Has it really been three years?

It's hard to believe it's been three years since Richard died. We went to his grave on the anniversary of his death and again on his birthday (29th!!). We put the same type of flowers out on his birthday that his brother, Raymond, will have at his wedding on April 9th. Richard would be so proud of his brother.

Let us remember before God, and commend to His sure keeping those who have died for their country in war, those who we knew, and whose memory we treasure; and all who have lived and died in the Service of mankind.

Memorial Day 2010

I received this email today from a wonderful person I worked with in Jacksonville. He cried with me over the death of Richard and told me about his son, Joseph's, desire to join the military. I was reminded today of the great honor Richard did for us in joining the Army in a time of war not knowing if he would return home wounded or if he would even return home at all; but bravely going to Iraq to fight for our country. As I read this email with tears streaming down my face I was reminded of what a great country we live in and I thanked God and said a prayer for all those who are currently fighting for us. When I think about loosing Richard I can't help but think about all those other families who have also lost loved ones. I try not to be selfish in my sorrow, but it's hard having lost such a good person who had such hopes for a good future.

"Dear Tina, Joseph, our firstborn, has been in Kandahar now for about a month. Since he has been deployed there I find myself having to block out the thoughts of losing him, therefore I do not to imagine what you and your family have gone through in the loss of Richard. I have always held those who serve our country in high regard. Please accept my sincere “Thank You” for the ultimate sacrifice made by Richard for our country. We are not worthy of such fine young Americans.
Happy Memorial Day!
Mike Jarriel"

Happy Birthday Richard

Today would have been Richard's 28th birthday. He used to say "I'm an old man in a young guy's body". I guess he would say this because he felt older than he was. He'll forever be young won't he... It's sad to think about his birthday especially since today is also one year since his Grandpa Ruiz died. Maybe they are both somehow celebrating these two occasions in Heaven.

Happy Birthday Richard - I wish I could say "and many more".

Memorial Day 2009

We went to Richard's gravesite today and had the honor of meeting up with Joan and three other Patriot Guards. They had just left a Memorial Day ceremony and had wanted to say thank you to Richard for giving the ultimate sacrifice of his life to help protect our country. His memory lives on in our hearts and the hearts of many others. Thank you Richard.

Happy Birthday Richard

I didn't put anything on the site on Richard's Birthday which was February 22nd. Times have been sad because my father-in-law died of cancer on Richard's birthday. I know they are now reunited in heaven. I know I couldn't say happy birthday to Richard, but his grandpa did for me.

I Can't Believe It's Already Been One Year!

It's been one year today, time goes so fast. It sure doesn't seem like it was a year ago today when those soldiers knocked on the door to let us know Richard had died. They were in our living room at the same time of the evening I'm writing this - what memories! I remember making the phone calls to let my family know, barely able to talk through my tears. Yes, it's been one year - a year filled with so many ceremonies and memorials to Richard's sacrifice. He has been mentioned on Nancy Grace and in People magazine. He has been in numerous newspapers. We have been so blessed by the support we have received, like when we found out about Third Day being on his transport plane from Iraq to Kuwait after he died. I'll never forget meeting the band in Orlando. The best blessing has been family - when something like this happens family becomes first. We have have grown closer to and had so much interaction with our family since Richard died - we're trying real hard to live by Richard's physiology of life - "Life is Short, Have Fun".

Our Reluctant Hero

Richard was a U.S. Army soldier and died when the Navistar MaxxPro MRAP vehicle ran over an ANFO IED estimated at 600lbs. He was unfortunately the exposed gunner. The three other crew members were Army Cpl. Taylor Harter who sustain a shattered left foot, broken nose, and broken teeth. The driver, Pfc. Timothy Pandar sustained a fractured foot. The rear passenger, medic Pfc. Andrew Van Meter was unhurt. All were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, based in Fort Stewart.

He was not just a soldier - he was a husband, father, son, brother, nephew, grandchild, cousin, best friend, and our Reluctant Hero. We will miss him!!!