All he wanted to do when he turned 18 was to join the Army, which he did. He wanted to get out of the house and into the world. He wanted to make it a career. He was signed up to be in it forever.
    — Priscilla Cardenaz, sister

    Cardenaz died Feb. 20 in Kunar, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades. Cardenaz had served in Kosovo twice, in Iraq twice and was in the middle of an Afghanistan tour when he was killed.
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    16 memories of Michael David P. Cardenaz

    My Condolences go out to Michael's family.
    His sacrifice and yours is honorable.
    Matt Penalber

    — Matt Penalber
    February 23, 2010 at noon

    My thoughts and prayers go out to your family Chile. You would light up a room with your laughter and and heaven has gained an amazing angel. I am so sad for the loss of such an amazing person. May you rest and peace and may comfort come to your family....

    Love you always,
    Nessa

    — M. Vanessa Brenes
    February 23, 2010 at 7:25 p.m.

    Even though I haven't seen you in close to eight years, I will never forget you Mike. You were a true soldier. I salute you my brother.

    — VICTOR BERBER
    February 24, 2010 at 11:55 p.m.

    I and every single person big Chile ever met will miss him. A good man a good friend. I'll miss you battle.

    I'm an army recruiter here in corona. I need to contact Michaels parents or spouse. My office # is (951) 735.8325.

    — Paul Carrisoza
    February 25, 2010 at 10:11 a.m.

    We will all miss you, SSG Cardenaz....I will never forget the leadership and selfless service you gave to our company and the soldiers under your wings. You are a true leader and I pray that the Lord comfort your family. GATOR TOUGH!

    — Brant Kang
    February 25, 2010 at 6:14 p.m.

    Michael's service was held this last Thurs. & Friday. I'm sure Michael was watching from heaven. The service was touching and unforgettable. Michael you will be forever in our thoughts..

    — Valerie
    March 7, 2010 at 10:11 a.m.

    Big Chile you will be missed dearly, my thoughts and prayers go out to your family. til we meet again.

    2/2 INF REGT
    bushmasters lead the way

    — LANNY WILSON
    March 8, 2010 at 11:11 a.m.

    In our church bulliten,we list fallen service men /women who died in Iraq and Afghanistan during the previous week or so. The minister prays for their families and the empty spot at the dinner table. David was listed along with 6 others last week Our church can be found at stuartpresbyterian.org and in Stuart,VA ( USA ). We are an EPC church

    — John Johnson
    March 9, 2010 at 6:50 p.m.

    REST IN PEACE HOMMIE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS.

    — sgt arias, sammy
    March 30, 2010 at 3:31 p.m.

    REST IN PEACE BIG CHILE AKA SSG CARDENAZ. YOU COULD FIND HER WIFE IN AKO. SHES A SSG. SHE WORKS IN EVENS HOSPITAL IN FT CARSON.GOD BLESS YOU HOMMIE. THANKS FOR HAVING OUR BACK

    — sammy
    March 30, 2010 at 3:51 p.m.

    Big Chile.....you will be greatly missed. Even for the short time I knew you I thought you were one of the most influential people I've met. I'll miss all of you jokes and card games. We'll take over from here, thanks brother.

    — CPT Rodney Bolden
    May 7, 2010 at 11:07 a.m.

    I don't know this soldiers as I'm just visiting the LA Times website. I thank him and his family for his dedication to our county. Thank you for keeping America free and protecting our beliefs. It's because heroes like you my very young daughter will be able to live freely in this wonderful country. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! RIP

    — Kevin Gregory
    December 16, 2010 at 9:35 p.m.

    Home of the Free
    Because of the BRAVE!
    Missing you making me laugh Big Chile.

    — John Altenes
    February 3, 2011 at 11:30 a.m.

    R.I.P Big Chile. I will eat a 4x4 for you the next time i am in California.

    — Cory Lloyd
    March 1, 2011 at 2:24 p.m.

    We were in a class in high school together and dated in Junior/Senior year . I recall when he ended our relationship before to joining the military. I didn't attend the 1oyr high school reunion but I was always curious. I found out recently that he passed away. Sad to read and happy he established a military career and family. RIP Mike

    — A R
    October 28, 2011 at 8:47 a.m.

    THANK YOU!!!!!!! For your sacrifice, words do little to describe our sincere gratitude. However, There is a hope for a future where such wonderful people will not have to die in the wars of the world. ISAIAH 2:4 And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore....REV 21:3,4-"death will be no more"

    — krystal
    March 31, 2012 at 11:02 p.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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