This particularly moving sentiment by Shawna Kress was originally posted on legacy.com:
Ryan, I will never forget you. You were one of my BIGGEST crushes in highschool. Homecoming was great. I will never forget all the fun that I had with you and B ! I am proud for the man that you became, and I know my mother will look after you in heaven. Love you bud- Shawna
Shawna Kress (Pittsburgh, PA)
Friday, January 11, 2008
Legacy Post from Mick McFarland
This particularly moving sentiment by Mick McFarland was originally posted on legacy.com:
Doug and Cheryl,
This has to be the absolute worse thing a parent could ever go through. As a nation we can only thank folks like you, for raising three unselfish sons like Ryan, Brandon, and Adam. That they would put the security of our nation first to their own safety. My son Darren went to Shaler High with Ryan and Brandon. I remember them quite younger. Very handsome young children, impossible to tell apart, always had a smile on their faces, sometimes mischievous smiles, but smile just the same. You have three fantastic children, I wish I could have known them as adults. You know only the good die young. And God always has a plan, we may not be aware of it , but a plan just the same. May He keep you all close to his heart, and comfort you in this extremely rough time. God bless Ryan, Brandon, Adam and the entire Maseth family.
Mick McFarland and Family
Mick McFarland (Plum, PA)
Doug and Cheryl,
This has to be the absolute worse thing a parent could ever go through. As a nation we can only thank folks like you, for raising three unselfish sons like Ryan, Brandon, and Adam. That they would put the security of our nation first to their own safety. My son Darren went to Shaler High with Ryan and Brandon. I remember them quite younger. Very handsome young children, impossible to tell apart, always had a smile on their faces, sometimes mischievous smiles, but smile just the same. You have three fantastic children, I wish I could have known them as adults. You know only the good die young. And God always has a plan, we may not be aware of it , but a plan just the same. May He keep you all close to his heart, and comfort you in this extremely rough time. God bless Ryan, Brandon, Adam and the entire Maseth family.
Mick McFarland and Family
Mick McFarland (Plum, PA)
Legacy Post from Sgt Jacob Winberg
This particularly moving sentiment by Sgt Jacob Winberg was originally posted on legacy.com:
I'm sorry for your loss. Please know that we are all at loss without Ryan here in Iraq. Although Ryan's contributions to the people of America and Iraq may not be mentioned, his contributions will not be forgotten. He was a great leader, soldier, friend, and man. The things his heart gave away are not lost, they are carried in the hearts of others. He will always be our brother and remembered by all soldiers who knew him and did not as we all bear the same last name over our hearts, "US ARMY."
Sgt Jacob Winberg (Baghdad, Iraq)
I'm sorry for your loss. Please know that we are all at loss without Ryan here in Iraq. Although Ryan's contributions to the people of America and Iraq may not be mentioned, his contributions will not be forgotten. He was a great leader, soldier, friend, and man. The things his heart gave away are not lost, they are carried in the hearts of others. He will always be our brother and remembered by all soldiers who knew him and did not as we all bear the same last name over our hearts, "US ARMY."
Sgt Jacob Winberg (Baghdad, Iraq)
Legacy Post from a Proud Mother of a U.S. Soldier
This particularly moving sentiment by a Proud Mother of a U.S. Soldier was originally posted on legacy.com:
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
I would also like to tell you about a website, http://groups.msn.com/SSPSoldierPortraits/homepage,
Where some wonderful people will make wood portraits of your fallen Hero for free for the immediate family. I became aware of this site when I wanted to do something special for Le Ron’s mother.
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett (Queens, NY)
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
I would also like to tell you about a website, http://groups.msn.com/SSPSoldierPortraits/homepage,
Where some wonderful people will make wood portraits of your fallen Hero for free for the immediate family. I became aware of this site when I wanted to do something special for Le Ron’s mother.
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett (Queens, NY)
Legacy Post from Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams
This particularly moving sentiment by the Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams was originally posted on legacy.com:
To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
Legacy Post from 1LT Benjamin P. Madonia
This particularly moving sentiment by 1LT Benjamin P. Madonia was originally posted on legacy.com:
I am a Platoon Leader in the regular Army unit that patrols in the area near where Ryan lived and worked. I met him about two months ago, within weeks of each of us arriving in Baghdad. I have no idea what the work of an elite SF NCO entails, but he was helping me with a project that I am certain was not in his job description. We were arranging to have an old water purification system taken off of his compound to be given to the locals to purify their own water. He consistently made himself available to me, local Iraqis, and other officers from my Battalion to discuss the project, often sacrificing his own rest to meet our schedule. I once asked Ryan if there was a better time to come talk to him so I didn't have to keep waking him up and he said, "No, this is the best time to come because otherwise I won't be here." Ryan implored me to come visit while he should have been sleeping because he knew we wouldn’t be able to speak face to face otherwise.
My Battalion is now close to completing this project that will help provide the people of our area with clean drinking water. Although Ryan won’t be there on moving day, his selflessness and effort above and beyond his duty made this project possible, and made my assignment of coordinating it a lot simpler. I’m sure his real job was much more high speed, but his assistance on this project helped both me and the people of West Baghdad, and will not be soon forgotten. Thanks Ryan.
To Ryan’s Family: I know my sadness cannot compare to yours, but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
1LT Benjamin P. Madonia
2nd Platoon Leader
B/1-320th FAR
2BCT 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Benjamin Madonia (Baghdad, Iraq)
I am a Platoon Leader in the regular Army unit that patrols in the area near where Ryan lived and worked. I met him about two months ago, within weeks of each of us arriving in Baghdad. I have no idea what the work of an elite SF NCO entails, but he was helping me with a project that I am certain was not in his job description. We were arranging to have an old water purification system taken off of his compound to be given to the locals to purify their own water. He consistently made himself available to me, local Iraqis, and other officers from my Battalion to discuss the project, often sacrificing his own rest to meet our schedule. I once asked Ryan if there was a better time to come talk to him so I didn't have to keep waking him up and he said, "No, this is the best time to come because otherwise I won't be here." Ryan implored me to come visit while he should have been sleeping because he knew we wouldn’t be able to speak face to face otherwise.
My Battalion is now close to completing this project that will help provide the people of our area with clean drinking water. Although Ryan won’t be there on moving day, his selflessness and effort above and beyond his duty made this project possible, and made my assignment of coordinating it a lot simpler. I’m sure his real job was much more high speed, but his assistance on this project helped both me and the people of West Baghdad, and will not be soon forgotten. Thanks Ryan.
To Ryan’s Family: I know my sadness cannot compare to yours, but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
1LT Benjamin P. Madonia
2nd Platoon Leader
B/1-320th FAR
2BCT 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Benjamin Madonia (Baghdad, Iraq)
Monday, January 7, 2008
We are so sorry....
Our group has only known Cheryl, Ryan's mom, for a short time. And we never met Ryan. But we all want to express our condolences to Ryan's family.
From what we've learned over the past couple days, reading through the news accounts, emails, and posts on other sites about Ryan and the impression he made on all of you, he was a very special person.
If there's anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to contact us.
All our best wishes.
Steve Wax
-- for the staff and partners at Campfire
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