LCPL RYAN WINSLOW
Forever Honored. Never Forgotten.
Memorial
LCPL RYAN WINSLOW
USMC | KIA | 15 APRIL 2006
Biography
Lance Corporal Ryan Winslow was born on January 13, 1987, and grew up in Hoover, Alabama. He attended Hoover City Schools and took classes in criminal justice at a local community college while preparing for what he hoped would be a future career in law enforcement.
Ryan was 14 years old in 2001, and the attacks on September 11 deeply shaped his desire to serve his country. As a teenager, he was not physically ready for Marine training. He had to lose a significant amount of weight before he could pursue that goal. Through discipline, determination, and hard work, he transformed himself and became fit enough to attend Marine Corps boot camp.
Family
After boot camp, Ryan trained as a TOW gunner and was later assigned to the Scout Platoon, 2nd Tank Battalion, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. As a Scout, his job was to move ahead of the tanks in the field and help ensure safe passage for the Marines following behind.
Ryan embraced that responsibility with courage and commitment. He believed deeply in serving his country and worked tirelessly to prepare himself for that duty. His strong work ethic and sense of purpose defined the way he lived and served.
Marine Corps Service
On April 15, 2006, during his first deployment to Iraq, Ryan and two of his fellow Marines were killed when their Humvee struck an improvised explosive device just north of Fallujah.
He had been deployed to the war zone for only three weeks.
Ryan gave his life in service to his country and alongside his fellow Marines. His sacrifice reflects the bravery, resolve, and selflessness carried by so many who answer the call to serve.
Ultimate Sacrifice
On September 17, 2010, during pre-election security operations in the Garmsir District of Helmand Province, 1st Lt. Fleming was struck by enemy small-arms fire. He was medically evacuated to Camp Leatherneck, where he was pronounced deceased due to a wound sustained to his neck.
He was 24 years old.
He gave his life protecting Afghan civilians and ensuring the security of democratic elections — an act of service and sacrifice aligned with the very ideals he lived by.
Honors & Remembrance
Ryan’s service and sacrifice were recognized with the following awards:
- Purple Heart
- Good Conduct Medal
- War on Terrorism Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- National Defense Medal
- Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon
Ryan was also posthumously promoted to Lance Corporal.
He is remembered by his family and friends as an intelligent, sensitive, and honest young man with a strong sense of integrity, loyalty, determination, and a deep commitment to hard work. In his hometown community, American Legion Post 911 in Hoover, Alabama, was named in his honor.
A Life of Purpose and Devotion
Ryan Winslow will be remembered for his passion, tireless work ethic, and unwavering belief in serving his country. He set a difficult goal for himself and met it through grit and perseverance, then gave his life in the service of others.
Though he is gone, his legacy lives on through the family, friends, and community who continue to carry his memory forward with love and honor.
His story will always live on.
His sacrifice will never be forgotten.
All photos and information above were lovingly provided by the Winslow family.
READ MORE ABOUT LCPL RYAN WINSLOW
Honoring the Life and Service of LCPL Ryan Winslow
A Place to Honor Their Story
OPFOB is building a quiet, respectful space where families and comrades can create personal memorial pages to honor their fallen loved ones. If you would like to share a story, a face, and a name that should never be forgotten, we’re here to help you preserve their memory with dignity and care.