Ayman A. Taha Obituary

Thinking about my friend, Ayman today. I miss you, brother.

I went to High School with Ayman in Kuwait. We were very good friends. I remember at a time when everyone was reading Archie comics, Ayman was reading John Le Carre. As we became friends, I began reading Le Carre myself. He was one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever met. After the Gulf War, I searched for him and eventually found his contact information in the US. We reconnected again and stayed in touch for a while. My heart goes out to his entire family. Their loss is unimaginable. Ayman will never be forgotten. He always left a strong impression. Few people ever do that. RIP my friend. Allah yerhamak.

Ayman was my student at Berkeley (Calc 1A in 1993) and I still remember the quiet, but very bright kid, who did well on all the exams. I could tell that he was serious and was going to go places. I was shocked when I first read of his death 10 years ago and I am still shocked now. I am glad that he was doing something he loved, serving his country, his fellow citizens, and his brothers-in-arms, but I know his absence leaves an awful void. May his memory be for blessing...

I still think about Ayman a lot. I hope his family and friends are doing well. He was definitely a one-of-a-kind person, so smart, and such a great guy. I would have given my life to have let that shooting star soar. If it's true that only the good die young, here's more evidence because he was the best.

Taha Family,

I am unsure of what to say now, as my words will probably seem so hollow to a family that has experienced a loss such as yours has. I came across Ayman's story during a break at work and it resonated with me. Although it is difficult to see any obituary of a serviceman killed overseas, when I read Ayman's, it was as if someone I know was suddenly gone from my life. He seemed like a wonderful man full of life, with many things left in his life still worth doing. To see someone so intelligent and with a life full of beauty go is not only a tragedy to a family like yours, but a tragedy to humanity. The only comfort we really have is knowing that there are more men like Ayman around. Even though they are not common and come around every so often in a lifetime, they are there. One just has to find them. People like him touch others in
unexplainable ways, like he has touched me. Although we are crushed knowing they are gone, I would like to think we are much better for having known them.


I am an officer in the reserves now, having just graduated from college only in December. I face the task of leading men much older than I am into combat one day. It is not a risk I bear lightly and if something were to happen to one of my soldiers, I would carry the struggle thinking of families like yours until my death. It is with thoughts of people like Ayman and families like yours that I continue to train and want to serve my country, as he wanted to. I hope that you have some peace now and know that he still continues to influence people like me every day. Thank you for everything you have done for this country.

In memory and honor of SSGT Ayman Taha. We will always be grateful to you for your sacrifice for our country.

I miss you, my friend. I don't think a day passes that I don't think of you and Justin. You'd be proud of me, bro. Somehow I made it through Organic Chemistry and I take the MCAT in August. My fellow Jeep owner and Red Sox fan, you will never be forgotten.

My lovely son Ayman, you are always with us. December 2012 marked a deep sorrow and love to you. But Sommer is a spitting image of you, lovely
smart and most of all caring. I know you are resting in a good place, May God Bless your soul.
Khaltu Salwa

Together...We Will Not Forget...My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Chairman of the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. Our group is making and presenting a numbered memorial quilt to the immediate family of each soldier killed in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror with ties to the Commonwealth of Virginia. We have a website at www.vmqp.com if you get a chance to see the quilts. We have sent 207 quilts as of this date. Please contact me via email or phone at 804-598-0465 and I will get the information from you so we can send you a Memorial Quilt in honor of your soldier. Thank you.
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
P. O. Box 534
Powhatan, VA 23139

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

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Ayman A. Taha:
Remembering Ayman on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

I'm sitting here waiting for the world cup game in my CHU, about to cut open a bottle of water and used it for a cup. I immediately remembered what we used to do. This one is for you brother and for all the fallen. I hope you’re watching and having fun. Ahmed Salem

Ayman and I trained and served in 5th Group together. I am extremely honored to have called him a friend. His SF brothers and I will not forget him.

Aymam was a good friend. I recently visited his grave in Arlington and it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Rest in peace my friend and know that you are not forgotton.

I miss you, love you all the times, God choose you to be in His side which makes me happy that you are one of His sons.

In this day and forever our dearest Ayman.

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.

I was out with some friends from my middleschool when they told me about this verysad news. I wish they haddent.

I attended middleschool with Ayman in Kuwait and we where all seperated in 1990 due to the first gulf war.In school usually there are 2 kinds of kids and I emphasize kids as I no longer see the world that way. There are the cool kids who where popular and then there where the smart kids that no one really noticed.(nerds) Ayman was unique in the fact that he was very smart yet extremeley popular. A kind soul I dont remember him bieng rude or undermining any1. One time in biology class during a test I peeked at his paper. He covered it up so I couldnt see. The next day the teacher handed back the papers and I was one of 2 ppl that got 100% (one of the only times) Ayman looks at me and says "see arnt u glad I didnt let u peek"
I am honoured to have met and known ayman fir such a short period of time. Ayman may you rest in piece, I will surley remember you for the the rest of my time here on earth. God Bless

”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 and Respectfully,
Kenna

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 Ayman, 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 Staff Sgt. Ayman A. Taha:
Ayman 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

I knew Ayman well having lived with him both at Ft. Benning and Ft. Bragg and am saddened by his passing. I was in the Middle East when he passed, although not in country, and was devistated to hear the news. For those who did not know him he was the kind of guy who made your life richer for being in it. I enjoyed every moment we had discussing economics, politics, basketball and philosophy.

It is interesting how the world I live in now couldn't possibly be any different (working on Wall Street) and yet the memory of Taha still stirs my emotion.

Rest in peace my friend...sometimes things happen for a reason, sometimes they do not. That said, you have touched all who knew you and you will forever be missed. My deepest sympathy to your family.

De Oppresso Libre

My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Chairman of the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. Our group is making and presenting a numbered memorial quilt to the immediate family of each soldier killed in the Iraq War with ties to the Commonwealth of Virginia. We have a website at www.vmqp.com if you get a chance to see the quilts. We have sent 121 quilts as of this date. Please contact me via email or phone at 804-598-0465 and I will get the information from you so we can send you a Memorial Quilt in honor of your soldier. TOGETHER...WE WILL NOT FORGET!
Thank you.
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
2621 Linbrook Drive
Richmond, VA 23228

I knew Ayman from SF training, and we both went to 5th Group. I doubt, even in a thousand years, I could become half the man he was...

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

He is a brother to me. I will miss our conversations. I will honor your memories and tell all about you. Yellow ribbons, flags, medals, and emails of American stories are not patriotism, or love for country or kind. Man and women who bring honor as an attachment to their names are the pillars of all that we build on.

Hello my name is MArcelle Taha Marques, it's the fisrt time in this site i was looking for the origine of Taha's family, i hope i can talk to anyone from Taha's family, i don't know what happpened to Mr Ayman Taha. Please contact me

I was with Ayman in Iraq. I first met him in January 2005 when he first came to my team. I liked him immediately. Although I didn't know as long as some of you have, I feel that I new him for a life time. I was there with him when he passed, and I am still trying to live with the guilt of what happened that night. Though I know that there isn't anything that I could have done to save him, I still wish it was me instead of him... I escorted him home and talked with Geraldine, that by far is the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life. God bless Geraldine and Sommer.

To my brother, Ayman... I miss you brother, and I will see you again... De Opresso Liber

Your brother, "Angry Dave".

I was another classmate of Ayman back in UAS (Kuwait). And yes Ayman was serious basketball player. My deepest sympathies to his entire family. Ayman Taha...Rest in Peace.

I was a very close friend and classmate of Ayman's back in Kuwait at UAS. We played on the same soccer, volleyball, and basketball team togther for many years and had a lot of fun and great memories. He was great friend who will be missed very much. I still remember all the discussions we used to have about who was a better player, Isiah or Magic. Ayman was a big Pistons fan and I was huge Lakers fan. I don't think we ever came to a conclusion on that. We'll continue it in heaven one day. I'm sure of it. My condolences to the Taha family along with my prayers and thoughts. May he rest in peace.

Ayman was a classmate of mine at UAS in Kuwait. He was a great freind and I am deeply saddened by his loss. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace. He will be missed.

Our continued thoughts and prayers out to the TAHA 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 is 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.

To my beloved newphew and son Ayman's memory. We all miss you. You are always with us. Your spirit looks upon us. To live in the hearts of the family you leave behind is never to die.
A thousand times we needed you, a thousand times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. A heart of gold stopped beating, two twinkling eyes closed to rest. God broke our hearts to prove he only took the best. NEVER a day goes by that you are not in our heats and souls.

My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Chairman for the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. Our Project's Mission is to present the immediate family of each fallen soldier from the State of Virginia with a numbered memorial quilt. Please contact me at the following:
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
2621 Linbrook Drive
Richmond, VA 23228
or you can email me at [email protected] or call me at 804-379-3817. You can view our work on www.vmqp.com. We hope to hear from you soon! God Bless.

Dear relatives of Ayman, my son SSGT Russell J. Verdugo is buried in Arlington National Cemetery along with your hero. I took some photos last Memorial Day Week-end 2007 and have a photo of your Ayman’s grave site and marker. If you would like a copy emailed to you, please let me know. I know we are so very proud of our fallen heroes, but we miss them so.
In loving remembrance of our heroes!
Gold Star Mother,

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

My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Chairman for the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. Our Project's Mission is to present the immediate family of each fallen soldier from the State of Virginia with a memorial quilt. Please contact me at the following:
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
2621 Linbrook Drive
Richmond, VA 23228
Home Phone 804-379-3817
or you can email me at [email protected]. We hope to hear from you soon! God Bless.

My condolences to the Taha family. I knew your son from high school at the Universal American School in Kuwait. I travelled with him in 1987 to Dubai for a regional volleyball tournament, then I met him at the Univ. of Massachusetts playing soccer during his first few days at school. Fate (naseeb) allowed me to meet him during my childhood and during my final college years. He was respectable as a young 15 year old when I first met him (I was a year ahead of him) and kept the same great personality even when he went for his PHD. A true gentleman. May Allah have mercy on him and on all of us.

Eu conheci o Ayman quando ele vaioi ao Brasil, foi muito legal, depois disso perdemos o contato e só agora, procurando na internet eu soube o que aconteceu, sinto muito, foi uma das melhores pessoas que já conheci.

My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Co-Chair for the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. The Friendship Circle Quilters in Richmond, VA have a project to present the immediate family of each fallen soldier from the State of Virginia with a memorial quilt. Please contact me at the following:
Debbie Elam, Co-Chair
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
800 Hallsboro Road
Midlothian, VA 23112
Home Phone 804-794-6364
or you can email me at [email protected]. We hope to hear from you soon! God Bless.

On this day 12/30/2006 Ayman's memory shines in the hearts of his family and all his beloved ones. In Ayman's profound passing, he is always remebered, giving all courage and strength. Lending a hand to pick us when we are sad and feeling low.

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

I am Deeply Saddened to learn of the loss of Staff Sgt. Ayman A. Taha, one year ago today.
The price this Young Hero and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
May Ayman rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Peace of the Lord be with the Taha family.
There will never be enough ways to humbly thank these heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA~Vietnam, 1967.

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

May the Peace of God and the memories of your loved one, remain in your heart always.
May this give you comfort and strength through the difficult days.
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I am deeply sorry for your loss.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.



A MARINE MOM

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to your family at such a difficult time. Another hero lost but not forgotten.

Wife of MSG Tony Yost, KIA 11-19-05

My condolences to the Taha family.

Ayman 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 heartfelt sympathy to the Taha family in the loss of Ayman I did not know Ayman, but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a fine young man. 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.

I send each of you a hug from my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

I am profoundly disturbed at the death of such an innocent person inasmcuh I work very closely with Ayman's father Dr Abdul Rahmna Taha in Saudi Arabia. May Allah SWT have mercy on his soul and comfort the bereaved family.

To Mr. and Mrs. Taha and Ayman's wife and family: We met Ayman only briefly about 10 years ago when he coached my son in a soccer tournament while Mohammed was unable to be there. I can't remember what the outcome of the tournament was, but I remember Ayman and the impression he left in just the brief time we were together. He treated the boys with respect and was every bit the role model Mohammed has been over the last 10 years for our son, Luke. I was struck by his quiet demeanor and confidence. I feel proud to have met such a fine young man and American hero. We have been blessed to have had Mohammed in our lives as well. Ayman will never be forgotten.

We care and share your sorrow.

Ayman,



My dear sweet and giving Ayman. You taught me how to love, share and how to forgive. In your memory, I will remember to be kind, forgiving and loving as you were to me.



I will always hold a special place in my heart for you.



Love and rest in peace,



Albertina

Ayman Taha was one of the finest people I have ever known. You never would have guessed that he was a soldier from talking with him. He was one of the kindest, most soft spoken people I've ever met, never had a bad thing to say about anyone. But I guess thats why he was here. You see, Ayman truly believed in what we are doing in the middle east. I think he saw his opportunity to help and took it. My friend believed this so strongly that he willingly gave his own life so someone else would not have to. Thats the kind of guy he was. I thank God as often as I can remember to for giving us people like him, gives a guy like me something to strive for. It hurts that Ayman's gone, but thats where we come in. Dont let his sacrifice be lost. Please try to give a minute from time to time to sit back and remember what Ayman and so many others have done for your family and mine. Thanks for everything Ayman, See ya soon.

Psalm 23



1

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3

He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.



This is a verse that I have found to be comforting to me during my husbands death. Remember that when it seems that no one else is round, God is still there with you! And he will be your rock!



My daughter,McKaLyne, and I send our heartfelt sympathy for your loss! God Bless this warrior, God Bless those whom serve freedom's cause! They are our true HERO's!!!!



If you need anything, please feel free to contact me!!!



Wife & Daughter of the Late

Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford

KIA May 23, 2005

To the Taha family my deepest sympathy. Ayman a true PATRIOT!! Thank you Ayman!

Ayman was my teamate, roomate, and close friend. He was always a joy to be around. I have so many memories to tell you about him. I hope someday I can share them with you. Our team is devestated from the loss of our friend, however we will continue our mission. We miss him so much. Your son was an outstanding soldier, as he was with everything else he did. He was an inspiration to me. If I become half the man he was I will consider myself a success in life. I will be forever grateful for the fact that he was my friend. When I feel saddened because my friend is not here to talk with me, I just have to think of one of the many moments that he was here and I am able to smile again. He was such a positive person. Before I close I would like you to know that your son saved countless lives with the work that he did over here. Even the night he died, He saved lives. You raised a fine son. I will always miss him.

Mr. and Mrs Taha, My family has been in America since 1640. Americans like you and your wonderful son make me feel incredibly proud and terribly inadequate. It is your family and folks like you that truly make, and will keep America great. May God bless and comfort you.

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. So very sorry about your loss.

Staff Sgt. Ayman A. Taha - HERO. Yet another young life taken. Having just lost our son SFC Brent Adams on 12/1 I know firsthand there is nothing I can say - I have no words right now. Just know that you are not alone in your grief. I pray for an end to this war so our remaining youth can come home safely to their anxious and awaiting families.

God Bless this young man and his family.

Pam ADams

THANK YOU!!! Only those who have experienced such an unfortunate loss can truly understand how you feel. On behalf of my family and millions of Americans we wish you God's Best as you reflect, as time goes by, of the wonderful times you, and friends, shared with Ayman.



America has many strengths, and one of the best has always been those who are so ready to serve in the military. Ayman was another fine example of the zealousness of youth to help others, even those in another country, despite the risk of losing their own life, so that others may have a life that provides freedom and opportunity to be all that God wants them to be.



May your memories of him sustain all of your family members & friends, for your lifetime, as you remember his desire to serve others. Know that there are others out here that know what you are going thru! And we are here for you! You are in my thoughts and prayers!



Wife & daughter of Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford~ KIA May 23, 2005

Land of the free,because of the brave~God Bless( Jamie,Navy wife)