California’s War Dead
Military deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan, 2001-Present
May this brave soldier, Sgt. Jason Hendrix, rest in peace.
—Robert B. Yonts Jr., Superior Court Judge
When he walked out that door, he walked out whole. He had himself together. He had purpose. He was determined. I wouldn't have taken that from him.
—Irene Ramirez, mother
Although I sacrificed personal freedom and many other things, I got just as much as I gave. My time in the Teams was special. For all the times I was cold, wet, tired, sore, scared, hungry and angry, I had a blast. The bad was balanced equally with the good.
—Neil C. Roberts, in a letter he left for his wife
All she could do was tell me how she loved it over there. She knew she was making a difference.
—Candy Gholson, mother
The only thing I want is to get my kids ahead. But I don't know how. I have not had time to think about it.
—Dina Molina, widow, on raising their three children on her own
'I have to talk to you guys; I'm joining the Army.' He said, 'I'm going to serve and protect my country.'
—Todd Jacobs, father
G was a different guy when he came home on leave after his first tour in Afghanistan. In high school, he had looked up to us. Not anymore. We looked up to him with deep respect and admiration.
—Joaquin Zavala, friend
She was a ball of hilarity. She'd run around making people laugh. During her time in service, she lit everyone up, from what I heard. That's Janelle in a complete nutshell. She lived her life from one passionate whim to another.
—LaVeta King, cousin
I tried to get him to forget the Army. I'd give him choices, tell him, 'You can go to law school or learn computers,' but he said he still wanted to be a soldier.
—Jonathan Contreras, father
He would say, 'If I have to go to Iraq, I will go,' Everything became Army, Army, Army.
—Elia Dominguez, mother
Total killed as of May 18, 2013:
736