Ryan C. Young, 21

Ryan was one of my best friends for several years. Ryan was like my brother I was always treated like a part of his family. I'll always loved and respected Ryan (enough to name my first born son after him). Ryan was an all around good person; he would help a stranger just as though they were his best friend. It is a tragedy that Ryan won't live out a full life helping his fellow man and influencing the lives of those around him, the world is a dimmer place without the light that Ryan brought to it.

Ryan lived and died as a hero.

My dear Ryan still and always will remain in my heart and thoughts. I dont think a day goes by when I dont talk of our times together as friends or as husband and wife. He was my best friend. Ryan always made people laugh and feel better about themselves no matter what the situation was. He was the most genuine person I have ever known and probably will ever know. It's really hard to deal with Ryan being gone, but because he was such an amazing young man my memories of him bring a smile to my face. Ryan is missed by all who were ever lucky enough to have known him. He made the ultimate sacrifice and will always be my hero. I love and miss you Ryan. Forever Young....

I stumbled upon this feature on the LA time site, though I don't know this soldier. I thanks Ryan and his family for his service to our country, I'm so sorry for the loss. He's a hero in my book!

THANK YOU!!!!!!! For your sacrifice, words do little to describe our sincere gratitude. However, There is a hope for a future where such wonderful people will not have to die in the wars of the world. ISAIAH 2:4 And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore....REV 21:3,4-"death will be no more"