"Speak the truth in love"
~ Ephesians 4:15

In this section you can read stories and memories that others had about CPT Rashad-Ali. You can also find remarks that were sent to his mother, Carolyn. If you would also like to contribute, click here.

2.23.07 - Rodney
Hey Carolyn, Your son was a great man, among many other things I'm sure.  He was absolutely incredible.  Your tribute to him is absolutely out of this world.  It couldn't have been done any better.  I admire you for your strength Carolyn.  Sometimes you meet folks and immediately you know that this is God's doing.  I thank him for that and I thank you for allowing me within your circle.

1.20.07 - P.H.
Carolyn, This is really nice. I enjoyed reading the writings that your son wrote. Like Jonnathan, your son was very handsome:).... very focused, full of destiny and had big hearts. I'm glad I visited his sight. My heart and prayers are with you, I love my girls dearly, but there's something about that little boy! Love & Peace Paula

10.30.06 - R.B.
Carolyn, I was led to look at this site again. It is so inspiring!!! You are such a light, and I know this site is bringing comfort to all. It has truly been a blessing to get to know you and to get know Rashad through you. Rachelle Burrell

08.15.06
You're so right I missed your son's web site the first time. Its so beautiful and very well put together. I didnt know your son but he was very lucky to have you for a mother. You did a great job on that web-site I hope and pray that when you see his children that they will always shower you with lots and lots of love and hugs and kisses. Stay strong and keep your chin up because your son is watching over you and all his loved ones.

07.09.06 - T
I met you before in Winston- Salem. Your baby,"THE WARRIOR" was absolutely the best commander we ever had. As soon as he got his command, he came up to Fort Dix attempting to collect the rest of his company & bring us home. The 104th Maintenance Company was revived & overjoyed for this savior of our beat up company. We all knew him, loved him, & trusted him. Upon leaving Fort Dix, New Jersey he received his Captains bars, 2 weeks later he attended the funeral of a soldiers son in Baltimore, 2 weeks after that the word reached Fort Dix that Captain Rashad had a motorcycle accident. I was the lead pallbearer. I was in that company picture in 1 capacity or another. The unit is nearly dispersed now. That warrior will never be forgotten. Your photo album is glorious & it brings back memories of a better time. Thank you so very much for that.

06.21.06 - S.T.
Today...21 June 2006...two years ago, I saw Key at this exact time...ride off on his bike...smiling...(Know that I miss you dearly.) Ms. Carolyn...you keep being strong and know that I love you for creating a wonderful man. He is forever my Angel. Hope he'll see me in heaven one day too! :-)

06.09.06 - M.P.
Ms. Carolyn, Rashad's memory and spirit is still with me daily. It's almost been 2 years since he left us physically and I still miss him very dearly. I pray for you continually that God continues to bring you comfort and strength. Thank you for this beautiful website. And thank you for raising one of the most beautiful people I have ever met.

04.31.06 - L.E.N.
I don't know how I stumbled across this remarkable tribute to a humble soldier, in the physical and spirit. I was touched to see the accomplishments of Rashad-Ali, and pray that the family stay strong and continue carrying out the importance of the presence of that man. May God be with you all, and thank you for sharing the accomplishments of this remarkable man to the internet community. God bless.

04.07.06 - B.J.
I did not know your son but I know him through Sabrina Turner and she talks about him all the time, especially when she shared her passion about bike riding. She misses Key so, so very much, and keeps a photo of him on her mirror, I can definitly say she really really loves Key and will truly miss him. I'm going to make it my business to make sure she makes it down to his grave site on the anniversary of his death. I hope these words bring some comfort, "In times of sorrow or when we feel alone the thing that eases the pain is knowing that we have each other." You will never be alone.

04.05.06 - S.T.
I've visited this site so often...but, felt the need to express myself tonight. I miss Key so much. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him. Not only was he my best friend, brother, riding partner, and confidant-he was an Angel...and that is why I believe he left so soon...God needed him to return...Ms. Gaddy-Perry, my prayers are constantly with you...please continue to let his legacy live on...for those of us who knew him and (still) love him. We truly appreciate this site because it helps with the tough times...God bless you.

03.13.06 - J.R.
Wow! What can I say... I never met your son and just happened to stumble across this website. I am sorry for your loss...and pain. I admire what you are doing in keeping you son's memory and accomplishments alive. From what I have seen you have been a loving mother to your son and just as your are proud of him, I know that he is proud of you. Please know that tonight I share your pain with tears going down my face. You are not alone as God's love is amazing, divine, and curing of all wounds. God Bless you and please know that you have touched someone in New Jersey and at this moment I share your burden of pain, and I promise to share the pleasure of keeping you and your family in my prayers. Please keep the faith, and know that you have won, and with memorable dedication have created an avenue that is simply.....BEAUTIFUL.... THANK YOU for this wonderful gift.....

02.17.06 - V.A.
Dear Mam, even though your son was only a year older than I; I had wished that I was like him in many ways. You see I was a OCS candidate. I wished him and I could have become friends, however he was my Tac Officer so we had protocols. I wished I could have told him how much I admired him. He was always on my case in OCS... to make me a better human being of course. Thanks for making a brilliant man so that the thought of his life will always remain in my mind. When I die I only hope that I will have lived such a full life as he. You are the fruit of a mighty tree, the seed of infinite possibilities.

02.17.06 - R.L.
I'm there at the site. I have to congratulate you. This is the most extensive tribute Ive ever seen in a website. Your love for him is truly exceptional and inspiring. Theres a long history of bright gifted people peaking and being called home in their early 30's ever since Jesus. He has stepped out of his skin but you haven't lost him. Your connection is a karmically permanent bond on the mental, emotional, and spiritual level. After you leave your skin you will be reunited as you were before. He is with you in spirit continuously. The example shown by your constant tribute is inspiring all who know him and new people who come into contact with you. The light released is comparable to the light that he showed by his example before he transcended the flesh in that sudden calling home.

12.25.05 - A.T.
I don't know how anyone could visit this site and not be inspired. The entire layout is absolutely brilliant as it highlights someone who obviously made an impact on many. God bless you all!!!

10.31.05 - B.M.
I have never met you or your son. I came across this website by accident. Your son seems like he is nice guy. The Lord Jesus Christ is with you and your family. I just pray and hope that you and your family will be have strength to go on and know that Jesus is your peace and your guide. Be blessed!

Date Uknown - E.D.
That is an awesome website and much love to you  and yours in your loss.  I pray your son is walking in the presence of the LORD Almighty and that you have the hope of joining him  in the near future as GOD wills!  Be blessed above and beyond and TY for sharing such a precious life with me!  GOD bless you!

10.07.05 - N.B..
I came across this site by accident, or maybe by fate. In either case it is a truly touching and inspirational and I commend you on your light and grace in a time of sorrow. I am a 35 year old man with an extremely close tie to my mother so I can speak from that imbreakable bond and knows that he must be smiling down on you. As you've pointed out in your message people have an amazing way to extend and touch others and I believe through my chance encounter that I have been blessed on this day by your love for your son and his obvious effects on the world. God bless you and keep moving forward. Sincerest Regards

10.07.05 - C.J.
I am touched by this great warrior that lived amongst us. I didn't know your son, I stumbled upon this website. Again, I am touched by his spirit which lives on. I am 32 and know that life is so fragile. I am sending you and your family my continued prayers. Be blessed.

09.16.05 - S.S.
It has taken some time for me to finally respond here. I have visited this site just about daily. One of my dear brothers, a pastor, recently lost his best friend and preached at the funeral about friendship. He showed me the sermon he had written. I thought of Rashad (“Key”). The sermon described exactly how I had felt about him (Rashad). Our relationship was one that was like that of family. And it has been so hard to accept what happened to him. It is so funny how we rarely got along at our officer basic course. Yet later, he grew on me and touched my heart. God saw my need for a good friend and he sent Rashad to serve in that role. From the beginning, he fought my attitude with kindness, which was something that was very different. And, he won the battle. We became good friends. He was always there to offer encouragement when needed, to listen no matter how small the problem may have been. Not once did he turn his back. Never did I really imagine that he would be gone so suddenly. My only regret is that I never told him how much his friendship made a difference in my life; how it made me a better person. A true friend he was and he will forever remain in my heart. He is most certainly dearly missed. Even so, I can imagine him with that smile of his now in heaven encouraging me not to be sad. So, I will try and remember how happy he was when he was here. God bless!

09.08.05 - E.
I never knew your son and happend to come on this website by surfing. I wanted to say God Bless you and all your family. I happy to see there are more positive Black Males in our Society. God keep you as you help to raise up your family and entrust them to the Lord. My Respects.

09.05.05 - C.W.
Mrs. Carolyn, You do not know me nor did I know your son but as I was looking at the portfolio of websites that the Bezworks Company have designed, the owner of Bezworks is a friend of mine, I came across your website dedicated to your son and I must say that this is an awesome tribute to him. I can sense the love that only a mother has for her child. It shows that life meant so much to all of those who have ever come in contact with him and I just wanted to encourage you in the Lord. The joy of the Lord is your strength, continue to hold on to His hands. God is a lifter up of heads and He sees and knows where you are at all times. I will lift you up in my prayers.

08.26.05 - L.S.
I talked to Ali a week before Bike week in Myrtle Beach.  We were suppose to meet up down there but I was not able to go because of my knee surgery.  He was here in my building for 2 days and we really enjoyed each other.  I was teasing him about all the women that were asking me about him.  I started calling him Captain Chick Magnet.  The only thing he would do is laugh and tell me to leave him alone.  I enjoyed playing football with him and missed him when he was not on the field.  I'm sorry it took me so long to write but he was one of my BEST FRIENDS and I was angry for so long that a person who was so good to mankind was no longer here.  I did not find out about his passing until a month later because my supervisor wanted me to focus on getting better.  I was also angry with my team mates because they did not tell me.  I want to thank you for having a beautiful son!  If I can do anything Please let me know.  I really miss my brother and will NEVER FORGET HIM!

08.25.05 - L.B.
Carolyn, thank you for sending this amazing website to me. What a wonderful tribute to your son! He certainly left his mark on this world. He has a courageous and special mom- that is evident throughout his life and also how you are keeping his memory alive now.    Thanks again and I will see you in class soon

08.20.05 - R.P.B.
I never had the opportunity and priviledge of meeting Dodo, but from the many stories and great remarks I've heard about him .. I know he was one of a kind and I would have loved him just as everyone else did. Also, because I have had the honor to know and love his mother, and see first-hand the outstanding woman that she is, I know he was exactly the kind of person that was a blessing to be around... someone who brought life and vibrance wherever he went. I am sure of this because this is the same beautiful spirit that his mother carries and shares everywhere she goes. Love always

07.17.05 - CW2 C.F.
CPT Rahim Rashad-Ali was a soldier that had visions and always care about his soldiers. His leadership abilities were at levels that could not be measure and still growing

07.13.05 - N.J.
Mam, I have known Rashad for quite some time now. He was close to then my birth brothers. We spent allot of hours studying together. I was in DC in Jan. 04 and we ate dinner talked about old times. I am sorry I wasn't there to pay my respects! I was training to leave for Iraq. May God bless and keep you! Thank You for sharing your memories with us.

07.02.05 - C.T.
Carolyn, that website is superb!  You did such a wonderful and beauiful job on the wording and the way you set it up.  What happened to all those pictures of him and kids?  That would also be beautiful to add. I miss him too.  I think of him almost everyday!  He was a part of my heart from the moment I saw him. Again, just superb!

06.29.05 - S.T.
Ms. Gaddy-Perry: I love this so much.  Thank you so much for thinking of me...I miss your son dearly and I am so glad you are sharing his legacy.  May God continue to watch over you, bless you, and keep you.  With lots of love...

06.26.05 - J.H. (Winston-Salem, NC)
Dear Carolyn, Words are inadequet to describe such a beautiful memorial to such a fine young man. "DoDo" was the expression of your parenting, love and desire for him to excel and become the man the Lord intended. and He was that and more! This site is a testiment to his extraordinary life. I have copied photos of you and him to place on my Wall of Frames and I remember the days we shared...May you and your dear family gain strength and comfort in the years to come...

06.26.05 - K.T.
Thanks Carolyn, Your website is heartfelt. I know that if anyone understands my lost it is someone who has experience such a lost as you have. But please wait until the Lord of Host tells you, it is your time to be with your son again. In the mean time try as I am to live and enjoy life to the fullest as your son did.

06.2605 - F.T. (Winston-Salem, NC)
Hi Carolyn, That was the most touching thing I have ever experienced. I am happy you thought enough of me to share that with us.I wished I had known your son personally. He was a fine upstanding young man.

06.25.05 - M.B. (Winston-Salem, NC)
Carolyn, first of all, thank you for sharing this with me. It is just the most wonderful thing you could ever have done in KeyRashad-Ali's memory. I know a lot of time and effort went into designing this, but as you said, it was all worth it. Although it was hard for you at times, I'm sure it also helped you in your greiving process. It was actually heart warming for me to know that he was such a wonderful, wonderful person. As I was reading I felt so proud of him. He had such intergrity and was so self-motivated and focused from such a young age. I know you are so  proud and thankful to God for his life. Thank you again for sharing with me.

06.23.05 - C.W. (Winston-Salem, NC)
Ms. Carolyn, I can't even put into words how wonderful this website is. It captures everything Dodo was and keeps his memory alive. I just thank you for sharing your angel with me and I am so thankful for having him in my life. He was truly a blessing and I will forever be grateful for his love and his friendship. God bless you! I love you!

06.23.05 - S.W. (Charlotte, NC)
Carolyn...oh Carolyn. What a wonderful website!! You did an excellent job in capturing so many memorable moments. I didn't know your son, but after reviewing every link on this website, he was truly blessed to have a mother like you. I pray that you share your efforts with everyone who lost their loved one. This will definitely help them work through their grief, pain and sorrow. Thanks a Bunch!

06.22.05 - L.I. (Booneville, NC)
Carolyn, This is AWSOME!! Being that I lost my mom a few years ago this really just helped me. I cry so often for her and wishing she was still with me and I see through this that she is as real as I'll allow her to be. This was great....words really can't describe how nice this is... and the music just adds a special touch... luv ya!!

06.22.05 - R.S. (Columbia, SC)
First, let me say that you have done a fantastic job on this website and given others like myself the chance to say good-bye to a special person. I met your son and his family 1995 at Ft. Polk Louisiana. I baby sat Khaliq for him and Kendra for about 7 months or so. Although my children don't really remember Rashad, they definitely remember Khaliq, and so Rashad will live on through him. I guess the funniest thing for us was always hearing Kendra call him Do-Do and my husband teased him about the name not being manly (smile). He called us occasionally and I spoke with him once last year since we have been here in South Carolina. He was always a respectable young man and I glad to have known him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, his children, Kendra, family and friends. Again, Thank You.

06.22.05 - A.B. (Forestville, MD)
Ms Gaddy-Perry, I worked across the hall from your son. I did not know him very well; but whenever he saw me he would speak and he treated me with respect. You raised a wonderful & beautiful son(Spiritually) that anyone would be proud to call him their son. I creied all over again. The website, pictures & eveything is beautiful. I really love the music it is so fitting for this memorial you created. May God bless you and your family for many, many years to come.

06.21.05 - C.N. (Clinton, MD)
Dear Ms. Gaddy, My name is Charlene Newsome. I am a member of the DC Guard. I did not know CPT Rahead-Ali well but did talk to him on a few occaisions. I remember hearing about his accident and was so saddened. I did not attend the funeral because I was in a trainingg class that began on the day of his services. I am writing you because the following week, on Aug 1, 2004, my 17 year old son,Brandon Newsome, died while playing basketball at a neighborhood court. His best friends and his brother, Theo were with him. He had no known illness or diseae and was a strong, healthy, handsome young man just as your son was. I know your pain and you know mine. This is a wonderful tribute to your son and I would like to do the same for my son. Just as importatnly, I would like to meet you and talk about our sons. I hope that you will contact me at your convenience. I would be so appreciative. Thank you and God Bless you and the memory of your son.

06.21.05 - G.L. (Winston-Salem, NC)
Ms. Carolyn, mom, I cannot put into adequate words how wonderful this website is. I know that I can now come here when want to see DoDo. Not that I ever saw him that often, but when I least expected it, he would pop-up or call. Sometimes I still expect him to call, email or just drop by. Life is not the same without him, but it is richer because he helped to make me who I am, and I will always have the good times. Thank you. I love you, ALWAYS!

06.21.05 - Lieutenant Colonel M.H.
I was the Executive Officer for the DC Military Academy while CPT Rashad-Ali provided much needed volunteer assistance to the academy and my staff. I found this young officer to be extremely intelligent (well beyond his years), confident and to possess a quiet yet welcoming arrogance that says "its all good." Very articulate, determined and possessing life qualities that I've not seen in a soldier in all of my 27 years of military service. His death is a tragedy beyond articulable proportions. I will truly miss his serious nature and gentle good humor. THANK YOU for giving us the time we had with him.

06.21.05 - Colonel L.K.M. Jr.
Carolyn, thank you for allowing us to share in your memory and glorification of your son, our friend, and fallen comrade. This is a first-class website that captures all aspects of his wonderful life! The website is filled with love, joy, sincerity, sorrow and closure encompassed in the past, present, and future-through you and his beautiful children. He will always be remembered by everyone who knew him or had crossed his path. He will truly be missed. May God continue to bless you and the rest of your family.

06.21.05 - A.M. (Charlotte, NC)
Hi Carolyn, You have created an amazing and tasteful website honoring your son. I'm certain that he would be extremely pleased with the labor and love that clearly went into this project.  It proves how very much alive by the impact he had on the lives of others.  You are the only person in this world who could ever truly make a fitting tribute to him because you had (and still have) the absolute best of him in your heart.  Life can take the body away but it cannot take the love and you prove that time and time again in your devotion to him.  We should all hope to be as fortunate as you and your son to find the best friend that you still have in one another.  Well done!

06.21.05 - Pastor K.L. (Durham, NC)
Deaconess, Grace and Peace be extended unto you. I thank God for you and often call your name during my prayers. I thank God for you because you are the epitome of a true mother and my prayer is that others will follow your example. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for being who you are and because of who you are "DoDo" leaves a legacy of excellence. You did a wonderful job and are to be commended for your committment to making our society a better place. I pray now that HIS blessing overtake you this day and forever. I love you. pl

06.21.05 - A.C. (Winston-Salem, NC)
The website is gorgeous! I have sent it to some of my old psychiatry workers who know him as Khaliq's dad.

06.21.05 - C.P. (Winston-Salem, NC)
Girl this is wonderful, you can see how much your loved him, its all in your eyes and your smiles, I am so sorry you had to let him go at such a  early age, but God knows best, you are a strong woman and you know he is safe in Gods arms. Take care and keep the faith.

06.21.05 - N.A. (Winston-Salem, NC)
Dear Carolyn, This is a wonderful sight and I have only seen a few of the items below. Got to go to bed since have to be at the airport by 6:00AM May GOD keep you in His care throughout tomorrow and may you know a peace which surpasses all understanding.

06.21.05 - H.D.
Carolyn, all I can say is this is the most beautiful website I ever seem.  You captured your son's life and accomplishments as a son, father, husband, and as an individual.  What a tribute to Captain Rashad-Ali (DoDo).  I know that he is smiling down on you because he always knew how much his mother loved him. Thank you for sharing this with me.

06.21.05 - M.P. (Upper Marlboro, MD)
Ms. Carolyn, This past year has been filled with many tears of sadness and remembrance. Your son was an awesome man and now he's one of our awesome angels. I think of both of you everyday, and I pray for your continued strength and comfort. I will never forget Rashad. There was one night when I had to write a paper for my master's degree. I used to do my papers at Denny's. He met me there around 12:30 am and sat with me and helped me until 7:30 am. He struggled to stay awake and it was so hilarious. He ended up laying on the bench and closing his eyes for a while. I insisted that he leave, but he wouldn't. I think because he knew I wouldn't have gotten it done if he would have left! He was so selfless and giving. I will always be thankful for the memories he gave me and how he taught me to live life up. May God bless you always.

06.20.05 - A.P.B. (East Bend, NC)
Hey Carolyn, tomorrow will mark a year since DoDo went to be with the Lord. I know that it is because of your faith and trust in Christ that you have been able to weather the storms that came your way this passed year. You are strong and full of courage. Your faith is an encouragement to others. Be blessed.