Sgt. Ryan Baumann
I was deeply saddened today to hear that Sgt. Ryan Baumann, 24, of Great Mills, MD was killed in action on Friday in Afghanistan. I was fortunate to not only spend a couple of weeks in Afghanistan at a small combat outpost with Ryan and his platoon, but to get to know him as a person. He was a dedicated and respected soldier, but also he was deeply devoted to his fiance Lauren who he spoke so highly of and was so excited to marry early next year. My heart goes out to her as well as Ryan's father, Bob, mother, Cindy, and his family and friends. I know that nothing can ever fill the void in their hearts at the loss of Ryan, but hope they find comfort in knowing he died doing what he believed in. I am honored to have had the chance to meet Ryan and I will remain eternally grateful for his service and for his sacrifice.
Top photo: Ryan on a mission in Turqel. Second photo: Ryan on a recognizance mission near Seneky. Third photo: Ryan (at left) with Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Horn on a mission in Legarah. Fourth photo: Ryan joking around with an interpreter during a mission to Legarah. Final photo: Ryan leading a group of soldiers across a field on a mission in Legarah.
18 comments:
Hi Justin~
This is Ryan's sister. I've never been on your site before, but I've heard your name. I've felt like I've been on an emotional rollercoaster all day, remembering all the brother-sister "moments" Ryan and I shared throughout the last 25 years of his life. He was truly a wonderful little brother (well, after the preteen years :o) ). I was able to talk to him one his first deployment (to Iraq) via IM. My only wish now is that I had been able to do the same with this deployment; it might have made this a little easier (for me, anyways). I haven't gotten much information on what happened yet, so I was trying to see what I could find about him on the Internet. Thank you so much for posting this, along with the pictures. I've seen the top two, but not the others; I love the blue one. It is nice to be able to get on and see that my brother meant so much to so many people. He meant everything to me, even if he never knew it. None of our lives will ever be the same without him. Thank you again for your condolences for my family and for Lauren and her family. It means a lot.
Christie Baumann
Justin,
Ever since I found out about what you have done while over there, it gave a good look as to what the guys are doing who are like my family. You have helped by bringing the world of the solider to home so that people can see what no one sees.The thing that I don't like is when people say they support us in one breath but then in another breath say crazy stuff about the job we do. Justin you are wonderful photographer who is able capture the mood with the camera. I was training with Ryan and the guys in the platoon and Golf company. Sgt. Ryan Baumann was like a little brother to me. Ryan was able to help me out with any problems that I had. I always had respect for Sgt. Ryan Baumann just like he showed me. Justin you may not know me but I know you because you have talked to my wife. I just want Christie Baumann to know is that her brother was a great friend, solider, leader, and he always had good stuff to say about his family. I will miss the fun times that me and Ryan had. What alot of people do not know is that Ryan would do anything to help anybody and everybody and he also loved playing HALO 3. I could never beat him in HALO 3 or Guitar Hero 3 but I enjoyed the time we shared. Thanks again for everything you have done to bring us closer to the real life of a solider. My name is Jonathan Cayce proud to say that Sgt. Ryan Baumann is a great friend, leader and will alwas be my hero and friend and little brother. Christie Baumann, it was an honor to have your brother as a friend leader and great friend I will miss him.
HI justin
This is Jim Baumann , Ryans uncle. I've been searching for anything on Ryan I could find. It was nice to see the photos you have of him, he will be deeply missed , when I saw the first photo of his IED attack I thanked God none of them were hurt.It's hard to believe he is gone ,but he will always be in my heart and thoughts.I was looking forward to January to see him get married to a very beautiful woman , she showed me pictures of her with her wedding dress the other day , she makes a beautiful bride. I will still consider her my sister-in-law. I feel so bad for her and all the family and friends.I know we will all miss him so much!!! When he was home before I just couldn't believe how much he has grown and he looks so much like his father , he was a great person. Christie , I hope you are doing well I know this is very hard , but be strong , he is with Grandma, Lincoln, and Mark.Justin thanks for your condolences and the photos you've posted.
Hi Justin, Thanks for the great photo's of Ryan. I didn't know him, but will forever remember him with my proud American heart. God Bless Ryan, his family, his friends & Lauren.
Just want to say I'm very saddened to hear the news about SGT Baumann, my husband ran over to him when he died, he has taken this very hard. From what my husband said Ryan was just a great person. When my husband told me the news I just cried, I never had the opportunity to meet Ryan but he sounded like a great person.
Hi Justin,
my name is joshua stevenson. ryan is my bestfriend but we always called each other brothers. i thank you for the great pictures of him. life without ryan is gonna be very hard to get use to. i always imagined us getting old and wrinkly sitting on a porch talking about the good days. from day one, i knew we would be friends forever. when i found out he died, i never felt so sad and lost. but everyday i feel a little stronger knowing ryan is there, guardian me and all who loved him so much. ryan has always been a protector and made sure everyone around him was safe and secure. ryan will be missed by me and my family. i thank god for every moment i had with ryan, a true hero. ryan will never be forgotton. lauren keep your head up. ryan is here in spirit. TO RYAN: I LOVE YOU BRO. ILL HELP TAKE CARE OF EVERYONE YOU LOVED. ILL BE THERE FOR THEM WHENEVER THEY NEED A LITTLE LAUGH ABOUT YOU CAUSE I HAVE ENDLESS MEMORIES TO SHARE. I WILL MISS YOU DEEPLY AND I AM SO PROUD TO HAVE SUCH A HEROIC FRIEND LIKE YOU. ILL MISS BEING THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN BEAT YOU ON XBOX, RIDING DIRTBIKES, HITTING GOLFBALLS INTO HORSE POOP, THE FUNNY THINGS WE DO WHEN BEING AROUND EACH OTHER AND MOST OF ALL, GROWING UP TOGETHER. YOU MAKE ME PROUD AND I CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU AT HEAVENS GATE. LOVE YOU, MISS YOU. YOUR BRO -JOSH
I was Ryan's photography teacher in high school, he LOVED it, and I know he would appreciate these pictures as I am certain that his family and friends do. A picture is truly worth a thousand words, and seeing Ryan in these speaks to his dedication to others. I saw that in school, and in knowing him as a friend.He gave much to many. My heart goes out to his family & Lauren
I am deeply saddened to hear about Ryan, who was always a beautiful person. I haven't seen him in years, and cannot believe another amazing human has been taken from us. Only the good die young - Lauren
keep your head up, you have a guardian angel now.
Much Love,
Megan Kepferle
Hi Justin-
Thank You so much for the pictures you posted and loving words you spoke about Ryan. Ryan has been a friend of mine since we were in 6th grade. From the beginning you could tell he was the caring type and wanted nothing more than to help his friends out. We had such a tight group of friends growing up, and we all know who we were! Unfortaunately life took us all in different directions, I didnt get to speak much to Ryan in the past couple years because of where he was and where I was, but we still made he effort to at least catch up every now and than! I wish now I would have done and said more to him in the past couple years! I will never forget all the random times at my house on the water, and the stupid parties...all I have left are pictures and videos but ill cherish them forever! TO JOSH- you have been a great friend of mine for a long time, and an even better friend to Ryan, I know we all hurt now, but we gotta be strong for Ryan, you know as well as I do thats what he would want for us! I love you Josh, i know you can do this. TO LAUREN- I never had the chance to see you and Ryan together, but from the e-mails I recieved from him I know you were the center of his world, you made him get through every day over there. You kept him strong, always remember that. Its unfortaunte that we have to meet in such a horrible way, but for some reason I think Ryan would have wanted for us to meet. TO RYAN- i know your looking down from heaven, please protect all of us, as we loved you and we will never forget you, you have been such an amazing friend to everyone, i know you made everyone proud! I'll never forget the crazy times you me, josh and the rest of the "gang" all had together, ill cherish the pictures and memories forever! I cant believe your gone, I never imagined this...but I know your in a much better place now! I love you! Again, Thank you so much Justin for making this website and posting such amazing pictures and saying such kind words, you are putting so many peoples heart at ease!
-Shannon.
Hello Justin,I am kimberly, joshua's mom. the day he called me about ryan's passing, so broke my heart. I, too, had lost a son. i am so saddened and my heart breaks. Ryan and joshua were as thick as blood could be.It's as if they sprang from the same womb. it is hard to express the lost and saddnesss of some one you love, but we need to celebrate ryan's life, for he would have wanted us too. ryan was passionate about life and always wore a smile.. i am so very proud of him and so glad that god blessed US for allowing him to be apart of our lives...cindy and gary : my thoughts, prayers and love surround you both, you did a wonderful job, raising a most generous and most loved son. hold your heads up high, for now he's one of GOD'S ANGEL.you should be so proud. Lauren: let your heart burst with pride.. you'll have his love forever. try and be strong. for he will always be there within you. Joshua, i wish mom could be there to help you.just remember how blessed you are to have had him intertwined with your life. carry on for ryan! Ryan: i am so very proud of you !! from watching you and josh grow up together, to becoming the awesome men that you are, i will always hold those special memories of my two boys, always causing mischief and loving their lives. you will be tuly missed..i love you. and justin, you have done a wonderful job in this. you work is awesome, keep it up.. wish i could be there, godspeed, kimberly
Justin,
I only knew Ryan through his mother Cindy. When she would speak of him, her eyes would light up. I now know why. Thank you for sharing with us a glimpse of what you saw in your time with Ryan. From what I have seen and read, he was truly an exceptional person and soldier. My family is grateful for his service to our country. Our deepest condolences to his family and to his fiance Lauren. Cindy, be strong...my prayers are with you.
Justin, This is Brian Brown another one of Ryan's close friends from home in Maryland. I was very upset when I had heard of Ryans passing. This was one of the first websites I was able to find out info about Ryans passing and able to see him one last time, seeing him do what he loved to do.
I just want to thank you for bringing him home to his friends and Family in Photos. God Speed Ryan and I know you will always be looking out over your loved ones.
I think it is truly amazing that in such a time of heartbreak and tragedy you are able to bring some peace to so many by this tribute to SGT Ryan Baumann. You have made this site a place for people to come and remember him, and see him doing what he loved. Alot of people on here were blessed to know him so personally, but for me, I knew him only because of Lauren's love for him. When I heard about Ryan's passing my heart just broke for her and all of his loved ones. But I find comfort in knowing that he carries on through their love. And I think there is something to be said about how strong Lauren is being for him now. She is making sure that Ryan's story is heard and that his life is honored the way it should be. That people can hear and be thankful for his service, sacrifice, and undying love for this country. I think that is the greatest gift she could ever give him. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who grieves for SGT Ryan Baumann, all those who continue to fight for our freedom, and all of those who Ryan now joins at Heaven's gates.
I will always feel honored and priviledged to have a friend like Ryan. He was completely dedicated to his friends. He comforted me in my sorrow when my father passed and I can only hope to do the same for the Baumann Family. God bless yoy Ryan. I will never forget!
My name is SGT Matthew Baumann and I work at walter reed. I am writting this post just to say that I am sorry for your loss. After reading many things about him across the internet I think the world will be a darker place w/o SGT Baumann. I also have been to Iraq and Afghanastan and I know how hard it can be on a family I am married w/ 2 children. All i can offer is our prayers and condolences for your loss.
SGT Baumann, Matthew
WRAMC Washington DC
hi justin im happy u put this on ur website im happy for what ryan has done for this country i am so proud of ryan that i am doing a report onhim in school
Ryan,
i love you to death brother, and i am grateful for what you have dont. I will keep my promise when i get over there and support my brothers no matter what hell we go threw. You were a tragic lost but you were KIA doing what you love to do. Take you man.
LCpl. Morris
Hi Justin, I just wanted to say thanks for putting this up on your site for Ryan, He was a great NCO and friend and i miss him very much. I think about him almost everyday, and i was there the day that he passed away. It is something i hope no one has to go through as we did that day. If anyone needs to know what happened that day please have them email me at paul_betz@hotmail.com. My heart goes out to Lauren, Christie, and the rest of his family. Thanks again Justin for spending time with us and for the photographs you took of us.
SPC BETZ
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