20 years ago we were gathered as a Platoon at Crockers house getting ready for our tour to Iraq. Everyone was drinking and having fun and Corey, in response to something I said, slapped me across the face. Those that know me understand that that is generally followed by a trip to the hospital for the one who crosses that line. In that moment, the red dissipated from my eyes as I saw Cory smiling at me with a goofy glazed look on his face. There was nothing Malicious about his action, it was just what he thought the moment needed. I shook it off and he put his arm around my neck, made a joke, and we cheers’d our glasses and separated. That moment is as clear and vivid to me as the day it happened. Corey was a unique soul and the world suffered a major loss on this day 20 years ago. I’m sure I’ll see you again brohiem, until then…..

Hard to believe it's been 19 years. I always think of Cory "Mr. Ace K" on this day and still proudly wear his memory bracelet. We served together in the same platoon in the 3-319th and shared some really good times together before we deployed. 

Cory was part of a small group of us that went to the hockey game up in Raleigh a couple weeks before we left for Iraq. He, of course was an Avalanche fan and I'm a Red Wings fan so we went round and round about that! We were often at odds over our sports teams - Michigan vs. Nebraska and arguing over the 1997 national championship, etc. Fun times. 

I'm grateful for the short time I was able to know him. Someone said on one of these memorial sites "I didn't know him well, but I knew him well enough". That hits the nail on the head. He's the type of person that makes our country great. A few years ago my wife began setting up a fallen soldier table on Memorial Day and I use it to teach my young boys about people like Cory. That table sits empty so others may be full. The Smith family knows well the name of Cory R. Mracek. 

Think about you all the time bud, especially this time of year... hope you know how much you are still loved and missed... thank you for your sacrifice... AIRBORNE, ALL THE WAY!

Dear Cory,
It's already been 10 years since I first wrote this to you: "We never met. Yet I feel close and connected to you spirit. And I deeply believe your spirit sings, soars and gives solace to those that dearly miss your physical presence. I promised your mom that even though I never met you I will never forget you. Your service and ultimate sacrifice is honored and deeply valued." Jim Meier
Those words stand true today. 10 years ago is when I met your mom and through her I've learned more and more about you; your dedication to service, your reliability, your core goodness and more. I salute you young friend. Jim 

I miss you soooo! So very proud of you.  LOve you  Grandma

Thank you Shay, yes Cory was a jokester. We watched a video we have of him that so reminds us of his humor.  Please contact me through facebook if you would like.  Always nice to meet those who knew him.

Our mutal friend Troy sent this to me. The first ive seen this. I cant believe it has been that long. Cory and guys in our crowd we ran around together at Ft. Campbell were all a bunch of jokers. Cory was always making somebody laugh. I was in Afghanistan at the time of hearing about Cory. When I talk to friends that I served with from back at Campbell often times Cory's name comes up. He is greatly missed.

Troy Harding, if you come this way, please look us up.   You can find me on facebook.  Thanks for remembering Cory, miss him so much.

It's been 19 years now since I seen you last at Ft.Campbell.... Miss you brother. I will have to visit you on my way to my parents house in Montana. Hope to see you soon.

We will always miss ya brother...

Cory Ryan, you are so missed. So proud of you and love you.  Grandma

Tomorrow is the 15th anniversary of one of our best and brightest making to supreme sacrifice for our nation. I have a son the same age as Cory and every time we are together I think of Cory. May God keep Cory in the palm of His hand and may God bless his family.  We must never forget! Thoughts and prayers.

I only knew you for a short time while you shared a room with me, but I think about you a lot and hope you're in peace brother... we all miss you
Airborne, All the Way

It will be 13 years tomorrow, you're missed but not forgotten brother.

Cory it has been 12 years now. I was your roommate in Korea just before you left airborne school. You were a great soldier. I enjoyed working with you! I still have and watch those same extended play DVD set of all the Lord of the Rings Movies that you would start late at night and fall asleep to just the opening music and eave me up all night watching it. I still think of you when I watch them. I miss you my friend!

To the friends and family of SGT Cory Mrachek . I served along side of Cory at Ft Campbell 101st Airborne Division 1/320 Field Artillery Bravo Battery from 1996-1999 . Cory was a great soldier he always was full of humor, and great spirits he loved being a soldier . I will never forget him or his personal sacrifice . It was a honor to share a foxhole with him .God Bless .

SFC Timothy Dingey
U.S Army Retired

We first met right as you came back from Basic. We played paintball, I can't remember where now. You got stuck with the pump marker. Your training paid off, and your DS would be proud, you roundly handed our asses to us.

We weren't hang out, or exchange emails type of friends. We weren't even really friends. But you were the nicest guy, and fun to be around, and you've made a lasting impression, as you still come to mind damn near 20 years later, and more frequently than you think.

You crossed paths with my father during your time in the Guard. He always spoke highly of you, and seemed very proud of your military accomplishments. You fit his definition of a good soldier. And he didn't speak very highly of very many people.

You've made some lasting impressions, and you are missed.

https://twitter.com/nascar/status/601837572910874624

Wanted to add NASCAR's Salute from Twitter.

You are so missed and loved. So very proud. Will see you one day. always my HERO. Grandma

A few nights ago I dreamt of you walking by my side. My heart so filled with joy I'd forgotten you had died. You told me to be happy and quietly took my hand and painted out a picture of glorious Beullah land. I watched you cross Jordan and tears began to form but you told me to be happy my work was not yet done. You stood there with my mother and others that I loved and told me to be happy you'd wait for me above.
Cory until we meet again you will be remembered with love.

Dear Warrior, I'm certain you are at peace on this 11th Angelversary of giving your life in service to our country. We'll meet some day and you can tell me that first hand. In the meantime,
1. Along with many others, I'll do my best to honor and remember you and your many warriors in uniform who gave their life for our country.
2. The quest for peace on earth remain the dream of billions of people yet one too often shattered in reality but I believe reachable.
3. Any wisdom you can pass down on # 2 is welcome, especailly since you no doubt see things better than we on earth.
Your forever friend.
Jim Meier

Love you Cory, miss you as much today as I did 11 years ago.
I will see you again in a little while. You are my Hero.

Cory Ryan, 10 years ago today you went to live with Jesus. We miss you so and are so very proud of you. Love you Grandma

Hi Cory,
10 years ago today your heart stopped beating on this earth. But your bigger heart that guided your sprit and soul has never stopped beating. I'm sure you see and know that from where you view this world on a the higher perch. As you can see, good still battles evil deeds across lands and countries. You enlisted to help good prevail and so doing gave your life. Until we meet in a way I can truly understand that commitment in you, I will do my best to honor and remember you and all who also have fallen...and their families.
As you know, I've still not met your dad. Hope to one of these days. Of course, the tireless dedication your mom gives to others in God's and your name is a great acting voice more and more Nebraskan hear.
Forever,
Jim Meier

Thank you Sgt. Mracek. Your we're so nice to me on assignment in Korea. I was a brand new private and you treated me with respect and represented professionalism and honor. I was so sad to learn of your passing. I will never forget you. On Memorial Day I made a cross for you on the beach in Santa Monica. God bless you and your family.

Cory,

Although I never met you on this Earth, I am anxious to meet you in Heaven. I want to tell you thanks and give you a huge hug. I know you are with God and we are told there is no sadness in Heaven, I guess the sadness is left for us on Earth. Love, June & Jim Moore

Thank you Cory Ryan. You are my Hero! Miss you and love you. Grandma

Hi Cory,
You left this earth 9 years ago today. Certainly I can't explain all of that. Of you, such a young man, fighting for the freedom of others so they can live a fuller life, was taken far too early. I beieve your spirit and soul now soars freely and even wiser to guide us here to do our best. We never met, Cory, but someday we will. Jim

Cory,
You are thought of this 21st day of July as you are thought of often. I see your picture daily amongst all fallen Nebraskan's in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
We'll meet someday.
Jim Meier

Cory, there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. Sometimes that day seems so very long ago, most days it feels like yesterday. Take comfort in the fact that your friends still hold this day close to their hearts. I must admit as the date draws close I am filled with sadness and remorse, but as I read the words of your friends I am filled with happiness. Thank you.

I am missing you so much. So very proud of you and love you. Thank you. Thank you to your family. Pat,Jim,Heather, Stacy, Jeremy and Miss Shelby. I love you all.

8 years ago, January 27, my heart broke into a million pieces when God called this paratrooper home. Missing my boy every day but am so very proud of him. I love you Cory and will see you again in your new heavenly home when God calls me home too.

Cory,
I live by the Elkhorn River. When I saw a majestic bald eagle fly up river today I imagined you and all your fallen comrades atop these eagle's wings. Thanks for the sign and helping me remember.
Jim

Cory,
I'd light a million candles everyday to see your smile again and can only wish it were so easy. Thank you for all that you gave. You will always be my hero-man.

Cory, On the 27th of January you will have been in Heaven 8 years. Sometimes it feels shorter and sometimes it feels longer. I miss your laugh, jokes and also you had great compassion for family and friends. You gave us a gift of freedom. We were so thankful to God for letting us have you for a time. He decided your work on earth was complete so he took you home.Proud of you Love yo

place. You are an amazing person, my cousin, and my hero. I love you! And in 4 days here is to you being in heaven for 8 years! Always remembered, always loved, and always a hero.

Cory, I miss you deeply. I miss your laugh and your Beavis and Butthead impersonations. I copy them sometimes. You know up until a couple years ago I thought they made a mistake and I would see you driving up to our house in your red and gray suv, whatever that thing was ha! But, it was soon time to embrace the fact that God needed you more than us and I know that you are in an awesome

You are so missed. Thank You for your service, and sacrifice, so we can remain free. God has you in his care and one day we will see each other again. I love you. You are my HERO. Grandma

Those of us who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001 can never adequately express our gratitude to men and women like Sgt. Cory Mracek. He answered the call, giving his life for a high cause: Liberty. I love this young man; I only hope that the hard reality of his death has been eclipsed by the dear memories of his life. God be with you, Cory, American Patriot, and with your family.

Cory, I never met you on earth but am so honored to be able to meet you in Heaven. Your Mom has shared a lot about you and I feel like I will know you instantly when I see your beautiful smile. Please make sure and find Jason, my son, you sound so much alike. We will keep your family in our prayers . Til we meet Cory.....  June

Thank you for your service to our country Cory. Your supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. Your family is the greatest.

Dear Cory,
We never met. Yet I feel close and connected to you spirit. And I deeply believe your sprit sings, soars and gives solace to those that dearly miss your physical presence. I promised your mom that even though I never met you I will never forget you. Your service and ultimate sacrifice is honored and deeply valued. Jim Meier