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Jose R. Perez, 21
Army, Corporal
Based:
Baumholder, Germany
Supporting:
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Died:
October 18, 2006
Ramadi,
Iraq
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Our dreams were simple. When he came home, we were going back to school, and in a year, buy a house. Then, when we were financially stable, we were going to get married in a church.
— Violeta Perez, widow
Perez preached the virtues of military service -- and in the same breath talked about using his veterans benefits to open a barbershop in his hometown of Ontario. He told his wife that by serving he was "a little closer to being able to give his son all the things he didn't have growing up."
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3 memories of Jose
Jose was a man of his word and feared nothing. He cared about his family and friends and was respected throughout his community. Jose will be missed by many.
Perez always had a smile on his face, and my last memory of him is him passing by me on the way into the house where he passed away, he slapped me on the shoulder as he passed and said
"Almost home baby!".
Moments later the world would forever shine less brightly.
You are missed Perez.
Perez, few years after you are gone, I still find it hard to say Goodbye. What a long road it has been, for me, few years after you are gone, I still dream about you, what a worthwhile path, saying Goodbye is so hard to do.
The thought of how we always chatted is still in me and I remember how you wanted me so bad in the C-Company soccer team in Kuwait during the Battalion Organizational day despite the pain on my ankle, you persuaded me to carry on and amazing we ended up as the champion.
I still feel like I lost a friend and an ally in our fight to protect the country. No doubt Perez, to those who are privileged to know you, knew obviously you worked hard to recognize and protect others. For that, I salute.
May those who follow in your footsteps have the fortitude to fill and forge beyond yours.
You will forever be remembered. And to the two little kids you left behind and wife that we much talk about of, I offer my sympathy. Rest in Peace.
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