California’s War Dead

    Ernesto R. Guerra

    Ernesto R. Guerra, 20

    Army, Private
    Baghdad (central part), Iraq
    Gender: Male
    Hometown: Long Beach
    This was his dearest wish. He was tired of her having to live in the shadows. By dying in Iraq, he has accomplished what he wanted most.
    — Amelia Nieto, on Guerra's mother, an illegal immigrant, being told she would be granted citizenship because of her son's service

    Guerra sent money home every month to support his mother and 11-year-old brother. When he was killed, she could barely understand the English-speaking Army officer who came to inform her.
    Times obituary
    « Adam J. Strain, 08/03/2005
    Milton M. Monzon Jr., 07/24/2005 »
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    Three memories of Ernesto R. Guerra

    The children of First Lutheran church SAY Yes center in Long Beach have made a Memory Stone memorial for Ernesto and are praying for his family and friends.

    — Carolyn Smith
    June 4, 2008 at 2:08 p.m.
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    that poor mother...this brought tears to my eyes...

    — A.M.
    September 2, 2010 at 11:58 p.m.
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    If you are family of Private Guerra or can pass them a message requesting contact to me Laura Herzog 714-904-0253 or laura@honoringourfallen.org for an upcoming memorial event. Please contact me as soon as possible.

    — Laura Herzog
    November 2, 2011 at 12:59 p.m.
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    About this project
    Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org
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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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