Got this 1 from Socnet as 1 of the Young Rangers that was in this operation. Lest we Forget these young Rangers sacrifice.

Registered: Mar 2004
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 69
 CPT Russell Rippetoe, SSG Nino Livaudais, and SPC Ryan Long. RIP brothers
To our fallen brothers

Today is the 1st of April. One year ago today a less than a Company of Rangers seized the Haditha Dam. The organization was a bit blundered but we had jumped in and seized an FLS in Western Iraq a few weeks prior. The order came down to go get the Dam and we went. In the dusk of the early morning the firefight got underway. Once dusk settled into the night it gave us an opportunity to pull back and hold specific strategic points of the high ground (we were too pinned down to move earlier). Into the 3rd day of the fight elements of A Co came and secured our flank along the highway. I had just finished checking on my privates when an enormous burst and flash of light erupted to the east. We didn’t know what it was whether it was just another big blue (a 5000 lb bomb), as they’d been dropping them like crazy, or just more indirect. We found out later that it was a car bomb that killed Ryan, Nino and Russell. I know some of you have experienced this. Lord knows I’ve lost more brothers in this fight. But the feelings are always the same. Rangers are the toughest men there are. We show no weakness, ever. But to shed tears for your brother, your friend, your family. There is no shame in that. At the memorial ceremonies there wasn’t a dry tear in the bunch. When SSG Livaudais left, his wife was 4 months pregnant and he already had 2 sons, Carson, 2 ½ and Destre, 5 ½. To see his sons running around knowing something was wrong but not understanding exactly what, and to see the bulge in Mrs. Livaudais’ belly was heart wrenching. His wife was the epitome of grace and honor throughout everything and when she gave birth to her son, there was a hospital full of Rangers to welcome him into the world. When a Ranger son is born into the world he is immediately issued his first jump log with his first towed jumper experience recorded on it. I only wish there was more we could do. We honored them all in our own way. Drunk with beer mugs raised but I challenge you all to do the same. On April 3, 2003 three of our Ranger brothers fell for us. With no fear, or hesitation. Remember them on Saturday. Remember their sacrifice. They are my heroes, my friends, and my brothers. May they Rest in Peace.

RLTW

Here are some links about the Dam.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milit...raq/haditha.htm

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/...ews/5720181.htm

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?sf=2...d=2813&set_id=1

Name: SSG Nino Dugue Livaudais
From: Syracuse, Utah
Age: 23
Unit: 3rd Bat, 75th Ranger Reg.; Ft Benning, Georgia
Cause: hostile fire - suicide bomber
where: SW of Haditha Dam, Iraq
Date of Death: 4-3-03

http://www.nightstalkers.com/RANGER.../ssg_livaudais/

http://www.nightstalkers.com/RANGER...ais/family.html

Name: SPC Ryan P. Long
From: Seaford, Delaware
Age: 21
Unit: 3rd Bat, 75th Ranger Reg.; Ft Benning, Georgia
Cause: hostile fire - suicide bomber
where: SW of Haditha Dam, Iraq
Date of Death: 4-3-03
http://www.militarycity.com/valor/1758929.html

Name: CPT Russell B. Rippetoe
From: Seaford, Delaware
Age: 27
Unit: 3rd Bat, 75th Ranger Reg.; Ft Benning, Georgia
Cause: hostile fire - suicide bomber
where: SW of Haditha Dam, Iraq
Date of Death: 4-3-03
http://www.pigstye.net/iraq/article...030407105014162

 Out of every 100 men, ten shouldn't even be there, Eighty are just targets, Nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back." - Hericletus, circa 500 BC

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As i was leaving ancoc today, i noticed a large group of rangers at the memorial today. I didnt put two and two together as to why there was a ceremony happening today. Rest  Thanks for posting that so we never forget their sacrifice..Rest in Peace Rangers...

Airborne

I have the utmost respect for Rangers.  one of my regrets in life is not having tried to get tabbed myself. All this to say that you have my heartfelt sympathies and I will remember them and their families in my prayers and thoughts on Sat.

Thank you for sharing your story.  It is an honor to share this experience with you.

RIP Rangers and Godspeed.

RIP Rangers.....

I am proud of all of you!

I know they are being taken care of by the big Ranger in the Sky so I don't worry about them.  I do worry about their families left behind. 

Rest easy brothers, you will not be forgotten as long as there are Rangers.

Ranger2