California’s War Dead
Military deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan, 2001-Present
He went to school and pursued a career, but he was always looking for something. He didn't feel fulfilled. Nothing made him feel completed until he decided to join the Army.
—Maria Luisa Avneri, mother
He saw [the Army] as a steppingstone to some things. He talked about getting back into college and becoming an officer.
—Susan Moncure, mother
He set a challenge for himself. And if it happened to be that he would go to war, then he would conduct himself honorably and serve proudly.
—Manuel Holguin Sr., father, on son's decision to enlist
I was at a friend's house. My husband called and said, 'Come home. Just come home.' When he opened the door he was crying and I saw the chaplain and the other officers, and of course I knew it was Danny.
—Lynda Unger, mother
He just wanted to be a soldier. I never said, 'Don't do this.' Because that was his wish, that was his dream.
—Maria Rosales, mother
He, for me, was my life... My kids are my life. It’s the only reason to live. And every night I ask 'why? Why did this happen to my son?'
—Aurora Flores, mother
He went over as a boy and died as a man. I could tell. He had grown up. He was more mature, less selfish.
—Laurie Zieske, mother
I couldn't ask for a better son. It feels good to know that. He stood up and did what he had to do. He fought to the end.
—Kim Hearn, mother
He enlisted in 2004 because he wanted to go to Iraq...Peter wanted to make a contribution.
—Shiri Gradek, friend, quoted in a Times-Standard (Arcata) obituary
Total killed as of May 25, 2012:
701