Tony J. Gonzales, 20

I have known TJ for about 9 years. I met him when he was 12 years old and I became good friends with his mom.
In the years after that meeting my whole family became very close to TJ and his family.
My children (especially my oldest daughter Jessie) felt as if TJ was like a cousin to them.
Though we have many memories of TJ the one that stands out in my mind the most was when he was 12 or 13 and we went to have pizza and he sat and told me his lifes plan. He knew what he wanted out of his life even at that young age.
He wanted to finish school and go in to the army and then spend the rest of his life as a police officer to follow in his dad's footsteps.
I thought even back them how sweet it was that he had his whole life planned out.
He will be missed very much...and our love and prayers go out to his family.

Everyone back home knew him as TJ, but those who served with him knew him as Gonzo. Gonzo was such a loving and kind hearted individual. He would go out of his way to make sure those around him were happy.

All Gonzo ever talked about was being like his dad. He had so much respect for Tony and looked up to him so much that he made up his young mind that after he left the Army he wanted to go into Law Enforcement. This is all we ever talked about. We both wanted to be cops. I don't know anyone who would have protected us better than Gonzo.

To Tony's family and friends, he loved you very much and was so proud of ya'll. I want you to know that he'll never be forgotten! My prayers are with you in these difficult times, God bless you all!

My brother Luis Perez was Married to Tony's sister Megan,When i first met tony he was really shy and quite but he was friendly,And loved to have fun .. i remember when the whole family went to lake tahoe he was trying to show me how to throw a horse shoe but i couldn't . that day was really fun . Tony will never be forgotten and he will always be in our hearts and prayers.he is now in a better place . one day when it is our turn we will see him again . he is now with god and the angels .my prayers are with the gonzales family .

Dear T.J.,
Today, Cameron and I will join your family and friends to say “Goodbye” to you.
I still remember, about ten years ago, when your parents brought you and your sisters along for pre Christmas visit at our house in the Los Gatos hills. You were so excited by the number of doors you counted.
I also remember you helping your dad keeping all the kids safe during the Los Gatos Christmas parades.
Last week we heard that you had paid the ultimate price in the defense of your and our country.
We are sad that you had to give up your entire adulthood so the ones you are leaving behind can enjoy the many wonderful blessings that the United States offers.
From now on, whenever I open a door in our house or drive through the streets of Los Gatos I will think about you and your boyish charming demeanor.
When my time comes, I will look for you.
I know exactly where you will be; in the Temple of Heros.
Simin, Natalie, Cameron, and I bid you adieu until we meet again

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! As his anniversary of his death nears, know that his dedication to our country and sacrifice will never be forgotten. RIP

My dearest soldier,
I didn't know you, but I want to thank you for your sacrifice. My dear parents are buried there with you. My father is Larry D. Owen, staff seargent in the Marine Corps from 1954-58. Take care of each other in heaven. Rest in peace!

i will never forget tony and how he always had a smile on his face! me and him would get up at 0500 to fly a uav and i would be in such a crappy mode, and leave it to tony to smile and say something to make me laugh! i miss him like he was my brother! the day of his memorial in Iraq i couldn't help but cry! if tony's mom and dad read this i have a few vidieos i can send you that i have of me and tony, please know that he was a great solider and a great friend! R.I.P BROTHER!