Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I miss you bud I can't thank you enough for what you did over there but I appreciate your sacrifice. We didn't know each other very long but you were good friend. God Bless you Steve."
Phillip Kariuki of Seattle Wa/King

"Just remembering all the fun we had in Oceanside. Good times."
steve s. of rockford, il

"Thinking of you, Honoring you, and Remembering you on this Memorial weekend."
Pam Dustin of Bakersfield, CA

"Sorry for your lost Stacey"
Percy Brighton of New york

"JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE BEING THOUGHT OF THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEK. ONE THING I CAN PROMISE; YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I AM MAKING A COLLAGE OF YOU AND SEVERAL OTHER OF OUR HEROES THAT WILL BE IN MY HOME FOR ALL TO SEE."
Pam of Bakersfield CA

"Always thinking of you and your family. Seems people are moving on...Miss you bro!"
Steve of Rockford, IL

"Miss you bro. Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed."
Steven S. of Rockfor, IL

"Hey Big Bro!!! Haven't written you in a while.... Everything has been changing so fast, so sudden..... your face is starting to fade away... But then I look at Brandon.... wow. That boy looks so much like you. He is in ROTC, and when he wears his uniform, he looks just like you. i miss you so much Steven.... Reading over what people have been saying, makes it worse. I have so many people I would have liked you to meet. But I highly believe that you are watching over me. Do you approve of me? Of my life? Am I making the right decisions?

Life is crazy. Be sure to show me that you are here.. I miss your presence.

Love you Steven, miss you terribly."
Lil Sis, Nicole of University Place, WA USA

"Dropping a note to let you know I'm thinking of you and your family this memorial day weekend. God Bless."
Steve of Rockford, IL

"Missing You!"
S. Swinson of Tacoma, WA

"You Are Not Forgotten! I don't know if you have internet up there and I don't pray much but you are always in my thoughts. I know you are guarding heaven's gates and even though your not here with us physically you will live forever in the hearts and minds of the people who knew and love you.
Semper Fi Brother."
A.D

"Just thinking of you on Veterans Day. Semper Fi Devil....."
Steve Scholl of Rockford, IL

"You are so heavy on my mind today. God knows I miss you, it's supposed to get easier they say, it hasn't, the lump in my throat has remained since the day we lost you. I just want to hear your voice, your laugh. I love you"
Stacey Malaspino-Swinson of Tacoma, WA

"I was at the cemetery visiting a fallen family member of mine and came across your grave today. I didn't know you, and unfortunately I can't ever know you, but you and my cousin Brandon are in the same place, in Valhalla, where all the men and women who fought for their country go to watch over and protect us forever.

I left a few pennies in that bottle of Bombay Sapphire for you, and I'll have a shot for you this Friday. Semper fi, marine. Thank you for being a hero, and thank your family for raising a hero."
Tristan of Seattle, WA, USA

"Your memory is still with those who
will never forget you..and while
some may wonder what would and could
have been...the ones that I know that
you have left...know that you did
what you wanted...for whatever reason..
they all miss you..they still think of
you...they still talk about you..
and I listen...
and appreciate..am saddend..
confused..but completely
grateful...
our country is changing..and
we really dont know if its for
the good...but there are some things
most of us do know....
its people like you that give us
the few liberties we have left...
thank you
S.Rintamaki..."
cn of 98584

"It's been over four years since that awful day, and it still feels as fresh to me as it ever did. sometimes I think that I have enough control over myself to be able to look at your pictures and read these comments that people have written about you, but the very second I think I have control, I lose it with just a thought of how you used to make me feel, and your crazy ways. I still to this day have never found anybody like you and I don't think I ever will. I think you were to good for this world and God had to take you early. It is almost theripudic to get on here and write like I'm writing to you!! It is so incrediable on how much of an impact you have had on so many people. I still have your Phat Pharm pants and your yellow coat, I'll keep them forever.I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SOMETHING FIERCE. I will never forget you!!!!!"
valaree florek of shelton wa

"August 20, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Steven A. Rintamaki:
Steven 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

"Steven,

I never meet you but we talk about you a ton. I know your watching over your family! Your presents is felt everyday! Your nephews (Jordan and Elijah) are Awesome! Jaylinn is Goregous and you would be proud, she holds her own! We named Elijah middle name after you of course. We picked Elijah because of the Spirit, it brings when you here the name! I'll talk to you again soon, Much Love Little Bro!

Sincerely

Rico B."
Rico of Seattle

"Your Nephew is absolutely beautiful! Thank you for shining your spirit down on your sister when she was bringing the beautiful boy into our World. We all will make sure he knows all about his Uncle. You are so missed. Love you.... Mom, Stacey"
Stacey Swinson of Tacoma, WA

"Hey big bro!!!!!!! I just found this site by researching you, because my teacher wants to make a dedication to you, put a memorial up in our classroom. She thinks our story is awesome. I miss you alot and I wish that you could've came home. I still keep hope alive, wishing that you will come back to me some day, but I'm starting to realize that your not. I love you Steven. Want you to know that I think about you all the time. Every little thing reminds me of you. I found your necklace the other day that you gave Mom. It's in the closet. I just sat there, staring at it, and I almost started crying. I wish I could wear it, but Im kind of afraid to ask... Brandon has gotten soooo big! He looks just like you. He is just like you to. Great smile, funny, and he looks a lot like you. I have become closer to him now because he reminds me so much of you. It's crazy how you two look alike. I still cant get over it. It's amazing. Every time I see him, it reminds me of you, and I just have to smile because he's a gift to me, and God gave me Brandon for a reason. I love him too, and he's my little angel. He's my little hope. Brandon is my little reminder of you, and that I thank God for. I thank you for your time that I had with you, and God sent you back in my life for a reason. You encourage me to do great. You encourage me to be strong. You encourage me to do everything in my power to be the greatest that I can be. Thank you so much for that Steven. I thank God as well. You are also my gift from heaven. I love you big bro! Thanks for being there for me, thanks for coming into my life and being the best ever. I still remember the first time I met you. It was when Mom had come to pick us up at the Manitou Community Center. I was shy at first. Lol I even remember mistaking your friend as my sister. Lol it was fun, and I knew from that day forward that you would be my HERO! STEVEN IS MY TRUE HERO! Yes, I said it lol :D !!! I know that you are watching over me, everyday, and just know that that smile I had on my face was because I just remembered that time when you came to my school, with Tiarrah, and surpirsed me. You picked me up from school, and you gave a piggy-back ride. That day was the best ever! I cherish that day. I always remember it. And I was proud that I had a cool brother like you that I could show off to my friends and say, "yep, thats my brother", because you are that awesome!!! I don't remember any of my friend's brothers coming to the school and giving them a piggy-back ride. I felt so special. I love you big brother! Got to get back to work... I'm at school.. lol

love you forever. Always remembering you!!!!

(mom doesn't know I know about this site... but she gonna find out now.. lolz)"
Your lil sister, Nicole of University Place, Wa

"Miss you brother"
Sgt Joe DeBose of Hawaii

"Hey there Baby Boy....... I can't beleive that it's been almost 3 years since you have gone to live with the Lord. How time goes so fast, yet so slow. Alot has happened this year, a lot of bumps and bruises but the growth has been phenomenal. I know you are proud of your little sister, she is really doing well for herself. I am proud of her too. I want to get up to see her new place, it's hard, different schedules, hard for me to go up there because I immediately become saddened more by the loss of you, if that makes any sence. Your baby brother and sister are both doing well, getting big and doing well in school. I am sure you know all of this already though, I know you watch over all of your family. I miss you and thank you for watching over all of us down here on earth with all of your family in heaven. Love you babyboy......."
Stacey of Tacoma, WA

"Steven, I miss the good times we shared in Hawaii and all the oher places in the world I think of you often and I hope all is well with your family I know your watching over each and everyone of us I ll see you again brother. SGT. Jason Coffelt USMC RET."
jason coffelt of palmer tn

"You were not the first, nor the last friend I have lost in this war, but you were the closest. I should have written here sooner, but it is still so hard. I cannot drive by you.

I have been bringing your new friends bones, I know you do not need them, but you the one who protected, and now they protect you.

When you were around I had to compete to be the best, and sometimes no matter how hard I competed you were still better than me.

I will never forget the last time I saw you, we were both such trouble makers. I am betting you are driving everyone there with your shenanigans.

You were an amazing person. You did more good (and caused more trouble) in your life than most people who live to be 90."
Mary of Mountlake Terrace, WA

"I went to Westside Place (a small private high-school in Seattle, WA) with Steven, back in the day. Kelcey Shelton (who also left a message here, I see) was one of my best friends. I didn't get to know Steven very well, but I'm shaken nonetheless. I'm not very religious, I'll say; but whatever system you had for yourself, Steve, I hope you're in its particular Good Place."
Andrew Hopt of Seattle, WA

"Steve,
Im out here in Iraq again and Im thinking about you. I can't begin to express how greatfull I am for your sacrifice and how much I miss you. I was in Kuwait and couldn't come to your service, but I was thinking about you. Whenever my Marines are whining about how rough it is out here I tell them about you. You were more full of life than anyone I have ever met. I always thought of heaven as a boring place but I know with you up there we will have some fun. I Love you and I miss you Brother. See you when I get there."
Sgt. Aaron Draper of Al Anbar Iraq/Camp Pen CA.

"To the family of:Steven A. Rintamaki 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"

"Happy Birthday Steven!!! I was reflecting back on the last birthday celebration we had. Sadly to say, it was also the last time that I saw you. It still hasn't gotten easier. But we are moving forward day to day, never will it be the same. I was so mad for so long. Still I carry some of it with me, yet I know I have to understand that God's way is not our way. I am sure if we had it our way, there would be no deaths at all and then there would be no angels, and God's purpose for us would not be fullfilled.
I know that you are at peace now, no more of the drama of life, yet it still seems so unfair because you were just at the beginning of such great adventures. I wish that it would have been different. I am mad that I have lost you twice. I am hurt about things that have happened since you got your angel wings, but those are things I must accept, as hard as it is. There are so many people out here that have been impacted by you, and they are making sure your name lives on. I love them for that. I don't know them, only of them. Maybe one day that will change so I can thank them.
I miss you Steven, Your brother and sister send their love and are missing you too.
Happy Birthday Baby Boy."
Stacey (mom) of University Place, WA

"Steven;
Does it ever get easier? One minute I appear to be doing ok and the next its as if September 16, 2004 happened all over again. God how I miss you. I miss our talks and the laughter and your beautiful smile and most of all,your heart. You had so much heart for life, love and those you brought close.
Thank you for watching over us all, I feel it. Look out especially for your sisters and brothers, keep them out of harms way if you can. And continue to walk with your brothers in battle, they need to feel your spirit so they can continue on and come home to their families.
I miss you baby boy. It's just not the same without your presence here.
Loving You with everything I have and missing you even more......"
Mom, Stacey of University Place, WA

"Steven,
I miss the good time we had together in Hawaii. I miss you and so does all of 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines... Scholl said you were like a brother to him, you were like a brother to all of us. You always made us laugh and smile and you still do. Look over us and make sure we all meet in a later life. Semper Fi..."
Sean Feely (Sergeant USMC) of Greenville, NC

"Steven,

I don't know you but I bought a braclet today that has your name, company and other items only about you on it. I bought it for $5 so that you will not be forgotten. I am a member of a Junior Air Force ROTC unit and I stand behind our soilders! I miss you even though we have not yet met."
Alex Maier of Vancouver, WA,USA

"Steven, lately things have been really hard for me because you are not here to share holidays like christmas and new years with me. sometimes i feel as if things will get better but then there are days that i feel i will never get by. how do i go on without the best big brother in the world? when we were little stacey wanted to keep us together so we would have each other growing up, but what now? i am so sad and lonely and i miss you like crazy. i feel bad that i don't come to the cemetary as much as i could but it is so incredibly hard for me. hope you don't take it personally but i can't handle it. i get too sad. i just wanted to say merry christmas and i can't wait to see you in heaven. i love you !!!!!
With much love,
Your little sister, Tiarrah"
Tiarrah of Seattle, WA

"i was just listening to our song from way back in the day... i know you remember it.....it seems like so long ago.....i remember the nights we spent talking in your hooptie of a car! i remember the night that i found out aaliyah died, i was with you. i think back on those times.....and i cant believe all this much time has passed since then. even through all the years, you were still there for me, even when you were a million miles away. thank you always for being that big brother that i never had. i love you baby!
...my whole life has changed...since you came in...i knew back then...you were that special one....you made my life complete...you were so sweet....glad you came into my life...."
t.g. of toronto,canada

"Hey Baby Boy, You are on my mind heavy today. Thank you for the gifts you have sent me through others, I cherish them. Thank you for the gifts you have given me in life, I am working hard on passing them onto others. It is still so hard for me to get a grasp on the fact that I will never see you again in this life, yet I know you are dancing with the angels and at peace. That in it's self brings a sence of peace to me as well, even though it pains me to know I will never hear your sweet voice and see your beautiful smile again, it is imbedded in my heart.
I love you son,"
Stacey Swinson of University Place, WA

"i love you rin...i miss you everyday. you are my angel...you will always be in my heart. love timisha"
timisha of toronto, canada

"Steven was the person you could depend .Yes he was adopted but he still had the joy of a million people.He was my brother and a great one he was.When he said he wanted to go into the army i was flabbergassted.I was scared but i believed in his dream but about three months later im looking at him in a cofen with cami cover wrapped around him i couldnt help to cry ,I felt like he was the only one that understood me i was depending on those letters to still be sent every day i feel he'll call me but i just cant believe he's gone , I mean why my brother."
pitts timmesha of Kent,Washington

"Hey Baby Boy;
I can't beleive it has been a year now since you received your angel wings. I know you are up there having an awesome time. Everyone down here is coping as best as we know how. There was a memorial service for you last night that so many people attended. I was unable to get there, but my heart was there with them. You touched so many people, and I know you know that now as you look down on all of us. We are all so proud of who you were and how you effected so many. I love you so much and miss you something terrible, but I know you are still with all of us, I thank you for the times you have let me know you are here and when you hear me talking to you. God Bless you Baby Boy. I love you."
S.

"Rin,
Brother it has been a while. I remember the last time I saw you on the MEU. The night before my 21st you and I went to the PX bought beer and went to your room and watched movies. Man you were one of my closest. You were my brother. Your death was the hardest thing I have ever endured in my life. The guilt that to this day crushes me. I was honored to carry you to your final resting place. It was the least I could Have done for you. I wish it would have been me. It makes me embarresed someone like me can claim the title it seems kind of pathetic to call my self by the same title as a hero like you. I miss you man it has been too long. I honored to have served with you for 3 years . I will always treasure the memories of 3/3 Javs and you.
Jonathan Trask
gruntcorporal@yahoo.com"
Recon Jon of Franklin, TN

"hey baby....i miss you sooo much i still cry to this day....its hard for me to think about you without shedding some tears.when im sad sometimes, i cant believe that youre gone and i wish it wasnt true. i wish somebody would tell me it was a bad dream,and that i could see your beautiful face and that contagious smile of yours again. i wish you couldve been around to see Samadhi grow,shes one and a half now and has the temper and attitude of her daddy! speaking of her daddy...jon misses you sooo much too. we still talk and remember all the good times back in the day...hanging out at good old "crackey hall"!wow...i miss those times...remember when i had to push your car through the mcdonalds drive through?! haha...seeyou still make me smile...thank you for that.
we love you and we miss you...your friends always...timisha,jon, and samadhi grandstaff."
the grandstaff family of wheeling, west virginia

"Happy Birthday Steven. I remember last year when we all went to Red Lobster in Celebration of your birthday. We had such a great time. I still have all the pictures. Can't get your smile out of my mind. I Thank God we had the opportunity to celebrate that day with you. The next day you were on the plane back to Camp Pendelton to make that trip to Iraq.
Today I bought 22 balloons and I am getting ready to release them one by one. Watch for them, I wrote some messages to you.
I miss you terribly the ache in my heart has not subsided, I don't think it ever will. I lost you not once, but twice, how do I move forward from that? I have faith that God will show me the way.
We all love you, We all miss you.
Your Family."
Stacey Swinson of University Place, WA

"Steven;
It's hard for me to beleive that it has been over 6 months now since you received your angel wings. Every time the phone rings I pray that it is you so I can grab a cup of coffee and have an hour or so long conversation with you that we did so often, discussing family, friends, fears, goals, and laughing about the silliest of things. I thank God every day that he brought you back into my life and allowed us the time that we had and giving us the gift that the time apart didn't matter.
I read what others say, I have conversations about how you made a great impact on people's lives. I am so proud of you for that. People's lives have truely changed for the better just because they were able to have a piece of you in their lives and an impact was made.
Your brother and sister miss you so much. Brandon still has to carry something of yours, or your picture with him everyday. Your sister proudly displays #21 on her softball uniform, a number she picked because that was the age you received your wings. I love you and I miss you so much. Thank you for everything that you gave me and especially the things that you taught me. I will keep those with me always.
Love you,
Your mom, your friend, your number one fan and supporter. Stacey"
Stacey Swinson of Tacoma, WA

"Still to this day it's very hard for me to look at your pictures and to look on this site, because all my memories come rushing back to me, and it almost angers me that you were taken away so young and so full of life, but then i muster up enough strength to read what other people have to say and an ovewhelming sence of pride hits me, just to have known you i've been blessed. you touched people in a way that i don't think i'll ever understand. You are the true deffinition of the word HERO, you did somthing you didn't have to do to stand up for what you beleived in, and i will never forget you or the way you impacted my life, the only regret i have is i wish i would have gotten the chance to tell you somethings that i was so afraid of, but in my heart i know that you know.
to everybody that has wrote on here you just fill my heart with joy to know that Steve meant as much to you as he did to me, and let me say only a few people touched me as deep as he did.
So again Steve i thank you for everything and i will always love you and i hope one day i can touch just one person the way that you touched many!"
valaree florek of lynnwood wa

"Rintamaki,
I was a Corporal when you checked in to 3/3. I remember you as a young Marine and wish that I had gotten to know you better. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. To your family, please know that he was a good Marine and great American that you can always be proud of"
CDK of Florida

"I went to Westside Place school with Steve. He was always happy, and always making people laugh. I remember one day (it was halloween) we went to the toy store to buy a prism visor for his costume, he was Geordi Laforge from star trek and the principal gave him some money to get the visor prop. I remember having a crush on him, and he was always nice to me. He always made me smile. Espessially at the Puallup fair."
Kelcey of Seattle, Wa, USA

"RinTin"

I just wanted to tell you thanks for always having an extra Newport and the latest DVD handy for me to borrow. You and I will always know the true rath of Gunny Merc. I will remember you forever buddy."
Drew Carlton of College Station,TX

"Steven,
Me and you were born together as Marines and grew like brothers. Nothing can replace the times I had with you in SOI, Hawaii and Oceanside. I still have all the pictures. You were like a brother to me. I saw one of the pictures I took with you and your SAW in one of Seattles local newspapers online and thought how painful it is the way the 4 years ended. The great times we had will always be remembered. -To the family and friends of Cpl. Rintamaki. I met Rin when he was 17, the day I got to Boot Camp. We quickly became friends and have been in the same unit all the way until he left HI. I saw him grow into the man you all know him to be. He was a great Marine and friend and will be missed. -God Bless you Rin and your beloved family...."
Steven Scholl of Normal, IL

"Dear Steven,

Well, we just spent our first Christmas without you. I kept waiting for you to show up like you always did.

I've wanted to write something to tell the world how proud we are of you and of how you'd grown into such an outstanding person and Marine. But there has been too much pain and sadness for me to write. But I hope you know how very proud we are of you.

I'll never forget our dinner with you at Oceanside, Steve helping you with your sparkplugs in your new car, how you smoked like a chimney that night(!), and how you talked about your newly found relatives. I was jealous at first, but then I realized you had found yourself and you were on top of the world!

Although you had been in Iraq for only 3 months, I feel so bad for not writing very often. I hope you know how proud I was, and am, and will always be, of you.

Semper Fi, Steven

Love ya'always,"
Aunt Trudy Abdo of Edmonds, Wa.

"Your son will remain a hero in our hearts forever. He will never be forgotten. My husband had worked with your son. I to share the same pain, the same loss as you do. If you ever need anything please let me know...danigrle@yahoo.com"
Danile Nachampassak of Honolulu, Hawaii

"I can't beleive it's been 2 months since you have been gone. I miss you so much. I miss the numerous hours we spent on the phone talking about everything under the sun. I miss the e-mails, I miss you my son. Everyday I look to the clouds to say hello. You were a wonderful human being, a wonderful man. For all of the days of the rest of my life I will never forget you. Your memory will forever be honored by all that knew you and even those that didn't, but because of the sacrifice you made, you left your footprints behind.
I love you son. I am looking forward to the day that we are reunited again."
Stacey Malaspino Swinson of Tacoma, WA

"As time goes on I realize the impact and the sacrifice you made...for whatever reasons we all may never know....
It becomes more saddening to me as
I witness what is happening in the world you left behind...and I can only try to understand the world you lived in as you stood for what you believed in and hoped you were standing for what the rest of America could grasp....your death still haunts all of my family...
and always will as I think of what you left behind....and for your own reasons...
I know you are in a better place ....and I can say I smile because of that...but I am also sad ...you still leave scars that are a long time healing....and people that will always think of you and appreciate what you did..and died for...no matter if we really understand it all or not...
God Bless all you leave behind...missing you and thinking of you every now and again as we live our
life that you died hoping youd protect...."
CN of Lynnwood WA

"To Steven's Family: I remember, perhaps it was two years ago, I stood a guard post at our barracks. I was on the 1st Floor, and Steven was on the second floor. I remember thinking how young he looked. Looks can be deceiving. As I spent more time in 3/3, Steven's first unit, I watched him become a mentor to the junior Marines around him. I remember when he and many others were told that they would "augment" Marine units in Iraq. I am sorry that I can only say: "The Loss of You Son Is a Terrible Tragedy." You're with Jesus now, Steven. You finally know a peace that many of us never find. Please watch out for your family, and your fellow Marines still fighting."
DER of Marine Corps Base Hawaii

"Behind every eyelid, there is a tear! Mine fell today after reading the messages for Cpl. Steven A. Rintamaki. We, too are the proud parents of a fallen MARINE. S/SGT Jeffrey R. Starling, 1st Bn, 5th Platoon, Force Recon who we lost on 12/09/99. Semper Fi, Steven."
The Starling Family of South Daytona, Fl USA

"Steven, to this day I still remember how we used to talk about coming home from deployment, talking about a place that no one else knew about. I remember how dedicated you were to being a Marine, guiding junior Marines, teaching them and guiding them. I will never forget you for your kindness, friendship and compassion for the people around you."
Peter Van Lunsen of Bellevue, WA

"My heart and prayers are with the family and friends of Corporal Steven Rintamaki, U.S. Marine. The members of Weapons Platoon, 3rd Bn, 1st Marines mourn him but won't forget him. Here is a note from one of his buddies, currently serving in Iraq. "My Company hasn’t been in the best of spirits lately due to the fact of us losing a fine Marine named Cpl Steven Rintamaki. He is in our prayers." That's from Sgt. Robert C. Hankins.
Marines believe that as long as a Marine is remembered by his buddies, he never dies. We will remember him. Semper Fi, Steven."
John Wintersteen of Danville, CA

"I will always remember you Steve...
I will remember the way you played, smiled, and teased...
I will remember your good advise and all your antics...
I will never forget playful spirit, your contagious laugh, and the way you look...
You always seem too surprise me; you never let me down...
When I was having a bad day you knew it, and without any words you could change my frown...
I could never be around you and be in a bad mood...
It's like you wouldn't except it, you were as fulfilling as food...
I will miss you so much I don't have any words to express...
The pain and emptyness I feel in my chest...
But I guess God wanted you, and there's no arguing with that...
But who wouldn't want you, you are the deffinition of phat...
I want to be selfish, and I wish it would work...
So you could come back and take away all of my hurt...
You were my best friend and I love you dearly...
I just hope you still watch over me and whisper in my ear...
I just pray that I'm wise enough to pay attention and smart enough to hear...
I wish we had more time together, and more time to talk...
Because you're the only one that fully heard me, and that means alot...
Your wisdom surpassed you by so many years...
And I know my whole life I will shed tears...
You meant so much too me, even when times were bad...
But I know that in time I will be able to think about you and not get sad...
My sadness will be replaced with the memories of our joy and laughter...
Because I know not everything can be happily ever after...
When it's my time I will see you again...
And I'll be able to see that unforgetable grin...
But until that day comes all I can do is pray...
And i won't forget to tell how much I love and miss you each and every day..!"
Valaree Florek of Lynnwood WA

"After attending your funeral yesterday we were moved to tears with your committment and the ultimate sacrifice you made for our country. We will miss you dearly."
Uncle Richard and Aunt Estrada of Seattle, WA, USA

"To Stacy and families of Steven,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. May the memories you shared together help carry you through this difficult time. May you be comforted by the love in your hearts you hold for him and may you find peace in your time of grief."
Melody Smith of Tacoma, WA

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

"We miss u brother, We had some good times together when we first met.Driving all over hawaii in u'r VW,alot of memories that i will never forget.I still got alot of our pictures together.To your family,"Rin" he was a great marine along with being a great friend. He will be missed here with us in kaneohe.His valor and sacrafice will never be forgotten both in his company and in our hearts. We miss u brother God has a great angel now to guard the gates of heaven. with much love and missing u u'r friend... 3/3 Weapons Co."
Cpl Castro,David of kaneohe bay,HI

"Steve,
We miss you in Hawaii.TO the family of Steve he was a great friend and a better person he is missed very much in Kaneohe. I served with him for over three years and he would give anyone of us the shirt off his back. To our brother We miss you! 3/3 Weapons Company"
JC of kaneohe, Hawaii

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

"I wish to thank you once again Steve for your bravery, not only for the willingness to fight but for the willingness to try and change...you leave behind hometown friends who will forever remember what a wonderful person you were...before you were a Marine...but still a Soldier....our hearts are saddened with the loss of your friendship, but never will forget the impact you made in all of our lives...somehow...once again Thank you...God Bless the family and friends you leave behind..."
CN of Lynnwood WA USA

"To the family and friends of Corporal Steven A. Rintamaki,

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, California

"Steven; I thank you son for everything that you stood for and the sacrifices you have made. I am so so proud of you. I miss you so much, Your name will forever be honored.
Your Mom....."
Stacey Swinson of Tacoma, WA

"Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. It is with pride that Steven will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

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