Mario K. "Kawika" De Leon, 26

I only knew Deleon through stories my son told me about him. They served in the Army together and both were from California so they had that in common. He told me that they shared the same type of personality, always joking around, smiling and laughing. He loved Deleon like a brother. I have never seen my son cry but when he read of Deleon's death, I know that he broke down. I felt helpless to comfort him but wanted to hear all the stories of the times they shared. He attended his funeral and will never forget the impact Deleon had on his life. He wears a black bracelet that bears Deleon's name daily. On this the third anniversary of his death, we pray that his wife and son are doing well. Gone but not forgotten.