Army, Sergeant 1st Class
Based: Ft. Bragg, N.C.
1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Supporting: Operation Enduring Freedom Died: June 10, 2005
Orgun, Afghanistan
Single
Gender: Male
Hometown: Stockton
High School: St. Mary's High School (Stockton)
"It`s been a little over a year since you have been gone. Not a day goes by that i havent`t thought of you. We talk about you a lot on the team. I pass on all the stuff you tought me on to the new guys, so in my mind your still with us. We are getting ready for another trip to the desert. It is going to be strange not having you watching my back, but i guess that is how it goes. You will never be forgotten. Until we meet again pal.
Victor Cervantes didn't let any challenge get past him without grabbing it by the tail and hopping on for a ride.
And he would always do it with a twinkle in his eye, recalled friends mourning the death of the 27-year-old Army Special Forces sergeant first class, who was killed June 10 by insurgent small-arms fire in southeastern Afghanistan.
He once told longtime friend Rene Bayardo that he was inside a tank on Army maneuvers when it unexpectedly rolled over. Everyone scrambled out, unhurt.
"That's hard to do -- roll a tank -- but it seemed to amuse him. It fit with his personality. He liked to push the envelope," said Bayardo, 26, of Falls Church, Va.
Cervantes' taste for thrills made him drive too fast at times, Bayardo remembered with a chuckle.
During his eight years in the military, the soldier threw himself into challenging sports such as mountain biking and rock climbing, sometimes entering competitions.
"When he did something, he did it all the way," Bayardo said.
Former classmates said that was true even when Cervantes attended St. Mary's High School in Stockton, where he grew up.
Cervantes, his sister and their two best friends joined the Catholic school's badminton team. While the others played for fun, Cervantes played to win, and spent long hours perfecting his technique.
"Victor was really into it, and he was really good," said Issac Boutte, 27, of Fresno.
Cervantes also trained hard on the wrestling team, showing that he could be good-natured as well as competitive.
"The coach would yell at us," Boutte said. "It really bothered some of us, but Victor never seemed to mind. He was always mellow and relaxed."
After graduating in 1995, Cervantes briefly studied engineering at a community college before entering the Army as a cavalry scout.
He planned to have a military career, said Adena Rollins, 28, of Lathrop, Calif., a close friend for 15 years.
To those around Cervantes, it was evident that he had found his calling. When Rollins attended Cervantes' boot camp graduation in Kentucky, "I saw exactly how much he loved what he was doing. To say he was grinning from ear to ear is an understatement."
Cervantes began training for the Special Forces in 1999. The weapons sergeant was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Ft. Bragg, N.C., and had been in Afghanistan since February.
"He would tell anyone he met how proud he was to serve his country," Rollins said.
The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks motivated him even more, she said. "He took that event personally," Rollins said. "He knew that what he was doing in Afghanistan was in response to 9/11, and he fully supported that."
At his request, Cervantes' tombstone was inscribed with the words "Freedom is not free," his family said in a statement.
Cervantes is survived by his parents, Fidel and Nisla, and a sister, Elizabeth, all of Stockton.
Read more about Army Sergeant Victor H. Cervantes at Special Forces
Marines, Lance Corporal
Based: Twentynine Palms, Calif.
1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force
Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom Died: June 9, 2006
Qaim, Iraq
Single
Gender: Male
Hometown: Whittier
High School: Pioneer High (Whittier)
Burial: Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside
June 11, 2010 To the Guerrero family and to family and friends who knew Salvador. We remember him on this solemn anniversary. We thank him for the ultimate gift he gave us for our freedom. We knew you as a child, the country remembers your bravery as an adult.
Your teachers at West Whittier Elementary School,
~ Monica Granado Taylor, Whittier, California
Intent on sparing his mother from worrying, Marine Lance Cpl. Salvador Guerrero told her during his regular calls home from Iraq that he was training in Japan and would be home soon.
But last week, three Marines in uniform arrived on Rosa Guerrero's doorstep in Whittier to tell her that her son had been killed in combat June 9 west of Baghdad.
He had been in Iraq since March, she learned.
Guerrero, 21, was killed in Al Anbar province when the Humvee he was driving was struck in the explosion of a roadside bomb, said his aunt, Maria Vega.
He was an ammunition specialist assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in Twentynine Palms, Calif.
That Guerrero had tried to shield his mother from the harsh reality of his assignment was no surprise to friends and relatives, who described the soldier as a quiet aspiring artist who loved adventure and was close to his family.
"He knew his mother would worry too much if she knew he was in Iraq," said girlfriend Laura Almanza, who along with Guerrero's other family members knew his true location.
Guerrero had been fascinated by the military since he was a young boy and went to extraordinary lengths to join the Marine Corps.
Guerrero was still living at home with his parents in Whittier when he enlisted, and his first application to the Marines was rejected because he was overweight, Vega said.
Undeterred, Guerrero buckled down, hitting the gym, running and dieting until he dropped from 250 pounds to 170, Vega said.
He reapplied to the Marines and was accepted. But, shortly after arriving at boot camp, his superiors raised questions about the tattoo of an angel that Guerrero had on one arm.
Initial concerns that it might be gang-related were dispelled and the military let him stay after military officials confirmed that the angel was religious in nature -- a depiction of St. Michael.
A grandmother had given Guerrero a prayer card with St. Michael to take with him into the military for protection and, concerned that he might lose it, he had the image tattooed on his arm, family members said.
The tattoo was a symbol of Guerrero's Catholic faith, and he attended Mass whenever possible, even while he was in Iraq, Vega said.
Guerrero was introduced to Almanza by mutual friends, and the couple were planning to wed, she said.
Almanza said she was attracted to Guerrero from the first time they met.
"He was very sweet. He was a complete gentleman," she said. "He had very, very good morals."
In his last phone call home, the Monday before he was killed, Guerrero told Almanza that his seven-month deployment might be shortened and that she should start making plans for them to attend a Marine Ball in November.
"He was excited that he might come home early," she said.
Although his military career was short, Guerrero won awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment ribbon.
In addition to his parents, Guerrero is survived by a brother, Rodolfo, 16.
Read the entire LA Times story about Marine Lance Corporal Salvador Guerrero here.
Marines, Lance Corporal
Based: Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force
Supporting: Operation Enduring Freedom Died: June 6, 2009
Helmand province, Afghanistan
Single
Gender: Male
Hometown: Downey
High School: Columbus High (Downey)
Burial: Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside
65 memories of Joshua R. Whittle
Josh was a good friend of mine during high school and he was a strong minded individual. He never gave into peer pressure and always kept a positive outlook on life. He loved going to hardcore shows and he was an over all free spirited friend. I will forever hold JOsh aka MD in my memories and he will always share a place in my heart. I LOVE YOU MD!!! WE WILL BE MISSING YOUUUU
— Angel Gutierrez
June 9, 2009 at 9:21 p.m.
i love you and miss you. i saw you a few days before you left. and it breaks my heart knowing that i could have hung out with you longer and told you how much i care about you. the stupid things we did. Shows, funny car rides, and the good times we had. ill always think of you when i see an American flag because to me you are an American hero, who died for our freedom. Thank You. rest in paradise little brother.
— Hector Matus
June 9, 2009 at 9:32 p.m.
i remember when we went to palmsprings =] 5min <3 haha dam we had good times.. just swimming in my pool... hanging with u always made me happy.. i always loved u josh and i told u before. RIP babe.
— Sandra Renteria
June 10, 2009 at 7:51 a.m.
Words cannot express the depth of my sadness over the death of Joshua. I know how much he was loved as I have worked with his father for 20 years.
May God hold him in his hands and bless him forever.
May God please give his family strength.
God Bless you Josh, and your sacrifice will never ever be in vain.
— Sandra L. Bohannan
June 10, 2009 at 9:06 a.m.
I did not get to meet this young man! All though I do wish to send all his Family and Friends my deepest condolences! My son is also a MARINE and is stationed in Hawaii KANEOHE BAY. He also was deployed with Josh. May God hold on tight to Joshes hand and may he Bless his Family and Friends.. God Bless you. Mother of John Rene Brodit a MARINE in Bakwa Afganistan.
— Dolores Suzuki
June 10, 2009 at 9:58 a.m.
He was one of my best friends, and i still can't believe the news. We were at six flags the day before you left, and i can honestly say that it will be one of my fondest memories. Just thinking about all the times we walked to chipotle during summer, hiking to monkey's canyon, all the shows, and just wrestling and fighting with you you were my brother and i'll miss you.
— Sergio Garcia
June 10, 2009 at 10:36 a.m.
Josh,
You weren't in Afghanistan for a month before you were taken from us. It just isn't fair. I've spent a cumulative 20 months over 3 deployments out here, and if I could take your place I would. I'll remember you from years ago. I only wish I could have known you better recently. You're death is wholly depressing, and many lives aren't going to be the same with you gone. Those lives will never recover. Our loss is too great.
— Brandon
June 10, 2009 at 11:46 a.m.
Dear Josh, "MD" I am writing this note as if you were still here because I don't think I could endure it to think that you have left us. I know we will see each other again in heaven it's just that it wont be soon enough for me. The year and a half the you stayed with our family I will treasure forever. Josh wanted to stay in Downey, CA to graduate with the friends he grew up with, but his family had moved to Fontana, CA. So, without hesitation our took him in and he became apart of our family and us a part of his. I will miss you "MD"! Thank you for your courage and bravery I would also like to thank those that took care of him when he got hurt and to the fellow marines that he was deployed with. I also know that being a Marine was more important to "MD" than anything. It doesn't surprise me that he was on point. He was always rushing in head first thinking more for others that himself. I love you Joshua and I don't know what we are all going to do without you. I love you, your other mother. Lorie
— Mrs. Lorie Palma
June 10, 2009 at 12:15 p.m.
It's hard saying good bye to someone that always greeted you with a warm hug and big beautiful blue eyes. Joshua Whittle was an individual that always cared for others and put other before himself. I believe he did not die in vain. I believe he is in a better place, I just wish he was still in this world with us.
— Preda
June 10, 2009 at 12:15 p.m.
you will always have a special place in my heart and i will miss you very much and love with all my heart
— aunt pam
June 10, 2009 at 3:12 p.m.
Josh, I remember meeting you before you left for boot camp.
I could sense a bit of power and charisma from you.
This war has taken a lot of things from all of us. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.
I'm only sad that I couldn't join you out there sooner.
R.I.P. Marine and be at peace with God
— Min Oh
June 10, 2009 at 3:34 p.m.
MD you are a hero in my eyes.. Words can't describe how much or friendship ment to me... you always had my back even when I was at fault.. You and jp are like brother to me now that you're gone I list a brother but now I have an angel watching over me...
— steven blake padilla
June 10, 2009 at 3:50 p.m.
You truely loved us all MD. You went above and beyond for all of your friends. Even on the last day i hung out with you you saved me, i was getting jumped and you were there to get everyone off of me. i still have that torn up CDC shirt and it is something that ill keep forever. We all miss you and love you very much and are forever thankful for the sacrifice that you have made for our country. your spirit will live on my brother. i love you and i will never forget you.
— Carlos Rosas
June 10, 2009 at 4:02 p.m.
Although I did not have the privilege of knowing you as well as so many of your brave friends, I feel a sense of extreme loss. I will never let another person teach me to shoot a gun "like a man". You are in my prayers at least three times a day. Please be with your family and your friends. We all love you, Josh. That is never going to stop. You died a hero, even though you were a hero all a long. Save a spot for me, babe.
— Jaime Gargas
June 10, 2009 at 6:46 p.m.
DEAR JOSH,
Words cannot describe the emotions that we all feel towards you and your dedication to protecting this country. I remember back in school when we first called you "MD" cause you look like Matt Damon, durring the time we spent together at Downey CDS we always joked around and had fun. You are an inspiration to us all, I myself am going to the military soon and am dedicating my service time to you my brother. YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN OUR HEARTS AND NEVER FORGOTTEN.
When I first heard about you passing, I didn't think I would so heart broken, but your passing has effected me deeply. It's been a great pleasure knowing you. God Bless
— Jen Preda
June 11, 2009 at 6:42 p.m.
Josh you will forever be in Our Hearts.you were a very good,respectable,Loving,helpful young man.I'm glad i had the opportunity to take you and Kyle camping with our family and then finding out it was your first camping trip.and you ask me if you could go again.We will do that in another life! LOVE YOU ALWAYS M.D you truly were one of our Best Downey Boys.
Love Always, Eric ,Ashley and Erons Mom (GINA) And my you rest in peace and God care for you now.
— Gina Rivera
June 11, 2009 at 7:45 p.m.
Josh was a great friend to all of us he always tryed to help us all out in any way he could.he always told me to keep my head up no matter wat came my way I remember going to shows n laughing haveing fun he had a big heart! He was one of the bravest guys I ever knew im proud of u my brother I LOVE YOU MD N I WILL NEVER FORGET U!!!! Rest in peace our fallen hero joshua r. Whittle MD my brother
— nathan
June 12, 2009 at 3:26 p.m.
little jOSh whittle
aka
M.D
blue eyes meh-gieeee to me.
from the first day i met you, you always had a smile on your face...You really were a GREAT friend to all of us, whether we hung out alot or a lil even when i would disappear for months n come back outta the blue you were still there to great me with a "Hey, b e a u tiful"... WE are and will always be THE Downey Kids n we always find our way back home....you will truely be missed by all.
and Downey wont be the same with out you..R.i.P M.D
— Donna
June 12, 2009 at 4:50 p.m.
Josh..
It's really unfortunate that you had to leave us all.. You were SUCH a great person in many ways. And you will always be remembered for doing positive things in this world that made a difference<3 I Love you JOSH. I'll always remember the fun times we had together and cherish them forever in my heart.. along with you.. you're in my prayers everyday and night.. And your picture will remain with me at all times.. Until I see you again.. Rest in Peace.. And watch over us all
— Erica Ibarra
June 12, 2009 at 5:49 p.m.
rest in peace MD. your a good man and great loss.
— a friend
June 12, 2009 at 6:51 p.m.
i will hold on to what you believed, in my soul ,and live with you as my angel while i still walk this planet as you cannot anymore. I knew you as MD , two letters that i later found out originated from him looking like Matt Damon but, the presence and positive hero type vibe josh had gave those two letters strength, MD was truly a soldier and a hero before he joined the marines. i just think about all the shows we would raise hell at,ALL IN THE NAME OF FUN , off coarse!
=)
MD FOREVER
-messiah
— line -oh
June 13, 2009 at 5:05 p.m.
Josh, thank you for fighting for our country.it sucks you had to go so soon.but ill always remember those days seeing you around school,those hello hugs you would give,and your smile that would light up a room.you will NEVER be forgotten.
R.I.P.
see you at the gates of heaven
— Allison Martin
June 13, 2009 at 11:49 p.m.
I'll never forget our 'walks to remember' or the way you used to hold my hand and kiss me at the skate park, even though the homies always teased us about it. You were a sweetheart and I'll never forget those pretty eyes. I'm truly humbled by the sacrifice you made for all of us and we all owe you. You're our hero, MD. We've already been missing you and we're not gonna stop. I love you. Rest in peace.
— Annie Roberts
June 14, 2009 at 7:42 a.m.
Stand down Marine, Your mission is complete. May our Heavenly Father welcome You home to rest. As the flags waive at half-staff through out the City of Downey, please know that the Community you love and fought for stands behind you, To your mother, Thank you for bringing an Angel into the world and sharing him with us. Your Son is a true hero. God will watch over you every day because you,too, have made the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless you now and forever. With love and respect, Lorne and Esther Symonds
— Lorne and Esther Symonds
June 14, 2009 at 1:21 p.m.
R.I.P.
God Bless You!
— Mr562
June 14, 2009 at 1:56 p.m.
Bye bud RIP
— Bill
June 14, 2009 at 8:08 p.m.
God Bless You.
RIP Brotha
— Rios
June 14, 2009 at 10:19 p.m.
REST IN PEACE O RAH ! MARINE BE AT PEACE.
— JAY BOY
June 15, 2009 at 1:12 a.m.
Josh AKA MD, i miss you and love you. i'll hold close the memories of shows and school dances, and just hanging out. you were a wonderful friend throughout high school. this is such a tragic loss for so many who loved you. i can't think of one person that ever disliked you. i'll never forget those beautiful blue eyes and that perfect smile. your memory will be carried on by all of us. rest in paradise. xxx. it's forever a fight my friend.
— Amanda Wolf
June 15, 2009 at 1:45 p.m.
Josh you were a great freind of my daughters you will be missed. We have alot of merories together from kims sweet 16 thanks so much for beeing a special part of it. Rest in Peace.
— Annette/kimberly espinoza mother
June 15, 2009 at 11:41 p.m.
You are greatly missed by your friends and family. Rest in peace.
— Victor John Lomeli
June 16, 2009 at 12:23 a.m.
It is so unfortunate that the young and innocent can be stripped away from our lives in a blink of an eye. We may ask why but usually never get an answer. Just keep in mind that everything happens for a reason. Even when it doesn't seem fair or right, there is always a reason. Josh, you had such a beautiful heart and soul. Even though you are not here, you're presence will always remain. My Father who has passed served as a soldier in Vietnam. He always said that when he dies he will be a soldier for God. He said that when heaven and hell meet for battle he will be there in front fighting for Christ. You will be there as well, Josh. Fighting for good. Remember, good will always triumph over evil. You will always be a hero, a fighter, and a United States Soldier. God bless you, Josh. May you rest in peace our loved one.
Poem by:Sri Chinmoy
Death is not the end
Death can never be the end.
Death is the road.
Life is the traveller.
The Soul is the Guide
...
Our mind thinks of death.
Our heart thinks of life
Our soul thinks of Immortality.
—
June 16, 2009 at 2:03 a.m.
RIP Josh your a hero, many will miss you, i myself just joined the USMC infantry for you josh.
— me
June 16, 2009 at 9:31 p.m.
My son is in the U.S. Marines and we live in Downey, California.
May the Lord Bless you and your family always. Rest In Peace Joshua
Revelations 21:4
— Marine Mom
June 16, 2009 at 9:42 p.m.
Josh, Its so hard to believe your gone. I feel like im gonna bump into you again. I remember you used to be so rough on me, like if i was a boy haha.Im gonna miss that alot.. I miss you so much right now, but i will see you once again..what you've done was really brave and keep in mind your a hero for doing that! much love md.
-Cindy P!
— Cindy P
June 17, 2009 at 10:41 a.m.
md u can look down on us and see that u impacted not only ur family and friends but u moved a nation mang
poker with u and jp was great everytime
i give u and ur fam my dedication of prayer
ill see u in paradise
— Dante
June 18, 2009 at 4:05 p.m.
Dear Josh,
Your passing is something that has greatly affected everybody. I heard about it the day you passed away, and I chose to not believe it because I wanted to know you were still coming home. I did nothing that day but dwell on the fact that you could be gone, and I wont be graced with your presence anymore, however you will be in peace.
Your passing is something that wont ever be healed. I sit and hold onto my chest because I have a broken heart. I sit and think about you and tears run down my face because it shouldn't have been you.
My prayers go out to your family, because they loved you so much, and they miss you more then anything. If i could trade places with you and give you back to all your family and friends, i would.
I love you Joshua Whittle. See you someday.
— a friend
June 19, 2009 at 8:45 a.m.
I am so sorry to hear you won't be coming home. Your family and friends will miss you so much. You will be forever in their hearts, and never forgotten. Thank you for your brave and faithful service you gave to your country. God Bless You. Now you can be a guardian angel to your fellow Marines. Oorah! and Semper Fidelis
— Mother Of a Marine
June 19, 2009 at 8:54 p.m.
we love you so much MD..but like i told you when you were resting in your casket, one day we will meet up again and we will mosh hard in heaven, and let nothing stand in our way! we love you very much and your a true hero to all of us! hope to see you soon one day
— Lizeth & Rodney
June 20, 2009 at 12:17 a.m.
Josh, you changed me in every way possible. i know now we all have an angel looking at us from above. I love you and youll always have a place in my heart. God Bless You. ill see you soon!
rest in paradise
Youre a Hero to all of us.
— Adriana
June 20, 2009 at 1:10 p.m.
I never got the chance to meet you Josh...but thank you for my freedom. To his family and friends...God takes the good ones because we would too if we were God....I know you are enjoying your new life Josh!!
Daughter of a Special Forces Green Beret
— Nina Ratterree
June 23, 2009 at 3:40 p.m.
Joshua was my only son only child . But when i say he was the BEST son a mother could have this is so true I love him and miss him for ever and thank you all for all the great things u have worte about him and it helps be a little too!Love you all!!
— crystal
June 25, 2009 at 2:39 a.m.
JOSH i remember the time u came in asking for a job.. i was like man its really slow and i dont need anyone but ur a good guy and a hard worker so i picked you up... i hired you and we had some good times working together... RIP my condolences go to you and your family.
— LEGENDS BOARDSHOP RICHARD JI
July 3, 2009 at 1:08 p.m.
I NEVER MET YOU LCPL WHITTLE BUT FROM WHAT MY SON SAID ABOUT YOU YOU WERE A GOOD MAN MY SON SERVED WITH YOU IN BOOT CAMP AND WAS ALSO DEPLOYED TO AFGHANISTAN HIS NAME IS LCPL MUNOZ MAY YOU RIP AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU'R FAMILY AND GIVE THEM ALL THE COMFORT KNOWING THAT THEY NOW HAVE AN ANGEL IN HEAVEN KEEPING AN EYE OUT ON HIS FELLOW MARINES YOU'R A HERO TO EVERYBODY
— DIANE HERNANDEZ MARINE MOM
July 4, 2009 at 10:05 p.m.
MD! i always gave you stuff for that! but man i wish i was with you man i wrote you that letter and i wont ever know if you got it. i wish you were still here! i heard about you frome Keno our guide in SOI and i know you two didnt like each other too much but thats alright! you were one hell of a man! always making me laugh and stuff! im praying for your family and still trying to get your moms phone number if i can ever find it, i will go visit you one day! rackmates, fightinghole buddies, libo buddies, and last of all fellow Devil Dogs! love ya bro! rest in peace because thats all you wanted to be was an infantryman and that you were.
— Lcpl Joshua R. Wandell
July 6, 2009 at 3:37 p.m.
A day doesn't go by when I don't think of you. Whenever I'm driving I look at your dog tag hanging from my rearview mirror and I talk to you.I get chipotle at least once a week for you, and I can never finish it because I start to cry when I remember you. I'm in a crappy relationship, and I can't seem to get out of it. Each night I come home I start to cry because I wish I had someone as great as you to call my own. So many people loved you, and that degree of love doesn't matter when it was someone as great as you. You touched and moved so many people, especially me. If I could trade places with you and give you back to your mom, I would. She loves you so much, and I hope you visit her as often as you can because she is such a good women with such a good heart. I love you joshua r whittle.
— heart broken friend
July 7, 2009 at 11:45 p.m.
My brother who was next to me in the pit, car rides to bakersfield, san diego, raging waters for my birthday, monkeys canyon and chain reaction, eat next to you at albertacos, sleeping nest to you in danny's room swimming next ot you in his pool, jumping off the roof next to you in to the pool, trying to fix your red car next to you, and fighting our many battles with you.
You will always be next to me and I will away fight with you standing next to me and looking over me since you were the one WITH THE HEART OF A LION!
love you
— Richard "PONY BOY" padilla
July 8, 2009 at 10:52 p.m.
Ohh my MD . I miss you so much. My heart aches. 4th of July just passed. Brought back so many memories with youvand fireworks, you were absolutly in love with making the biggest boom!! Just last 4th of July you were at our house like normal causing rukkas.. and we were walking in the house together and I had seen fire crakers in your hand .. I was like ohh no what are you going to do with that?! You looked and me and said just watch.. You stand right outside my brothers room while he was laying on his bed and you light the firecrakers and throw it in his room and close the door and run so fast and laugh so hard and hid under my blackets in my bed because you knew that Daniel was going to come after you .. Gosh you always were laughing , and even though sometimes I was so mad at you for play fighting too hard with me or catching me and took pictures of me when I was waxing my lip .. Haha .. I still love you like my own brother because you loved me like I was your real sister, and I miss you so much MD. Come see me in my dreams and talk to me . I love you so much . Ps. I found your YMCA card .. :-( I forgot it said Joshua Palma on it.
— Lindsey Palma
July 9, 2009 at 1:46 a.m.
Joshua i only met you once but i feel like we have been friends since the day you were born your dad talked about you all the time he was so proud of you and also very proud of your mother for how she raised you with just her mom and sister Doug would say she did a heck of a job with that boy on her own. i know that you didnt see your dad very much but he love you so much but i guess he is with you right now you both will be missed until we meet again Joshua i just want to say thank you and to your mother and grandma and aunt thank you for giving us a great man
— friend of joshua dad
July 11, 2009 at 9:29 a.m.
Joshua,I didn't know you or your family but I had the pleasure of meeting your Mom on the phone today where I work and we cried together. I am also a Marine Mom. Your Mother was so gracious and my heart goes out to your family and friends. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. It is because of American Heroes like you, that we can live in freedom! 9-11 NEVER FORGET! God bless you and your family! Peggy (BofA)
— Mother of a Marine
July 22, 2009 at 10:32 p.m.
This is truly a MARINE.
Semper Fi
— George (A Marine)
July 27, 2009 at 1:59 p.m.
Damn Josh.. I can't believe it man. I can't believe im just hearing about this yesterday.. this is madness.. You were a good person man I'm glad I was able to know you and hang out with you in highschool. We had some goodtimes going to shows or when you'd come to my band shows eh? Sucks it had to end this way man.. I remember when I was just getting out of Army bootcamp I came across your myspace and was like "whaaat josh is a marine now!" haha.. than i messaged you and we talked about the marines and u.s. army.. damn dude.. I'm sorry man. Wish we would of talked more these past few years you were a great person to hang around with and had everyones backs. I salute you bro your a hero.. you will forever be in my thoughts bro. R.I.P. LCPL Whittle
- Ramos
— Luis Ramos
August 3, 2009 at 12:09 p.m.
So it has now been two months since you have been taken away from us, and the pain of you being gone is still as heart breaking as when i first found out. As everyone has already stated on here, you were a hero, and you will always be remembered. today of most days is difficult for me because i cant stop thinking of you. i love you joshua r whittle, and im sorry. I hope your family is doing well. Please, watch over us, and visit us.
— friend
August 10, 2009 at 11:27 a.m.
Hey Honey,
Today like most days is hard. I was looking at your myspace and read what your mom had written. It completly broke my heart. I don't even like turning on the TV because if a news broadcast is on all you hear about is the dealth tolls rising in these middle eastern countires. I wish there was some way or somehow time can just be turned back and bring you back to us. I thank you so much for serving our country, but the selfish part in me wishes that you never became a Marine. And I feel so stupid even thinking something like that because I know how prideful you were to become a UNITED STATES MARINE. I really honor and cherish the memories that we have had and I have an aching heart because I wish I didnt take time for granted. It's true what they say baby 'You dont realize what you have until it is gone." Josh, you really have helped me become a stronger person and live each day to the fullest. I was actually just looking into bungie jumping too and i want to make it a tribute to you sweetie. Ive been meaning to visit you. But things have just been so hectic with work and school, time isn't my friend right now. But I will visit you, and I will bring by some chipotle and eat it for you. Heck, I might even get that today. Please be with your mom in this time. I know I say that each time I write in here, and each time I pray at night, but she is hurting and I just wish her pain would go away, and that she would just live remotly happy. Remind her that you love her, come in her dreams and embrace her baby. I love you.
— -
August 17, 2009 at 2:10 p.m.
May you rest in peace...
— Fellow Downey Resident
August 17, 2009 at 5:58 p.m.
Thank you for visiting me in my dreams the other night. It was very peacful. You showed up on my door step and said " I'm home, lets eat." and I said " What would you like me to cook."and you said "I've been in afgan for three months you think I want to eat your cooking, lets go to Chipotle!!." So there we went, and then I woke up as we got our food. We didn't even get to eat it together.... I miss you. That day I went to chipotle and got something to eat, I ate half of my food for you. <33 it felt real.
— anonymous
August 29, 2009 at 9:25 a.m.
Josh, Thank you for visiting me in my dreams. It was a very pleasant dream that filled my heart with warmth. I loved seeing you and being able to talk to you. I am writing a paper about for my English class and I'm loving how it is turning out because it's helping me remember you. Please watch over us, I love you.
— .
September 2, 2009 at 9:29 a.m.
you were the best man i ever knew i miss you so much bro
— austin
November 1, 2009 at 11:53 a.m.
I haven't been on here in a while to write to you. Life has been hectic. But I am constantly thinking about you. I always see this boy that resembles you and I have to catch my breath because I always think your back. I always think about your big blue eyes and your smile. I hope those wonderful eyes are watching down on your loved ones and that smile is what keeps our hearts pounding. Whenever I see a USMC commercial my eyes water. I love you
.
—
November 18, 2009 at 11:43 p.m.
Josh, I admire your willingness to fight for our country, and you are a TRUE defintion of what being brave is all about. We had a friendship in early days of HS, and during that time, you were always a great and caring kid. Love ya man. God bless your family
.
— Tristan Fontaine
December 7, 2009 at 9:23 a.m.
it's 4 am.... and I cant get you out of my head! Keep us under your wing sunshine
— heartbroken
June 6, 2010 at 4:04 a.m.
Cannot believe its already been a year. I remember the news like it was yesterday. You still cross my mind often. You are missed and loved by so many of us. You were too young and we all just wish now for one more day with you. Rest In Peace Josh
—
June 6, 2010 at 9:29 a.m.
Its been one year since we lost our Fallen Hero. Your sacrifice for your country, family and friends will NEVER be forgotten and we all appreciate what you did. We will always remember you, and the troops who also lost their lives the same date in 1944, when the US landed in Normandy during WWII. You are truly missed, MD. As a friend, a brother, a hero.
I hope to serve as a Straight Edge Marine because of you
RIP LCpl Joshua "" Whittle
— Nate
June 6, 2010 at 8:32 p.m.
Josh,
i still cant believe your gone. From the moment i met you and said you were the little twin of my brother, up until the time we were living at the same house, still seems so alive to me. I think about you everyday. I think about you throwing me in the pool with my clothes on, everyday! Or me and lindsey counting all our bruises that you and daniel gave us. Those are our favorite memories ya know. Thank you for serving our country. Thank you for being a great friend. I know ill see you again.
— Mallory Dicorato
June 22, 2010 at 7:36 p.m.
Marine Lance Corporal Joshua R. Whittle previously remembered at Boom3.
General Eisenhower addresses a paratrooper who is preparing for the D-Day invasion of France. England, June 1944.
The D-Day operation of June 6, 1944 brought together the land, air and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest invasion force in human history. The operation, given the codename OVERLORD, delivered five naval assault divisions to the beaches of Normandy, France. The beaches were given the codenames UTAH, OMAHA, GOLD, JUNO and SWORD. A great invasion force stood off the Normandy coast of France as dawn broke on 6 June 1944: 9 battleships, 23 cruisers, 104 destroyers, and 71 large landing craft of various descriptions as well as troop transports, and mine sweepers, the largest armada ever assembled. The naval bombardment that began at 0550 that morning detonated large minefields along the shoreline.
The invasion force included 7,000 ships and landing craft manned by over 195,000 naval personnel from eight allied countries. Almost 133,000 troops from England, Canada and the United States landed on D-Day. Casualties from the three countries during the landing numbered 10,300. By June 30th, over 850,000 men, 148,000 vehicles, and 570,000 tons of supplies had landed on the Normandy shores. On May 7, 1945, German General Alfred Jodl signed an unconditional surrender at Reims, France.
Wounded men of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, receive cigarettes and food after they had stormed Omaha beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944.
Army troops on board a LCT, ready to ride across the English Channel to France. Some of these men wear 101st Airborne Division insignia.
Burial: Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego
His joy of life, his smile, could light up a room. He just had a zest for life that was contagious.
— Bunnie Jacquay, mother
When it came time to play, Cody Legg had only one game: army.
His mother, Bunnie Jacquay, recalled: "All the kids in the neighborhood would say, 'What do you want to do, Cody?' He'd say, 'Let's play army!' And they'd say, 'Again?' "
Legg was born in Escondido and spent his childhood climbing trees, playing flashlight tag and planning missions. Camouflage and face paint became a uniform he rarely took off. It was no surprise when he enlisted in the Army in his senior year at San Pasqual High School in Escondido.
"Literally, you could find him and walk by him, and he was always in that mode: wanting to be an Army guy," said his father, Dave Legg.
But in April, while home on leave from his second tour in Iraq, Cody Legg spoke hopefully of his post-service plans: to become a firefighter or emergency medical technician, buy a house and start a future with his girlfriend.
On June 4, barely two months later, Army Staff Sgt. Cody Legg, 23, died of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked in Sharqat, about 50 miles from Mosul, Iraq, by forces using small-arms fire and hand grenades.
Legg had been assigned to the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) at Ft. Drum, N.Y. He was one of three soldiers killed in the attack.
...
Also killed were Sgt. Shane P. Duffy and Spc. Jonathan D. A. Emard.
... Legg had been trying to save two soldiers in his unit. Jacquay recounted how Army officials described Legg's efforts to her: "He yelled, 'Man down! Man down! I'm going in,' and just took off to try to get them out of harm's way."
...
Jacquay said her son loved simple pleasures.
"The first thing he said when he came home in April on leave was, 'I want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a hot shower,' " she said, laughing. "He was a real down-to-earth guy."
Legg was buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a large extended family: two half-brothers, D.C. and Derek Legg; two stepbrothers; a stepfather; and a stepmother.
Read the entire LA Times story about Army Sergeant Cody R. Legg here. Visit Sergeant Cody R. Legg's Guest Book.
Basic Info
Name:Filipino Jews
Category: Student Groups - Ethnic/Cultural Groups
Description: "Yes, we do exist!"
A place for Filipino Jews and those who love 'em (or will be producing some Filipino Jewish children soon). Whether you identify as both Filipino and Jewish (or Jew-ish) by birth, conversion, or simply by association, mabuhay! Salamat and shalom!
Notable Filipino Jews:
Nicole Scherzinger (Lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls
Rob Schneider (Actor, Saturday Night Live)
Phoebe Cates (Actress, Fast Times at Ridgemont High)
Battery C, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment
Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom Died: June 3, 2003
Balad, Iraq
Single
Gender: Male
Hometown: Baldwin Park
High School: Sierra Vista High (Baldwin Park)
Atanasio Haro Marin Jr. was proud of his country, proud to be a soldier and proud to be serving in Iraq.Known as "Nacho' to family members, he looked forward to a long career in the Army, a choice that his parents Catalina and Atanasio did not like.
The 27-year-old went to Iraq with Fort Hood's 4th Infantry Division.
"It takes a lot of courage to serve,' said Ismael Haro Marin, Atanasio's older brother.
The Sierra Vista High School graduate was a ground artillery specialist, skilled at handling rocket launchers and other weapons, said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dan Baggio, the chief of public affairs at Fort Hood.
Part of Operation Iron Horse, the government's movement to stabilize Iraq, Haro Marin and a band of soldiers came under attack Tuesday morning at a checkpoint south of Balad, Iraq, Baggio said. The town is 55 miles north of Baghdad.
Suspected Baath party supporters used Soviet made rocket- propelled grenades and guns to ambush the soldiers guarding the post, he said.
Haro Marin was shot and killed. Several others were injured. Despite the buildup of American forces in the area since the war, sympathizers of Saddam Hussein's regime - and others unhappy with the presence of foreign forces - continue to attack American troops.
"He was on duty working at the guard post when he came under attack,'
Baggio said. "Even with the war over, this is one of the most dangerous phases because the soldiers are an easier target. That is the tough part. He died serving his country.'
On Thursday, members of the soldier's family tried to come to grips with the death of the second-youngest member of this large Mexican-American family. "I want to run from here and go to wherever he is at,' his mother, Catalina, 61, told KMEX-TV. "I want to see him, even if he is dead. I want to kiss him.'
January was the last time the family was together, when Haro Marin was home on leave. Family members said he was fun- loving and full of energy.
This showed when he hit the dance floor. He loved a wide range of music, from classical to folklorico.
'Nacho was all over the place,' said sister-in-law Aracely Haro Marin. "He was never unhappy. He would say, 'Don't worry about it, there will be better times.' '
Trips home were spent visiting friends and family. Family ties grew tighter after his March deployment to the Middle East.
He managed to make two telephone calls in April upon arrival. He told his family he had no idea where he would be assigned. Haro Marin dashed off a Mother's Day card that read, "Don't worry, be happy.'
Haro Marin was born on June 14, 1975, in the small village of Momax, in Zacatecas, Mexico. While his father, Atanasio, worked in Los Angeles picking fruit and doing small construction jobs to support his wife and seven children, his mother took care of her family.
But Catalina Haro Marin wanted her family together. So in 1977, when Atanasio was 2, they moved to Los Angeles.
He attended schools in Lincoln Heights before the family moved to Baldwin Park in the early '90s. He attended Sierra Vista High School his senior year and graduated in 1993. While in school, he ran on the track team and completed the Los Angeles Marathon.
Haro Marin joined the National Guard immediately upon graduation, over the objections of his parents. When his service tour ended, he transferred to the Army and shipped out to Fort Sill, Okla. While in training, Ismael said, his brother helped save some soldiers trapped inside a helicopter that crashed near the base.
In January 2001, Haro Marin shipped out to Fort Hood, Texas.
Haro Marin is survived by his parents, brothers Victor, 38, Ismael, 36, and Carlos, 23, and sisters, Celia, 40, Catalina, 34, and Liliana, 30. Memorial services are pending.
"We are all going to miss him, we are missing him already,' Ismael said. "We wish it was a dream. We are trying to wake up to reality. There is so much pain.'
This story was published June 5, 2003
Read more about Army Sergeant Atanacio Haro Marin Jr.
Gender: Male
Hometown: Santa Maria
High School: Santa Maria High (Santa Maria)
Burial: Oconee Hill Cemetery, Athens, Ga.
Years of hunting wild turkeys in the backwoods outside Santa Maria, Calif., helped turn Army Sgt. Shawn E. Dressler into a good marksman.
When he enlisted in 2002 and headed overseas for two tours in Iraq, Dressler sat in the gunner's seat every time his team rolled out.
During his last trip home in April, Dressler's father, Cecil, watched him expertly stalk and shoot a turkey.
"I nearly blew the hunt for him, but he was so steady," his father said. "He was a good boy and a good soldier."
Joshua D. Brown
Dressler, 22, was on patrol June 2 when a roadside bomb exploded next to his Humvee in Baghdad. He died about 30 minutes later. Another soldier injured in the blast, Army Pfc. Joshua D. Brown, 26, of Tampa, Fla., died the next day.
A third-generation serviceman -- his grandfathers were in the Army and Marine Corps, and his dad was an engineer for the Navy -- Dressler learned to shoot with his father's boltaction shotgun when he was 10.
When he was a teenager, Dressler and his father scouted out the roughest parts of Los Padres National Forest and spent days hunting, hiking, fishing and camping.
Dressler joined the Army after graduating from Santa Maria High School and talked about pursuing a career in law enforcement once he got out. But after two tours in Iraq, he backed off the idea and considered becoming a forest ranger or game warden. He always tuned in to the History Channel and thought about going back to school to become a history teacher.
During the last few months, Dressler had a few close calls in Iraq, family members said. He once took a spray of bullets to the chest. His Kevlar vest saved him, but the force from the attack knocked him over, his father said. Still, he hardly ever let on to family members that he had been in danger.
...
Dressler liked to kid his Army colleagues and tried to keep things light.
... On his trip home in April, Dressler and his father picked up an old routine and left the house at 4 a.m. to hunt turkeys.
The whole day, his father recalled, Dressler kept thanking him for raising him well -- as if he wanted to make sure he said it plenty of times in case something bad happened.
"Dad, thank you for taking me out over the years," he said.
"Son, that's what dads do," his father replied.
Dressler's wife, Amanda, believes he married her last year -- ahead of their plans -- to make sure she would be taken care of...
On the day he died, Dressler called his wife and told her that he would be heading out on patrol soon.
They had closed escrow on a three-bedroom house in Commerce, Ga., about a week earlier, and Amanda told him that she had finished painting the inside walls. She expected the carpet to be put in that day.
Dressler died 12 hours later. He was buried in Athens, Ga., his wife's hometown.
In addition to his wife and father, Dressler is survived by his mother, Tonya; a sister, Melissa, 20; and two stepbrothers, James, 36, and Daniel, 32.
Read the entire LA Times story about Army Sergeant Shawn E. Dressler here.
Army, Specialist
Based: Ft. Lewis, Wash.
1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) 2nd Infantry Division
Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom Died: June 2, 2007
Baghdad (Amiriya), Iraq
Single
Gender: Male
Hometown: Los Angeles
We both went to school together at Taft High School in Woodland Hills, CA and we both enlisted the same day through the Army's DEP. Great friend, still remember when he couldn't do one push up, "one, one, one..." we will miss you bro.
Army Cpl. Romel Catalan
Died June 2, 2007 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom
21, of Los Angeles; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.; died June 2 in Amariyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
2 Fort Lewis Stryker brigade soldiers killed in Iraq
By The Associated Press
FORT LEWIS, Wash. — Two 21-year-old Stryker brigade soldiers from Fort Lewis have been killed in Iraq, the first reported casualties in June for the post that last month lost 20 soldiers in the country.
Spc. William J. Crouch, 21, of Zachary, La., died Saturday in Al Hadid when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle, The Department of Defense said in a release Monday.
On the same day, Cpl. Romel Catalan, 21, of Los Angeles, died in a separate attack in Ameriyah, the department said. He was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
Catalan enlisted in the Army on July 13, 2004. He trained at Fort Knox in Kentucky and reported to Fort Lewis on Nov. 16, 2004.
A member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Catalan left for Iraq last June on his first deployment.
Crouch was a cavalry scout with the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment of the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, south of Tacoma.
He joined the Army his senior year in high school. His desire to serve came from his father, James Crouch, a Baton Rouge policeman who died of natural causes when Crouch was 13, his mother, Kathy Rushing, said.
He wanted to be “in the thick of things ... on the front lines,” she said.
Rushing said casualty assistance soldiers from Fort Polk told her Saturday night that her son had been killed while on patrol.
Crouch’s younger brother, John Crouch, a reservist with a maintenance company stationed in Iraq, would try to join his brother’s body on the flight back to the U.S., Rushing said.
“We’re hoping he’ll be able to bring his brother home,” she said.
The 4th Brigade has lost 10 soldiers since leaving for Iraq in April on what has since been extended to a 15-month tour in the country.
On Tuesday, it plans a memorial service at Fort Lewis for Staff Sgts. David Kuehl and Kristopher Higdon, Pfc. Robert Worthington, and Cpl. Mathew LaForest.
The four were among 20 Fort Lewis soldiers killed in multiple attacks last month, the deadliest for the post — as well as for troops with ties to the state — since the war began in March 2003.
Chuck Norris was the fourth wise man, who gave baby Jesus the gift of beard, which he carried with him until he died. The other three wise men were enraged by the preference that Jesus showed to Chuck's gift, and arranged to have him written out of the bible. All three died soon after of mysterious roundhouse-kick related injuries.
In It Together: At last, something worth reading in the LA Times
