California’s War Dead
Military deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan, 2001-Present
He knew what he was risking and felt the sacrifice was worth it. He wanted to do something good and provide for his family.
—Martina Granados, aunt
He was my son's recruiter and turned a troubled young man into a soldier a parent could be proud of.
—Robert Scifo, parent of soldier recruited by Webb
One day he said, 'Mom, Dad, I'm so proud I was born in the United States.'
—Yoko Nakamura, mother, talking about her soldier son
He always said he was excited to go. But you could see in his face that he was a little scared. He always assured us he was ready to go and that he would come back.
—Ashley Mills, cousin
My brother was always a brave man. He wasn't frightened about going to Iraq. He wanted to serve his country.
—Delia Nava, sister
I was praying every day and counting the months. I thought we were almost there.
—John Twyman, father
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
All she could do was tell me how she loved it over there. She knew she was making a difference.
—Candy Gholson, mother
I looked up to him my whole life. He would tell me to never give up on anything you believe in.
—Diego Abad, brother
life in iraq is really boring, there is really not a whole lot that goes on out here, not that i am complaining i have a son now and i would like to at least see him before i die.
—Kyle Dayton, in an e-mail to a friend.
Total killed as of February 5, 2010:
577
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