“High school was so typical and predictable. Everyone here was so occupied with discovering the definition of cool. To some, cool was… — Ryan Smithson Free expression Copy Share Image
“This isn't a weapon cache-search mission during which we kick down doors looking for suspects. We pour concrete lands where IED exploded… — Ryan Smithson Goals Copy Share Image
“The way our efforts are shunned, at first we don't care. In a way it makes us proud. It's humility. And selfless… — Ryan Smithson Hard work Copy Share Image
“For me, the future was a complete paradox. One one hand [..] teachers were pushing that 'know what you want to do… — Ryan Smithson Parents and teachers Copy Share Image
“I guess that's one good thing about dying young: you're remembered for your purity, vigor and spontaneity. Dying young you're remembered for… — Ryan Smithson Death Copy Share Image
“What does crying ever really do for us? It doesn't solve our problems. It doesn't make us run faster or shoot better.… — Ryan Smithson Copy Share Image
“We're tired of the nagging and debating that adults do so well. We don't care anymore [..] the kids don't write to… — Ryan Smithson Political views Copy Share Image
“Soldiers seem so durable, resilient, and so heroic in war novels. On the television screen they're afraid of nothing. I wonder if… — Ryan Smithson Basic training Copy Share Image
“[...] But my denial doesn't matter, because duty comes first.” — Ryan Smithson Responsibility Copy Share Image
“But courage is also means being afraid, accepting a fear of the unknown. Anyone who claims to be unafraid as they sit… — Ryan Smithson Courage Copy Share Image
“There's a certain romanticism that comes with being young. Young men and women just released from high school are ready to take… — Ryan Smithson High school Copy Share Image
