Ryan L. Mayhan Obituary

I went to boot camp with Ryan. I can still remember his voice yelling out to the DIs. We came together as recruits and left brothers. From my short time knowing him I knew he was a good guy. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Ryan L. Mayhan:
Please accept my remembrance of Ryan on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

I was blessed with the great fortune to do a tour with Ryan in 2005. What a breathe of fresh air. I list him as the funniest person I have ever known in my life. He had guys busting their guts laughing in a war zone everyday. And what a genuinely good heart.

He told me of a story once in high school where there was a race riot, where Mexicans and blacks were fighting. When the Mexicans came along, they asked him, "Where'd they go wey?" and he misdirected them in Spanish. Then the blacks came along asking the same thing and he misdirected them too, saying "They over there dawg!" He could make friends with anyone.

During my time serving with Ryan, I never saw him act disrespectfully or meanly toward any Iraqis. And I know, if the S.O.B.s that did this to him had a chance to get to know him, they'd be sick to their stomachs with regret.

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Ryan L. Mayhan:
Remembering Ryan on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.

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

Ryan Mayhan...i went to boot camp with you and remember you vividly as a good man..no matter what BS was going on there you still hustle...i remember when we ran into each other at soi...you were in crutches..but you still were in a cheerful mood...you always made me laugh even when times were tough...i met your brother at the hospital when he visited another buddy of mind...although we didnt know each other too well i feel a loss... i wish i could have served with...i know your being taken care of well brother..Yut...4 LAR...CPL Din

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 and sacrifice. 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

To the family of Lance Cpl. Ryan L. Mayhan:
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

It feels like yesterday man when we back at the recruiting office running down prairie ave. getting ready for bootcamp. I hate that you had to leave us so early man. But thank you for everything brother you will never be forgotten. Semper Fi!!

This Marine family hasnt forgotten you or your family..
Keep watching over your Brothers Ryan.. They need you in more ways then one..
God Bless
Semper Fi

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Lance Cpl Mayhan!

im sorry i missed his last call and it hurts to this da. ill never see the homie again, i love you man

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Lance Cpl Mayhan and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

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)

I was his platoon commander. He continues to be one of the best men I have served with. I wish we could trade places. To his parents...you raised an amazing son. Neither this country nor I can every repay the debt your family is owed. God bless you.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE 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 SOEMDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

The condolence book is so very nice. I will put it away untill someone in Ryans family would let me know that you want it. No charge for mailing. Please email me at [email protected] Ruth

Dear family of Ryan Mayhan, my sincere condolences go out to you.I did not know him but he was a good friend of my brothers.This is truly a tragedy.He will be missed by many and won't be forgotten May he rest in peace and may God continue to bless you.

Ryan,
I remember when you were a young boy growing up on Lemoli ave. in Hawthorne, CA. You, David, and your strong mom, Kim. You were a nice young man, quiet and respectful, never hanging out with the wrong people. I was much older than you raising my own children alone like your mom was, hoping that they would do the right thing when they grew up. I see that you did the right thing and made a courageous decision to join the USMC. Your mom would go over to my moms house and talk about you frequently. She missed you and wanted desperately for you to come home. She bragged about all the nice gifts you sent her!... I remember my sister calling me one day in December sometime after Christmas telling me that you had passed, that there was an article in the Daily Breeze Newspaper about you being killed in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. I didn't believe her and at the same time my heart broke. I cried not because you passed, for I know where your soul lives now, but because your mom and the rest of your family will miss you dearly. I wasn't that close to you but I know they love you more than words can say. Your memorial service was beautiful... I think I saw you on the wings of one of those doves as they flew away into the sun...You're free, beloved Ryan. The Creator sent you from Heaven for a reason and a season, and your life was not lived in vain. I want to thank you for the sacrifice you made and the exemplary life that you led. Your mom is doing well, God's grace and comfort is upon her. I pray for her often, that she will find the strength she needs daily. I know that you're watching over her and David, as well as the rest of the family, and they feel your love surely. I want you to know Ryan that I keep you in my memory by displaying your photo in the window of my car so that everyone will know who you are and what you stood for. I pray for the military personnel that I meet at work who will be going to Iraq soon and I tell them how wonderful you were/are (I don't believe people die, we just transition). I recently met a young man who will be going to Al Anbar Province soon, and he said he's afraid. Ryan, will you please pray and ask the Creator to watch over him and give him comfort? I will pray for him as well. My eyes well up everytime I hear of another young soul who has passed because of this war. I wish I could stop it and bring all the troops home, but there's nothing I can do but pray, and pray and pray some more....And that's what I will continue to do, for your family and other families. Until we see you again, may you rest in peace with our Lord.

I am extremely hurt when I look at the way this loss happened. During a time of duty in favour of liberty and democracy. God is the giver of life. May Lance Cpl. Ryan L. Mayhan's parents and friends be comforted by the Lord Himself.

i wrote this poem for ryan. i was his roomate for all of our time we were together in 3/4. he was my best friend and i will always remember how he could make me laugh





This is to you my friend, for the wish that you rest in peace...
And as for you i wish for all that have died in the middle east...

You are not with us now, but will be remembered as your gone...
But never forget what you did for us, cause the song will still play on...

A future is never set in stone, and no one can ever see...
Now that you're gone there'e an emptyness, but i know youll be here with me...

Your friendship is something i charish an will remember the rest of my life...
And i hope the friendships you have had carried you on those dark and lonely nights...

Everyday when i look into the sky as the day turns into dawn...
I hope you relize you're not forgotten and your song will still play on...

People fade in times like these, and they seem to fall apart...
But i know thats not what you would want from the bottom of my heart...

So that day has come where you had to lay down and give your life...
But i know you're looking down on us clear from heavens sight...

So you will not be forgotten my friend and we will carry on from this day...
just remember we are still here for you forever and always...

Goodbye Ryan, you're loved and missed, but we will all remain strong...
For the story you wrote we will all remember and your song will still play on...

R.I.P. Ryan ( FAYAH BWEI ) Mayhan

ill miss you man

I am so sorry for your loss. I feel as if I knew LCpl Ryan because I have been working on a condolence book for his family. I have it ready but I haven't been able to find his mother, Kim Hearn. I have someone that will deliver it but I will mail it directly if the family prefers. I am a part of Mfo-in-action group. We make books for all the families of the fallen Marines that we can. There is no charge it's done because we care and appreciate. I am grandma to LCpl Joshua C. Pugh that was in Iraq and will be going back. Thanks and any help that I could get with an address or maybe someone would call me at 601-636-7655 would be appreciated. Ruth aka grandma

Please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss, and our prayers that God grant you comfort and peace. Ryan will live on in the prayers of thanks that we give for those who serve with such bravery and sacrifice. We also pray that you feel the love and support that will be sent your way in prayer by many Marine families and loved ones. God Bless and Semper Fi.

To the family of Lance Cpl.Ryan L. Mayhan....i did not know your son but
know that he is a true hero and will never be forgotten. May God bless
you and your family in this time of sorrow.

God bless you and god speed to you Ryan you always live in our hearts.

Ryan, thank you for your sacrifice for our Country. We will forever be indebted to you.

The Land of the Free, Because of the Brave

To the Mayhan Family,

I to feel your loss. Our son, Ryan Burgess died right beside your son. Ryan spoke highly of your son and the pictures and videos he sent home gave me an idea of their friendship. All of the Marines from 3/4 India Co. share a bond we will never understand. It gives me some comfort to know that Marine "brothers" were there with them when they hit the IED. I will pray for your family and your loss of Ryan as we continue to imagine life without our Ryan.

Kim Burgess
Mother of Lance Corporal Ryan J. Burgess -- Died December 21, 2006

Ryan was a great guy and fun to be around. I will truly miss him and I'm deeply saddened by his death. He had so much potential and a bright future ahead of him. Our most shared memory was a holiday weekend him and david spent the night at their god mothers house and we were all messin around having a great time and david accidently broke siddequah's window and got a butt whippin. Everytime I saw him we would always relive that memory and have a great laugh. Ryan I will miss you!

To Ryan's family and friends-
My family and I are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. We send our deepest empathy as we lost our Marine on 11/30/05 in Fallujah. We are comforted to know that our Marines are serving their country with such honor and bravery. We are so proud of our Marines and all of our other service men and women for all that they have done and continue to do to keep us safe and to give us the freedom we have that so many take for granted.
They are true Heroes and need to always be remembered for their selflessness and sacrifice to better our world. We will forever be united in the loss of our heros. We are so sorry for your loss and hope our words will ease some of the pain, and maybe fill some of your emptiness.
Yesterday, Today, Forever – Semper Fi - Marines!
Our sincerest gratitude for their bravery-
The family of Cpl. William "Billy" Taylor
2/6 WPNS
KIA outside of Fallujah 11/30/05

“Paid in Full”
In Honor of The War Against Terrorism’s Fallen and Injured Marines


Marines through and through, they paid the price
Six thousand miles away, we live the life
For which they paid with their blood, spirits and bodies
We will never forget what they paid in full

We hope and we pray that somehow their loved ones find comfort
In God, in the flag, in the memory of their loved ones’ bravery
They’re gone now but we see them still…proud, strong, willing
Covering each other’s backs… courageous, moving forward

What kind of love did they have for us to be willing
To give it all for the Black, White, Jew, Christian, Muslim?
We don’t comprehend but we honor you now and forever
You are Our Marines…some living…some not
Forever in our minds we will cherish your lives

Lives too short yet immortal they’ll be
Highest brotherhood of the few, the proud
They stand at attention, and we gaze with awe
Some know their names not, but our admiration for them
Flows limitless within us, between us

They sacrificed their limbs or their lives
Freedom still rings, a soft sound across the miles
It tolls slowly; all of creation takes note
Of the lives that were lost for people unknown

Out of sight but not lost; forever among us
The starched blues marching straight
Toward the place where we will meet them
Many years from now…how we loved them…
Well done beloved Brothers and Sisters…You’ve paid it in full
Always Faithful Marines, You Have Paid it in Full

My heartfelt sympathy to the Mayhan 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. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. 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~

My heartfelt sympathies to your family. My heart breaks with each new name added to this list, and I am saddened by your loss. Know that you are surrounded by prayers, grace and the deep gratitude of all who live in freedom. My God hold you in his arms and grant you peace. Please find joy in the memories of your loved one and comfort knowing so many are holding you in their hearts.

For Those I Have Left Behind

I have not gone far.. I still see
Those tears you shed ... are for me
I am not unhappy... I am not sad
I just thank God .. For all we had
I did not choose ... to go away
But God told me.. I couldn't stay
He reached for me ... with loving care
Come with me child.. If you dare
Reach out your arms.. to those below
Blow them a kiss... So they will know
Let the breeze of your kiss... Pass across their brow
Let them know you are safe.. and happy now
Now dry your eyes.. And remember me
For where I am... Was meant to be
To you that I have left behind...
The love we've shared.. Will always bind
If a breeze should pass... Across your brown
Remember from where it came ... And how
Until we meet again one day...
I've not gone far.. I am just away.

My sympathies to the family and friends of LCPL Ryan Mayhan.. My Grandson was in Iraq with Ryan..He was a brother.
There arent any words of comfort i can say right now.. Its like nothing can heal this wound.. As part of the Marine family we want you to know our hearts and thoughts are with you.. Ryan will be with you always as a son and hero. God Bless Your Family and God Bless Our Troops.
Semper Fi Ryan
You are an American Hero

Thanks to your son's ultimate sacrifice, people like me are free. My thoughts and prayers are with this fine young man's family.
Sincerely,

to a cousin/brother you will always be in my heart i will miss talking to you on the phone and going out with you i will miss seeing your smile and joking with you it is really hard to think of me not being able to see you and when i cry i think of telling me to stop being soft there are alot of things i wish i could have told you i will always miss and love your lil cousin/lil sister

To the Family of Ryan Mayhan
I know what you are going through. My husband was killed alongside him. They were in the same humvee. We may never meet but we will be forever connected. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. Just know that you are not alone.

To the Family of Lance Cpl. Ryan L. Mayhan:
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

Thank you

Dedicated to soldiers and their loved ones

Those who have laid in fox holes, carried guns,marched for hours,
For those who have had cold sleepless nights,endless days of discomfort,
For those who have endured the agony of war for my sake.
Thank you.
For those who have gently kissed a loved one goodbye,
and with a tear looked back for a last time,
For those who have found courage to carry the sword of liberty,
For those who have flown with the eagle,
For those who have landed on foreign soil,
to take freedom to other countries while keeping
freedom in ours,
Thank you.
For those who have lost limbs,lifes and loved ones,
For those who have lost friends,sisters ,brothers,mothers and fathers,
For those who have sacrificed and gave their all for freedom's sake.
Thank you.
For those who have found the courage to stand,
For those who have reached out a hand for their fallen comrade.
For those who give freedom to strangers ,and a hope for peace.
For those who sacrifice all they love, and pay the price for freedom.
Thank you."

To the family of Lance Cpl. Ryan L. Mayhan, my family wishes to extend their condolances and sympathies to you. We lost our dad on August 18 of this year. It a loss that is unimaginable, but there are people who share your pain. Ryan will always be with you, just like my dad is here with me.

~Don't be mad that the memory is gone, just be grateful you had it in the first place~

God bless you and your family in your loss. He truly is a Hero

Kim Benfield
St Louis, Missouri

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" John 13:15

God bless Ryan. Rest in peace. We are all proud of him and all the men and women in the military. We thank them all.

Your journey has ended in heaven. Rest in peace with our thanks close to your heart.

To the family of Lance Cpl. Ryan L. Mayan, It is with great sorrow that I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences. Ryan will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.

In recognition of Lance Corporal Ryan L. Mayhan's Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the Tri-Cities Tennessee, Detachment Number 969 of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences to his family.

SEMPER FIDELIS

Don Elseroad
Junior Vice Commandant
MCL Detachment #969

My Deepest and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Lance Cpl. Ryan L. Mayhan.
The price this Brave Young Marine and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
There is so much thanks to be given, to these young heroes, for their Courage, Dedication and Service.

May Ryan rest safely in God's Care and may God's Loving Peace and Comfort be with the Mayhan family.
I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

May the Peace of God and the memories of Ryan, remain in your heart always and give you comfort
and strength through the difficult days ahead.
~ Softly and slowly, time heals.~

"Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart" Psalm 27:14

Lance Cpl. Ryan L. Mayhan
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Our heartfelt condolences to the Mayhan family, we share your great loss. Our prayers are with you. LCpl. Mayhan thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, you will never be forgotten, you are an American Hero.

Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held
Peace, peace, and farewell..."

Jack Colnot and Family
(Sgt. Kyle A. Colnot, KIA 22 April 2006, Iraq)
email [email protected]
San Antonio, Texas

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Hero, and my sincere gratitude for his service. May God grant you peace.

The Land of the Free, Because of the Brave

In memory of PFC Chase Edwards, USMC
KIA 06Apr2006