Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"correction to my post below I meant to write Sharon and family not Linda. Please accept my apologies. no excuse just hit enter before I realized my mistake."
Cindy of Garland, Texas

"Linda and family
Am thinking and praying for you today on Gold Star Mom's Day. God bless you and thank you for your sacrifice."
Cindy Hampton proud Army mom of Sgt Joel Smith formerly 1/8CAV 1st CAV Fort Hood, Texas of Garland, Texas

"Ray, we flew the flag (skull and crossbones) just like I promised you. You were A TRUE soldier until the end. I could never be prouder of one of my sodiers. You fought back with the heart of a beast. I am proud of your perfomance. I couldnt have asked for anything better out of a soldier."
Sgt. Rollins of Oxnard, Ca.

"It was not just small arms fire. The U.S. government won't tell the full story. They were shooting everything at us. White stood tall and fought out every last second he could befor being shot with a recoiless rifle. There is allot more to the the story tand the U.S. government will admit"
SGT. Rollins of Oxnard, Ca

"Your sacrafices do not go unremembered lil bro.
SFC Victor Gutierrez "Cobras"
C Co 1-8 CAV 1995-1999 and 2001-2008"
Victor Gutierrez of Ft. Bragg, NC

"To the family of Raymond White,

Raymond was an amazing person. Although quiet to most the ones who new him kneew he was a great person and you could depend on him for anything. Youll always be remembered as a hero who gave the ultimate sacrafice in the name of America and Freedom.

PV2 Sumner, Andrew
U.S. Army 128th Infantry
Frankton, IN 46044"

"you will be missed and u were a great friend and always will be in my heart."
Kristie of Alexandria IN USA

"It's been five years. Somehow, this year it's worse. I was in the convoy when Ray was taken from us, and I miss him every day. Take care, buddy. Hope I see you again some day.

If anyone from the old platoon sees this, drop me a note. My email is iraqivet77@hotmail.com"
Eric Cobb of Twin Cities, Minnesota

"I was there when Raymond gave his life for his country. I was the truck commander. White stood up gallantry and engaged the enemy will full force. I am proud to have been his squad leader/roommate. It was hard to lose him. He gave it his all. His everything.his hard work and dedication to duty is unparrelleled. I was proud to have the priviledge of being the crew commander. He made us all proud."
SGT. Thomas Rollins (RET) of Oxnard, California

"November 23, 2008
To the family of Spc. Raymond L. White:
Raymond 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

"It's been another year and the pain of Ray's loss is still sad to us all in the family of the Army. Your fmaily is in my thoughts and prayers on that day."
The Hampton's of Garland, Texas

"Raymond White was my best friend. Although we only knew each other a year or so, I could always depend on his friendship and loyalty. Our country lost a great man that day, and I lost a great friend. I will never forget him and the heroes like him that paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Semper FI, Ray."
Joel H Mahill (USMC) of Tucumcari, NM (NMMI '04)

"Raymond White was my best friend. Although we only knew each other a year or so, I could always depend on his friendship and loyalty. Our country lost a great man that day, and I lost a great friend. I will never forget him and the heroes like him that paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Semper FI, Ray."
Joel H Mahill (USMC) of Tucumcari, NM (NMMI '04)

"Miss you!
Wish you were here to see how much you affected the life of your cousin.Thank you for that. Because of you he wants to be a better person.He said he wants to be proud and to respect others and also to help others as much as he can. Also Ray he wants to be just like you.I love you!We will never forget,put the freedom back in free!SUPPORT OUR GI'S WEAR RED SHIRTS EVERY FRIDAY OF THE WEEK!UNTIL OUR SOLDIER'S RETURN LET EVERYONE SEE A SEA OF RED."
Auntie L of Artesia,New Mexico

"hey, i just learned that white was dead. he was my battle buddy in AIT at ft. knox.
i didnt even know, so hard to stay in touch with people with so much going on in the army these days. another friend of mine told me when he had staff duty at 25th id in hawaii, one of his joes was showing him his pictures and he recognized white in a heartbeat and was like i went to ait with that guy. then he told him. we were both in the same room as him. its wierd that you dont fine out until so much longer down the line. white was a great guy and always trying to help everyone with everything. he truly was a great soldier and an even better american. me and hopkins will both miss you guy."
2lt douglas j riedy of baghdad

"Because of these brave Men and Women on this page, I know I am Free! I can choose how to Live My Life! So even if WE are Straight, WE are Gay, These Men and Women took the fight to them so that Satans Followers would not come to our door and KILL us For Our Choice to be Gay Or Straight! So ROSIE O'DONNEL! DON'T MESS WITH THE BEST CAUSE WE NEVER REST AND WE DON'T EVER NEVER EVER FORGET! I WILL CONTINUE TO STAND UP FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN! WHO CANNOT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES! SO DON'T TREAD ON THEM THAT HAVE FALLEN DOING A JOB YOU WOULD NOT,OR COULD NOT DO!JOIN ME IN BOYCOTTING ROSIE O'DONNEL!!!!
MISS YOU RAYMOND!
MY PRAYERS TO HANK,SHARON,HENREY,JESSE.
AND TO ALL THE OTHER FAMILYS ON THIS DAY! May we all pray TO G-D OUR FATHER for the safe return of all the men and women still DEFENDING OUR FREEDOM! In Yeshuas Name AMEN,AMEN AND AMEN.LET FREEDOM RING PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Legeta of Artesia,New Mexico USA

"I was in Basic training with Raymond White. He was a great trainee and freind. I remember the time he got caught chewing dip after the memorial day baseball game we were allowed to got to lol. Best wishes to his friends and family."
Spc Brad Farmer of Pennsville, NJ, USA

"To the family of:Raymond L. White 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"

"To the White Family; there is not a day that goes by that we are not shaken to the core of Ray's loss to this nation and to his friends and family the day that took Spc Raymond White of the 1/8 CAV of Fort Hood, Texas. He will always be your boy and our HERO. Know that it is a debt that never will be repaid. We are grateful for his committment to country and his loyalty as a brother in arms. Hugs around you today some 2 years later and know we share some of your sense of loss. Strong. Army Strong."
Famiy of Sgt Joel Smith of 1-8 CAV(formerly)USAR

"Thank You
by Lily Michaels, 2003

I can't shake every hand.
I can't put flowers on every grave.
I can't console every family member.
But I can say thank you.

You have given me the freedom I enjoy today.
Your blood was shed in place of mine.
Your family grieved so mine could rejoice.
All I can say is thank you.

There are not words big enough.
There is not a hug strong enough.
There is not a smile wide enough.
All I can offer is thank you.

You are my hero.
You are in my thoughts.
You are in my prayers.
For all you've done, thank you."
Judy D of Anderson, IN

"I am so saddened by the loss of this fine young soldier. To his family - my condolences and respect, to this soldier, my undying gratitude that because he was willing to go fight the evil "over there", we are not fighting it in our own backyard. Thanks to this soldier for his ultimate sacrifice. May you find peace in heaven and may God be with your family always."
Judy of Anderson, IN

"Raymond White was a great person and friend. He worked diligently and completed his tasks well; all of this, he did in the service of others. He was a great example of quiet dignity, meaning he worked hard for his faith, family, friends, and country, without any expectations of reward. I will greatly miss him."
Martos Paul Giebitz of Roswell, NM

"Such men stand forever."
Bill of Houston

"SPC White was my soldier when he was first assigned to 1-8 Cav, He was my soldier, friend, and hero. I served with him in Iraq, and I was looking forward to seeing him when I returned to Iraq from my 2 weeks in the States. However, I learned of this tragedy that happened the morning of the day I returned, and it was the hardest news I ever recieved. I wish I could have been there that day, I will always have SPC White in my heart. My prayers go out to Mr. White and all of his family. Thank You."
SSG Christopher Culver of Ft Knox, Ky / USA

"First of all I would like to thank each and every one who wrote to the family. I am Ray's aunt, I live in Artesia, New Mexico. Ray worked with my husband on a cable tool drilling rig he was a fast learner and we learned so much from him also. I would just like to say to every one who reads this letter to know that we do care for the loss of not only our fallen hero but others as well and we are still praying for the safe return of all the brothers and sister's in Iraq."
Legeta Hammond of Artesia,New Mexico

"Ray was a great friend and wonderful person. I am greatly honored to know such a person. He will always be my hero. I will never forget his wonderful personality and great times that we spent together."
Liz Felts of Greeley, CO

"To the family and friends of Ryamond White: I recently watched the frontline documentary, and was very saddened for your loss. I also lost a friend of mine, Sgt. Benjamin Gilman, in Afghanistan. It has been over a year since he passed but every time I hear of another soldiers death I feel the same pit in my stomach and cringe at the thought of another family going through what we did. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the soldiers."
Stacy Hankey of Waterbury, CT

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

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

"To Raymond'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 Raymond'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

"Please accept my deepest condolences on your tragic loss. My heart broke for you when I saw Raymonds story on the news. I wish I could tell you the pain will go away but I can't, what I can tell you is that it does ease some. I lost my husband a year and a half ago in Iraq. I pray that your memories of Raymond bring you comfort during this difficult time. God Bless Your family. Raymond will never be forgotten."
Elisha wife of fallen soldier PFC Shawn Pahnke KIA June 17,2003 of Shelbyville,IN

"Thank you Raymond White, 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 Spc. Raymond White:
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 Raymond 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 Spc. Raymond White:
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 Raymond, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia