He had every aspect of being a great soldier and great man.
—Kevin Taylor, friend and recruiter
He was brave. He was a hero. He will always be our hero.
—Darcey Adams, father
He lived a very fulfilling life and he died doing what he loved.
—Duc Phan, mother
We had only 14 days together between April and his death, but they were the best 14 days I ever had.
—Jennifer Salcido, widow
He didn't want to go back. But he told his mother he accepted it.
—Joseph Wiscowiche, father
He was not only a hero, he was a great son. He did more in 25 years than most of us will do in 75 years.
—Joseph Landaker, father
I'm extremely proud of her. The loss is tremendous, but she was doing what she wanted to do.
—Beverly Coleman, mother
Finally in Afghanistan, time to earn my pay. Mood: accomplished
—Brian Wolverton, MySpace page, 1:47 a.m. on August 12
I know that he's probably with my father in heaven. But as a mother, I'm egotistical. Because I don't want to let him go, because I miss him. I'm going to miss his hugs. His laugh. Those nights we were all together. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holy Week. They won't ever feel the same. He was a sweet boy -- affectionate and respectful.
—Rosa Gonzalez, mother
Soldier. That was his life. And he was a good soldier. A good son. Twice a week he called. When I talked to him, I told him always, 'Watch your back. You are in the war.'
—Tony Roque, father, in the Long Beach Press-Telegram
Total killed as of November 12, 2009:
569
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