Allan M. Cundanga Espiritu, 28

I knew Allan and his brother Neal through training in the navy and during duty stations. I saw Allan last back in Camp Pendleton and remember saying to him I'll see you when you get back. His photo still shows whenever we have our HM Birthday Ball and being one of the Color Guard members for my command rendering honors to those fallen Hospital Corpsmans I have a hard time keeping my military bearing and keeping from sheading a tear whenever I see his photo. WE ALL MISS YOU BROTHER.

I knew Allan growing up, he was one of my closest friends. He was the short guy in our crew, even though he really wasn't that short he just looked short at a distance. Allan was the type of friend that no matter what, if you needed him he would be there. We both entered the service, I joined the Marine Corps and he the Navy. Even when in uniform he was still the same Allan that I knew from back in the day. I suppose that is why he became a Navy Corpsman.

It was just in his nature to take care of folks, the fact of him being a Navy Corpsman proved that. I think about Allan from time to time, from days of football practice, stealing my moms car and going for a joy ride, throwing back a few brews, or complaining how horrible it was having to train in 29 Palms. Allan will be sorely missed but he will never be forgotten!

I knew Petty Officer as my LPO at Naval Ambulatory Clinic in Port Hueneme, CA. I remembered him as young, hard charging corpsman, full of life and potentials ahead of him. He loved to be out in the frontline...with the Marines he had served alongside. He was a true Hospital Corpsman and selflessly sacrificed his life so others may live. My prayers go out to his family and children that he left behind.

MAJ Ernesto Raymundo, Jr.
10th Combat Support Hospital
Al Kut, Iraq