I knew you for a short time but I'll never forget. / Richard Hutchinson
Ron and I were both in PLT 3087 M CO. 3rd Battalion MCRD Parris Island. It's been over ten years since our graduation and it can be difficult for me to remember the faces of my fellow Marines. But when I turned on the History Channel and saw Ron's still photo I knew him right away. We didn't really talk too much in boot camp but Ron made an impression. I knew he would be a good Marine. When I watched the special on TV and realized what had happened my heart dropped.
I can't describe the pride I feel to have known Ron. He was a good man and a good Marine. My prayers go out to his family and fellow Marines. I hope to see you again one day Semper Fi and God bless.
The definition of a true hero / Andrew Watson (None)
To Ron's family and friends
The definition of a true hero is An unasuming man whom lays down his life to protect his friends!
I have come to learn of Ron and his actions of Mei 2004 by means of a program on British TV called 'Shootout' myself an wife were very moved by the program and I think the title should be changed to 'Heroes'. Ron and his fellow marines acted bravely and with Honour and should be remembered by his friends and family as a brave and unfaltering soldier faced with the barrage of fire that fell upon them that night Ron and others fought bravely enough to silence a superior number of fighters! Having served in Afghanistan myself I know it is no easy feat to fight these people. Please accept my family's condolences and take heart that your son is now known around the world as a true Hero. When we return to Florida we intend to visit Lakeland to place a flower on Ron's memorial if that would be ok with you.
Andrew Watson & Family
Rip/ Andy Singh (None) i dont know you ron or your family. i was watching the history channel show shootout when they show your story. you were a brave marines. god bless you for a wonderful job you did. god bless your parents for a wonderful and brave son they raise. RIP Bro. they lord will watch over you
A terrible loss / Mike T. (None) I learned of Ron's story on the History Channel show "Shootout." Ron was clearly a wonderful son and a great man. I am thankful and proud that there are men and women like Ron who chose to fight for our great country but it is a terrible tragedy that we are losing our bravest and brightest in faraway lands fighting for uncertain purposes. I mourn for Ron and the thousands of others who have fallen in battle in Iraq and Afghanastan. I hope all of our brave men and women come home safely and soon.
Not forgotten / Jeff Ritter (Fellow Marine ) It is the 4th of July 2009, 5 years after you gave everything for us. Your memory is still being honored by those that had the incredible honor to serve with you. My children are 3 1/2 years old and 2 months, too young to know the actions of the Hero that I know. One day I will tell them and certainly will be at a loss for words to describe the selfless actions of you on that hill. Your actions were not in vain.
Im sitting here at school, thinking about the good and bad times we had together. I wish i could go back and take away all the dumb times you and i fought. But then i think maybe that was what made our relationship other than normal friends. We went up and down laughing and yelling. i miss that, alot actually. I miss you, you were such a great person. You should see all the lives you impact(actually im sure you do see it from up there). Your family to Ron you got to be so proud of the courage and love they bring to so many, especially the families that have fallen family members.....Keep them strong, and keep their love full...
With your sis, well you know....just keep that hand on her back k....
The Little Things / Rae (sister) You know its the little things that make me miss you most. Stupid little things that most people won't get..like the fact that every time I see a preview for the new X-Files movie I want to call you and buy tickets to see it at midnight! You would love that. I miss you the most when I realize that this life is not a dream...its real. I miss you brother~!
Doc/ Edward Okoye (Bravo Company Doc 2002-2005 ) Just wanted to let the Payne family know that even though some time has gone by, we have not forgotten your son. He was a great Marine. God bless.
Still Remembered / Hilary Kinitz (Wife of Capt. Kinitz ) Today my son William, born May 7, 2004 brought me the DVD of Ron's Memorial video and asked to watch it. For once, I didn't mind that he had been going through drawers he's not supposed to be in but just smiled and offered to play the movie. Boy our boys sat quietly with me, watching pictures of Ron... asking questions. At the end, there were tears on my face and of course... more questions from the boys. I just wanted to write and remind that Ron is still in our memories and still touches our hearts.
I just wanted ya'll to know~ / Melissa Mayes (~ My Husband speaks of you Often~ )
Family and Friends~ I know you don't know me, but I just wanted to let you know that My Husband James speaks highly and frequently of Ron. For his birthday I bought him on of the memorial Bracelets with Ron's Name and Operation. He was there when Ron and Doc paid the ultimate sacrifice. I am not going to pretend I know how you feel or anything like that....All I can do is say Thank you.....and I deeply sorry for your loss. If you ever need anything I am just an e-mail away.
All my Love
Melissa Mayes
Marine Wife
Missing you at Christmas / Momma Payne (mother) I miss you so much. Today was difficult without you. You were on our thoughts all day. I know you are enjoying Jesus. We hope our love is felt in Heaven. Always surround us with your presence. We love you. Momma Payne
Memorial day / Rachel Ascione (sister) Ron, As you know the guys came down this year to pay tribute to you brother! We made sure to constantly talk of you and laugh about you and sure at times shed a tear over you. The most important thing was we all FELT you this weekend and that to me is the most important part of this weekend. I hope you feel our love for you daily and that even though it feels WORLDS a part that we are still all sitting around the same table sharing the same stories with you.
This is the hardest part Ron and you know its my worst. . . the after stuff. Give us all strength to get back to our "normal" lives and may the strength of your love not leave us just because we all scattered about.
I love you.
Rae
Honoring one of your fellow Marine's today / Mom Payne (Mom) Today we attended one of your fellow Marine's Memorial service, Sgt Christian Williams. The patroit guard was there and his family was so gracious in including you in their tribute. Dad and I were truly blessed by ..yet again another family making their son proud in honoring his memory with such respect. We (The Williams and us)are joined by your death and Christian's death..giving the ultimate sacrifice for us. Christian's mother gave me a beautiful necklace with your colored picture on it, she has one for your sister Rae....and guess what she got dad.....Coffee. Now if that isn't someone who knows your father. She said that she prayed what to give Dad and she said the Holy Spirit gave her the answer.....coffee. We are honored to know this family and we know, we would have not ever had the chance...had it not been for your homegoing. We will always remember what you did for us and share it. We love you son, and plan to continue to honor you!!!"
I WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT A AWESOME PERSON RON WAS I ONLY KNEW HIM THROUGH OUT HIGH SCHOOL BUT HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM AND HIS FAMILY WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOREVER. I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN ONE DAY IN A BETTER PLACE! WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU GREATLY!
3 Years Missing You / Rae (sister) Brother,
There is not a day that goes by that my mind does not wonder over to you. There are moments where I am stunned when I realize I can not call you and share something funny or important with you. I feel like my heart is being ripped out each time I am forced to realize that this is all NOT a dream. That you are gone.
While I know it is selfish to wish for another ending to your life here on earth, one that would have kept you here longer. I cannot help myself. I know that today there is a celebration in Heaven but here there is only pain and an ache that will never be healed until you are with us.
I want you to know that what you did 3 years ago today did not go unnoticed. You would be amazed at how many people have heard of you and were affected by that one moment you choose to kneel on one knee and put your life before your friends. Those men are so appreciative and even today Ron they weep over you. They feel this loss just as much as I do. It always comforts me to have them because I am so alone most other days without the brotherly support I had come to rely so must on.
I know that you are able to see us and I wish I could be stronger today. . most days I am, but as the song says my dear brother today "there is nothing but me and you." I will breath each breath with you in it and remember the days we were so blessed to have you among us. Thank you. Thank you for always loving me, ALL of me, thank you for being there for me when I could not be there for myself, thank you for giving me these gifts that most do not get in a life time. You are truly my hero!
On my normal day, Let me be aware of the treasure you are Let me learn from you Love you Savor you Bless you before you depart Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow Let me hold you while I may, For it will not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky, and want more than all the world Your Return.
By Mary Jean Ion, "Yes World: A mosaic of Meditation"
Gone But Not Forgotten / Misty (sister Cpl. Rusty Washam )
The Fallen Written by Andrea Senter
They never thought when they left here their families they'd see no more No one dares to think about The high price of such a war.
If you asked them why they did it They'd say because it was right Someone has to stand up And someone has to fight
A world away they defend our cause, as we tuck our kids in bed. Some give all for all of us, And somewhere tears will be shed.
They do not ask for fame or fortune Just that we recognize We are here, free, today, Because the fallen have paid the price.
I am so sorry for you loss. I lost my brother Marine Cpl. Rusty Washam February 14, 2006 in Iraq by a suicide bomber he was only 21. People keep saying it will get easier as time goes by but its been alittle over a year since we lost Rusty and it still feels like yesterday. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May God Bless you and help heal your Broken Hearts from this huge loss. My brother has a site also it is rusty-washam.memory-of.com
3 Years / Rachel Ascione (sister) Ron, Its been 3 years this week since I stood there in front of your barracks and said goodbye. I knew that it was different this time because you never cried the last time I saw you off. This week will never be the same. Some days it feels like years since I hugged you, then others its like yesterday helping you clean out your barrack and having coffee driving around the base in my car. Im sorry that I cannot always be as strong as you would have been, I guess that is the girl kicking in with me. . you always said you liked when I was a girl so here ya go!
I love you brother. I love you more than my words could ever say. Send me some love and that great strength you have, I need it this week.
Rae
My dear friend Ron, his family and friends... / Robert Spejcher (Brother) 1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
My brother- I thank the lord that you have come into my life, you have been able to open my heart and my eyes to things in this world I never would have imagined. I miss you......
thank you , for your sacrifice / Regina Roberts (friend of family also lost my daughter to the war ) Hello to All, My heart breaks with the Payne family for their son and brother. I have spent time with the Paynes and think the world of them. Ron's presence is now around the family forever . this site is a wonderful tribute to Ron. The strength it took for Rae to create this for him is tremendous. You are not alone ! his arms are around you Rae!! I want to thank the Payne 's for their generousity and kindness in a time when they are dealing with such heartache. The loss of thier son and Rae's brother is a sacrifice that a parent never,,ever, would have to experience. With love Ed & Regina Roberts
I miss you big guy! your in my heart your in my head! when the day is come i will see you again and what a day that will be! But for right now we will miss you! And think of you! I miss you so much Ron!
Tributes and Condolences
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