To the Family and Friends of Don Viray,

Yesterday, I had the privilege of riding my bicycle in honor of Don Viray. I rode several miles along the Potomac River on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath in the area of Harper's Ferry. The idea is that for every one of the 6800+ servicemen killed in Iraq/Afghanistan, someone will ride at least a mile in their honor -- extending a route across America from coast to coast (www.werideforthefallen.com). 

I rarely need an excuse to ride my bicycle, but this seemed like a great cause, and the more I researched the life of Don the more proud I became to ride for him. He seemed like such a great young man -- full of life and eager to participate. As a fellow military aviator, I am fully aware of the skill and risk involved in flying, but I am also aware of the attraction and fulfilment it provides. As I listened to the interview from Don's last days, I hear and see a young pilot I really respect.

I can never understand the pain you have gone through in losing Don, but I hope you can take comfort in the fact that thousands of Americans are striving each day to keep these warrior's lives relevant, remembered and honored. 

Thanks again for the privilege of getting to know Don just a little. 

God Bless,

Lt. Col. Matt Gruner
US Air Force (retired)

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Viray Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Don C. Viray US Army Chief Warrant Officer 2.  We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community.  We will not forget.  May God Bless you and keep you strong.    
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

On the last day of this year, know that you have been truly missed all year round; and, also in the last three and a half years since we lost you. Time has allowed life to be more bearable, but it does not take away the pain. Grief continues to plague our lives because we still don't know how to truly live without you. But grief is a reflection of love, and because we loved you, our grief is perpetual.

As 2015 blows into the wind, I wish you a continued peaceful sleep little brother. 

-Ate

Thought about you today.  I am about to graduate nursing school and all I've been able to think about lately is how if I could talk to you you'd say "Took you long enough".  Miss you.

Don,

I still cannot believe that you gone for more than two years now. It hurts me alot to think that you are not coming back.You will always live in our hearts and prayers. May you Rest in Peace.

Dad

Don, 

Your family remembers you always, today most especially. We hope you are at peace. And wait to see you again. 

Love, 
Mom, Dad, & Ate

Don,

As the second anniversary of your death approaches, I can't help but think of you. Then again, you are in my thoughts everyday, at least once a day. Life doesn't get easier with time. It just gets more bearable. But it will never be the same without you.

Always love you!

~Ate
http://www.DonCViray.com

Don, today we remember you, your family and your sacrifice.

I know you visited us last night. Son, it must be nice if you just rest in peace.  I will take care all issues that needs an answer. It takes time and patience.

Don,

Early this morning, I visited your tree in front of your Brigade Headquarters (25th CAB).  Your tree is the only one have leis.  It's very colorful. Luckily, I met two of your pilot friends doing Physical Training (PT).  They told me they really missed you running around the airfield. You always want to challenge them running and you always win.  

Your Dad,
Leo

Don,
I know you out there looking for us. You always on my mind. It's hard for me to move forward due to your unexpected death. Is not on my wildest dream that you are not coming back anymore. What hurts me too much when I think the day you leaving deploying to Afghanistan. I hug you and told you "DON, take care yourself there and always pay attention to anything you do.  Afghanistan is different from Iraq".  You just smile and told me "Dad, I am going now, see you on September." Now, I will wait for the September of your return. Don, you will not be forgotten. You in good place now. It's hard for the parents to loose a son like you.  One day, we will see each other again. I promise to you, we will take care all the things that you left behind. May you rest in peace SON.

Your Dad,
Leo

One year has officially passed since Don died. On this somber anniversary, we honored him with a grave site vigil, which was well attended by family, friends, and members of his aviation unit. We wish to thank all those who came and honored him. It is endearing to see that, even after a year of death, he is still well loved. Please know that the kind messages we constantly receive have really help lighten our hearts. Thank you to all. 

If you'd like to see photos of his vigil, click here: http://www.doncviray.com/one-year-death-anniversary-vigil/

Don, today you are remembered with honor and pride.

Please refer to the Website we created for Don which will remain live until April 2013 at: http://www.DonCViray.com Thank you for the overwhelming support and condolences.

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Don will never be forgotten.

For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I'm home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I'm only a civilian
And I don't even know if it's allowed

But I salute you; allow me the honor 
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn't make it home.
I know you're in God's presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say 
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you .

I Salute You.

Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt
Colonie, NY
SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq

Please accept my Condolences and Sympathy for your loss. A Hero that we all recognize and he will always be remembered as a Hero.

Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers (ps4fs@charter.net) is an organization with groups throughout the country who strive to send handmade prayer shawls and/ or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country.  Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA  would like to honor your loved one's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a shawl which we will mail to you.  If you are interested, please contact me at gramman@comcast.net with the names and addresses and what they would like to receive. We will send them as soon as possible.  Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address, as our organization can no longer get family contacts through the military.  May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead.  Sincerely, Lynne

Our family would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and military unit of CWO Don Viray.  He was a hero, who we recognize as having "given it his all."  He will always be remembered for that.

Please accept my deepest sympathy
for the loss of your loved one and
Hero Don and my sincerest gratitude
for his service.
God Bless you Chief Warrant Officer
Don C. Viray...you will not be forgotten.

We are so sorry for your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.  
The Richter Family

Our family is so sorry for your loss.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

The Kirton Family
Army CPL Brandon Kirton
KIA 5/18/11 - Afghanistan

OBITUARY

Don C. Viray

July 15, 1986 – April 19, 2012

Borthwick Mortuary

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