Hey there! Ian had his 2nd bday party. You would have been so proud. Andrea looked gorgeous and many of your famlly and friends were there to support them. He loved the ford truck by the way. That was a great idea!!! We think of you daily. We are trying to help andi raise that fabulous little man you helped create. Make sure you are our guardian angel, b/c we need you. I miss our talks on the phone. Even though i couldn't see you I knew you were smiling and having a great time as a dad and husband!!!

Ryan, Kelly, the boys, and I are sure going to miss you. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time with you and your family. I will always cherish the memories of us in flight school and Norfolk. From the long nights of shooting pool at Sharky's in Corpus Christi, to the cherry moonshine you would bring from home. You were a proud husband, father, and pilot. I can truly say I am a better person for knowing you. As time goes by, the memories will always be with me and my family.

This is a wonderful tribute and has given me many ideas for my father's! You won't soon be forgotten Ryan...

Ryan and I graduated together in 1994. I had not been in contact with Ryan for thirteen years when I heard that his plane went down. After reading the news on the internet, I found out that Ryan was married and had a 2 year old son. I prayed for Ryan’s family and that the Navy would find Ryan and his colleagues alive. I recalled memories of band camps, band trips, school field trips, track meets, band competitions (Cary Band Day), football games, etc. But most of all, I was deeply saddened for Ryan’s family. I reflected on what a polite and wonderful person Ryan was. At Ryan’s memorial service, I realized that this amazing person from my past had blossomed into a hero, a daddy, and wonderful husband. I feel horrible that I did not get to know Ryan better. But, I do know that Ryan was always gracious and kind as a child and as a teenager. From what others have said, these attributes carried into adulthood. He was a great guy and everyone knew it. He was a born leader and a role model. If anyone could lead the Marching Cavaliers to a “Superior” rating, it was Ryan Betton. Ryan, when I think of your service to our Country, I think of 9/11/2001. When I think of 9/11, I think of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the brave souls of Flight 93. When I think of the World Trade Center, my mind races back to the dinner cruise the band went on in New York. It was my first and last time seeing the Twin Towers. At that point in my life, it did not occur to me that you would grow up to defend our freedom. Lt. Ryan Kenneth Betton, Thank You. You will never be forgotten. Ian, Andrea, the Betton’s, the Slaughter’s, and Ryan’s friends, I am so sorry for your loss. No one should have to endure the pain of losing someone so close to you. You are in my prayers.

Ryan, your memory will always be close to my heart. You were one of our brightest and best.

When I heard the news that Ryan's plane went down and he had left this earth, I was saddened. I had not had contact with Ryan since high school, but I was flooded with memories of history team, band, and just his great happy spirit. Ryan was truly a leader in life and I am sure will be joining the Blue Angels in heaven. When researching about the accident, (since I live in Oregon, I hadn't heard much about it) I found out that Ryan had married Andrea, someone who I went to elementary and middle school with. Having known both Ryan and Andrea during our childhood and teen years, I can only imagine what a great pair they made. I hope that your tears and pain are healed with memories of a great man who made the world better for having just been here.

My family has been friends with Ryan's family for going on 20 years. Some of my favorite memories are from going to the lake with the Bettons and riding around on their pontoon boat. The road home was through the boonies and when a good song came on, we'd pull over and dance on the side of the road. What an example of loving life and making the most of every day. My favorite memory was when my family and I moved to Japan. Ryan and Andrea were our sponsors. Everyone tells you to stay up until at least 9:00-10:00 pm your first night here to help adjust to the time zone so that was our goal. However, we had so much fun that we stayed up until after 4:00 am playing cards and laughing! We actually moved into their apartment when they left so I think about that night every time I sit at our dining room table. What my husband said in his letter was totally true, everyone here loved Ryan and Andrea (they were here before they had Ian or they would've loved him too!), they left a lasting impression on everyone they met. The Betton and Slaughter families continue to be in our thoughts and prayers, as are all of you who loved Ryan too.

Ryan and I went to high school together. He was a year behind me but we had band together. Ryan was extremely funny and I enjoyed being around him. He was a die hard wrestler and I remember he would fast as needed. Sometimes a wrestlers method for making weight is pretty gross. I have not had the opportunity to see Ryan in fourteen years but I am not surprised to hear the stories of his bravery and dedication in both his career and family. I am terribly sorry for his loss but know that he left a legacy to be proud of.

Letter: Bryan Clower Ryan Betton Remembered Published in Martinsville Bulletin Sunday, August 19, 2007 Most of you have probably heard by now of the death of Navy Lt. Ryan Betton. Ryan was killed in a plane crash, along with two other members of his crew, while conducting carrier operations off the coast of North Carolina last week. I would like to take a moment to tell the people of Martinsville and Henry County about what a fine man we have lost. Ryan graduated from Fieldale-Collinsville High School in 1994. I was a freshman at the time and considered him a good friend and a mentor. Ryan entered Naval Aviation out of VMI, and eventually ended up flying the E-2C Hawkeye in Atsugi, Japan, as a component of Carrier Air Wing Five, America’s only forward deployed carrier air wing. He spent three years stationed in Japan and was a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unbelievably, I arrived in Atsugi almost three years after Ryan with orders to his squadron. He was my sponsor and was waiting at the airport to pick me up. We could not get over the fact that two boys from Collinsville ended up flying the same airplane, stationed in the same squadron in Japan. What were the odds of that? Ryan left not long after I got there with orders to VAW-120 in Norfolk to start training new fleet replacement pilots. Here is what I never had the chance to tell him: The hundreds of people that knew Ryan while he was stationed in Japan loved and respected him. These people, officers and enlisted personnel alike, expected me to have the same integrity, honor, work ethic and genuine love of people that he displayed simply because we were from the same small town. He set the standard of performance and character in all things he did, and brought nothing but honor to the name of his hometown. When I would introduce myself to people, they would say things like “Martinsville, Virginia? That’s where Ryan was from. Great man, Great man.” Ryan put the Martinsville and Henry County area on the map for a great many people that didn’t even know we have a racetrack. New Yorkers, Californians and people from everywhere in between now associate our home with a place that raises men with honor and decency because of Ryan. The Navy lost one of its best pilots last week, but Henry County lost a son, a son who was quite possibly our greatest representative of our way of life. The wisdom and ethics passed down to us from our parents, teachers, coaches and neighbors lived through Ryan; they seeped out of every ounce of his existence. He brought a tremendous amount of honor to the name of his home, and those of you who taught him, coached him, knew him and helped raise him should be very proud of your contribution. It is a tragedy that we lost Ryan and two other brave men, but it would be a greater tragedy if the people of his beloved homeland did not know what a positive impact he had on this world. I want you all to know how much he loved his hometown and how he epitomized the values that each and every one of us hopes to one day possess, the very values that I know are ingrained in the upbringing of the people in our community. I hope you will all keep Ryan and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Please take a minute to mention his name and honor his memory. He was a true son of South-Central Virginia; he lived his life with great decency and honor. He loved his family, his nation, his home and his friends. He was the kind of man we should all aspire to be. Bryan Clower Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Stationed in Atsugi, Japan

Footage sent from the Virginian Pilot Produced by Roger M Richards

Anonymous

16 years ago

thank you Lt. for always keeping me in line even though you always thought the things i did we funny. just like every mourning i would say fine navy day sir, you would say i was crazy or the high fives in the p way with the xo behind you, you were always the man and still are, so ill say to you now not good bye but what i used to say to you at the end of the day, I'll see ya when i see ya sir

Diane Kunst

16 years ago

What a wonderful tribute to these men. Our son knew Lt. Betton and spoke highly of him and had the utmost respect and admiration for him in VAW-120. Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to you. God bless you.

Thank you for being one of Sean's friends!

My best memories of Ryan were of when he was a 3rd classman when I was a Band Co. Rat. He was always the joker in the group and I had many a good laugh at some of his stunts. I ran into Ryan with his family not long ago at a Cracker Barrel in South Hill, Va while they were passing through town and I was so glad to hear of his accomplishments and he was so proud of his family. The news of having lost a friend sent a shock wave over the hampton roads area my heart goes out to your family during this difficult time. We love you and miss you Ryan......smooth seas and calm winds.

Ryan, thank for showing so many of us how to enjoy life. I haven't seen you in several years but have fond memories of high school that you were a part of. The Marching Cavaliers had a wonderful leader and role model the year that you were drum major. You touched all of our lives in a positive way and I thank you for it.....God bless you and your family!

I went to high school with Ryan and was one year behind him. My memories of Ryan are that he was always so funny and fun to be around. I remember him mostly from Band in high school and he was such a pleasant person, smart, witty, always telling a joke, laughing and trying to make others happy, which I believe is what he did best - made people smile. Everyone who has ever encountered him is truly blessed to have known him.

When we arrived at VMI as "rats," Ryan was the roomate I think we all learned the most from. He had a passion for enjoying life and that was passed onto whoever he came into contact with. I know he taught me the value of how to live life to its' fullest. We had so many good times with road trips, parties, etc... It is sad a tragic event has to happen to remind people of how important it is to stay in touch with friends. I know I drifted away after graduation but you were always in my thoughts. You were a great human being, great roomate, and most of all an exceptional friend. You will always live on in my thoughts and heart.

Ryan I want you to know how proud I am of you! My heart is broken for your family. My solace is in the fact the you passed on to the next life doing what you loved to do...FLYING! I will never forget you leading the Marching Cavaliers or switching from alto sax to trumpet. You were always the type to have a dream in your heart and make it into reality!! I know your concern now is for Your family and I will surely pray for them.

We used to live in Collinsville, and have since moved away. But the day that we saw the news about Ryan we were very saddened. Ryan was in the band with our daughter, Amanda, and was always a very happy guy. He was the kind to make you laugh, but also had a serious side to him as well. Most of all I remember him smiling and laughing lots. I didn't know anyone who did not like Ryan. We hope your family finds peace, and pray that their hearts heal one day. I know you all are very proud of the man he became, and will always live inside each of you. He left here doing what he loved. Not many people can say that. He is a hero. God be with you all.

Ryan, you touched so many people that you could never be forgotten!! You were like the Sun, everything gravitated around you....You were a true friend, and I love you!!

I remember before Andrea and Ryan had Ian, Ryan stopped by our house in Virginia Beach just to visit and he brought with him a toy for our girls. He said he was at the store that day and walked by and thought the girls would enjoy it. I wish now I could remember what he bought them but at the time I remember thinking wow no holiday, no special occasion, just because he was thinking of them. It was a small look into the type of father he would be and the type of friend that he was. He was always so kind. You will be missed Ryan!

Ryan, I blogged about you on my myspace account as soon as I found out. Bro, I learned alot from you and had so many good times with you (i.e. summer school in summer of 96, shootin out at "the land", countless road trips and so many other fun things that we did. You took me to get my first toattoo (now look at me!) You picked me up from the airport after basic training. Wow, I really could go on and on...BUT I do miss you, I do think about you every day and I am eternally greatful that I met you and got to hang out with you so much. Love you man!! In the bonds.

I have had the hardest time trying to remember why I had taken Ryan home several times when I was a senior until today when I spoke with Joanna Baldwin Coleman and she confirmed that he had in fact ran track his freshman year. I remember being taken back as I listened to him speak about life in general being so young and how dumb I felt. Ill never forget his manners and the way he thanked me each time I took him home like I had done something special. I am 3 years older than Ryan and I regret not getting to know all his little quirks as most of you know. I had the pleasure of speaking with him at the "Sportsman For Goode" dinner at the National Guard Armory as he sat with Andrea,TJ,Shelley and Andrea's parents. My heart is burdened for not making the time to sit down with him and catching up that night. But as usual the way life normally is, I was too busy that night with cooking and taking care of the animals. I so regret being too busy!! My heart hurts so bad for little Ian and Andrea and all of the family members. I also hurt for the people who Ryan hadnt yet met and touched. Boy will they miss out!!!!! In closing, I am 100 percent sure that God is in control of all things. I apologize up front to God for thinking: You took the wrong one!!!!!!!

During our time at the Institute, the strongest imaginable bonds were forged through the blood, sweat and tears we shed. It is those bonds that make the grieving process so difficult. However, the profound impact Ryan K. Betton '98 had on each of our lives will live on in our hearts as we cherrish our memories, celebrate your life & stand ready to provide for your family in whatever capacity may be required. The Institute shall be heard from this day and every day until we meet again. WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!! RKB '98

As a friend of Ryan's brother, Aaron, I only got a chance to meet Ryan on a couple of occasions. Even in the brief time I got to spend with him, however, he just struck me as being a real stand-up, all-around good guy. While we were still being goofballs in college, he seemed to already have a direction and know his purpose in life. He was a very dedicated individual and will be sorely missed.