PFC McLyman's Family and Friends Recall a Bright Woman

This article will be enhanced with additional photos and video from our good friend and fellow photographer Q Madp of IraqWarheroes.org. He was in place as the aircraft containing Erin McLyman's remains touched down in Oregon, to bring her home for the last time.

Army Pfc. Erin L. McLyman

(SALEM, Ore.) - Army Pfc. Erin L. McLyman of Federal Way, Washington, died March 13 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked her base with mortar fire.

She was assigned to the 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lews-McChord, Washington.

This is a story in honor of her sacrifice. As a reporter I spent a few weeks around Balad and I recall the base nickname 'Mortaritaville' and how that raised eyebrows as a matter of discussion.

This article will be enhanced with additional photos and video from our good friend and fellow photographer Q Madp of IraqWarheroes.org. He was in place as the aircraft containing Erin McLyman's remains touched down in Oregon, to bring her home for the last time.

These are all quotes posted on the Internet about Erin McLyman:

To PFC McLyman's family: My sincerest condolences for your loss. I was with MEDEVAC crew who rushed in. We never knew her but have been saddened by her passing. -AP

Sherry: Some stars are too bright to burn forever, however we are all better people for having gotten close to a bright star such as you. I will miss you.

Lisa: R.I.P. I cant believe your gone we had some good times!! Hope your sitting up in heaven with Romeo, Chris and Shawnee and the rest of the gang, drinking and laughing your asses off. Here's to good times, came and gone..go with God. You will be missed.

Kara: we had some realy good times when we were young i miss that. the good old times i just want to say you were a big part of my early teenage years and we did some stupid stuff but ur dad was always putting us in are place. Erin you were one of my dearest friends i love you and miss you. one day we will meet again;)

Anna: erin you will be very missed- you brought so much joy to everyone you knew. you left us all from this earth to let your wings spread- we all will join you someday until then we know your looking down at us. RIP erin my prayers go out to all of her loved ones.

CJ: R.I.P Erin hun, we all love you and I'm sorry that I didn't stay in touch with you as much as I know I should have.....it really saddens me to know that you are gone from this earth, you brought should joy to any horrible situation...I will charish our memories.....sleep peacefully Big Red...love ya!

Larry: Erin I will always remember you. I never forget those times at the horn. You were and always will be my favorite waitress. However, most of all I will remember you for being a great friend. May your soul rest in enternal peace.

Stefanie: I have to believe that all things happen for a reason, otherwise loosing you would be something that happened in vain and I refuse to believe that...

Carrie: You were like a sister I've known you so long...you'll never really leave me lady!! I freaking love you Miss Firey Red Head!! This freaking hurts...but one day I will see you up there!!

Snowboarder: You were one tough chick. Tough as nails. You will be missed. Plus I'm going to miss the punch in the arm you always gave me.

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Army Pfc. Erin L. McLyman, 26 years old, died March 13, 2010 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her body arrived March 15 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Her identification was released by the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center at Dover.

She lived most recently in Federal Way. She graduated from Sheldon High School in Eugene, Ore.