Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"HEY TORRES I KNOW YOY ARE SO PROUD OF OUR SON HE IS A COLLEGE GRADUATE SMART,LIKE HIS DADDY YOU GUYS ARE SO MUCH ALIKE LOL"
Dee of Atlanta GA

"Richard was my mentor, my friend, and my battle buddy! We attended Austin Peay together and he and his wife, Linda, lived above me on campus housing back in 2002. It’s been a tough dealing with the loss of such a great friend because I knew him very well. I knew his wife Linda too. Richard wanted to teach at West Point one day.

My son Jaiden Rabatin is currently at West Point where he is a cadet. I’m at a loss for words because he knew me so well. He drove me to PT in the morning and always made sure that I was “ok” even when I wasn’t. If he were alive today, perhaps he’d be teaching my son, Jaiden and that send chills down my spine. I miss you Richard!

Linda and I were in the same psychology class together at Austin Peay. She would light up when I talked about Richard. She loved him dearly.

I’m writing this because over the past 20 plus years of my military career, I’ve never had an official mentor aside from Richard. He helped me in so many ways. He taught me tactics. He taught me how to be confident. He taught me how to lead with passion and conviction. Above all that, he told me that, “even though we’re expendable, we’re dependable!” He’s helped mold me into the man I’ve become.

I’m reaching my retirement and I know that Richard has been watching me from afar. I’ll never forget the day that I was I was told he had passed away defending our our freedom. I miss you, brother! You were the fortress that sheltered me and made me who I am today! Your brother in arms, Gary Rabatin!"
Gary Rabatin of Perrysburg, Ohio

"Lt. Torres,
On today, the 13th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow soldier who was also killed in that blast for your service and sacrifice our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Chosin-Against Alll Odds!"
(32nd Inf. Motto"

"Saludos. Second Lieutenant Richard Torres made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. For that reason, I would like to honor him and his wonderful family for allowing all of us to treasure this man of honor and dignity. On November 11, 2012 (Veteran's Day) at NJIT University in Newark, the kids from my television program (the Hispanic Youth Showcase) would be honored if the Torres family could attend and receive Second Lt. Richard Torres Community Hero award. It is a breakfast from 9 am to 12 noon. I had the pleasure of producing his story for television and witnessed the dedication of his love ones. The young people from our show are national champions who have appeared on many shows including American Idol. They will sing and perform in honor of Latino Heroes who served in Defense of America and Police officers and Fire Fighters who saved lives on 9/11. Please contact me at (862)452-7507."
William Q. Sanchez of Belleville, NJ/USA

"well Torres the 6th is coming up and as i look at DJ he reminds me more and more of you...I feel you here in our home watching over our son.....thanks"
SSG Diana McGee of ft Mtyers Fl

"I just want to say that I am very sorry for your loss. It took me a very long time to find this site. Though I was not part of his unit my engineer platoon was assigned from the 82nd Airborne Division in support of their patrols. My engineer squad was on patrol with him that night and I was the last man to hold him alive while we transported him back to FOB Chosen for treatment. I heard LT Torres take his final breath and did the best that I knew how to keep him alive but unfortunately I was unable to help him. There is not a day or night that goes by that I do not think of the LT and what happened that night to him and PFC Scott. He was a true american hero and I know he is sorely missed. My sympathies to his family."
SGT David Sartin, Alpha Co. 307th Engineer Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division

"I just found thi website. I too was at Fort Campbell, KY when Richard was; we were both in the same Engineer Battalion. Then I met him when I was a sophomore at Austin Peay State University when he was a junior. I attended his funeral in 2003. Since that day, I have worn a bracelet in his honor. You will never be forgotten Richard. I tell everybody I meet that I knew you. People often ask me about the bracelet that I proudly wear and I tell them it's for a friend that was killed in Iraq surving his country. May God bless you and you family. Sappers lead the way! Governors Guard! You are truely a hero and will never be forgotten."
James Deer of El Paso, TX

"Richard Torres is not forgotten. We recently marked the anniversary of his sacrifice with a remembrance event at his Alma Mater, Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. Feel free to come see the pictures at our Facebook page at- www.facebook.com/apsustudentvetsorg.

We have even BIGGER plans for next year. LT Richard Torres is gone, but his sacrifice isn't forgotten!!

Don McCasland
Chapter President
APSU Student Veterans Organization
SFC, USA (Ret) and 3-Tour Iraq Vet"
Don McCasland of Clarksville, TN

"Torres you are truly missed our son is going to be eleven this year man how the time has gone. he tries everyday to make you proud and thus far he is doing a great job miss you !!!! gone but NEVER FORGOTTEN FREEDOM IS NOT FREE"
dee of clarksville TN

"I was looking to try to get in contact with an old team leader of mine when I found your memorial page and saw that he (Russell Broughton) wrote on it. I remember he always wore your memorial bracelet. I served with him in Iraq from 2005 to 2006. When the rubber met the road, I knew what to do because of the lessons Russell taught me and I am truly indebted to your sacrifice and the great soldier you helped make Russell become.

Sgt Broughton, if you happen to read this, my e-mail address is da0867@gmail.com. Please contact me."
Robert D'Agostino of Clarksville, TN

"Hi my name is peter campos. And richard was married to my cousin linda torres.. I was there when they got married I was one of his groom at the wedding...and when I found out that he was killed in iraq I went crazy because when ever I had a problem he was always there for me when I needed it the most..I have richards face tattooed on my arm and he will always be with me no matter what.. I love him 4 ever I will never,never,ever forget him and for what he done for this country..if the yankees win the world series its all for u richard I love u always and u will be in 4 places my heart,mind,soul and arm I see u when I get there...I love u"
peter campos of paterson,nj,usa

"god bless all fallen heroes. looking for a richard torres that lived in columbia, tn in 1985 . perhaps someone in this family might know him. he was a manager of a local shoney's restarant in 1985 thamk you god bless"
jackie of AUSTIN, TEXAS

"hi I am the female soldier e-mail me djlex122@yahoo.com his son is fine look forward to hezring from you"
ssg diana mcgee of ft campbell ky

"Thank you for your prayers and wonderful memories of LT Torres. His son, Darian "DJ", is doing fine and well. He is turning 10 this year. I will continue to post updates and upcoming ceremonies.

Best wishes to all!

Stewart Torres 4/14/2009
rtorrescmmttee@aol.com
mobile (973) 460 - 5461"
Stewart Torres of Rockford, IL

"To my dear friend richard hey brother i remember the days we use to go out with ur brother stewart,good times pa.Ur very sadly
missed god bless u and ur family"
carlos arbelo of passaic,new jersey

"Mr. Torres sounded like a fantastic person and very accomplished man, though he was so young. My heart goes out to his family and friends. What a sad, sad and terrible loss.

If I could ask, what happened to his son from the relationship he had with a female soldier? Is his family in contact with the boy? Do they live in New Jersey?"
Agatha J. of New York, New York

"September 29, 2008
To the family of 2nd Lt. Richard Torres:
Richard 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

"Sir, I just wanted to say thank you for saving my life. Lt Richard Torres saved my life on Oct. 6 2003 the same day that he was killed. I always sit behind the Lt while on patrol since he made me his RTO. But for some reason when everyone was mounted up and ready to roll out on patrol that night the Lt had me get out of the humvee and switch seats with the Iraqi Interpetor. We were out on patrol for about 2 hours and heading back in to the FOB when we were hit. The blast came from underneath the passager side of the vehical. If Lt. Torres didn't have me switch seats with the Iraqi then I too would have been killed. Lt. Richard Torres is the reason I am sit alive today and I just want you to know that I will always remember and never forget you sir. You are my hero sir. Thank You"
PFC Reed F Rosenkranz of 1/32 B Co 1st Platoon Fort Drum, NY

"i am so sorry to hear about your loss. i am doing a research project on the children of the fallen soldiers relif fund and i read about your husband and your sons father i just wanted to say thank you and that i am so sorry that you have to live without him. i hope that this doesnt affect you in any way but your husband was a wonderful man and i bet an even better person thank you so much for everything."
rebekah palmer of rushville,indiana

"i was next to you ,that night in oct 03, i believe you took the blast,so that i might live, i miss you ..and your name is on my wrist forever, there is not a day that i do not think of you, you will always be my leader, and i will follow you forever, see u at the top of the hill brother... eric lanstrum"
eric lanstrum of chardon ,ohio

"My condolences for your loss."
Agatha Jadwiszczokowna of NYC, NY

"To my old PL it has been almost four years since we lost you. I have done another tour in Iraq and you are still strong in my heart. You and Scott will always be in my heart till the very end of my days. It was a honor to serve with you SIR.
Sgt. Broughton, Russell"
Russell Broughton of Ft. Drum, NY

"To the family of:Richard Torres I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"I just wanted you to know that although many years have passed 2LT Torres is still very much alive in our hearts. Though I did not know him personally my husband served with him, was there when the incident happened and will forever carry his image on his heart. Ray wears a bracelet in his honor everyday and talks of him often. I just wanted you to know that he's gone but not forgotten for the bond they share is the "highest degree of brotherhood"."
Nicole Lerch - Proud Army Wife of SFC Lerch of Ft Drum, NY

"to the Torres family from the Wahl family. Both our son's served at Fort Drum. Not sure either knew one another. I do known that Gregory condisered Richard his military brother as i believe Richard felt of Gregory. Both are together now. Richard is an AMERICAN HERO! he is truely, missed by many many friends,family and his miltary family. 4th of July many many fallen families will embaek on Gatlinburg's midnight celebration with a parade and firworks. We plan to enter a float...THEME: SUPPORT OUR TROOPS and to honour Richard and all our fallen soldiers. We need to keep our fallen fresh in the minds of every American!"
leonard_wahl2hotmail.com of spring, Texas

"i served under LT. Torres and did so proudly he wouldnt ask us to do anything he wasnt willing to do himself i dont know if this will help the torres family but we got the guys who did this to him i will never forget"

"I went to IOBC with Torres, He was one of the first LT's I met. Brother you have given the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless you and your family."
Ron of Clarksville

"Ny name is Javier Santolalla, 2LT Torres you are "HERO" and example for all peruvians in the US Armed Forces."
US Army SSG Santolalla, Javier A. of Schweinfurt, Germany

"no conoci a este soldado pero la concidencia de nombre y trabajo me ha sorprendido solo quiero saludar a la familia, y darle mi apoyo"
richard torres of iquique, chile

"A wonderful website memorializing the life of Richard Torres can be found at: www.lieutenantrichardtorrespa.com. His brother stewart set it up, and he did a great job! Please check it out!"
Megan Merrill of Ottawa, Il

"My heart goes out to the family of Lt. Torres, he truly is a hero. Although I never met him, I know his son DJ Torres, and through him Lt. Torres lives on! God Bless!!"
Naomi Pasha of Brooklyn, New York

"Dear Richard,

We all miss you so much! You are our hero! God Bless you !"
Tracy Rodriguez of Paterson

"My name is Sean Jones, and I knew Torres from Ft. Cambpell where we were in the same squad. He was a great soldier and person, he will truly be missed. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers."
Sean Jones of San Antonio, Tx

"Although I didn't know Lieutenant Richard Torres, I know of him. He went to the elementary school that I attend now in Passaic, NJ. His brother, Stewart came to my school to tell us about Richard's wonderful accomplishments. I am in the Jefferson School Choir directed by Mrs. Lalla. On May 27 of this year, my school is doing a special assembly for him. Stewart will be our speaker. The choir and band were asked if they could do something like sing or play instruments in honor of Richard. The choir is going to sing "The World's Greatest" by R. Kelly. Stewart said that it reminded him of his brother alot. To America, Richard was just a soldier, but for Stewart and Passaic, he was a hero. May he rest in peace forever."
Michael Ruiz of Passaic, NJ-Jefferson School # 1

"My name is richard torres too. except im only 17. i really do feel weird seeing someone with my same exact name being memorialized."
richard torres of tennesee

"I met Richard Torres on January 23rd 1998 he was a good soldier and a great human being he is missed by all but mostly by his son Darian Jarsaan Torres but he knows his daddy fought for his freedom and died trying to protect him from the threat of terrorism. So god bless you Torres and know your little boy is safe and thank you for leaving me with a little piece of you to love and treasure always. we love and miss you more than words will ever say GOD BLESS THE USA. like your brother always says FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!!!"
Diana D Mcgee of ft campbell ky

"In loving Memory of Our Hero!!!
2nd LT Richard Torres

There are absolutely no words in the dictionary to describe the pain that the Torres Family has lived through. But their peace of mind, solace and comfort is in knowing that Richard Torres made them proud.

I met Richard my Jr year of High School, though I knew who he was years before. He always was a joker and had an infectious smile! I will never claim to be his best friend OR that I knew him well. But the time that I did have, will always live on through memories. I am honored to have known him, I am honored to have been affected by him, I am honored that he is and will always be Our Hero!

Thank You Richard!! Because of you I can sleep in my bed at night and wake up the next morning. Because of you I have the right to vote and make my own decisions. Because of you OUR GREAT COUNTRY is FREE.

Stewart Torres, Linda Torres and the entire Torres family as well as close family, friends, and acquintances continue to with his legacy and memory. Though he may not be here in body, he will always live on in Spirit and Memory. God Bless You all.

May you Rest In Peace,
Thank You and You are MY HERO!

God Bless This Great Country"
Luz Limardo of Passaic, NJ USA

"Thank you all so much for your courage and bravery... you truly are my hero! may you rest in peace and god bless your loved ones...."
Liza of San Antonio, TX, USA

"To the family of Richard,
We are forever grateful for Richard's gift of freedom and for his bravery and humility. It is because of his duty that so many may learn and experience the freedoms that we so easily take for granted. We feel that we are blessed to have such brave soldiers that provide us with freedom and safety.
May God Bless You and May you find peace, comfort and strength in the Lord. The family of Richard Torres is in our prayers. We also pray for baby Torres, that he will have a healthy and safe delivery into this world and that he may bring a smile to your heart.
Our prayers are with you,

John 15:13 - Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Parrish and Jason Smith of Mandeville, Louisiana

"HERO!"
Salinas of Passaic

"I've watched Linda grow from a little girl to beautiful woman and when she told me how you and her met, I knew that you were the one and would always look after her. I wish I got to know you a little better but from what I know, you were a great husband, brother, son, friend and soldier. Your memory will always have a place in my heart. GOD BLESS YOU."
Zuniga Family of Lodi, NJ

"Richie was simply the epitome of a man, He took care of his wife, . He loved his brother , and lived life with morals. Whatever he loved, he loved with a passion . I will miss my buddy, will miss the Boston Market Runs, the Yankee Stadium visits, The perfect pizza finding , and the low post ,all hustle, hit em in the ribs basketball. You are truly missed.

"He has achieved success
who has lived well,
laughed often, and loved much;
who has enjoyed the trust of pure women,
the respect of intelligent men
and the love of little children;
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who has left the world better than he found it
whether by an improved poppy,
a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty
or failed to express it;
who has always looked for the best in others
and given them the best he had;
whose life was an inspiration;
whose memory a benediction. ""
Carlos of NY,NY

"Richie, so sad that your life was cut short. You were always making us laugh in Gym, cracking jokes and telling funny stories or just picking on us. I will never forget you."
MaryAnn Irizarry of Passaic, NJ U.S.A

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

"Although I didn't know 2LT Richard Torres, just reading the letters others wrote, he sounded like a wonderful young man full of life. I too am in the US Army, I have been for 20 years and I love the Army. Just like 2LT Torres, and yes my name is Richard Torres. I feel so bad for 2LT Torres' family and friends, for they have lost a great part of their future. When I put on this uniform I will wear it proudly in honor of 2LT Torres. May God Bless you all.
MSG Torres"
Richard J. Torres of Ft Knox, KY

"To a friend, who I met back in high school. We didn't hang out much but we knew each other. I graduated class of 1996 and soon left to the Army myself, where I am know serving currently in Iraq. I have been here about three months and have heard of all the stories of the horrible tragidies that occured here, and it wasn't till I met a close friend of mine by the name of Manny Negron we also graduated together, and we where talking about how long its been since we've seen each other, and then he had mentioned if I remember a Friend of ours by the name of Richard Torres, it took me a while but I remebered and then he told me that he had passed away during the war here. I could'nt belive it, its different when you here about someone else that had passed away, but when its someone that you used to know and see and talk too and graduate with it hits you hard, really hard and ever since then I had to find out all I can about how I can get a hold of richards family to let them know how sorry I was to here of the loss of a son,a husband,a brother, a friend. My sister found the web site for me and I had to write to him and his family. So to all that read this, I will always remeber Richard for who he was and for the sacfrafice he made for this country that is still in tormoil. Im here know and will continue to do what richard couldn't finish and what thousands of soldiers here are still srugeling to do and that is to defend our nations freedom. To Richards Family and Friends my condolences from my family to yours. I will see you soon Richard,God Bless You."
Daniel Ramirez of Passaic , NJ

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

"Thank you Richard Torres, 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

"Thank you all for the comforting words. I'm Richard's older brother, Stewart. There are no words that exist in the dictionary to describe what I am feeling...A loss such as this is not only crippling to me and my parents, but also to this great nation of ours. 2nd LT Torres had the makes of a leader, not only in the US ARMY, but possibly in public office. There was no ceiling in what he would have been able to accomplish, if only he had not lost the ability to live out his dreams. Knowing my brother for all of his 25 years, I can sum up a few choice words that he would've liked to be remembered by "Love your Country and Live with Pride, Don't forget those who died, America can't you see...Still many don't understand about the reasons we are FREE...And if your ever THINK OF ME think of all your liberties and recall, SOME GAVE ALL"

My few choice words for everyone is as follows " Those who have died for their country will never be forgotten. Richard's sacrifice will live on forever in the hearts of all WHO CHERISH THE MOTTO WE LIVE BY, AND THAT IS FREEDOM (LIBERTAD in spanish)

In closing, Freedom was never free, never was, never will be. It comes with a PRICE which my dear brother paid at 11:00 PM (Iraqi Time) on Monday, October 6, 2003. 2nd Lieutenant Officer Richard Torres is now and forever will be one of our national treasures!

DON'T FORGET OUR TROOPS!

I miss you terribly little brother(a.k.a NY Yankee bleacher creature), can't wait to see you again so we can resume where we left off, I know you'll be the first one to greet me when I arrive in heaven....Your Big Brother"
Stewart Torres of Passaic, NJ, The Great U.S.A

"I learned about Rich a few days before the tragedy that took his life occured. We were enjoying an evening with friends and one of the women there was telling us about her husband's best friend and his wife. Lani shared with us what a wonderful couple Rich and Linda were--how they'd struggled through near poverty in college together, how they had shared everything with the Torres', and how Linda and Rich were their family. Lani told us of Rich being stationed in Iraq--that night Lani also said she had a feeling something was going on--that something was happening, and she couldn't put her finger on it. Two days later Lani and Clifton heard the devastating news from Linda. Lani and Clifton's hearts have been broken, along with many others. My husband and I are so sorry for your loss-words can't even express. Please know you have the prayers and hearts of America with you. God Bless your family."
Theresa Johnson of El Paso, TX

"Life will be extremely hard to get through without having Rich around to make me laugh. Even though i'm his cousin in law I felt like I was the little sister he never had. 5 years wasn't enough time to know him. Rich was always there for me whenever I needed him. Linda is my cousin and I will always be here for her like I always have been. Rich has touched the lives of every single person in our family and he will never be forgetten. We all love him so much. I also want to thank everybody who is keeping Rich in their prayers. To think he died saving my life and those of everybody else in the U.S. so we can all have better lives. I LOVE YOU RICH!! I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!!"
Laura of Queens,NY

"Friends are honored to have known someone like Richie. You are one in a million and you will NEVER be forgotten. Linda and Stewart, you and your family will remain in my prayers for a long time to come. Be strong, Be proud and Be sure that he is now your Guardian Angel watching over you. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him."
Ivelisse Williams (Class of 94') of Passaic, NJ

"My heart goes out to Linda and the family. Richie, I will always remember you as making everyone laugh with your jokes. I'm so proud of all that you and Linda accomplished."
Sarina Roman of Passaic, NJ

"To the family and friends of 2nd Lt. Richard Torres:
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 Richard 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 2nd Lt. Richard Torres:
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 Richard, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia