Ryan J. Connolly, 24

I remember his great laugh, and smile.
He brightened everyday.

He will forever be remembered for his courage and always missed...
Thank you Ryan

There are no words that can express the feelings I have for the recent loss of a good Soldier and Good Friend. I met Ryan while assigned to Baumholder,Germany. He always had a good sense of humor and was always seeking to be the best at his job. I will keep the memories of the times well spent and his memory will live on among his Soldier friends. He will never be forgotten.

Sergeant Rafael H. Galera
1st Armored Division

Ryan was a great person, a great friend, and a great soldier. I served with Ryan while assigned to Baumholder, Germany, and have to say he was a man on a mission. He had the drive to become the best at what he did and was always looking to better himself. He was a soldier that I would have kept alongside me throughout my whole carrer if I could have. Ryan will never be forgotten and his memory will live on through all the people that met and loved him.

Ryan was a good friend and Soldier. Ryan and I served together in Baumholder, GE for only a short time, but I became friends with him almost instantly. I was very impressed with his drive and motivation. Ryan would constantly push the limits to better himself, and offer helpful advice to help better others. He was a guy that could be joked with, and trusted by anyone. He will surely be missed by all the lives he touched.

Ryan and I severed together in Baumholder, Germany. Ryan was one of my best friends. i could go to him with any problems i had and he would do his best to help me out. I will miss him alot but his memory will stay with me for life. He was a great soldier always driving to be the best. Ryan will never be forgotten by the ppl he touched.

I was assigned with Ryan at Baumholder,Germany. He was one of the best Soldiers that I have ever worked with. He had a thirst for knowlage and would always be there for a fellow troop. He will be missed but never forgotten. His deeds have made a lasting immpression on all he knew. His friendship is valued more then words can say...I'll miss him.

I served with Ryan in Baumholder Germany, from the first day I saw him he was motivated and had the drive to be the best. I will always remember the way he was always happy and like to compete first activity we did was together was a three legged race. He will be missed by his brothers in the military and the people who new him.

I served with Ryan back in Baumholder Germany. He was a good friend and soldier who was always willing to help someone out. I will always remember all the good times we had hanging out. He will never be forgotten

Ryan was a great person, we served together in Baumholder Germany together. i remember only good things about him. he always wanted to be the best at what he did. he had a great personality and the memories of him will never be forgotten. he will be missed by everyone he knew, he made us all better in one way or another.

Its always hard to loose a fellow soldier, wether you knew them for five minutes or five years. But there are a special few who impact everyones life around them so profoundly that the loss of their Life pierces the hearts of those who knew them,leaving them imortalized in their hearts, minds, and soul, never to be forgotten.
Ryan truly was one of those people. He will be missed and Loved by everyone..... I will miss you Ryan!

Ryan was the first Medic I got to train when he got assigned to HHB DIVARTY in Baumholder Germany. Z, Chad, Bastien, and I were all hard on him, but he shined as a motivated soldier and a worth-while medic. I was proud of him when he made it into the unit he was hoping for and even more proud of how much he had matured as a man and soldier while in HHB DIVARTY. Ryan was also my fellow NorCal Battle Buddy and I send praise to his memory, family, and friends both from DIVARTY and Civilan life. Ryan you will missed and I remain proud of your service, your character, and you. You were a difficult soldier, when we first met, but an outstanding young man. I'm thankful for the time I served with you and honor you in your life now passed. As Rice said above, I'll miss you Rayn.

I served with Ryan back in Baumholder, Germany. When I arrived at the unit he was one of the first people to show me around. He was always willing to help you out and he had the drive to accomplish anything. He will be sorely missed.

I was Ryan's first NCO in Baumholder. Right from the start he was a true hard charger who always pushed the limits no matter what he was trying to accomplish. His drive and motivation were the deciding factors that lead me to transfer him to the airborne, an atmosphere that better fit his potential and allowed him to be at the front, which was his reason for entering the military. He will be greatly missed, both as a soldier and a great human being.

I met Ryan while serving on active duty in Baumholder, Germany. It was clear early on that he had a drive to be the best -- he was dedicated to the mission, confident in his abilities, and had a great desire to learn. To those who knew him well, Ryan was an honest, easy-going friend who could be trusted and relied upon. In the face of such a sudden and painful loss, there are few certainties... Ryan served with honor. He made a difference in the lives of many, for which he will always be remembered.

I served in the same unit as Ryan in Baumholder. He was a true soldier, full of life, willing to learn everything he could. Great guy great brother in arms. I'll miss him dearly.

I served with Ryan in Baumholder in HHB DIVARTY. Being lower elisted in our section gave Ryan and I the opportunity to grow not only as medics, but Soldiers as well. To him I owe my gratitude for showing me the correct path to follow in todays Army. He was always motivated and driven far more than any of us. A good Soldier, but above all a good friend. Everyone who knew Ryan could say that he was a great person. Always there for you when you had a question and just as willing to learn. He will be greatly missed by everyone he touched in his lifetime. Gone my friend, but not forgotten..

I had the privalege to work with him in Baumholder and continue to see him as we both came to Bamberg together. Notice everyone says his eagerness to learn and grow - so very true. He was one of the Soldiers that truly was motivated even when times got a little down all he talked about was the future would be brighter. Everytime I saw him in Bamberg he had another story of something he had learned or accomplished. He came to this war not because he came up on orders but he volunteered to go to a unit that he knew was deploying -trust me he did alot to get over here. Always smiling, always motivated, and always joking. I would have loved for him to be one of my Soldiers. RIP SGT Connolly - a true Soldier

I met Ryan while i was stationed in Baumholder, HHB Divarty , he was a great friend, and me and him went drinking at times downtown.I miss u ,man, RIP you while always be an iron soldier. A friend that i will never forget.

I met Ryan while supporting the soldiers and family members of the 1st Armored Division Artillery. My prayers are with his family left behind. R.I.P. Connolly

I had the privelege and honor of working with Ryan in Baumholder. He was a great guy even when everything was looking down. He found ways to turn it around and make you laugh. He was a great soldier and person all around and will be greatly missed R.I.P RYAN WE ALL LOVE AND MISS YOU.

SPC Connolly was an awesome Medic who wanted to learn as much as he could about the medical field as fast as he could. I remember the first time I met him. He came to my aid station with CPT Acevedo so that he could learn how to properly screen and treat patients. It was funny cause he followed all of the 1-94 FA Medics around watching what they were doing and asking many questions. SPC Connolly had the ability and drive to be great at whatever he set his mind to. He will be greatly missed by the Army and by the brothers he left behind. I offer my condolence to his family and friends. We love you and will remember and honor you in our continous service to this great country.

I don't know Ryan, I don't know any of Ryan's family or friends. I am just one American, that Ryan fought for, and that Ryan gave his life for- I am humbled that anyone would do for his country what Ryan did for me, for my family, and for his country.

I know it does not bring him back, I know it will bring little in any comfort to his family- but Ryan.. YOU, are a true American HERO.

I will tell my children tonight when I tuck them in, it is men like you that keep us all safe, and men like you that deserve our life long gratitude. You gave so much for us, we are so thankful.

We will not forget you, we will not forget to help do our part to support The Kayla Connolly Trust Fund.

Anyone reading this now... do your part and send a small or a big check to help Ryan's daughter.

Ryan, gave so very much for you, please give a little back to him.

The Kayla Connolly Trust Fund has been established for his daughter at First Northern Bank, 555 Mason St., Suite 100, Vacaville, CA 95688. The account number is 91015140.

God Speed Ryan, you are a true American HERO.

Ryan was a great soldier and friend. I met him when we were stationed together in Baumholder, Germany. We hung out many times and became good friends. One thing I always noticed about Ryan was how dedicated he was to his job. He joined the army to help his fellow Americans, and he did. I miss him and I know he is missed by many.

To the family and friends of my best man. Ryan was always there for anyone. It was good to know that no matter the issue, he could be counted on, at the very least for emotional support. It has been said over and over how great he was at everything he did, and I don't beleive that there is anyone that would challenge that. There arent many things that I remember from DIV ARTY that Ryan was not a part of... either in the aid station with his nose in a medical book, or in the motor pool working with the FLA. He loved his job and his friends. I am truly sad to hear of our loss, and even more sad for his daughter and wife. We have truely lost a dear friend, brother, and great soldier. Ryan James Connolly, you will never be forgotten.

I'm sorry I didn't get to know you better. You were coming in as I was leaving. I'm no good at this sort of thing. You were good and even though we weren't as close as I hoped, I'll raise my glass to you and remember you always.

I remember arriving at Baumholder the same day as Ryan. He was able to laugh about everything, and somehow we were able to debate politics without getting angry. I've met few people as passionate about serving their country as Ryan.

SGT Ryan Connolly was a great medic, the epitome of a medic. He was a wonderful friend and a great soldier. I had the privilege to serve with Ryan in Bamberg, and Afghanistan. Always asked me questions on what he could do to be a better medic. Always told him, just do what you do. He did that until the day he passed. We'll miss you, I will miss you. Thank you Ryan

I served with Ryan in Baumholder Germany. He was a smart,funny,outgoing guy and got along with everybody. He was an awsome medic and a great friend. I will never forget you!

I met SPC Connolly when I was in Baumholder, Germany serving as the AS2. He was a very energetic man who always seemed to be in a good mood. My thoughts are with his family and friends in their time of need.

I was Ryan's mentor, his Platoon Leader, his Physician Assistant, and more importantly, his friend. I served with him in the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Bamberg Germany and during our combat tour to Afghanistan. He was a very dedicated and devoted medic always eager to learn and help anyone in need. He arrived to my unit green and inexperienced and grew to be a stellar Paratrooper and medic. I will always cherish his candor and honesty in my mind. I will miss you deeply Ryan. "Courage and Strength" Brother.

I can still clearly remember meeting Connolly. I had just arrived in Baumholder Germany. I didn't really know the country that well at the time, so Connolly offered to help me get train tickets to one of his favorite German cities. He ended up coming with me and teaching me how things where done in Europe and how to get around. I'm always going to remember him that way. He was the kind of Soldier that really understood what selfless service is. Any Soldier who has ever been lucky enough to serve with him, as i did, has been better for it. RIP Connolly, you will not be forgotten

There are no words that can really explain what a wonderful man Ryan was, is. . to this day i remind myself everyday of his strength and courage. He loved his family, friends and his country. A brave young man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and daughter and family.

I am privilaged that i got to spend a part of my life with you in it, your presence brings a smile to everyones face. And i will always remember what a great person, soldier, and friend you were to me.

Im here for you Mike everyday.. you know that. Ryan you are amazing, and you will forever be lifted up in the Heavens, I will never forget your braveness. You are my hero. Now you are gona live in peace forever with the angels.

p.s. i miss you
RIP Ryan

Liz

Connolly was great guy. I was with him through basic training and AIT. We had some good times together. He always said he wanted to sit outside of Pete's Cafe in San Fransisco in his class A's reading a copy of savage nation. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his death. He is a hero, and will be missed.

My fondest memory of connolly was his smile his professionalism and eagerness to learn, he was a tru super trooper you are gone but definitely never forgotten

We miss u doc and u will always be in our thoughts and prayers

I am proudly wearing a Hero Bracelet (http://herobracelets.org/) with Jared's name engraved on it and am praying for your loss.

I served with Connolly in Khogyani, Afghanistan. He had just come back from leave. He told me that he and his wife were excited to move to California for his new assignment. The smile on his face is what I remember the most. When he spoke of his wife and daughter he just lit up. If anyone knew him they would always think of his smile, so when I say his face lit up, you know what I mean.

He volunteered to go on that mission that was so dangerous that not even the crew that was supposed to do it would do. “I will do it.” We all knew the dangers that we faced, but it didn’t matter to him. He did what he did with courage and honor, and he was a professional all the way to the end. I can only hope that I can be half the man that he was.

Today on this Memorial Day I remember your smile Connolly. Your courage and selfless service to our country is what makes me proud to put those boots on every day. Peace and encouragement to your wife and daughter for they are the ones that have lost the most.

SSG Monty

Ryan was my medic, I was his team leader and he was my friend. In FOB Koghyany we were room mates and all he talked about was his wife and baby daughter, he was a great dude and I truly miss him. It has taken me a very long time to come to terms with what happened the day he died. I was the one that fought to keep him alive along with some other soldiers, I tried to keep him calm in all the caos around us, it really wasn't easy to keep him calm, after all he was our medic and with his injuries he still tried to perform his duties as a medic, and he did. He continuously instructed us on how to treat him and SPC Blackmon who was also severely injured. Doc was an awesome Soldier and a true friend, I constantly replay what happened in my mind going through every memory, we all tried our best to save him and we did up to the point that the helicopter took him away, I felt happy when the helicopter medic flew back to pick up the rest of the casualties and told us that he was going to make it, unfortunately his injuries were too severe and he died hours later. I was emotionally crushed, and the memory of that day still affect me and probably will continue to affect me for the rest of my life. "you were awesome Ryan" " you were a true AMERICAN"

I knew Connolly in AIT. I found out today that he passed away. He was a good friend and a better soldier. That is all.