Luis A. Montes, 22

He was a great man, he was honest sweet, he was the best man I ever meet. I live in Mission texas and every month or wherever he had a change he drived all way here just to see me. I was very pround of him. He was my boyfriend it had two years and two monts since he left and I still miss him. Love you Luis.

I looked up my name and read that luis a montes also from california was a hero 2 his familia and country, I read his story and made me proud 2 sher tha same name of a real hero .

I went to elementary school with Luis Montes, and I remember he was really good at soccer and was a wise cracking kid. It is a heartbreak to know he left this world so young. He is in a good place now.

Luis and I shared many similar ideas even though we grew up in completely different circumstances. I enjoyed working with him while on missions and kicking back on our down time. Take care buddy.

I served with SGT. Montes at fort Hood in 1/22 Inf. We went to the NCO Academy and roomed togather. He always found away to make the hard times seem easy and fun. He was a great person and leader, he did what he did not to be a Hero but just because that was who he was, a true American and a great friend. He will never be forgotten.

Luis Montes was a great kid, he went to school with my oldest daughter Jenny. Luis joined our soccer team when he was maybey 13 yrs old, until he left to the Army. Not only was he a friend to my daughter he was my son, he would come by my house every day after school, and he would drink his tea and always asked for cookies, its funny how little things make memories. I have only the most and best memories from Luis Montes a real , true HERO, who died helping others, that was his nature always helping others.... he was such a happy person, always smiling and joking around. Never will I forget that beutiful smile... R.I.P LUIS MONTES you will never be forgotten... Alex and Martha Ramirez your coach, and the owner (inside joke)....

You were a great cousin and brother to me. I miss you so much. I cant believe its been almost three years. I still cry sometimes when I think of you, but I know we'll be together someday.

I wrote this for my nephew Luisito soon after he passed. I found it, today and wated to share it with all of you.

In the words of uncle Miguel Vallejo:

SGT Luis A. Montes was born to become our family’s first grandchild, and first nephew. From that moment, our lives were filled with joy. As he grew up, we experienced a multitude of satisfactions. I cannot recall any events that would’ve diminished these satisfactions. Luis conducted himself ahead of his time. He lived life to the fullest, channeling his time and energy into positive things. His choices always made us proud. The people who knew him loved him and respected him, and now admire him.

I red a number of posting from individuals who learned about Luis in the papers, I was moved to tears. One individual expressed this during a vigil:
“This morning in the Washington Post online was the headline, "13 U.S. troops killed in Baghdad in the last 3 days." The story said 24 U.S. troops have been killed since Saturday. If these soldiers had the courage and the character of Sgt. Montes, the cost of this loss to humanity was priceless”.

For me it was humbling to see Luis grow into such a noble person. He cared for his friends and family so much that he would always put others before self, and he did until the last moments of his life.

Luis left his liberties and safety behind to defend ours. Now, he is in heaven; well done faithful servant!