He was a forceful enough personality that he didn't have to yell or scream or anything. He led by example.
    — Col. Kenneth Brady, ROTC instructor

    Ayala's twin sister said she cried herself to sleep in the days before they got the word that he had been killed. In the eight years since he left for boot camp, his mother had seen him three times.
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    Seven memories of Alejandro Ayala

    I went through the training with SSgt Ayala at Camp Shelby. He was a good man. I prayer the Lord brings his family comfort. RIP Brother Ayala!!!!!!!

    — Teddy Jones
    June 25, 2008 at 1:59 p.m.

    I had the privelage of being SSgt Ayala's supervisor while we were at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Alejandro epitomized professionalism in the military. He never complained no matter the task. I will always admire that man. I still carry his memory and continue to pray for his famiy on such a tragic loss.

    — Chandra Roberts
    November 18, 2008 at 9:45 p.m.

    It was an honor and a privilege to spend 4-5 weeks with SSgt Ayala while attending Camp Shelby CST. His positive
    attitude and infectious personality made
    the time away from my family pleasant. Words can't describe the impact his death had on me. When he found out he got promoted to TSgt, I gave him a rank insignia. I knew he'd make an excellent
    Junior NCO, leader and mentor. My heart
    goes out to his family and friends. He will never be forgotten. God Bless...

    — MSgt James E. Richardson
    June 4, 2009 at 7:10 a.m.

    I had the privilege of working with Ayala at Seymour Johnson AFB. He was one of the nicest and most genuine person i had ever met in the military.

    I just heard the news of this tragic loss and will always remember Ayala. The world needs more people like him.

    — James Notaro
    July 15, 2009 at 9:43 p.m.

    Alejandro was my Sunday school teacher for my confirmation and many classes before that! He was a great man, and I was terrible sad to see he passed. I hope he's resting in peace.

    — Bethany
    November 10, 2009 at 5:14 a.m.

    R.I.P, Sir. I wish the best for your kind soul and your wonderful family that you have left behind.

    — Kennedy Pondt
    November 26, 2010 at 6:41 p.m.

    Sgt Ayala, was not only my supervisor, at Mildenhall England, but my friend and a wonderful man and father. He was a hard worker who ever gave up hope even when everyone else thought there was none. I remember how motivated he was and the many of weekends we spent in the shop trying to stay afloat with the mounds of paperwork in front of us, while his daughter played on the floor. He was such a great man and will never be forgotten. We miss you my friend, I know you are looking down on all of us smiling next to God in heaven.

    — Crystal Jaindl
    October 20, 2011 at 9:59 p.m.

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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 700 California servicemembers and 474 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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