http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/page5.htm Ricky is on this page. So many died for our freedoms

Ricky, I have asked God to take the pain away, because I know I will see you in heaven, but it is still here. I cry all the time. I feel so distant when I think about you. I love you brother.

I did not know Richard. But I think every day about him. For me he is a hero. Sempr Fidelis, Marine!

To: Mande I didn't know any other way to contact you other than to hope you will check back on here. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother and to hear what your sister in-law is having to go through. Grief is a messy process as I'm sure you know and sometimes it does seem easier to give up but we have to remember we aren't in this alone. Just like the pain you and your sister in-law feel every day, so do I. Sometimes my only motivation to get through a day are people like you. I will be interested in seeing that book when you have completed it as well. Hang in there and always remember your never alone.

To Kristin, I happen to stumble across this website when researching information on benefits for widows of fallen soilders. My brother was killed in Iraq May 18th, 2007. He was killed 6 hours before he was supposed to come home for the birth of his daughter. The video of you reminded me so much of my sister-n-law and how she feels. She struggles everyday and has almost given up on life a few times. She was not able to go to his funeral due to complications during birth. She is your age and had only been married for a year. I am currently working on writing a book and putting in a show suggestion for Oprah. I feel that widows like you and my sister-n-law, along with the many others, do not get the recognition and benefits deserved. I am sharing this with you so that you know your not alone. She still cries herself to sleep every night. We all miss Sgt. Ryan John Baum so much but I can not imagine the pain you and her must feel losing your soul mates. My heart goes out to you. You both are so young and have alot of life ahead of you. I will pray for happiness and understanding for you as I will continue to pray for everyone that has lost a loved one in the war. Thanks for sharing your story and I loved the website with your beautiful wedding pics and videos. -Mande Baum Natkes

Dear family of Ricky, I still think of you all- birthdays are hard. Remember all you can! Rejoice that you will be spending time with Ricky in eternity-no tears there! Also, I thank you Ricky for your great sacrifice for our country and you will not be forgottern-ever!

Happy Birthday Ricky! We love you! Todd, Mari, Ivan, Irvin, Elisabeth, Kathryn, and T.J.

Ricky, this might be long, but that's ok. . . it hasn't hit me yet, at least not fully. I keep thinking you're going to suddenly be a part of normal life again. The night of your wake my uncle died unexpectedly. A week later our young dog died unexpectedly. Obviously, from our human eyes, your time was gut-wrenchingly unexpected as well. I felt I needed to be strong for my family, so I didn't let myself grieve over any of it. I felt like not talking about it would make it not real. It still doesn't. seem. possible. My mind won't accept it. But EVERY day I think of you and Kristen and the rest of your family and...my throat catches-- and the battle with the tears begins. I thought it would be easier by now, but it's still raw. I had a vision of your wake when I was in 3rd grade- it now hurts like I could have done something. But I couldnâ??t have. Most people don't know they've affected my life because I'm soft spoken. But that's ok because I have a massive memory and people don't have to know each one I have of them and how it's influenced me :) Just saying for now: you and the rest of JERK were my heroes in junior high (seriously, I looked up to you guys SO much, you have no idea) and Kristen became my role-model in high school (I doubt she even knows that). Your places in my life have not changed, but you both have since become priceless friends as well. I MISS you Ricky, you'd likely be surprised to hear it if I spoke to you today. For now, I feel writing this is the first tiny step I've taken since the heart-ripping news. Thank you, Ricky, from the utmost depths of my heart.. THANK you. Kristen, I love you so much-more than you know-and always will, I'm praying for you and Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, and Ricky's siblings (especially Katie, Iâ??ve always thought you were so cool to be the only girl with so many brothers). Love, Cherisse

Hey Rick, I miss you! There hasen't been a day that has gone by where I haven't thought about you, laughed about a memory or cried because of the absence of your presence. Some days I think I may never get through this but then I'm reminded of the fact that I was chosen to still live on this earth and God still has yet to reveal his plan for me. I do look forward to that and I also hold on to the fact that I will see you again. I love you!

I did not know Ricky and I first learned of his death in the hallway of CLS when I was attending "before I say I do" class with my then fiance..now husband. I was saddened at the terrible tragedy and I felt some type of connection with Ricky because not only did he serve our country as I myself did but he was also my age. Thank you Ricky for being brave and defending our country.