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Staff Sgt. David G. Ries

David G. Ries Obituary

David Ries was a committed Marine reservist of more than a decade, and friends were not surprised when he volunteered to return to Iraq after already completing a six-month stint. "He believes in what this country stands for and the general purpose that we''re there ... to give other people a shot of making their own choices," said Brent Loper, a childhood friend who ran cross-country with him in high school. Ries, 29, of Vancouver, Wash., died Nov. 8 when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. His unit was based in Portland, Ore. Ries worked security jobs at an airport and a shopping center, and friends said he hoped one day to get a job in corrections or with Portland police. Loper said Ries never complained about his Iraq experience. "I figured at one point he would be up to talking about it," Loper said. "I never expected not to have another chance to talk to him." Ries is survived by his wife, Mandy, and two young children.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 28, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for David G. Ries

34 Entries

Q Madp

November 7, 2023

Thank you for your service and sacrifice! Not forgotten here!
https://iraqwarheroes.org/2004/ries.htm

Q

Peggy Childers

November 8, 2011

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

Christie Weber

November 8, 2011

Thinking of you...can't believe it has been 7 years.

Jen

May 30, 2011

miss you Dave think of you everyday

May 28, 2011

To the family of Staff Sgt David G. Ries: My husband Retired GySgt Eugene J. Sempek Jr was with David on that life-altering day. He and David had worked together and developed a close friendship. In honor of your fallen husband, son, etc., our 3 yr old son is named David Eugene Sempek. David was the only name that was ever considered and I think about the reason quite often. I just always wanted your family to know that your David influenced many lives. God bless, Eugene, Tawn, Joey & David Sempek. [email protected]

Peggy Childers

November 8, 2010

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. David G. Ries:
Remembering David 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

Kenna Larra

August 22, 2009

”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 1,750 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

Rebecca Hoke

February 9, 2009

This man has served our country.
To save us all,
he might have passed on but his soul roams still to this day..

If you think about it. he put his life on the line for us.

James & Becky Miller

January 8, 2009

Amanda and kid's, Just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you . We will get together soon ok. Love Ya! The Millers

Peggy Childers

November 8, 2008

To the family of Staff Sgt. David G. Ries:
David 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

In Memory of David ~ (Debra Estep)

November 8, 2008

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 David, 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

Christie Weber

June 23, 2008

Happy Birthday, David! Wish you were here. Thank you...

Justin Hays

June 20, 2008

Here we are 23 days since Memorial Day, five days to David’s birthday and sixteen days to the Fourth of July. Yet the red white and blue shines through. Regardless of holidays, birthdays or days set aside to remember those who have fallen; some live day to day and never forget, or wish they could remember more. Camryn Jean Ries never got to know her father. David never got to watch that first trip without training wheels or the first time she will dump the clutch, and last but not least wont get to walk her down the aisle. But it doesn’t mean she hasn’t forgotten who her Daddy is or the colors he stood for and still would if given the chance. She chose these colors for this day, without help and without any assistance. She wanted to share this day with her Daddy. If it wasn’t for him and many others before and to follow, we wouldn’t have this choice. To celebrate three colors that represent and describe exactly who we once were; ARE and always will be. So lets celebrate life and those who have given theirs, the ones that made it possible to live ours and the ones left behind to honor them. These are the colors we salute and cover our hearts for, these are the colors of her Daddy’s flag. The colors that won’t run; no matter how many tears are shed upon them.

Donalyn Betterley

May 20, 2008

As memorial day approaches once again we wish to convey to the Ries family how often we think of Stf. Sgt David Ries. We honor him in our memories daily and will salute the flag on memorial day in his honor as well as all others who sacrificed so much for this country.

Donalyn, Ben and Angel Betterley

April 20, 2008

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

August 13, 2007

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 (KIA 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)

July 13, 2007

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

Liz Andersen

May 20, 2007

To my favorite Devil dog,
Dave you are missed every day. I am grateful for all you did and take comfort in knowing you are watching over us all.
Love Liz Andersen aka devil woman

Timothy Brotsch

May 18, 2007

I was the Hospital Corpsman, who was with him and unable to save him. I just want to say I am Sorry for the Loss, and I did really try. I pray for their wifes and children all the time, and I pray they forgive me, for the outcome.
He was a great man, and loved what he did. He knew what we are there for. I pray he is looking down at us from Heaven, and standing by the gates for his family and friends to arrive.

Sheryl Sooter

May 2, 2007

My sincere appreciation to David and the others who have paid the highest price, to sacrifice for our Freedom. We love you and miss you!
God Bless you David.

Christine Weber

March 28, 2007

Well, I just returned from visiting your family, David. I am happy to report that your family is doing well. It has been over 2 years since I brought you home but not a day goes by that I don't think of you and your family. You are missed.
Semper Fi,
Christie

Donalyn Betterley

November 10, 2006

Continued remembrance and appreciation of a hero as we cherish the freedoms of this country on Veterans Day

Love and prayers to the family of Staff Sargeant Ries

Garnet Jenkins

November 8, 2006

Remembering this Fine Young Hero, Staff Sgt. David G. Ries, on this 2nd anniversary of the day he gave his life for our Country, with a Multitude of Thanks for his Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom.
May David rest in God's Loving Care and know that he will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May God's Grace and Comfort, continue to be with the Ries family.
From the sister of a Fallen young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam. KIA~1967.

Hoping you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Country remembers someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Laura Cameron

September 10, 2006

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 David 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)

Donalyn Betterley

May 25, 2006

Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.

Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985

On this Memorial Day we are thinking of all of you and remembering Stf Sgt Ries in the highest tradition of the Corps and the history of this country.

You are in our thoughts and prayers

SEMPER FI

Animis Opibusque Parati

dave ries

April 19, 2006

For everyone that has signed david,s guest book and knows him we thankyou very much. dave & jean ries (parents)

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

April 19, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Ries family in the loss of David. I did not know David, 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. David it has been 17 months since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.

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

Love and Peace

Tom

To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

Amy Ritchie

February 7, 2006

To a great man, you will truly be missed. You and Mandy and the kids are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Zak Watters

November 16, 2005

What a person!What a great man. To survive the 6 months and then return. That inspires me whole heartedly. THAT is a True American Hero.

Donalyn Betterley

November 14, 2005

SSgt David Ries volunteered to serve with the Battle Creek, Michigan marines attached to the 6th ESB unit in Iraq. He was and is a highly respected and liked Marine. During the Fallujah campaign SSgt Ries volunteered to provide security in the front vehicle of the convoy that traveled along the peninsula on the Western side of Fallujah.

After the Fallujah campaign I received a telephone call from a former colleague. Her nephew (an Army officer stationed in Baghdad, called home and told everyone that the Marines had served admirably during the Fallujah campaign, and if any one saw a Marine, they should walk up to them, shake their hand and say "thank you". I have heard this same sentiment repeated many times. The press during that time gave the Fallujah marines credit for being the next "great generation", along with the Marines serving in World War II.

SSgt David Ries and others are now part of the "next great generaton" of Marines.

My heartfelt sympathy and gratitude to the Ries family for their sacrifice and continued honor.

SEMPER FIDELIS

Donalyn Betterley