He told me to take care of myself and my soldiers.
    — George Miranda, lieutenant, on one of their final talks

    The son of Mexican farmworkers, Orozco was a gifted fullback and linebacker who had a scholarship to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he was captain of the football team. He was the first in his family to graduate from college.
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    15 memories of Osbaldo Orozco

    Not until recently did I found out the Osbaldo was a casualty of the Iraq war. A few months back I went to visit my old hometown of Delano California where I grew up and went to Hight school and where I've been away from for quite some time. I went down to the cemetery to visit my cousin's grave and as I walked around I came across the name "Osbaldo Orosco" in a grave. The name sounded very familiar and got stock in my head. When I got back home I searched online for a list and pictures of fallen soldiers in Iraq, and I came across Osbaldo's picture. It was then that I realized that he was a boy whom I sat next to in the locker room of our P.E class. I was not a close friend of "baldo" as everyone knew him, but we had small talk now and then. He was a very nice guy, well liked at school. I always thought that he would have a succesful career in the NFL since he loved the sport so much.
    I thank baldo for his service for our country, and I would also like to thank his parents because they are hardworking immigrant farmworkers that have contributed sweat and tears for this country.

    — Rey
    September 10, 2008 at 9:39 p.m.

    Osbaldo was one of my true and loyal friends...He will always be a hero in my eyes and God Bless his family...I will always remember him and miss him...

    — Javier
    October 6, 2008 at 11:54 p.m.

    Thank you for your selfless service to our country my good friend and neighbor. We miss you very much and will never forget the sacrifice that you made to keep us all free. Airborne - All the way.

    CPT Daniel R. Oros
    US Army Reserve
    Earlimart, CA

    — CPT Daniel R. Oros
    November 26, 2008 at 4:51 p.m.

    Osbaldo will always live in our heart we miss you. thank you for always being happy when i would see you all are family miss you and thank you for all the sacrifice you did for us we love you and you wil always live in our heart.....

    your cousin,
    Lissette Orozco

    — Lissette Orozco
    January 29, 2009 at 7:32 p.m.

    Osbaldo was a very dedicated athlete. I coached him in the 4th grade as well as the 12th grade. He loved the weights. After our workouts were done, he always wanted to stay longer. He was a respectful young man and as he got older, he became a great friend. He comes from an outstanding family with great values. Yesterday was Memorial Day and I just wanted to share with others that I have not forgotten him.

    — Coach Prieto
    May 26, 2009 at 10:33 a.m.

    When i found out baldo was gone...i didnt know what to say,...what to think. Is this really happening? I remember being in the 7th grade and his mom "Reyes" came to my home and talked to my mom. I noticed something was wrong that day in the afternoon when i seen "Ozzie" his brother at school. He was upset, ive never seen him like that. Baldo and our family, We are i guess what i call neighboors. He lived like 5-6 homes away and i can see his home from where i lived. Baldo was an awsome guy, i met him a few times and and he was a brave guy. I was a coward he helped me out. Now im serving my country in the united states marine corps. Baldo il never forget you and im sure our schools wont either. Earlimart middle school and Delano high #45. You were one hell of a guy. Well miss you so much. Thanks again.

    — LCpl Hernandez, Hortencia
    August 28, 2009 at 12:27 a.m.

    "I remeber Ozbaldo back in high school. He was a great sportsman. A giant amoung his class mates."

    — R.A.
    February 11, 2010 at 6:35 p.m.

    BALDO IS A PERFECT ROLE MODEL.HE ALWAYS TOLD ME TO BELIEVE ON MY SELF,AND GREAT THINGS WILL COME.I ALWAYS LIKE HIS ATTITUDE. HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY MIND AS MY HEROE. GOD BLESS YOU #45 FROM #50

    — ANGEL SANCHEZ
    February 17, 2010 at 3:46 p.m.

    From someone here in Texas who never knew you. You have have inspired me to be a better man. I will always have your name in my heart when I think I can't do better. Rest in peace sir, and your name will never be forgotten.

    — Billy Trejo
    February 27, 2010 at 11:30 p.m.

    As you often do, you entered my thoughts today and decided to look for a picture of you. It's tough not having you around. You're truly missed by everyone back home. I still remember the last day we hung out, laughing in the car, and just catching up. Thank you for serving our country, and giving the ultimate sacrifice. You are my hero and you'll always be remembered. Every year I share with my students the story of your life. It always brings me to tears, but I know its because I'm so proud to have been one of your friends here on Earth. I know that eventually we'll cross paths again. Love You Brother.

    — R. Robles
    April 12, 2011 at 2:49 p.m.

    U will always b missed but never forgotten

    — mingo baldoz
    May 30, 2011 at noon

    My heart goes out to his friends and family still! I went to school with Baldo in Delano...He was a perfect gentleman. He always had a smile on and a bounce in his step. He had that unforgettable personality, a love for life, and determination to succeed and be a blessing to others. God Bless his family! Never Forgotten!

    — Celina Manzano
    September 11, 2011 at 11:55 p.m.

    My parents, brothers, and I thank every one for the prayers. God bless you and your families.

    — LA FAMILIA OROZCO
    October 22, 2011 at 4:02 p.m.

    I never had the opportunity to coach Baldo or have him in my classroom, but when he came back to DHS he alway dropped in to see how I was doing. He was special and represented the community at the highest level. He was more than a good athlete or soldier, he was a special individual that we all want our sons and daughters to be. We love you Baldo....Coach Saunders

    — Mr. Saunders
    April 25, 2012 at 10:40 a.m.

    I miss my great wonderful friend.Osbaldo had a great heart,mind,& spirit.We all miss & love baldo.

    — clifton barbee
    April 25, 2012 at 2:49 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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