Florence B. Choe, 35

Jay,
We heard of your loss through Paul and Andrea and wanted you to know that you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. We didn't know Florence, but you have always held a special place in our heart because of your friendship with Paul. I'm sure she was a beautiful person and her memory will live on through your daughter.....embrace that. Our deepest sympathy to your family and hers.
Jim and Kathy Detar

I served with LT Choe in Okinawa, 3D MED BN, 3D FSSG. She was truly a wonderful person. She always brought an air of peace and happiness wherever she went. Even when faced with challenges she always remained cheerful. She loved her family and she had a deep sense of commitment to the military. The Navy and the world have lost a great lady. My prayers to her family.

My heart and thoughts are w/ the family of Lt. Choe. I had the honor of serving w/ her and her husband while stationed in Okinawa, Japan w/ 3D MED BN 2004-2006. They may not remember me but I remember them, they were a beautiful couple. Lt. Choe you are a true American hero and your honor and sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten. It is because of people like you that make me proud to serve my country. May you rest in peace.
-HM3 Jennifer Voreh

Florence Bacong Choe was an OUTSTANDING officer and a good friend of mine since her early days in the Navy. She volunteered for this deployment to make a difference in the lives of the Afghan people. She will be truly missed.

Rest in peace, Florence.

Florence was not a Navy Nurse, she was a member of the Navy's Medical Service Corps, specifically she was a Health Care Administrator and Operational Medical Planner.

I only knew her briefly in person, but hugely by reputation. When I transferred to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD in the summer of 2004, I replaced her as she was in turn transferring to her next duty station. Our tours of duty at Bethesda overlapped by about 2 weeks, during which she turned over her duties to me before departing. She was very energetic, very positive all the time. And after she departed and I assumed those duties, I kept hearing for months what a strong performer she was at work, a good officer, well respected & well liked by everybody who had known her and worked with her.

I knew this wonderful young women and it is a tradgey. She was a loving wife and mother, trying to better her world. I will miss her, my prayers to her family.

I want to express my deepest condolences to Lt Commander Choe and family. I am honored to have known Lt Choe while serving at 3d Med Bn in Okinawa, Japan. She was an amazing woman and sailor who was greatly respected. She always saw the positive in everything and was ALWAYS showing that beautiful smile of hers! May you rest in peace, Lt Choe. Thank you for your sacrifice. You will be greatly missed!

I checked into 3D Medical Battalion in 2005 as a 2ndLt and LT Choe was the very first person that I met from the unit. She was pregnant with Kristen at the time, but she still had a ton of energy. After I returned from Iraq I worked with her husband LCDR Jay Choe with CLB-31, 31st MEU. What a great couple and it is tragedy to see this happen to two great people. Jay I will be praying for you and your daughter.

I grew up with Florence. Her brother, Ruffy, was my best friend when we were elementary kids. It saddens me to hear this tragedy. My heart and prayers will go out to the Choe family. God Bless you LT!!!

I knew "FLO JO" as we affectionately called her, while she was stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital. She was funny, witty and loved her family and her job. She had a smile and laugh that could light up a room.

I grieve for her family, her parents and her husband and daughter.

My prayers will be there for all of them. Words can not express the tragedy of this loss and of every loss.

God bless you Flo. May you be in God's arms.

Mila

I just returned from that very base in Afghanistan and i also attended combat training with LT. Choe She was an amazing person and a dedicated leader i send my respect and condolences to the family and want everyone to know that this woman was dedicated not only to her job but to those she served with and their families she was constantly establishing programs on camp Spann for soldiers, sailors, and airmen to keep in close contact with their families. Rest in Peace LT you will never be forgotten

Jay,
I am deeply saddened by your loss of Florence and cannot believe that we have lost such a beautiful, warm and caring soul. May god be with you and your daughter in your time of need.
Ben

I had the opportunity to serve with both Flo and Jay Choe in Okinawa while supporting Camp Hansen. Flo made the ultimate sacrifice helping Afghanistan rebuild so they could enjoy the freedoms many take for granted. My condolences to both you Jay and to your family. May you be consoled knowing that Flo is with God now, intervening on our behalf in our struggle against evil. Rest in Peace Shipmate, you will be missed.

I went to UCSD with Florence and we were really good friends. She convinced me to go with her into the medical field. I will always remember her carefree and infectious laugh. I do remember how close she was to her family and my thoughts and prayers are with them now. Florence, you will be missed. Condolences to your husband and your daughter.

It was an honor to have worked with Flo while she served at NNMC and to have been her friend. My family's prayers are with her and her loved ones. The world has lost an angel.

LT Choe,

Your light on earth ended too soon, but you will live forever in our hearts. I worked with Lt Choe in Okinawa and she was one one of the most generous, kindhearted, thoughfull and fair person I had ever met. I truly believe the good die young and that is why she was call home so soon. The memories of you continues in the blowing wind may those memory never settle and the pain softly wisked away... The beauty you shared eternally will glow, for deep in our hearts each of us knows she lives!

You may be away from our sight but your legacy will remain in our hearts forever.

My condolences to LCDR Choe may LT Choe's light shines within you and your daugher's heart forever.

I had the honer of serving with both LT and LCDR Choe in Okinawa. My thoughts and prayers go out to their family. LT Choe will never be forgotten. She was a wonderful person with such an upbeat spirit that will truly be missed. Rest in peace.

As a Mother and grandmother,my heart is pierced with grief and sadness can't control the tears. My deepest sympathy to husband Jay and beautiful daughter Kristin. Florence was my son's classmate in High school Class 1991. I remember Florence occassionally with brother Ruffy will come to our family gatherings. She's quiet but with that subdued dignified look. All the kids respect her because she has that soft strong and pleasant personality. She will be missed terribly by her family her Mom and Dad her siblings and of course her husband and daughter. My grandaughter is same age with Kristin and I'm just in a total grief. Florence, I pray to God that you will rest in peace and also I pray God will bless our minds with understanding, why you have to leave so soon. Bye Florence I love you sweetie, Rest in Peace . Auntie May Domagsang

I was stationed with LT Choe in Afghanistan last year. A very professional Naval officer, she performed her duty admirably. I remember her as a happy, friendly person who liked to participate in base activities, like our softball games, and was always ready to help anyone. She will be missed by many.

It is my deepest sympathy and regrets that an amazing person that I have known, worked and deployed with is gone. She is loved by so many people. It was an honor having her as my boss both deployed and not. LT Choe you will always have a place in my heart and you have touched so many other people that will truly remember you. I share my warm condolences to her loved ones she left behind especially to her mom, dad, siblings, her husband LCDR Choe and her beautiful daughter,Kristin. My prayer goes to them to stay strong. Rest in peace, Ma'am and I salute you for your service.

I was stationed with her in Okinawa,Japan (3rd med bn,2005-2007) and deployed to Thailand in support of Cobra Gold May 07.

I served with "Flo" in 2004-2005 under 3rd Med Bn in Okinawa. Flo was always cheerful and pleasant to work with no matter how stressful the environment was. She was an outstanding Health Care Administrator and Naval Officer who gave the ultimate sacrifice. My deepest condolences to the Bacong and Choe families.

I am also deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy. I severed with Lt Choe while stationed in Okinawa, Japan. I always remember seeing her at the headqurters, although we rarely spoke, her smile would always light up the room. I mourn the loss of Lt Choe and my prayers with her family.

I served with LT Choe in Okinawa, 3D MED BN, 3D FSSG. She was a highly professional Naval Officer with with a great and caring spirit as a Sailor and Leader. To be around LT Choe meant your day would be brighter and more fulfilled. She was equally committed to her family as she was to the Navy. The Navy and the world have lost a great Person. My prayers are with her Family.

Florence was such a beautiful gal inside and out.. I spent the prime years of Highschool working and going to school with her. We had so many fun times together. She lit up a room with her energy and smile..
I am so sorry for Kristen and Jay to lose such a Beautiful Mother and wife and Her brothers and parents to lose the only only daughter and sister. Thank you Florence for all you have sacrificed and may God bless your family in this tragic time.. You are another angel in heaven hanging with Ben and Julie looking after all... Rest in Peace.
Jodi McCarthy-Valdez

I am deeply sadden to hear of the loss of Lt Choe. She was the prime example of a true leader. Her passing will be felt through out the Navy and Marine Corps Family. I had the great privilege of serving with her while in Okinawa. Her compassion, leadership, and her smile will truly be missed! My prayers are with you sir and the family. God bless you Ma'am!

As a close friend and colleague of Florence I am very sadden to hear of her passing. We were stationed together at NNMC Bethesda, Okinawa Japan, and Afghanistan. My thoughts and prayers go out to family of this proud sailor, I will truly miss her as well, god bless.

Freddie

My heart and most sincere sympathy goes out to LCDR Choe, his daughter, and their family. My husband, HM3 Kurt DuBeau served with LCDR Choe in Okinawa. He tells me of LT Choe, and how she was the sweetest woman he had ever met. She is a hero to many. We are truly sorry and will keep the Choe family in our thoughts and prayers!!

My condolences to the family of LT Choe. It is sad to hear that we loss a great leader and mentor. She was my Company Commander when we were stationed in Okinawa, Japan 3rd Med Bn. You truly will be miss and thank you for your service Ma'am.

I had the great opertunity to serve with both Lt and LCDR Choe in Okinawa Japan, while with 3rd Med Bn. Both officers where the best example of what we as junior enlisted strive to be.I will never forget her hard work and dedication to her junior sailors and the the United States Navy.
God Speed LT Choe.
V/R
HM1 (FMF) JAMES R HILL
USN
NEWPORT RI

My wife (Fran) served Dr Choe (FLO) at 3rd Medical Bn, Okinawa Jp. My wife simply loved her. Enjoyed working for her and her husband (JAY). Flo was a close friend of the family here (HEZLEP FAMILY). Not only was she our family Dr but a dear friend to FRan. When we heard of this lose we could not believe this. What a precious woman, mother, and wife! The US NAVY lost a AWESOME Dr, Naval Officer. We will miss her so much. Jay, i know how much you loved her and adored her. I ask and pray to the Lord to give you peace and understanding during this time of mourning. May God put his hand on you and your daughter. We can rest asure she is now with other Angels. She will always be loved, and missed always. We all love her dearly. Our friend, our Dr, a Saint. We love you FLO. May god bless always bless you, and continue to watch over JAY and family. God bless always. MARK , Fran , Ariel...Okinawa Jp.

My heart and most sincere sympathy goes out to LCDR Choe, his daughter, and their family. I'm still in shock. LT Choe was an oustanding Naval Officer and a great person and a good friend. My family will always keep her in our prayers.
God bless you Ma'am!

My words will never express the heart-felt sorrow and warm sympathy I share in the loss of a Wonderful Fellow Naval Officer. I had the pleasure of meeting Florence at OIS, Newport, RI in March/April 2002 (Foxtrot Company). Her smile lit up any room. I did not see Florence again until NMPS San Diego (April 2008) before we both deployed to Afghanistan. From NMPS (San Diego), we parted ways (She went to Fort Riley, Ks, and I went to Fort Jackson, SC for additional deployment training). Dr. Choe and Kristen, I have and will continue to pray for you and the Bacong and Choe families. Florence, rest in peace. You will never be forgotten. V/R, LT Eusebio Flores III

I was with LT Choe in MES, Afghanistan. She is a wonderful person. In behalf of the Navy Med Team(MES), we offer our deepest sympathy to her family.

I had the pleasure of serving with Florence's husband, Jay, at CLB-31 in Okinawa and to be around the beautiful Choe family on numerous occasions. I could never get little Kristen to smile at me, but to be around Jay and Florence was to be around two people who were always smiling and who were clearly very much in love with one another. Florence, like her husband, had a reputation as a superb Naval Officer and someone who consistently lifted others up. My wife Omega and I mourn with the Choe family who remain very much in our prayers.

Colonel Scott Erdelatz

I want you to know I have nothing but good memories of you. My wife Anna & I where truly bless you cross our paths in life.God bless your soul. You will always be remember. We Love you.

Florence was in my class here at Ft Riley in Sep of this year. It was really very sad to hear that she was not among us anymore. I highly appreciate her services and cooperations to both Afghanistan and the United States of America and I pray for her. May almighty Allah bless her soul.

I served with Flo in Afghanistan, Camp Shaheen. And all I can say is, that she was really an angel. She was an outstanding sailor, officer and comrade. I have never met such great and beautiful person!

I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU!

My thoughts and my prayers are with you, your husband Chong and the little Kristin!

I have served with LT "Flo" Choe at 3D Medical Battalion in Okinawa. She was my Company Commander and one that really showed she cared for the Marines and Sailors that were in her company. I too was the command photographer and I witnessed how she loved her daughter so much, that smile only a mother can give to her daughter and that loving interaction she had with her husband. You will truly be missed. I salute you!

Florence was a dear friend of mine while growing up in Spring Valley, California. The news of her death brings a wave of sadness over myself and my family. Florence always had the most beautiful smile on her face. Florence was smart, funny and a wonderful friend. I will miss her. Florence had the courage to help make this world a better place and she will be honored in our memories forever. Thank you Florence for everything you have done and for touching our lives. All my sympathy to her family and friends.

I had the pleaseure of knowing LT Choe while I was stationed at 3rdMed BN in Okinawa. No one compared to her in terms of enthusiasm, energy and cheerfullness. Never did I once see her not smile and she was friendly to all that she came across. The USN has lost a great officer and she will be dearly missed.

We had the privilege of knowing Florence while stationed in Okinawa. We were saddend to hear about the loss of a fellow MSC Officer. Jay and Kristin, may God give you peace and may the memories you have with Flo comfort you. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

James, Stacy, James (Will) and Ben Perry

It was an honor to be your friend..Rest in peace
LCDR Ramil and family

When I recall Flo the first memory that comes to mind is her smile. I met her on the back end of my tour and had an opportunity to get to know her through softball. She was a great person, an amazing Naval Officer, and I am sure a wonderful wife. She touched the hearts of all those she came in contact and she will be forever missed. My deepest condolences to her family...

I never got the chance to know you, or meet you...and we are family. But perhaps, I can (only guess) say that you are a caring and loving wife, mother and daughter. You will be truly missed. May God watch over you, Jay, Kristin, Uncle, Auntie and my other cousins. We love you.

Love,
Uncle Ads, Auntie Julie, Cousin Leah

To The Families Of Lt. Choe & Lt.Cmdr. Choe,

I am so very saddened upon hearing of the loss of this DEDICATED and STEADFAST UNITED STATES NAVAL OFFICER & WARRIOR. I cannot fathom the pain that you are now under daily.

I can somewhat put into perspective, the emotional turmoil that now invades your lives. I lost my only son (age 16) while downrange in A-Ghan. He was killed by a drunk driver. At an even younger age, he had already decided to make the Navy his career, with intentions of attending OCS.

Your family, like mine, is rich in Military service. You are all symbolic of what PATRIOTISM, COURAGE & HONOR truly mean. The evident morals, values and selflessness is so apparent and vividly on-going in Lt. Choe's family and that of Lt.Cmdr. Choe. So much so; that your loss is also felt by ALL PATRIOTIC souls - WORLD-WIDE.

I send a slowly raised and long held - HAND SALUTE. SEMPER FORTIS.

My Deepest Respect & Sincerity,
Gunner

Lt. Florence Choe was my cousin, I never got the chance to know and meet her (and I would really have loved to). Knowing family, I can only guess (and I truly believe my guess is right) that she was the most caring and loving wife, mother, daughter, cousin and friend anyone could ever have. A person who is very giving and outgoing. You will be truly missed. My heart goes out to you, Jay and Kristin. As well as Uncle, Auntie and my other cousins. May God bless and watch over you and your family.

Love Always & Prayers--
Tito Ads, Tita Julie and Cousin Leah

Ruffy and family: My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. God bless the Bacong and Choe families in this time of grief.

David Heppard

We also lost a daugher so dear to us. She grew up in the neighbourhood with Jean Claude, Marie Claude and Nadia Beauville, went to school together and played day and night. Our hearts are broken and very painfull. To her husband, Kristen and the parents wishing you strenght, comfort and love. She's and will always be in our hearts.
love u Flo.
Beauville Family

My condolences to the entire Choe family. I had the priviledge and honor of working with LT and LCdr Choe while stationed at Camp Kinser, 3d MLG, Okinawa, Japan as the Manpower and Personnel Officer. LT Choe's loss came as a shock to me while I was reading the Marine Corps Times. I was truly blessed by being in LT Choe's presence. Her kindness, passion for family and commitment to the military was tempered by an extrodinary ability to balance all around her.

Florence, you will be forever missed and please know that our prayers go out to your family in their time of need.

May the grace and mercy of God continue to shine, just as Florence's spirit has!

God Bless & Semper Fidelis,
Demetrius Griffin,
CWO4 (Ret), U.S. Marine Corps

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Choe family. LT you will be missed but never forgotten. LCDR Choe my families prayers are with you and Kristin. Wish she could check my grammar on this.
God Bless,
Dave and Bobbie

My deepest sympathy and codolences to the the Choe Family. She was a great leader. She was my Company Commander while stationed in Okinawa, Japan, 3d Med Bn. She will be gladly missed and and I will always remember that day she sat me in her office to discuss my future goals in the Navy. May you rest in peace Lt. Choe and God bless your Family.

Oldin O. Paniagua

I am a better Marine and person having served with and known LT Florence Choe. She truly exemplifies the values of Honor , Courage and Committment. I witnessed first hand, her dedication to her Marines and Sailors and the mission of serving something greater than herself. I do know that the members of the 3rd Medical Battalion Family are eternally blessed by her presence and deeply saddened by her passing. I pray for Dr. Choe and their daughter Kristin, that they gain peace that passes all understanding. Semper Fidelis...Ma'am.

I served with Lt Choe here in MES. She was so a friendly Person, erverytime she smile. It is hard for me to express in english how I feel, but I will always remember me what happend here.
My deepest condolences to her family.

I had the honer to serve with Lt Choe in MES. Like everybody is saying, that was one great girl. She had a smile that would make a bad day to get better.
My deepest sympathy and codolences to the Choe Family.
She's and will always be in our hearts.

Sgt Fisker,
Swedish Armed Forces

What can one really say that didn't know? For it was a few words from military news that made me do a simple search that brought me here. When I read the article I found it odd that more wasn't written about LT. Florence Choe (or perhaps I just missed earlier material). Regardless, I am so touched by the smiling portrait and words from Lt. F Choe's friends, family, and acquaintances.

As for I, I am but a simple travel writer that has wonder as to Destiny's decision as to the when and where. There is never a right Time ... when we're contemplating transition into another dimension of no return. But, unto those like Lt. F. Choe, there has to be a much higher place in Heaven for those that Chose Chance as to make others lives much much better. Must be. At this moment, right now, I look to the Heavens to pray for Lt. F. Choe's soul. Much to wonder. Many thoughts to ponder. From what I have read above, Lt. F. Choe leaves a legacy of positive deeds and energy.

So, I for one, as acommon1 praying man, care to send Love from acommon1 person whom you'll all never know but does care. Blessed is the soul that gave it all. Blessed is the family that has to continue on. Blessed are those whom know what pain paints unto one's soul but moves forward with positive energy and Heaven's spirit of Hope and Integrity.

Sending Love from acommon1 simple American.

Rob J>
acommon1 Life's journey
boa pessoa

I served with Flo at Camp Hansen while I was attached to 3d Den Bn, Okinawa. I am very saddened to hear about her untimely death. She was a very positive person who touched many many lives for the better. I send my condolences to her family and all her friends who miss her dearly.

Ruffy, I'm so sorry.

LT Choe has this wonderful presence about her. While serving at 3D Medical Battalion, 3rd MLG, I had the pleasure of serving under her. I am very honored to have been promoted to Corporal by her, in September 2006. She will be missed.

It's been a month and I'm still sad about this. I never actually met Lt. Choe in person but I had always heard great things about her. I got a chance to work with her husband LCDR Choe, Lt Choe at that time, and he was a wonderful doctor to work with as a corpsman. Even though he wasn't a part of my unit, whenever we were short on our actual doctors, he would always help us. Don't think I ever remember him ever complain or say he couldn't help. He's a wonderful and kind doc and I'm truly sorry for his loss. His family will remain in my prayers and the U.S. Navy has lost yet another great Sailor.

Jay and Tin Tin,

I am devastated and numb upon receiving info on your and our deep loss. I learned about it from old e-mail that I missed while I was on TAD. I knew Flo when she was still LT Bacong at NNMC Bethesda, then she met you and you took her from us, but I knew she was happy and in good hands, but I knew we would keep in touch. But after 3 and a half decades in this beautiful and at times turbulent world, she is taken away from all of us, but yet again I know she is finally in the best hands, Gods loving hands. Take comfort of the fact that a little bit of Flo will always be by your side as long as you have your daughter Kristin. Never let Tin Tin forget, how proud we are of her mom, of how she always put others before herself, and that she had a strong sense of duty to her country, but most of all how much she loved Tin Tin and you.

May God continue to grant you strength and solace through these difficult times.

-Paul Beltran

I had the privilege of serving with LT Florence “FloChoe” Choe, in MES, AF. She was a rare person and special person who brought light into everyone’s lives. Living on a small FOB it was inevitable that you would pass the same people several times a day; however, FloChoe never failed to speak to me. Always, she carried a smile and kind words. MES was very remote and as a result quite boring. Even when she was bored she managed to smile. We had a conversation over lunch one day and we discussed our plans for the future, and I will never forget what she said to me, “I want to go home, fulfill my contract, and have babies.” That was it. Her grand plan for her life was to have babies. She loved her family, so much. Kristin was her world. I’m sorry, that Kristin will not get to know the wonderful, and kind hearted woman I knew. I can’t help but think; if the gunman had known her there is no way he could have pulled the trigger. LT Choe was a fine Sailor, and a beautiful person from the inside out. I wish you fair winds and following seas LT.

To Florence's Family: I do not know Florence but she is a wonderful hero who gave her life for this country. I, myself, had served for 10 years (Army) and a mother to 2 toddlers. I could somewhat relate to the terrible sacrifices that she placed herself in--to help the world. May God Bless you and your family. Thank you for everything.

My name Abdullah i'm from Afghanistan i live in washington DC now i was Translator for Lt Choe i can not say how mach every one was love her when every one in the hospital infromed that she is not alive any more every one in the hospital was crying even one of the afghan doctor got heart attack i have her pictures if any one want please send me an email have a nice time.

I had the priviledge working with LT Choe's (Flo) husband ("Dr. Choe") in Camp Hansen Branch Medical Clinic. It always makes me laugh whenever Flo comes to see her husband because Miss Fran would always say, "God she is soooo Beautiful and very nice." Then,.. I would say, that she's (Miss Fran) just jealous. LOL! Everytime Flo walks in the door,.. she always smiles and greet us. One day, I spoke with Dr. Choe about my girlfriend at the time, and had told him that I proposed after six months of dating. Dr. Choe told me that he did the same. He said, that he loves her soo much and couldn't wait any longer. I am deeply honored to work for you and beside you Dr. Choe, and I am will be forever grateful for taking the time to say hi, helo, and for you wife's kindness and smiles.

To the Choe Family -
I will never forget about Flo. She was a true American Hero. I am a civilian contractor in Afghanistan and I had the oportunity to meet her while working in MeS. I still recall that bad day as if it were yesterday. So sad...I know just from a few conversations with her that she had big plans ahead in her future. She was a great leader and brought alot to Camp Spann and she made that placea better place to be each and everyday. I am deeply sorry for your loss LCDR Choe and Kristin. I wish you all the best and remember she is in a better place than we are and looking down on us. I wish you and your family and extended families the very best and my thoughts are with you all...

I met LT Choe at a week-long training class at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, a month or so before her passing. We chatted some between classes. I remember, particularly, how her face lit up when she spoke of her husband, baby, and family.

I remember a course break, one morning. There was snow on the ground and the air was misty and cold. We all hurried outside to the main thoroughfare to present our honors to a fallen Polish soldier. The rain and show drizzled on us as we stood at attention, waiting for the vehicle formation to drive by. I remember the solemn respect and seriousness we gave to that detail; and I cannot help but think of the same honors she surely received a few months later.

Florence stood out in the class of 30 army, air force, and navy service men and women. She was kind, intelligent, accepting, joyous, and her soul seemed to be filled with a Godly love. Her passing, along with LT Toner's, will stay with me all of my life. God will surely keep her close to him, because she possessed a special spirit.

I had the priviledge of working with her before this deployment. I was on that METT Team but broke my foot after training one day and wasn't able to make the deployment.

Lt Choe was one of the best examples of a Naval Officer that I have ever worked for. She was a PT stud, never complained and kept up morale for us enlisted sailors to keep pushing through the long training days.

Rest in peace ma'am. We'll take it from here.

To the family of Lt. Choe my most sincere condolences. Be sure that your beloved fallen hero was processed with the upmost dignity, honor, and respect.

Ciao Florence, i know you are with the angels, i pray you, Carlo.
Italy.

I was honored to serve with LT Choe at 3D MED BN, 3D FSSG 3MLG, Okinawa. Her smile would always light up the room, bringing waves of happiness to those in her presence. She was caring and charismatic. LT Choe will never be forgotten, and will always remain a positive role model for many to follow. I know that God has given her a home, more pleasant than anything on earth. She watches over us, warming her loved ones with her brilliant smile. She will forever be in our hearts.

Sadden* You have me deepest condolences .

I did not know Lt Choe well, but I did see her quite often while on gate guard at camp spann. She ran on camp shaheen almost daily and always had a word and a smile for the soldiers at the gate. My sympathies go out to her family, and I am glad to know that her daughter will grow up in the same environment that produced such a truly beautiful person

I think about my first years in the Navy while stationed at Bethesda Naval Medical Center where you touched the lives of all those that you came in contact with and always had words of encouragement to share during our conversations about the topic of the day. Your SMILE infectious and your energy present. You are in my thoughts often and prayers continue for your family. You are a role model for me today and have had a lasting impact on me that will be with me the rest of my life. Miss you.

I recruited Florence. Of all the people I commissioned into Naval Service, I remember Florence perhaps the best. She had an energy about her that was contagious. I enjoyed our every meeting and was excited to launch her naval career. I was not just excited for her - I was excited for the Navy because she was such an extraordinary candidate. It tears me up when I think about our loss of such a fine human being. Last year, when my wife deployed to Afghanistan and I was at home with our 3 year old and 5 year old daughters, I was gripped by the intensity that her family must have felt with her passing. I will never forget her sacrafice or the sacrafice of her family. They will remain in my prayers always.