Justin A. Verdeja, 20

Army, Private 1st Class

Based: Ft. Carson, Colo.

2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Died: June 5, 2007

Baghdad (southern part), Iraq

Single

Gender: Male

Hometown: La Puente

High School: James A. Garfield Senior High (Los Angeles)

Burial: Resurrection Cemetery, Montebello

Verdeja was the second-oldest of six boys who grew up with their mother in East Los Angeles. He entered the military so he could someday buy his mother a house.

Andrew J. Higgins, 06/05/2007

Greg P. Gagarin, 06/03/2007

13 memories of Justin A. Verdeja

“

Justin Verdeja was my team mate, class mate, co-worker and one of the best friends I have ever had. When it came to the title of "Big Brother," he truly set the standard. Truly, one-of-a-kind. The times I had shared with him are ones that I will always cherish and never forget. Many years have gone by since his passing, but still his courage and displays of heart still warm my heart all the time. For that man to knowingly face the dangers he did over there... and now here I am, enjoying the freedom of typing this right now... thank you, Justin. We will always have those party bus chauffeured dances... blocking for your speedy, arm slinging ass... racing home together in your del Sol after working long nights at the Rose... side by side with you, David, and 'Kadia... "serenading" auditoriums full of girls... to now sharing that great value of family, you always preached about, with my daughters. Dude, I know you're watching over us when my youngest enjoys her peaches cold. Love you & miss you, carnal. -Fonzo

” — Alfonso Perez, January 13, 2013 at 7:13 p.m.

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Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org

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Justin A. Verdeja, 20

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13 memories of Justin A. Verdeja

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