Ryan J. Connolly, 24

Army, Specialist

Based: Bamberg, Germany

173rd Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team

Supporting: Operation Enduring Freedom

Died: June 24, 2008

Khogyani, Afghanistan

Married, 1 child

Gender: Male

Hometown: Santa Rosa

High School: Piner High (Santa Rosa)

Burial: Santa Rosa Memorial Park, Santa Rosa, Calif.

Connolly, then 17, watched television on Sept. 11, 2001, as a man slowly climbed out a window at the World Trade Center, dangling by a power cord until he fell. Two years later, in New York for an uncle's wedding, Connolly visited the site. He enlisted in the Army within months.

Alejandro A. Dominguez, 06/25/2008

Du Hai Tran, 06/20/2008

40 memories of Ryan J. Connolly

“

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.

” — Former Army SPC Shayn Elexendere, July 2, 2008 at 6:53 p.m.

“

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

” — SFC Eric Nard, July 3, 2008 at 10:53 p.m.

“

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.

” — SFC McConnell, Erik, July 14, 2008 at 6:49 p.m.

“

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.

” — Jeremy Burns of Alta Loma, California, July 20, 2008 at 8:19 p.m.

“

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.

” — SPC Chatham, Aaron M., July 30, 2008 at 11:03 a.m.

“

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

” — Elizabeth Silva, November 11, 2009 at 10:46 a.m.

“

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

” — SSG Andrew Montoya (Monty), May 30, 2011 at 8:46 a.m.

“

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"

” — SSG Hernandez, Agsel, November 23, 2011 at 10:48 p.m.

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Ryan J. Connolly, 24

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40 memories of Ryan J. Connolly

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