The only thing I want is to get my kids ahead. But I don't know how. I have not had time to think about it.
    — Dina Molina, widow, on raising their three children on her own

    Molina was born in Mexico and came to Los Angeles when he was 5. He met his wife while guarding an office building in Santa Monica, where she worked as part of the night cleaning crew. A 10-year veteran, he joined the Marines to support his family.
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    Seven memories of Jorge A. Molina Bautista

    Thank you, God Bless you and your family for the sacrifice. May your children hold their heads and heart high in honor. You are a true hero. Semper Fi.

    — George C.
    May 26, 2008 at 7:14 p.m.

    To the widow of this fallen hero, I served with the Navy with the Marines. My heart goes out to you. My only words of encouragement would be, Trust in the Lord he will guide you to know what to do. I will pray for you and your children. Thier Father is a hero.

    — Retired Navy Corpman
    December 30, 2008 at 1:25 p.m.

    Dear SSG Bautista, I just want to let you know that your son Jorge will be graduting from high school in a few days. I am sure that you are proud of your son You inspired many of us! Jorge's High School Math Teacher Mr. David Kim

    — David Kim
    May 26, 2009 at 1:16 p.m.

    Sergeant Bautista,
    Thank you for your service! You are what makes this country so great! To the family and sons, serve your parents proud and take what this GREAT country has to offer and make him proud! It is not all about money, but how you live your life! Money does make things easy, but enjoying this freedom is priceless! I just watched SlumDog Millionaire and it keeps me focused on how lucky we are to have hero's such as your father to live free! Freedom is not Free, Thank you for your sacrafice, now all move forward and live! Till the end, yours truly,,,

    — Combat Joe
    June 12, 2009 at 3:21 p.m.

    SSgt. Molina, my thoughts and prayers are with your family. i must admit doing you color guard was hard. it was hard for me to bury someone i looked up to. stay strong and i will see you on the other side. ooh-rah.

    — Cpl. Jeffery L. Hansen
    June 15, 2009 at 4:35 p.m.

    To this day, we still miss you. You left your mark on our minds, our hearts, and our souls. You will never be forgotten... Semper Fi

    — Estella & Roberto Santacruz
    November 10, 2010 at 1:26 p.m.

    Jorge, I will never forget you. The times we spent together in the Antelope Valley Young Marines and the memories we shared will always be part of my heart...

    — Jeff Hart
    December 5, 2010 at 11:06 a.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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