EVRGREEN HIGH- I READ ABOUT THE MEMORIAL THIS MORNING AND WANTED TO PAY MY RESPECTS. I AM VERY LUCKY TO HAVE KNOWN HIM-HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND INDEED! (OUR DAUGHTERS NAMES ARE THE SAME TOO) I WISH HIS FAMILY THE BEST AND KEEP THEM ALL IN MY HEART!"
ERIN LOGAN-(WOODS) of VANCOUVER,CLARK,WA.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! You are very important to both of us. Without you, our life together would not have been possible! We love you and miss you!!"
Matt and Jaime of Vancouver, WA

"Thank you. I met you wife the other day and she is very nice. I dont know who you are and you dont know me but thank you so much from the bottom of my heart."
Smith of Silverton, OR

"To My Hero, I can not begin to tell you how proud I am to be your wife. The kids and I miss you very much. You are our everything. Our Hero, our Angel, and our life... I love you and can't wait to see you again soon. XOXO"
Amanda J Ries of Vancouver

"To David's family,
We are the parents of Thomas J Zapp, Lcpl, Marine Corp, who dies with your son on Nov. 8. I was told they were in the same vehicle. I'm comforted that TJ was not alone. I understand what you are feeling and ask God for continued grace to provide you with peace. We know that both David and TJ are in paradise and that we will see them again someday. God bless you all. I will forever be grateful for the sacrifice your family and David has made for us all. Semper Fi!"
Christine St Michel of Houston, TX

"To David's Wife, Children, and Family:
I had the privelege of bringing David home to you. I have journeyed with a hero. I will never be the same. Thank you for making this world a better place by allowing David to touch so many people. You are in my thoughts and prayers. weberc@hqmc.usmc.mil"
Escort SSgt Weber of Washington, DC

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

"You meant so much to us and the kids. You will always be in our hearts and minds David. We love and miss you so very much. We look forward to meeting with you again in the future."
Brianna Ehlinger of Vancouver Washington

"To Dave's family,
My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. Nothing but time can ease the hurt, but knowing that Dave gave his all to keep the rest of us safe may be of some comfort. He is truly a hero. I am PROUD to have known him."
Pam of Vancouver, WA

"Thank you for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"My heart goes out to you Mandy, you are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. David will always remain my biggest hero, I will never forget him. God bless you and your family during this time of sadness.
Sara Price
Proud wife of Cpl. DL Price
6th ESB 4th FSSG"

"Our Prayers are with David's family, especially his wife and two young Boys. He is forever a Hero, and guarding Heaven now."
The family of SSGT William M. Harrell ~ USMC , KIA 4/08/04 of OREGON

"To the family of David;
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. David is a true American hero and will always be remembered by us for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice he gave to our country. Our family has also suffered the loss of my nephew in this battle for freedom. May God bless you during this difficult time."
Vic and Tammy McClain--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"RIP Tufelhunden...The Taylors.USMC NC"

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. David G. Ries,

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 register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca

"We remember Dave as a friendly, dedicated, brave person. We are very saddened by his loss. We send our condolences to his family, to his wife, and his two children."
Christian and Lindsay Samples of Rohnert Park, CA

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

"To David'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"

"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 David G. Ries."
Amy & Aaron Monier of Waterford, MI.

"To the friends and family of Staff Sgt. David Ries,

There are no words that can possibly ease your pain but please know that many across this country are grateful to your son and you. His bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Please accept these words as a token of my heartfelt sorrow for your loss.

Respectfully,"
Rebecca of Los Angeles

"To David'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 David Ries, 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 Staff Sgt. David Ries:
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 David 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 Staff Sgt. David Ries:
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 David, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia