Massaponax grad killed in Iraq

In a solemn scene yesterday on the tarmac, McGhee's remains were transferred by fellow soldiers from a 747 cargo plane bearing the Stars and Stripes on its flank, to the ground where relatives and a large white van were waiting.

McGhee, a 2006 Massaponax High school graduate, is the son of Steven and Kristie McGhee of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Sherrie Battle-McGhee of Knoxville, Tenn. He was engaged to be married to a fellow Massaponax High School graduate next year.

On Wednesday, the flag-draped remains of five soldiers killed over the weekend by a troubled fellow soldier in Iraq were were received by relatives at the same spot.

McGhee, who served four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, was killed by small arms fire while conducting combat operations in central Iraq, when his unit came under fire. A combat operator with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga., McGhee was part of a team hunting down a weapons provider and a suicide-bombing cell.

"He was an all-around great person and he loved what he did," McGhee's brother Zachary, 24, said yesterday. "I talked to him two weeks ago. He called to wish me a happy birthday. He said he loved me and he missed me."

Zachary McGhee, who lives in Stafford County and is a sergeant in the Army National Guard in Fredericksburg, said his brother was interested in the military early on and decided in his senior year in high school to become a Ranger. "He pretty much wanted to serve his country and give something back."

"Ryan McGhee's actions are in the finest traditions of this great regiment," said Col. Richard D. Clarke, 75th Ranger Regiment commander. "He continuously answered his nation's call fighting the most tenacious, fanatical and resolute enemies of our country during multiple deployments to places where most would or could not go. His memory will not be forgotten by our Rangers."

High school Principal Joe Rodkey said he learned about McGhee's death Wednesday while attending a Massaponax soccer game.

This is just devastating to us," Rodkey said of the impact on the Massaponax High School community.

"We all just thought the world of him."

McGhee also had been a member of the Key Club and served on the class executive board his junior and senior years.

He was chosen by his classmates for two senior superlatives--friendliest and most charming.

Rodkey said he met in his office yesterday with students who had learned of McGhee's death.

"Kids have a hard time with this because they never expect it to be anyone they know," Rodkey said.

He said the school is prepared to assist students if any need help dealing with the death.

Deb Aragon, who helps coordinate the "dignified transfers" at the Air Force Base, said it's an emotional time for all involved.

"My heart goes out to the families every time," said Aragon, a retired Air Force master sergeant. "I have two sons, 19 and 21."