Your tributes to fallen soldiers

George Obourn Jr.

Army specialist George Obourn Jr. age 20 was killed in Taji Iraq on October 4th 2006. He was very proud to be a protector of the common people. He told us that Iraqi children would hug him and say thank you almost every day. He believed you have to stand up against the bullys of the world or you are no better than them. He died trying to take out a gun that was firing shells into a civilian neighborhood. He was from Creve Coeur, Il. he was killed one day after his best friend Chris Walker. They went into the Army together. He was my Nephew. --Joanne McKenzie, Oregon, WI (submitted on April 27, 2007)

Evan S. Parker

My 2nd son Sgt. Evan S. Parker died 10-26-05 in Landstuhl Hospital in Germany. He was critically injured by a roadside IED attack 10-23-05. He suffered a head injury that took him to Belaud, Irag immediately for cranial curgery. He was later air transported to Germany. His father, older brother and I were immediatley flown to Germany to be by his side and to make the dicission to remove him from the ventilator. Evan was my rough and tough kid that always loved a challenge. He loved being in the middle of those challenges and trying his haldest to make them better. He always wore a smile and had the most beautiful "God Kissed Freckles", that he hated and his mother adored. He left behind two wonderful little boys, Blake Edward and Conner James, a older brother Lance, younger brother Caleb, his mother-Anita, father and step-mother, Danny and Tanya and grandmother-Opal. Evan was called back into the Army to serve after being out for 10 months. He was sent to training and then immediately to Iraq. Evan your are missed and dearly loved every single day. I am proud of you and your works. I Honor you this 2007 Memorial Day, as I know many of your military friends,loved ones and family are also. We daily keep you alive in our hearts and the hearts of your 2 boys. With all of my Love to you always Your mother Anita Foster --Anita Foster, Wichita, KS (submitted on May 5, 2007)

Harvey E. Parkerson III

Sgt. Harvey E. Parkerson III May 14, 1977 - August 18, 2004 K.I.A. Iraq Sgt. Harvey E. Parkerson III was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and raised in Northern California. He was loving, compassionate, selfless, and one of the most giving people I have ever known. With his outgoing personality and charm he made quite an impression on people, and everyone that knew him loved him. His smile would light up an entire room! If I had to choose what I loved most about him. I wouldn’t even know where to begin. Everything about him was unique and special! I loved the way he could make me smile and laugh, even when all I wanted to do was cry. I don’t think he was even trying. That was just who he was! He spent most of his life looking forward to the day he would become a U.S. Marine. Both Harvey and his brother, Ben, followed in their father’s footsteps in becoming Marines. Harvey joined the Marines in 1999 at the age of 22, and re-enlisted in 2003. He was a mortarman assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Ca. His personal awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Since Harvey's death in his second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, his youngest brother, Robert, has also enlisted and is now awaiting deployment to Iraq. Harvey leaves behind his two sons, Matthew G. Parkerson and Harvey E. Parkerson IV. Harvey is greatly missed by those who knew him and will never be forgotten! --Janell Parkerson-Anaya, Goodyear, AZ (submitted on May 22, 2007)

Michael B. Presley

My hero is Cpl Michael B Presley, Brandon as he was called. Brandon was a Marine and he was killed in Iraq. Brandon was only 21 years old, and he was one of those people that you could not help but love. He had a huge smile on his face at all times and never met a stranger. He could always lighten the mood no matter what the situation. In his 21 years he took full advantage of every oppportunity that came his way and made the best of every situation. His family talked with Brandon on MSN MESSENGER the night before the mission and just as he always did he was cracking jokes and talking about how he could not wait to be home soon. I know the world is a better place because Brandon was a part of it. I know our lives will never be the same but we have GREAT memories that will have to last us because he was taken from us to soon. Brandon was borned in the small town of POPE, MS. on Feb 17, 1984. He was a typical boy always on the go and couldn't be still. Always the first the try anything and do anything you ask him to do. He got into his fair share of trouble growning up. Played sports and loved football. After school he couldn't decide what he wanted to do so he joined the Marines in 2003. Loved it. Loved playing football with his brother and little cousins. The last time we got to see him before he went to Iraq was at a family gathering. Out came the football and the game was on. We video that day and the game and that is a treasure of him with family. We sure didn't know that would be the last time that we would get to see him. Brandon left and went to Iraq in Sept. 0f 2005. He would call when he got the chance. Brandon wasn't much on writing but he loved the phone. On Dec 12 Brandon was on a mission and his convoy came under attack from a suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device.Brandon guick action that day saved not only his driver , but also the cargo that they were carrying, the Iraqi ballots. he valiantly put his fellow marines and mission accomplishment ahead of his own safety. Brandon was flow to Germany where he died Dec. 14, 2005. Brandon has always been my hero but now he is everybodys HERO. OUR HERO CPL. MICHAEL B. PRESLEY, MAY YOUR SMILE SHINE ON FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! --MARY PRESLEY, POPE, MS (submitted on May 7, 2007)

George A. Pugliese

SFC George A. Pugliese Sept. 18, 1966 – Sept. 28, 2005 These are fond memories from George’s mom Dolores Parker. Where do I begin. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe George. Considerate, compassionate, loyal, faithful, fair, even obstinate at times…all these and more. A thoughtful caring son, a deeply loving and devoted husband and the most wonderful daddy to his three children. At times a child at heart himself. If you needed help he was there – always doing his best to help solve a problem, helping out a neighbor and always, always giving of himself. If you ever needed a friend he was the one you could rely on. While serving his first overseas tour of duty in Bosnia, George asked his family and friends not to send him packages of cookies etc. for himself. Rather, send children’s shoes and clothes for the Bosnian children who were walking through the rubble and glass covered streets barefooted. Also, they had almost no clothes to wear. Again he was thinking of others. After returning home in April 2003, it was back to normal for a while. Fun time with his wife and children. Finishing remodeling his home. He installed a three bulb light in his front yard. I admired it and said I could use one outside my house. When I asked him where he had purchased it, he said he wasn’t sure but would look for the sales receipt. A couple of weeks later, shortly before my birthday, in mid July, George and his family drove up my driveway. Opening the back of his van he pulled out a large box and promptly called, “Happy Birthday Mom”. It was the light. On returning to the van he came back, now with two bags of cement, one under each arm, and with his impish grin called out, “ and that includes installation too”. Then on my actual birthday a week later, George and the family arrived again, this time with fireworks saved from July 4th, and I was treated to my very own birthday fireworks. This was typical of George, always creating an unexpected surprise. He may be physically gone from us, but memories like these sustain us through the rough days. It is only after his death that I found out how much he was loved and respected, and how much his presence was felt not only by his family but by his fellow soldiers, friends and co-workers as well. Even now, in George’s memory, a box of school supplies is on its way to a U.S. soldier in Iraq, who like George has asked for these much needed supplies for school children in Iraq, which the soldiers have “adopted”. George’s belief’s live on through yet another compassionate American soldier. Like the pebble tossed into the water, the ripples are endless…………. --Anonymous , Carbondale, PA (submitted on May 24, 2007)

Jason Carroll Ramseyer

Let me tell you about my son, who is now my Guardian Angel. His name is SSgt Jason Carroll Ramseyer, and he was 28 years old. He was a Marine with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines unit in Hawaii. He was my only child. He was killed in the Al Anbar Province in Iraq on April 20, 2006 by an IED explosive device. This was his second deployment. He leaves behind a wife, Mandy and two beautiful daughters. Rylee Grace is 4 and Kadence Faith just turned 3. They were the light of his life and he reveled in their everyday antics and accomplishments. Jason could captivate you with his quit wit and smile and when he hugged you it hurt. In letters, emails and tributes since his death, his friends and fellow Marines have confirmed the impact his short life made on everyone he came into contact with. As a mother, I knew that impact when he was born, but to have so many others reinforce those feelings is overwhelming. At Haditha Dam in Iraq, there is a gym for the soldiers and Marines. That gym has been named "Ram's Dam Gym" in honor of Jason. The Marines said that if he was not on patrol or asleep, he was working out. So it was only fitting to them to honor him in that way. These everlasting tributes to our fallen heroes keeps their memories alive and ensure that they will never be forgotten. Jason was the second Marine to die in his unit. They lost 11 during their deployment. A few days before his death, he told me in an email that they he had just returned from "picking up one of their angels". There had been a flash flood and a Humvee was swept away. It took them several days to locate the Marine's body; however they had searched until they found him. He was so relieved that they had found him so they return him to his family. That is the way my Jason was. He was all about honor and dignity, compassionate about his family and had an overwhelming love for children and animals. Each life that is lost changes the fabric of a family forever. Semper Fidelis --Cindy Hicks, Claremont, NC (submitted on April 26, 2007)

Justin Allan Rollins

My son, SPC Justin Allan Rollins was KIA on March 5th, 2007, along with five other soldiers from the 82nd Airborne. They were killed by an IED. He was due home for his break, as he had been in Iraq since August 8th. That was the last time that I got to see my beautiful, loving son. My son gave up his life so that we could have our freedom. I am so proud of him, for being so strong. I mourn the plans he had of marriage, having children and living a full life. He was only 22 years old. My life has changed forever because of losing him. He was so vivacious, always fun to be around, and was such a good friend to all. He never complained the entire time he was in Iraq, except for the fact that he didn't get much time to sleep. He was on mission after mission. We owe all these brave men so much. I never thought that my son would be taken away from me. I love you so much Justin....and I am so proud of you! --Rhonda Rollins, Newport New Hampshire, NV (submitted on April 27, 2007)

Oscar Sauceda

DoD Report: Army Pvt. Oscar Sauceda, Jr., 21, of Del Rio, Texas, died Tuesday, May 22, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Ft. Riley, Kansas. Oscar had an infectious smile who could put anyone at ease and was a joker at heart. His mother stated that the last time she spoke to him was this past Mother's Day when he called at 4 a.m. He thought it was funny when he asked her what she was doing. He had been in the Army for 18 months and in Baghdad since Feb. 23, 2007. He loved playing football and enjoyed his time in the Army. On the day of his deployment to Iraq, he told his mom, "Don't worry, I have to do this, I'll be back, I'll be fine." NOTE: As of this writing (May 25th), his family awaits the return of his body for burial. Submitted by father of Oscar's friend. --Frank Anguiano, Del Rio, TX (submitted on May 26, 2007)

Jonathan Kena Smith

Jonathan Kena Smith, was born August 16, 1987. He died in Iraq on March 11, 2007. He was my nephew. Though we stayed in two different states I still loved him as if he was my own. He was very outgoing and the most loved young guy you could ever meet. He was very active in his local church, school activities, etc. He was very proud when he joined the Army to fight for his country. His funeral, or as we call it, his homegoing was the most incredible service you could have imagined. I'm sure he would have been proud of what his mother, Sherry Smith, put together for him. We all love and miss you "Jon Jon". --Tammy Smith, Lumberton, NC (submitted on May 24, 2007)

Cole Spencer

My cousin Cole Spencer, born 1986, was killed in iraq April 29 2007. He was a loving person who would do anything for anyone. Cole we will all miss you so much, we love you! --Brock Webb, Mt. Zion, IL (submitted on April 29, 2007)

Jeff Starr

Jeff Starr was always on the go. He was killed May 30, 2005 just 5 days after his 22nd birthday, May 25, 1983. He could always keep you entertained and was very supportive but never let anything go to your head. He was one of the most loyal people you'd ever meet but he'd always have to be doing something even if that meant, and it often did, that he took the lead. He was a great brother always looking out for his sister's both older and younger and could never have been more proud of their acomplishments. He was a great son and so thankful for his parents and how much he knew they loved him. He was an awesome friend and could cheer anyone up and always had a quick sense of humor that got anyone to smile. --Emily Starr, Snohomish, WA (submitted on May 20, 2007)

James John Stoddard

SFC James John Stoddard, DOB 9/1/1976, KIA 9/29/2005, "Jamie" was my nephew, and a wonderful man, who served his country proudly, he was killed in Afghanistan, this was his third tour to the Middle East. Jamie left behind a wife and three children, his youngest was 13 months old when he was killed. Jamie believed in what he was doing, he was member of the 82nd Airborne Division where he served proudly. His family has been devestated by his loss, a wife goes on like so many trying to explain to her young children where Daddy went, and why he isn't coming home. As Americans, please remember this Memorial Day and always, the sacrifice that children, wives and mothers make for the price of freedom, for our freedom. --Anonymous , Tracys Landing, MD (submitted on May 16, 2007)

Joseph A.L. Strong

Specialist Joseph A L Strong (Joey) 03/18/1985 - 12/26/2006 Killed in Baghdad, Iraq when his humvee overturned into a canal, and all three inside drowned. He was from Lebanon, Indiana. A member of the 3rd Battallion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. He was a member of the "Dog Company" He had the most amazing smile that could light up a room, and he was so full of life and energy. He loved life, his car, and his family. --Terri Batts, Lebanon, IN (submitted on May 1, 2007)

Harry R. Swain

In Loving Memory of a True American Hero.7-29-1983 to 1-31-2005 KIA...Gone, But Never Forgoten... A TRIBUTE TO A TRUE AMERICAN HERO Lance Cpl. Harry R. Swain 4th was killed in action on 1-31-2005 in Northern Babil, Iraq by a roadside bomb. United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Harry Swain IV, a resident of New Jersey, graduated from Millville Senior High School in 2001. Swain a Millville native enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack. He wanted to go over there, to fight for his country. Lance Corporal Harry R. Swain IV proudly served as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, Second Marines, as a machine gunner and was deployed to Iraq in the service of his country for two tours of duty, where he received the Presidential Unit Citation and Combat Action Ribbon for his performance in battle at An Nasiriyah, Iraq March 2003. Lance Corporal Swain was a courageous Marine, and a loving son and brother, and made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty while serving our nation. Lance Corporal Swain’s patriotism and dedicated service to his country make him a hero and a true role model for all Americans. Harry wrote a letter in the Vineland Daily Journal 12-10-2002. A copy of the letter is pasted below; December 10, 2002 Daily Journal Iraq, Saddam problem not going away This is in response to the letter "Springsteen is wrong on Iraq, Saddam" on www.thedailyjournal.com on Dec. 7, 2002: As a young Millville native currently serving as an active duty United States Marine Corps infantryman out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, I can tell you for certain that the problem of Iraq is not going to go away unless we do something about it. Springsteen shouldn't worry about "putting ... American lives on the line" because when those of us in the armed forces joined the military, we were fully aware of the dangers that may one day be placed upon us. As such, many of us are willing, even eager, to put our lives on the line, not only for the defense of our country but for the defense of all people, everywhere. This is what we signed up for, and this is what we do, for to do any less would violate the very fabric of our Constitution, which we are sworn to protect. "All men are created equal" means all men and all women, not just the citizens of the United States. Semper Fidelis PFC Harry R. Swain IV North Carolina Lance Corporal Harry Swain got it. He was a young man who could have decided to do a million other things with his life. He chose to serve his country Proudly. He chose the profession of arms and made a decision to join a brotherhood that will never forget who he was and what he meant to the Marines and our country. He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. He is in our hearts forever... --Harry Swain III, Millville, NJ (submitted on May 17, 2007)

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