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Giann C. Joya Mendoza, 27
Army, Sergeant
Based:
Ft. Carson, Colo.
Supporting:
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Died:
June 28, 2007
Baghdad (southern part),
Iraq
Gender:
Male
Hometown:
North Hollywood
High School:
Birmingham Senior High (Van Nuys)
Foreign Country of Birth:
Honduras
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He was awarded his citizenship posthumously during his funeral. We were grateful and appreciative of that.
— Orlando Useda, stepfather
Mendoza was born on the Fourth of July in Honduras. After completing his first tour of duty, he took a job at Los Angeles' Mondrian Hotel, working his way up from busboy to an accounting position. But he felt himself being pulled back into the military.
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2 memories of Giann
One time, my brother was playing my grandmothers terrace and I was downstairs with my mom. I asked our mother, "Mom,can I have some coke?". My mother said OK, She then realized it was just enough for a few sips, she told me, "Carlota don't tell your brother, or else he'll get mad for not drinking any." I said. "OK mom". I went on my way and saw my brother coming in my direction. "What are you drinking?" He asked me in a strong tone of voice. Trying to hide the identity of my drink I said " COFFEE" I then took a sip and said "Ahhhhhhhhh." (I was drinking from a coffee cup.) He grabbed my cup and drank from it and finished the hole thing. I am 7 years younger than Giann. I was 5 at that time and his was 12.
Sgt. Joya, we used to be the crew together in my platoon Sgt.'s guntruck. He was the gunner and I was the driver. He is a good soldier. A good friend and very cheerfull. He watched over me all the time on patrol and I got his back. Same time we are on the battle field. He is brave. I miss you, Sgt. Joya. You, Sgt. Martinez, Sgt. Kim, Hiltz, and Workman will always be remembered... We love you.
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