Richard A. Blakley Obituary

Richar was my friend, my mentor, and a man above others! He welcomed into the "Real Amy" when I was a greenhorn private! I owe everything to him and given the chance I would like to sit with his son Richard Jr! AND EXPLAIN THE MAN HIS FATHER REALLY WAS!! He...
.Richard was a DOUBLE purple heart recipient! A REAL AMERICAN HERO!!

Hello,
We wanted to let your family and friends know that we are sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and some of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Richard A. Blakley US Army Staff Sergeant.

We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.

We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

You will never be forgotten......

Just thinking of Rick and his family on this Memorial Day. I guess the children have grown up, sorry I have not kept in touch. Not only was he family, but he was a friend. A good man. A true hero. I think of him often. Just wanted you all to know he may be gone from this earth, but his spirit will live on forever. He will never be forgotten.

You are dearly missed even after 17 yrs. Miss YOU Richard.

You are missed. Its been almost 7 years since we lost you in Iraq.738th ASMC will never be the same.

June 6, 2012
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Richard A. Blakley:
Always remembering Richard. "Some gave all."

On the 6th anniversary of the passing of Richard Blakely, this true American hero, I am praying for him, his family & children. He is still remembered, honored and respected.

A flame burns in my heart in remembrance of Rick every day. It is hard to believe that it has been 5+ years that he has been gone. He was a true friend that was always there. I talk with him all the time telling him how much I miss and Love him. He was a brother in arms and is missed by many. His Kids, Parents, and Brother and sister will always be in my prayers.

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Richard A. Blakley:
Please accept my remembrance of Richard on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Richard A. Blakley:
Remembering Richard on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

To the family of Staff Sgt. Richard A. Blakley:
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

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we thank god everyday for brave men & women like your soldier for defending our country. We are building a wall in honor of all those who have lost their lives in Iraq & Afghanistan from Indiana. It's called Wall of Heroes. If you would like more information please contact me at [email protected].

I had the priveledge to serve with SSG Blakley in Iraq, he may be gone but never forgotten rest in peace Rick

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Richard, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Richard A. Blakley, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. What he has done for our freedom will not be forgotten. May God bless and comfort your family.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Blakley!

I was fortunate to have met Richard during a training course at Ft. Brag, NC. I was also part of the 38th MSB at the time. Your son was an outgoing and fun person to be around. I am proud to have served time with him and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. America has lost a great soldier and human being. SSG McCammon

Never forgotten!!

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!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Blakley and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

I am so sorry for the loss of Staff Sgt. Richard A. Blakley. If there are any brothers or sisters , please contact me. I am the Founder of Gold Star Siblings, Inc.

God Bless

My Deepest and most heartfelt sympathy go out to you, regarding the recent loss of Staff Sgt. Richard A. Blakley.

The price this young hero and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

There is so much thanks to be given, for these young heroes and for their Courage, Service and Dedication.

May Richard rest safely in God's Mighty Hands and may God's Loving Comfort and Grace continue to be with the Blakley family.

I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.



"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,

there shall be no more death,

nor sorrow, nor crying,

there shall be no more pain.

For the former things have have passed away."

Revelations 21:4



With each new day, may the Lord restore your soul and, through His love, give you the strength to go on.

Softly and slowly...

Time heals...

I'm sorry that I did not have the privilege of knowing your brave son/husband Richard. I know that Richard must have been one of our finest. I want to thank you for raising such a self-sacrificing man. Richard will not be forgotten. A true hero is one who makes a sacrifice for others. He will always be my Hero. There are times when words are not enough so may God's eternal promises and everlasting love surround you now.

I am with thee . . . I will strengthen thee.

Isaiah 41:10

Dear Blakley Family,



I am sorry to learn of Richard's death, but I wish to express my gratitude for his efforts in the Army. He began serving America and sacrificing for each one of us long before he was called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. He is worthy of our honor and continued appreciation.



Thank you for sharing him with us.



From a grateful Floridian,

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR THE LITTLE ONES. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI



A PROUD MARINE MOM

Dear Blakley Family,

Rick was my squad leader and a great friend. He was the one to tell me good job and also the one to tell me to straighten up. He was always there for me and I thank God for that. His legacy wont die easiley every patient I ever help will be because of the skills I picked up from your son.

If you ever need anything at all please dont hesitate to call or write. With all my love,

Sgt Michael Crone (DPWWO)

Please know that as time goes on, your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Prayers that God will bless you with comfort and peace, and prayers of thanksgiving for the heroes who have sacrificed everything for us. God Bless you and your family.

AS I read the entries in this guest book I realize many people share in our grief. Rick was truly an American Hero but also a wonderful son. He has left behind a legacy his children can look up to. We are very proud of his service to our Country. We will miss him dearly and it will be a long road back for us. We thank all of you who have held us up in prayer and given the much needed support our family needed in this time of mourning. We will never forget the kindness of everyone. Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Dear Blakley Family

May God give you peace during this time of need.

Men like Richard are the reason we Americans can sleep in peace at night.

Thank you for all that your family has given this country.

Jeff Daniels

LT.Col(USMC Ret)

Korea and Vietnam Vet.

Patty and kids- I'm so shocked Rick is gone. I served with him in E Company but retired in 2002. He was a very special man who could always make us laugh no matter how miserable the situation. He had me in tears of laughter the last time we qualified in pouring rain and the range was in 2 feet of water. I'm so sorry I didn't hear about his death until I was at work Thursday night. If there is anything at all I can do... I lost my cousin over in Iraq last year and this just adds another hole in my heart. God Bless You and hold you during this horrible time.

My heart hurts for all of you. I will continue to pray that you find peace, strength, and comfort now and in the days ahead.

Sending my love,

Jean

My condolences to the Blakley family. Richard may you rest in peace. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. You have earned your golden halo and wings. May you continue to soar in the heavenly clouds up above.

My Hero My cousin! I never got to say goodbye and now I regret not seeing you at Grandma's house. You are a hero and will be missed greatly! I love ya and miss ya! I know you and grandpa are together now and are looking down on the family. I miss ya!

My brother was my hero from the time that i can remember. He was my best friend and the person that i came to for every problem. i can not imagine my life with out him. I now must share him as a hero for everyone that loves freedom because i know that he died for a cause greater than me. i except that and believe that he would not want it any other way. but i love him and am going to miss him terribly.

My heartfelt sympathy to the Blakley family in the loss of Richard. I did not know Richard, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Richard you are a hero and you will never be forgotten.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

To the Family of Staff Sgt. Richard A. Blakley;

My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous 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. We lost a son 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.

I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all 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. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now 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 those 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 courageous soldier and family.

Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)

[email protected]

(Millersville, PA )

My deepest sympathies are extended to the family and friends of Richard. I did not know him, but I share in your grief. Another fine young man has gone home to the Lord. May he rest in peace.

He will live on in the spirit of America.

Our prayers go out to the entire family. We recently had a lost in our family. The grief can be tremendous. I hope that you can find comfort in this time of extreme grief. I’m encouraged to know that God is "near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalms 34:18)

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Please remember that there are people that do appreciate and do not take for granted Richard's willingness to fight for our freedom. May the God of Peace comfort you during this difficult time.