Ryan D. Jopek Obituary

I never met you Ryan but I know your family. In fact your cousin Alexandria named her baby boy Jase David after you. He's my grandson. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace soldier.

To the family of Sgt. Ryan D. Jopek:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Christian Memorial Day Remembrance worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, 26 May 2013. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the bordering states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 300 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars of our nation's history and give honor to all who have served in the United States Armed Forces and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each 8-foot cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of America's conflicts.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “Freedom:Free, but Costly.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and there place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the Memorial Garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel. The Memorial Garden will remain until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, 27 May (Memorial Day).

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/286-7296) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans' name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/286-7296) or email the office ([email protected]) and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Saturday 25 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sunday, 26 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one's cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

To the family of Sgt. Ryan D. Jopek:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Christian Memorial Day Remembrance worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday 27 May 2012. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the bordering states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 300 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars of our nation's history and give honor to all who have served the United States and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of America's conflicts.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “Lest We Forget Freedom's Cost.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the Memorial Garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/456-4410) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans' name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/456-4410) or email ([email protected]) the office, and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Saturday 26 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sunday 27 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one's cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

To the family and friends of Sgt. Ryan D. Jopek:
Please accept my remembrance of Ryan on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace Brother!

SSG Roger "Chico" De Coster
Las Vegas, NV
A CO 1/121 FA in OIF July 06-July 07

To the family of Sgt Ryan D Jopek:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May 2011. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 200 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one. The Memorial Garden’s perimeter will be manned by members of the Patriot Guard and a honor guard from AMVETS Post #1 of Mendota will be posted at the entrance.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars in United States history and give honor to all who have served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of our nation’s wars.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “A Believer’s Look at War.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the memorial garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/456-4410) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/456-4410) or email ([email protected]) the office and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Sat 28 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sun 29 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one’s cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

To the family and friends of Sgt. Ryan D. Jopek:
Remembering Ryan 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 Sgt. Ryan D. Jopek:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 30 May 2010. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses to represent all of the wars in United States history and give honor to all who have served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled “A Day of Remembrance.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the memorial garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception; weather permitting will be outside of the Chapel.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (612/970-7866) or email ([email protected]) the office and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Sat 29 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sun 30 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one’s cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

To the family of Sgt. Ryan D. Jopek:
Ryan 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

To the family of Sgt. Ryan D. Jopek:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 24 May 2009. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled “Answering the Highest Call.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the memorial garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception in the Chapel’s Fellowship Hall.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (612/970-7866) or email ([email protected]) the office and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Sat 23 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sun 24 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one’s cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

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

You are a true hero! RIP!

Mr. and Mrs. Jopek, I want to say thank you for raising such an honorable young man, as we send our son to Iraq on Thursday for the first time, I think of the young soldiers from our area that we have lost and I am grateful that we have such wonderful people who have tought their sons and daughters that fighting for freedom is worth fighting for. Words will never be enough to say thank you and to tell you how sorry I am for your loss of such a great young man. Thank You. Denise and Dave Guenthner, Antigo, WI

Ryan, I am sitting here listening to Led Zepplin, Rush, Wolfmother, and the Braveheart and Gladiator soundtracks. I will never forget the summer you came to our house and helped paint the garage, and got in a paint fight with April. We saw a lot of movies that summer including Gladiator,Lord of the Rings, and Road to Perdition. You had the great idea of sneaking in jalepeno seasoning for the popcorn. Two years ago we had another kind of summer it started of great with Jesse and April graduating, and you got to come home which was so cool. Then you had to go back to take care of your buds, and our lives changed. I miss you, we miss you. I know you are in good hands now. I love you.

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 Ryan, 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 –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

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

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

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Jopek!

To the family of Sgt. Ryan D. Jopek:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 25 May, 2008. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “The Price of Freedom” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Sat. 24 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sun. 25 May, a “PrayerVigil for Peace” will be held. You are invited to stop by and light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one’s cross in the Memorial Garden, then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

Mr & Mrs Jopek,
Sorry for your lost. My husband served with Ryan with 2-127th and so did my son-in-law. We still can't believe that this happened.

Son,

It's March, 2008 and I'm preparing for another deployment. Not Mosul this time. It's GITMO in Cuba and while we have several new faces this time I'll be going with Mary, Sara, and Gretel again.

Not a day goes by where I don't think about you and the things I wanted us to work on as a father and son, let alone everything you had planned for the future.

I have the usual regrets--you know, like not being able to be there and be with you instead of you out there without your mom or dad.

I am glad, though, that the last time we talked on the phone I got the opportunity to tell you I love you and you did the same. This whole thing would be much harder to bear if I wouldn't have been able to do that.

The date that happened, 23 July, 2006, is commemorated on Gold Star family plates on the Silverado. Alot of people ask me about them and I tell them either it's the last time I ever got to talk to you or "It was the last time my oldest boy told me 'I love you, dad'".

You were one of the lights in my world and life is not the same.

Miss you, son.


Daddy

If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. 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 guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised LE RON A. WILSON (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

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

My Heart felt sympathy goes to you and your family as a veteran myself of the same war you gave the ultimate sacrifice we will all miss you god speed

Ryan, or Jopek as all of his friends new him, was the most amazing friend anyone could ever have. If you were down he was right there to bring your spirits back up. Jopek will never be forgotten. I love you Jopek you are and forever will be my hero.

I love you Ryan...You were so amazing...I miss your smile

My heartfelt sympathy to the Jopek family in the loss of Ryan. I did not know Ryan, 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. Ryan you are my 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 and friends



I have only just begun this journey and may not have known your loved one personally.



I extend to you my deepest condolences. No words will ever express the grief those close to this lost treasure are feeling. I can only say that I can share this grief as I too lost a loved one July 8, 2006. I will continue to pray for the safety of our soldiers and especially the family and friends of our lost hero’s. I only hope the memories will carry us through. I will continue pray that you also will believe and know that our heavenly father will not give us more than we can handle.



As always I read (and cry) through the memorials of our lost hero’s, So many people have already expressed the things I would also say. I am amazed and take comfort that so many people care. I can only thank you for the sacrifice you and especially Ryan have made to protect our country. As others have said “I am only an email away.” I would be honored if you so choose to share about this fine hero.



Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28



Laura Cameron

(CPL Joseph P Micks KIA 7/8/2006 Ramadi, Iraq)

Military Parents,

The Jopek Family: I am sincerely sorry about the loss of your soldier/ precious loved one. As I look @ his pic I think what a handsome young man. & those dimples!! He looks like he was so full of fun. I pray that God will grant you peace & keep you strong in the coming days. Once again, I am terribly sorry & my heart goes out to you all.

Sincerely,

Please know that I am deeply sorry for your loss.

The price Sgt. Ryan D. Jopek and his family paid for this country and our freedom, will never be forgotten.

May he Rest Safely in the Mighty Arms of God and may God's Loving Comfort and Grace be with the Jopek 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



May the memories of your loved one live in your heart always.

Softly and slowly....

Time heals...

I never had the honor to meet you but you were a part of my military family...May God comfort your family and friends during this great time of loss. Thankyou for your service and ultimate sacrafice to this great country. Without Hero's like you we would not be free..we are forever grateful to you. God bless you and your family..may you live on in the hearts of all who loved you.



Much love

SGT Michael Gerber, Sarah, Gracey and Emma

Ryan was my cousin, but he was not only my cousin he was my friend. Even though he would pick on me and tease me LOTS, I knew deep down that he loved me! On his last visit, he came and saw me at work...so he could say good bye, and for the first time ever he told me loved me! I am so glad that he came to see me, otherwise I would have never got to say goodbye! I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU MY COUSIN! I hope you are enjoying those stogies in heaven lol :)

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Dear Jopek family,



My deepest sympathies go to you all in this terrible time. I, of course did not know Ryan, but we lost my brother-in-law, Grant Dampier of Merrill just 3 months ago. I do not know the pain you are feeling, but I feel some of it. It is so hard to lose someone so young and unexpectedly. I pray that God is wrapping his arms around your entire family. I have been thinking of you all and Ryan since I heard of his death and praying that you will find some comfort soon. I wish I could say it gets easier, but 3 months later it's still difficult, we just think of them less. I know there is nothing I can do to help, but pray, so that I will do.



Again, I am SO TERRIBLY sorry for your loss

As a former resident of Merrill and member of the old Merrill National Guard unit, Co A, 1-632nd Armor Bn, I wish to express my deepset sympathies to the Jopek family. This young man did us all proud and will always be remembered as a true hero. God bless you Ryan.

Brandt Hunter and I graduated with Ryan and couldn't be more shocked with the news of his passing or more proud of him for his unyielding duty. His sacrifice will never be forgotten because Ryan's smile will never levave our hearts! We send our love and prayers not only to Ryan and his family each night, but also for our entire class of 2004 who grieves over this unimaginable loss of one so dear to all of us. Jopek, you will be missed as a friend and remembered as a hero until we meet again...

Ryan who we called Jopek was not only an all around awesome person but a great friend. He had a sweet kansas accent that would grab anybody's attention! My thoughts and prayers are with your family... We will NEVER let his memory fade, he is a friend I will treasure forever!

dear mr and mrs jopek,

i found out about the death of your son by my dad. sgt. paul polacek. im sorry for your lose and if there is anything you need you can always talk to me and my dad. i am grateful for the service that your son has provided the national gaurd. god bless you and your son.

I heard about the loss of your son through a friend who is also serving in Iraq in the 127 infantry, Sgt. Watras. He is a good friend of my husband and we were saddened by the news. I also lost my son, PFC Cole William Larsen, in Iraq, November 13, 2004. I know your grief. My saving grace was meeting an organization called TAPS (tragedy assistance program for survivors) This organization supports families of fallen heroes. Please know that your family is in my prayers and I would love the opportunity to talk to you. Again, my deepest sympathies for your loss. Your son is a hero and his sacrafice was honorable and he will never be forgotten!

Christi Larsen

Proud Mom of PFC Cole William Larsen

KIA November 13, 2004

To the Ryan Jopek family.

I did not know your son personaly,however I have family in Merrill who do. I have a son on tour in Iraq right now and I fear one day I to may get that vist to say something has happened to him. I can only guess on how you are feeling right now to loose someone so young. I find myself wonder to what end will this all be. I just want you to know that I appericate and understand the sacrafices that our sons have given to be in Iraq. But I futher understand a mothers love and heart and how it breaks and worries daily for her children. I only hope you can rest knowing that your son did what he felt he had to do for his country. I for one appericate him for that and will never forget the sacrfice he made. But I too will never forget your family for standing by him and supporting him while he served. Now we as a country need to stand by you now. We are still and army famliy.

God Bless you and heal your hurt heart in this time of loss.



Brenda Towne

mother of

SGT Benjamin Towne

1-121st FA

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. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI



A PROUD MARINE MOM