Ryan Patrick McCullough

Sergeant Ryan P. McCullough passed away on January 24, 2014 at HAAF, Savannah, Georgia. Ryan was born in San Antonio, Texas on April 6, 1985. SGT McCullough enlisted into active duty on 22 January 2008, as a 15T, UH-60 Repairer. He completed his basic training requirements at Fort Jackson SC followed by MOS training at Fort Eustis VA. Upon completion of training, SGT McCullough spent over 30 months serving in Germany and arrived to Bravo Company, 603rd Aviation Support Battalion in March 2011. He completed two combat tours, one in each Iraq and Afghanistan. SGT McCullough completed numerous military courses such as Warrior Leaders Course, Combative Level 1, and the Combat Life Savers Course. His awards and decorations include three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons, NATO Medal and the Basic Aviation Badge. SGT McCullough most recently served as the UH-60 Team Chief and a Downed Aircraft Recovery Team NCO in Bravo Company, 603rd Aviation Support Battalion. He was dedicated Non-Commissioned Officer who was professional, competent, and concerned with the welfare of those he served with. He always followed the motto of “Never leave a fallen comrade”. SGT McCullough is survived by his wife Erica McCullough, son Ellis; brothers Jacob and Nicholas; dad Lt Col (ret) James “Chainsaw” McCullough and step mom Jae; mom SMSgt (ret) Cheryl and step dad Bill Engelson. While he will be remembered by his fellow Workhorse Soldiers and all who knew him; he will be most cherished by his family. SGT McCullough was placed to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on February 10, 2014.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me and I’m not here to see, If the suns should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me, I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you cried today while thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I Love You.; and each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me to; But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand, and said my place was ready in heaven far above; and that I’d have to leave behind all those dearly loved; but as I start to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, For all my life I always though, I didn’t want to die; I had so much to live for, and so much yet to do, It seems almost impossible that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, I thought for just awhile, I’d say goodbye and kiss you, and maybe see you smile, but then I fully realize that this could never be, for emptiness and memories would take the place of me. So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think, I’m right here in your heart.