Pvt. Nolen Ryan Hutchings

[RR]

http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/heroes/hutchings/custom.hutchings.jpg

Pvt. Nolen Ryan Hutchings
AGE: 20
UNIT: 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment
HOMETOWN: Boiling Springs, South Carolina
FAMILY: Parents, Carolyn and Larry Hutchings, a sister and two brothers.
For three weeks, as his family agonized, he was listed as missing in action. On April 12, the official word reached his family of his death.

[pnalley]

God bless those that love him. God bless him for defending our country.

[Ginger]

Voluntarily edited portions of post 2:37 How sad. This boy probably thought that he would be doing something good for the country and people he loved, and what happens? He gets sent off to some god-forsaken sand trap and his life ended before it actually begins.

We talked J's younger brother out of Enlisting, and beat all the recruiters off their doorstep and phonelines. They're particularly bloodthirsty, and prey upon the wide-eyed, idealistic youth with juuust enough compassion, rudimentary knowledge, and an interest in independence to fuel them into signing their life way to become property of the US government.

... as if it isn't already. :(

[baileyholc]

They named a street after him in Spartanburg County. The High School he attended dedicated something in his honor I cant remember what right now but I will and get back to you on it.

I remember hitting my knees on the floor when they announced his death on the news. Their are face and names you don't forget. Seeing Ryan's picture again brings back all the anger and pain I had that day. His death hit close to home. :cry: I will never forget Ryan.

[Fuego]

This boy probably thought that he would be doing something good for the country and people he loved, and what happens?


yea, look what happens...his dedication, choice and sacrifice is trivialized by a smart mouth disrespectful psychotic.

You need not agree with the war in Iraq, Crystal. But you have NO RIGHT to criticize or trivialize this young man's choice or death.

I'd say you should be ashamed of yourself for that disgusting unneccessary post, but I realize that would be pointless.

mitch c

[Ginger]

Suck it, mitch.

[RR]

Now now children, if you can't play nice then I am not going to post these things anymore. These were not intended to start a pro-war, anti-war argument, nor are they to start a political thread. They are ment to be something to make you think, for just one minute about that person.

[baileyholc]

THE FINAL INSPECTION


The warrior stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.



"Step forward now, you warrior,

How shall I deal with you ?

Have you always turned the other cheek ?

To My Church have you been true?"



The warrior squared his shoulders and said,

"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.



I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.



But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.



And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.



I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.



If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.



There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.



"Step forward now, you warrior,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell."


~Author Unknown~



It's the Warrior, not the reporter
who has given us the freedom of the press.

It's the Warrior, not the poet,
who has given us the freedom of speech.

It's the Warrior, not the politicians
that ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

It's the Warrior who salutes the flag,
who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag.



If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the Military,
please pass this on and pray for our men and women who have served and are currently serving our country and pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

[Pasogirlz]

Guys...Can't we all just gait along?

We all need to try to be respectfull of others opinions and decisions...especially those that sacrifice so much for others, even if it seems in vain. :-?

[reuben T]

all those who died for freedom in the revelutionary war, did they die in vain? all those who died for freedom in the civil war, did they die in vain?
We still reap the rewards of their efforts. And with the age of high speed transportation and communication, it becomes necessary to persue the fight for freedom worldwide. (oh there's personal agendas that sneak in here and there, but it's still a mainly a fight for freedom.)
The alternative is to be conqured and forced to be a muslem/catholic/slave, etc.

[ASB.Immortality]

I would have to almost say that they did die in vain. America is supposed to be home of the free. We are no longer the home of the free. Because of outsiders, we (respectful decent Americans) are getting jerked around. Laws are changing to protect the outsiders, not the insiders. :cry:

[baileyholc]

You know people, I wish I had taken the opertunity to join the military when I had the chance. I admire the "little brothers and sister" that want to join but are talked out of it because their familys are to selfish to let them go. I admire the Men and Women that are surving and are getting ready to surve this Great Nation. No, I don't aprove of the war. But, what can I do to stop it. I have a nephew who just graduated this past spring from High School and left for boot camp this past sunday. He joined the Navy. Why, because his father is a retired Navy Officer. I have no simpathy for the ones who have no balls to step up for their country and server. Men and Women of my generation that took the cowards way out. I grew up in the 70's and graduated from High School in the late 80's. I wish I had finished my enlistment into the Military. I am an Army Brat, and PROUD of it.

edited to add. I know Ryan and his family. He is loved and missed. He is thought of offten.

[CarolU]

I work for the Army (and with all services) and know many young men and women like Ryan. They are truely some of America's best. No one can, or should, discount their service, their duty, or their sacrifice.

I just wish that the men who sent them on this mission were worthy of the gift these people are giving, and put the same value on their lives and service, that those in the service put on this country. There is a great quote by Reagan about what a President should do before ever putting an American in harm's way. I wish I could find it. I wish it were emblazoned in the Oval office.

[Ginger]

No one did. It's just a shame- eh, never mind. It's been said already.

[moonrize]

Beautiful poem Bailey. Brought goosebumps on my arms when I read it.

[Abejita]

The Civil War was fought over states rights.

[NAtlanta]

Thank you for the memorial. We should all be remember these families and their losses. These families are all heros. I am grateful for each father, brother, mother, sister, wife and child. Thank you to each person and family member, because of you I am able to allow my children to homeschool, run in the streets safely and have the freedom to become what they choose.

(I had posted more to this but felt the political was left better over at the thread about the political postings...)

[baileyholc]

Beautiful poem Bailey. Brought goosebumps on my arms when I read it.

It was an e-mail that was sent to me yesterday. It had pictures, but when I tried to post the pic they would not come throu. I am glad you liked it. It did the same for me. :D