"Being remembered is a significant part of anyone's life. To be remembered and memorialized for what you did is important, but being remembered for who you were is also very significant. Existence is the most critical part of life because of your ability to influence others. This influence may be carried forward across many lifetimes.John was a significant influence on the lives of others. Kate and I along with his sister Sue were overwhelmed at his memorial in KY, burial in Arlington, memorial Mass in NJ, and by subsequent letters and comments of John's fellow soldiers, friends, and family of how he played a significant role in their life. We knew about John's relationships with some family members, but his active participation in the lives of fellow Army and Marine soldiers, their families, and friends was amazing to us.
Those of you who knew John will always have a story to tell as a participant or observed during John's life. We, his family, want you to continue to remember and tell those stories. This will continue his legacy as a husband, father, son, sibling, uncle, fellow soldier, and friend. We love to hear those stories for it reinforces our memories of John's influence in his world.
During his life, John and Julie gave us the gift of three beautiful grandchildren - Keely, Maddie, and Erin. Each in their own way carrying forth in this world many of their father's enduring characteristics and strengths. They will be a living tribute to their father.
This past year we were blessed by the birth of a grandson. Sue and Greg named him JAQ (John Andrew Quinlan Ripke) in remembrance of her brother she so loved.
We, his family, thank the 160th SOAR (A) for this honor to John. Your continual remembrance by this unit and the military at large will be a source of comfort to us. Sacrifice is a part of life and to sacrifice your life for the principles of this country will always be significant. Please remember and honor John in your life and ask the question to yourself, "What would John have done in your situation?".
In honor of John and the fallen of the 160th, Kate and I would like to present to the 2nd Battalion a Gold Star Flag with the words "Honor and Remember" as a remembrance to all the soldiers who have fallen in battle. We hope this will be a fitting tribute as a reminder to the sacrifices made by soldiers for this country.
May God bless John, his family and friends, his fellow soldiers, and this great country."
