California’s War Dead

    Ming Sun

    Ming Sun, 20

    Army, Private 1st Class
    Ramadi, Iraq
    Gender: Male
    Foreign Country of Birth: China
    He wanted to do something for his country. He loved the military. He wanted to be a man, you know, like a soldier.
    — David Sun, father

    Ming Sun came to the U.S. from China in 1995. He wanted to join the military straight out of high school, but had to attend community college while waiting for his green card. At Sun's funeral, his parents were presented with papers granting him U.S. citizenship.
    Times obituary
    « Mark J. Daily, 01/15/2007
    Lawrance J. Carter, 12/29/2006 »
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    Four memories of Ming Sun

    There are no words that comfort a parents loss, and even the family loss. Time does takes it toll on all. Someone said the wounds of death finally closes. But, in truth you will always remember that soul. I grieve more for the family than our nation.

    — paul
    May 26, 2008 at 2:44 p.m.
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    I miss Ming. Personally, his death hurt me a lot. High school days are over but i still remember just like yesterday that Ming was in my class. But out of everyone in our group Ming stood out the most because of his smile. Its been an honor to personally know him and to be his friend

    — Gilbert Napenas
    November 2, 2008 at 2:27 p.m.
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    I salute you for your bravery and sacrafice for our country.

    — Lt Col A. Liu, USAF
    November 24, 2010 at 11:03 a.m.
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    I don't know this soldiers as I'm just visiting the 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! Many your memory never be forgotten. RIP

    — Kevin Gregory
    December 31, 2010 at 2:23 p.m.
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    Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org
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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 736 California servicemembers and 490 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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