Richard A. Smith Obituary

Hello, my name is Captain Ryan Ault. I am the current Commander from Richard’s old unit E CO 1-12 CAV. I wanted to write to let his family know that he is not forgotten and we have his photo hanging in our memorial. We are still at Fort Hood and if we can be of any help, in any way, please reach out. My cell is 912-695-6881. God Bless you all and our Nation is forever in debt to the sacrifice paid by your family.

Richie I am trying to be better...Sometimes I think I'm there and I get hit with a hard left from the devil. I have to get back up and with Gods help Ive been able to...I have decided I will never stop loving and missing you. I know your having a awesome life now in Heaven...We all miss you and your awesome attitude and smile...Love Mom...

I love and miss you so much Richard...Love Mom...

I love and miss you Rich...

Thinking about you rich! miss you so much! I love you always Neisda <3

I love and miss you Rich...

Rest in Peace Hero, our Grateful Nation Salutes You.... Welcome Home

Bubba today Little Rich got his cast taken off...He is so much like you...You would be so proud of him...I miss and love you so much...Mom...

Richie I will never stop thinking about you...I am going to try to live my life better because I know you would want me to be happy...I will never quit loving you and missing you...Until I see you again...Mom

Richie I love and miss you so much...I can't believe you've been in Heaven 8 years...I know you would be proud of your brother for making traditions with Chase...We all are better because of you and look forward to the day when we are together again...I am so proud of the man you were here on the Earth...Wow 50 missions in 60 days...You were so special to so many people and so many miss you...I know all is well with the Father...No words are good enough to express the love I feel for you...Love always Mom...

Richard, I was thinking about you alot the past two weeks and I love you...I'm so proud of all you accomplished here...Cella turned sixteen today...

thinking on you bro. so much has changed. i love and miss you so very much!! i know youre watching over us...until we meet again we keep your memory alive!! love neisda

Richie, Mom misses you everyday...You would be so proud of Amber abd Little Richard...I hope you can see them from Heaven...I am still doing the very best I can to love and support Amber...It's not hard to do because the longer I know her the more I realize why you loved her so much...Everytime I see Little Rich it's just like talking to you especially when I go to his school and have lunch with him...He thinks like you...He loves God already...I love him so much...Amber has a great made a great life for them...I love you more than life and I will be glad when I see you again...

I miss you Richie...Brittany is graduating today and I know you would have been here celebrating with us...I love you my son...

i miss you rich:(

Rest In Peace Hero, our Grateful Nation Salutes You
Welcome Home

i miss you so much bro:( it doesnt go away i guess we just put it out of our minds and continue to live on. though we cant touch you...i know youre watching over us. until i see you again i will always be missing you. so many things about having a son of my own remind me of you as a little boy. wish you were here rich,love you always neisda<3

I love and miss you my son so much...I know your in heaven working with daddy to get things ready for us...Little Richard wants to see you so I'm taking our Christmas video from when we lived on Reverchon...I think of you everyday and will never forget your words or what you did to keep us free...Freedom isn't free I had to lose you to keep it...I know you are so proud of Amber for her courage and how good of a mom she is...Love Mom...

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

i miss you bro;( i know you are watching over us. i love you rich and you will never be forgotten! niesda<3

Richie it will never be the same without you...I miss you so much my sweet sweet son...I love you the same today as I did yesterday and as much as tomorrow...It seems like it was yesterday that you left to be with the Lord and I know your getting everything ready for us...

To the family and friends of Cpl. Richard A. Smith:
Remembering Richard on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Richie I just want you to know we are all doing the very best we can to serve God and be as happy as possible until we see you again...I miss you so much and I am doing all that you ask me to do when you left...I love you my son...

I miss you so much little bro...wish you were here to meet your nephew:(

Richie it's been 3 years since I've heard your voice. I miss you. But, I know I will see you again in heaven. God gives me comfort in that fact. I Love You Son...

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.

Smitty, not a day goes by that I don't think about you and Schiller. I remember that day, that awful day in December, when they called on the radio and said we lost two. After I found out it was you two guys I went numb. I just wanted to go out and destroy the village. You were such a good guy, good heart, good attitude...they say everything happens for a reason, I've been trying to figure this one out for the past couple of years, I'm stumped, I still don't know why it happened. But, I keep you guys in my heart: You, Schiller, Rode, Seigert, Madore, and Rosema. I miss you buddy.

Richie I ask myself "How long will I miss you"? The answer is simple until I see you again...My cup runneth over...Your Mom

As we celebrated the 4th of July at moms house...we all thought of how much you loved fireworks and how very much we miss you...things will never be the same rich. i love you always my lil bro...neisda

Today is Memorial Day a special day to remember those we have lost. I don't need this day to remember you Richie. I think about you everyday. You are my hero...I Love You my son...

Happy Birthday Richie!!! I love you and miss you very much. The only comfort I have is knowing being with God is the best place to be. I am trying very hard to keep my promise to you and do what you ask me to that day at Amber's house when we were upstairs. I figure it like this when we are happy you are with us. So I am trying my hardest to be happy all the time. I know you are so proud of Amber. And your were so right little one is gorgeous and just like you. I look forward to the day I am with God and with you again in heaven. With my deepest love, your mom.....

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

I was just thinking about the last time I saw you we almost got my truck stuck in the mud in Iraq. It brings a smile to my mouth and a tear to my eye. I never got to tell you but you were like a brother. Miss ya,
SGT Brandon Ross

"Baby why'd you leave me
Why'd you have to go
I was counting on forever
Now I'll never know
I can't even breathe
It's like I'm looking from a distance
Standing in the background
Everybody's saying he's not coming home now
This can't be happening to me
This is just a dream"

I miss you so much.

thank you to all those who remembered my lil bro this new years and all through out the year...we miss him dearly and time will never heal the pain of the loss. His wonderful life and memory will live on through his family always. God bless you Richie...we know you are in heaven looking over us all...love neisda<3

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 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

Cpl. "Rich" (if I may use that name, though I haven't known him) Smith, thank you for the greatest sacrifice for all of our freedoms. And I thank all of you, as his family and friends (especially Barbara, being his Mom, I am one as well) for supporting him in his fight for freedom as well.
Just sending support and letting you know your son/friend is not forgotten.
Hugs,
Michelle

To the family of Cpl. Richard A. Smith:
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

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Cpl Smith!

i miss you lil bro alot...i know you are watching over us all...we love you, neisda, kandace and cella;)

Cpl Smith affected me very much, he was my driver when we first got to Iraq, I miss you alot, we dedicated the DFAC in Baqubah, Iraq to him. I spoke at his memorial and his grand opening of the DFAC, it was very difficult over there, i was just blessed to have crossed paths with him, and i will never forget him. I am doing the Bataan Memorial Death March in New Mexico for him this March 30th, of 2008 in his dedication. From all the guys on the Guntrucks and all the Cooks, we love you and miss you. You have inspired me beyond belief. - SSG Duran, Jorge

Our continued thoughts and prayers out to the SMITH family.Knowing now what they have always known is one of many reasons that our HERO[ES] shall NEVER be forgotten.Rest well brother as prommissed that star spangled banner shall FOREVER wave.Your name stamped in steel shall be FOREVER clutched in the tallons,as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our great nation.THANK..YOU..HO..YAAH..B.V.C.

November 22,2007 Today as we gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving there was alot of talk about you Rich, everyone is here and we all miss you so much. We are so proud of you and we know from heaven you see the place in Baqouba,Iraq that is named in your honor. The Cpl. Richard A. Smith Sports Bar dedicated in you memory, by all your fellow soldiers. Because we know you can see all the good and perfect things now. And I can just hear you saying "Isn't that crazy Mom? For me" Because that's just how you thought of things with such a goodness in your heart. How blessed we are to have had you in lives. I Love You Richard Anthony Smith and I am grateful you are my son.

It's October 31st 2007 and I can remember all the great times we had together as a family on this night for so many years. You really loved celebrating this time of the year. We miss you my wonderful son. Words can't express all the joy, love, and fun you brought to all our lives. We will always love and never forget what a wonderfully supportive person you were to everyone. Thank you my sweet Bubbha for giving your life so we can have freedom. And I look forward to the day when I will get to see you again in heaven.

Rest in peace and thank-you for always being there for me i love ya bro.

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 Cpl Smith and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. 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 FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

WE LOST OUR SON-IN-LAW IN IRAQ IN JANUARY TO AN IED. NICK WAS A CHRISTIAN AND DID HIS BEST TO ALWAYS ENCOURAGE HIS FELLOW SOLDIERS. HE HANDED OUT BIBLE VERSES HE HAD WRITTEN BY HAND TO ANYONE WHO WOULD TAKE THEM. HE TOO FELT THIS IS WHERE GOD WANTED HIM. HE FELT THAT WE HAD TO STOP THEM OVER THERE SO THAT WE COULD STILL ENJOY FREEDOM OVER HERE. I FEEL FOR YOUR LOSS AS YOU FEEL FOR MINE. NICK'S LIFE VERSE WAS JOSHUA 1:9. IT IS SO VERY HARD TO GO ON BUT WE MUST TRY. THESE YOUNG HEROES ARE WHAT HAS MADE AMERICA GREAT. WE WILL NEVER FORGET THEIR COURAGE OR THEIR DEEDS. MY SISTER SAID NICK IS IN HEAVEN TEACHING THE ARMY WAY TO OTHER WARRIORS. I'M SURE NICK AND RICHARD ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO GET THIS DONE. I SALUTE HIM AND HIS FAMILY THAT ALLOWED HIM TO DO HIS DUTY. THANK YOU,

To the family and freinds of Spc Richard A. Smith. Our prayers from the family of Dustin J. Harris who we lost on April 6 2006.Words can not say how we feel for your lost.
THE BOOTS YOU WORE ARE WORN BY MANY BUT ONLY A SELECT FEW FILLED THEM LIKE YOU. RIP SPC RICHARD A. SMITH GOD BLESS

thanks so much to all for your support and prayers. they say it will get easier...but i still dont see how. i miss my little bro it seems like more every day.he was such a great kid and then man. everytime i hear another soldier has been killed it strikes a pain in my heart. i don't think you realize the devestation until you actually go through it. through all my pain...i watch my mother hurt the most. she tries to be strong but i see the pain in heart. being a mother myself i don't know how she does it. there is nothing like the love aof a mother. my little brother became the man he was from the mother my mom was to him. she made some mistakes as we all do...but in the end it was always my mom there for all of us. it's so hard to be so sad over the loss of a loved one when the way they died was so honorable. my lil brother will not get to hold his first born child, and what a great father he would have made. you know you all grow up together and think you will bury your parents...never that it will be your youngest brother. through all of this tragedy so much has been taken from us as a family...yet so much can never be taken. Richie you will always live in my heart forever. The girls miss you so much too...and your family is so very proud of all you gave so others could benefit in SO many ways...you were a man among men and your big sister loves you with all her heart.denise

Richard, my condolences to Amber, your mother, dad and the rest of your family. Congradulations on meeting Amber and marrying her. It sounds like she is real lady and made a great empack on your life. According to the article it sounds like you had accomplished much. I'm proud of you for receiving the Divisions Award, just as sure as every one. When I saw your picture I reconized you, but only more mature. May your wife and baby have a blessed life and you rest in the eternal light. M.R.
---

You will always be my hero. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I will never forget what an honor it was to serve with you. You kept my spirits up on Christmas night while we worked in the CP, when ever I was down, and even when we filled sand bags during the early hours of the morning. Thank's for the laughs, and for the memories. I want to send my deepest sympathy to Smith's family. You will always remain in my thoughts and prayers as well.
I'll see ya later, my hero, Smitty!

“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history, we pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

I am Corporal Richard Anthony Smith's mom. My son was a christian. He told me God called him to serve in the military and I could'nt cry. So, while he was here I did'nt. He was a mama's boy and he made me feel I was the best mom in the world. He told me he was blessed to have me for his mom but, I am the one who was blessed to have my son for 20 short years. I miss him so very much. I am so proud of my son and I have these things to hold onto. He is in heaven waiting on us, he was soldier of the year for Ft.Hood, and he made Corporal in less than 2 years. Those are truly things to be proud of. He died a true American Hero. From all the leaders, to the men and women who served along side Richie, to the civilians he worked with I have been told he was very loved and appreciated by all. They tell me he was an inspiration, he prayed with others as they performed thier duties, and always helped everyone. He would want each person to know he died for you so, you can be free in this country under God's guidance and love. Thank you all for your kind words and for all the love and prayers our family has recieved. My oldest son Andy was Richie's best friend, my daughters Denise and Jessica were his support. I myself and my family continue to pray daily for all our men and women in our armed services and their families. God 's love and blessings to all . Richie's mom Barbara.

“Soldier”
To Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history, we pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

Please accept our condolences for the loss of your loved one, and our prayers that you find peace and consolation in God’s grace. We are indebted to your Soldier for his great sacrifice and we will not forget.

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

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

God Bless.

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. I did not personally know richard but my son was serving with him in Ft. Hood and Iraq. I know he is devistated. As he told me "I lost 2 of my buddys yesterday" as richard was also with Schiller. My heart goes out to you. God Bless you

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Spc. Richard A. Smith, a true American hero.

on behalf of my family, we would like to pay our respects to you and your family. our prayers are with you .God bless you all.

We are so profoundly sorry for the loss of your loved one and we understand the magnitude of the loss.We lost our nephew Spc Philip Cody Ford on Dec 10 2006 in Baghdad.May God bless each of you and bring peace to your lives.

Thank you all for the wonderful supportive emails...May God bless you all...my brother will be so missed...denise

This poem is sent for Richard and Amber's yet to be born child in hopes that it will help to explain the HEROISM of Richard Anthony Smith

A Soldier’s Christmas Poem

Twas the night before Christmas,
He lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of
Plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney
With presents to give,
And to see just who
In this home did live.

I looked all about,
A strange sight i did see,
No tinsel, no presents,
Not even a tree.

No stocking by mantle,
Just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures
Of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,
Awards of all kinds,
A sober thought
Came through my mind.

For this house was different,
It was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier,
Once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping,
Silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor
In this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle,
The room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured
A united states soldier.

Was this the hero
Of whom I'd just read?
Curled! Up on a poncho,
The floor for a bed?

I realized the families
That I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers
Who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world,
The children would play,
And grownups would celebrate
A bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom
Each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers,
Like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder
How many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas eve
In a land far from home.

The very thought
Brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees
And started to cry.
The soldier awakened
And I heard a rough voice,
" Santa don't cry,
This life is my choice;

I fight for freedom,
I don't ask for more,
My life is my god,
My country, my corps."

The soldier rolled over
And drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it,
I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,
So silent and still
And we both shivered
From the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave
On that cold, dark, night,
This guardian of honor
So willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,
With a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, "carry on Santa,
It's Christmas day, all is secure."

One look at my watch,
And i knew he was right.
" Merry Christmas my friend,
And to all a good night."

– Author Unknown

To the Family of Spc. Richard A. Smith:
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

Another son of Texas has given his all; and as you walked through the opened gates of heaven I hope you think us worthy of your priceless gift.Thank you.Rest in peace.

PENS2E TRES PROFONDE POUR CE JEUNE SOLDAT
CONDOL2ANCE A TOUTE SA FAMILLE

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Richard personally but I am thankful for his service to our country. He will now stand guard at the gates of Heaven and watch over us. The family is in our prayers at this time.

Please know how deeply sorry I am, for the loss of
this Brave Young Soldier,
As a parent, who has lost a daughter suddenly,
and as a sister, who has lost a brother to war,
I am aware of the deep and devastating pain
that you are experiencing.
The overwhelming heartache, seems to surface
through our shock, as the time passes.
Please hang on to your Faith and know that you will get through this.
Ever so softly and slowly, time does heal.

May Spc. Richard A. Smith, Rest Safely, in the Loving Care of God and know that he Will Never Be Forgotten.
I pray that the Peace of God will be with the Smith family.
I am the sister, of such a Young Hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord,
and He shall sustain thee."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~

I sincerely hope that you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Country mourns with you, for someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.