California’s War Dead
Military deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan, 2001-Present
I don't want you to sit here worrying about me, Mom. I'm safe.
—Matthew L. Tallman, message left on his mother's answering machine
Love you all. Miss you too. Hope to see you again.
—James Beckstrand, in his last e-mail to friends
Love you all. Miss you too. Hope to see you again.
—James Beckstrand, in his last e-mail to friends
He had the warmest and most genuine smile. John would always make people laugh by his clever ways and kind humor.
—Lisa Hallett, wife and childhood sweetheart
He just couldn't wait. That's what he got trained to do, and he finally got to do it.
—Sarah Smith-Young, widow, on her husband's deployment to Iraq
He said he's going to be the best daddy for our child and that he hopes I'm eating well. He said, 'I can't wait to see how the baby is going to look. I know it's going to be beautiful like you.'
—Sourisone Sananikone, fiancee, on letter she received after White's death
I really feel for his mom and dad. It just amazes you that these fine young men are willing to make the sacrifice and to put themselves in harm's way for us. I'm proud to have known Brandon and I honor his service.
—Mike Pulliam, family friend
He believed 100% what we were doing was right. He told me before he left, 'Mom, if something were to happen to me, don't be one of those moms that blames the military.'
—Marsha Gonsalves, mother
He just loved to take chances. He loved motorcycles. He loved parachute jumping and … he just loved the Army, basically.
—Edward Grochowiak, father
It didn't surprise me when he went into the military because it was the ultimate expression of teamwork and camaraderie.
—Jim Pendleton, English teacher and assistant football coach for the Esperanza Aztecs
Total killed as of May 29, 2012:
703