Rudy A. Salcido, 31

He was a true leader. He was unique because he was looked up to and he also one who could be your friend. God Bless you Rudy and thank you for sacraficing your life for me and my future. I hope that America will never change that of which you fought and died for: Freedom and love for our country.

I did not know Mr Salcido. But he's a homeboy from La Puente where I grew up and I can not thank him enough for his sacrifice and service and would like his family to know that I will live the best life I can in honor of Rudy and his commrades.

SFC Salcido was a soldier all the way through. He belonged in the field. He hated sitting behind a desk but did what he had to. It is always a shame when a soldier dies doing his job, but we do it because we love it. Jennifer, I hope you never sell his truck, he did love it. I remember the day he got it, he came it to show it off to us and brag about the deal he got. That is what I will always remember.

I didn't know SFC Salcido at all but I was a member of the 1-133rd Infantry that provide security for him on November 9, 2006. I was the first gun truck to arrive at his destroyed vehicle. I was shocked that no other soldier had existed their vehicle to help out but I guess one could be confused on the situation at the time. We pulled his driver from the wreckage and called for a medic. I remember hearing a pops hitting against my truck but before I could act the pings stopped. His driver kept saying I can't find my truck commander and he later stated that he was getting dizzy and our medic took over from there. While the injured soldier was being treated the soldier I proceed to locate SFC Salcido. I can't remember alot after finding his remains just that he had a wedding ring on and I kept thinking Jesus he has a wife back home and most likely children. I began to feel guilty seeing how my truck was directly behind the IED blast. We checked for a pulse and found what would be the last seconds of his life. My driver says to me after a night of drinking once that he could have saved him but I know we where to late and nothing more could have been done. We did look for a triggerman and raided a house nearby but whoever had set of the IED was gone. So I guess with saying all that the name SFC Salcido has been branded in my memory. My god bless his family and my deepest sympathy.

SGT Durkin James
C CO 1-133rd Infantry

Rudy was my step son and he is very deeply missed. I didn't know about this site until I read about it in the paper today. I am grateful to the LA Times for having this site and to all who post memories and thank yous . Rudy was a hero to his sisters and brothers and they still have a hard time dealing with his loss. I miss him dearly and can still hear his laughter and his voice. To all who have lost a loved one to this conflict that we face I feel your pain and pray for your families. It is especially hard around the holidays because it was such a joyous time for our family and Rudy was the biggest kid and one of the best present givers. We do our best but the loss is always there.

Thank you to SGT Durkin and his driver for helping in any way that they could we are sure that you did the best that you could and we know that the Army was where Rudy wanted to be.

God Bless All Who Serve

Kathy Salcido

he was my cousin, and i didnt know him much, mostly beacuse i was only 8 years old,and we hardly visited each other. but im sure he was important to alot of people, because he has done so much to protect our country.
I LUV U RUDY!!

I went to high school with Rudy and I will always remember his sense of humor. My heart goes out to family and friends. Thank you for your service Rudy.

SFC Salcido was a very Honorable person both in and out of uniform. I am very glad to have served with him at the 18th Cavalry. He is truely missed.

I remember Rudy everynight. The last thing that he said to me was he had a present in his room for me that he would give me when he returned. He was an outstanding soldier and a good friend. He understood what we were doing I know this but it still hurts to this day. In a few days that tragic day will once again pass and I am left thinking why him. He was not manifested for that convoy but at the last moment added due to his expertise with our electronic warfair equipment. I ask everyday why I made that decision. I want it back.

Russell Thomas
2nd PLT SGT
1114th Trans

I served with SFC Salcido in Iraq. He wasn't in my Plt but i helped fix his trucks and the few times I talked with him I had alot of respect for him because he took care of his soldiers and soldiers around him.

SPC John Young
Maint Plt
1114th Trans

SFC Rudy Salcido was my Soldier. I met him in 2001 when I arrived to Germany. He was my Private at the time, but he had leadership written all over him and everyone saw it. It wasn't long before he had made the rank of SGT and we were ordered to go to Kuwait to prepare for the invasion of Iraq. I can't even count how many times he made things happen and always looked out for everyone. We would study for his promotion board (with the Captain, only he knows what that means) and we always were together. I miss him every day but especially more so at this time of year. I miss you man...

SFC Sean M. Cook
23rd Ordnance Company
Grafenwohr GE

I met Rudy through my best friend, who also is his Wife.
He was a very spunky and caring man. He also was alot of fun. Jennifer was his love and he was hers.
They were very cute together.
I think of Rudy often and thank him for everything he had done for our freedom and giving Us the lifestyle we have today.
Thank you Rudy <3
You'll always and forever be missed each and everyday !!!! R.I.P.Rudy !!!!

I knew SFC Rudy Salcido pretty well. We met in 2001 when he arrived to my unit in Germany. We were privates at that time and we would compete to see who would make E-5 first. (He won). Rudy stood out to me the first day I laid eyes on him. We shared a lot of good times together. We deployed at the same time. He was the model soldier. True and genuine at heart, a natural born leader and very well liked. Dedicated, motivated, professional and well balanced. His energy easily rubbed off on others. I get angry sometimes when I think of what happened to him. Hero is such an understatement to me when describing this man. Rudy, I can never say the words I miss you out loud without shedding a tear. Your memory lives.

SFC Salcido and I were PVTs together in Germany. He was one of the best men I've ever known and still today it hits home hard. He leaves us with no sorrow, but great memories as a friend and brother. Rest in peace my friend, you will never be forgotten.

SGT Matthew Tillett
1/160 SOAR (A)
Ft. Campbell, KY

This man was my brother, a true solider...
he always told me "buck up solider" when i was feeling down...
i really miss him even through we will never know what really happened and why they recovered "special equitment"
on a volentary mission for a beer trasport , or why head general of thee inational guard was there at his funeral for a SCF...
i would love to know why but i will never...
My brother... My hero
i was that kid in the news papers in the camo... i wore it in order to represent what he was fighting for..
Peace, liberty, freedom , and family
R.I.P my hero...

Okay, I don't know rudy but he is my fiances hero. When Rudy died, my love had such a difficult time adjusting with that one death. He will always be in his heart, and I know that. He doesn't like thinking about it but, I know that deep inside he wants to talk to his brother one more time. As for myself, Rudy sounds like the greatest person ever. I have never seen him but I have seen pictures. Any loved one of Joseph Salcido's, is a loved one of mine. R.I.P. Rudy A. Salcido, Double Duece...

Tomorrow marks the 6th year anniversary of the death of SFC Rudy Salcido. I meet Salcido in Feb. of 2000 in Fort Jackson SC. We were in basic training together. It was obvious from the jump he was natural leader. He went out of his way to help others in need to include me. He shared many stories about his love Jennifer, and his one and only daughter Gabby. I remember asking him if he wanted to go to church with me and the 1st few times he said no. Then he began to realize it could be a way to get some time to himself. Next thing you know Salcido volunteered to be an usher. We stayed in contact for a while as we went our separate ways on to AIT. I was stunned to her the news of his death a few years ago. I got a hold of his Mom whom which I met at a family fun day; and I told her how sorry I was. She consoled me. She told me he wouldn't have had it any other way. In my heart I knew this was true. Salcido is a true American hero. I will celebrate his life tomorrow and I will honor him on Sun. (Veterans Day). Everyday I wake up and thank God for people like Salcido who have willingly laid their life on the line so my family and I can remain free. My you RIP SFC Salcido and may God wrap his arm around your family and comfort them when that are missing you most. Your battle in training Rangel.