William I. Salazar, 26

Marines, Corporal

Based: Camp Pendleton

Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force

Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Died: October 15, 2004

Karabilah, Iraq

Single

Gender: Male

Hometown: Canoga Park

High School: South Gate Senior High (South Gate)

Burial: Resurrection Cemetery, Montebello

Salazar, who grew up in Lynwood, was rejected twice by the military before he dropped 50 pounds in order to enlist after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He worked as a combat photographer.

Richard Patrick Slocum, 10/24/2004

David L. Waters, 10/14/2004

14 memories of William I. Salazar

“

My man "Salsazarrara"...still years later and I can't believe you are gone. We spent your last day on the island together and still to this day our talks haunt me...you spoke of your dreams to start a family and a production company... with your beaming smiles and infectious laugh I was sure it would all happen.

I'll never forget how we all groaned every morning when you would scream at the top of your lungs, "Ooh -rah!!' Or having to run behind you in formation after we spent the night hitting the bars, smelling like a bar mat, we laughed as you were sweating foam that smelled like beer...always the gentleman you promised not to puke on me. All the good times, U-Tan's, kokisai, gate-2, the barbeques and the times just hanging in the shop...priceless memories.

You embodied what we do as Combat Photographers and Videographers never shying away from danger, documenting all the valors but mostly supporting your fellow Marines.

Will, you were the guy we all wanted beside us in combat.

My friend, you were always the bright star, special, fearless and an amazing Marine...I love you buddy you will never be forgotten.
Semper Fi

” — Sgt. Sarah Harman Mt. Washington, CA, May 28, 2008 at 8:48 a.m.

“

Will was a tremendous person. I was his Brass instructor at East Los Angeles College where he was one of the Trombone players for the Band. He was always asking what it took to be a Marine and how he could accomplish the task. His detirmination was astounding. He dropped weight and was able to become something greater than he ever expected. I can't say enough on how this guy touched the people he was around, and the fact that he has left us only lessens the good people we have in the world today.

I hope his family is well. I hope they know whereever he is he is motivated and helping people. A constant "giver" and dedicated person he will always be.

Will, I hope to see you again someday.

SSgt Christopher Gonzales, USMC
2/7 H&S Company, 3D Civil Affairs Group
OEF Afghanistan

” — SSgt Christopher Gonzales, August 9, 2008 at 10:38 a.m.

“

I was one of William's math teachers at South Gate HS.
I will always remember his warm smile and great personality. He was always a friendly, happy person well liked by his peers!

Algebra was not one of his strengths and when he didn't do well on an exam , he used to tell me "Well, at least I tried Miss!".

During his senior year I remember stopping him on his way to the football field to take a senior panorama group picture. I am so happy to have snapped a photo of him in his graduation gown! High school graduation had to be a proud moment for William and his family!

In 2000 William and another former student dropped by looking for the ROTC teacher at our school. My bungalow was just a couple of doors away. What a wonderful surprise when William walked in after school inquiring about the ROTC instructor. William had grown up and joined the Marines! It was so nice to see this taller, slimmer and extremely polite individual . Little did I know that this would be the last time I'd see him again.

Someone placed a copy of the article and photo of William when he passed away on our Main office bulletin board. I almost didn't recognize him in his uniform. Some of the teachers didn't recognize him either. Once again, all grown up!!

When I pulled out that photo of William in his graduation gown, all the memories of this nice person came back! His graphic arts teacher , Mr. Lund remembers William as a "good guy"!! I will always remember William with that contagious smile!

I am sure that's what he's doing now, looking down on us and smiling!

Forever in our hearts, that's where he'll always be!

” — F.MARTINEZ, July 9, 2011 at 2:20 p.m.

“

Willie, there isn't a day that goes by when you don't run thru my mind. Too many memories. I still have old photos of us, college drawings, a tape cassette you recorded with a msg for me many years ago, & the most heartbreaking,A letter from you that I received after you passed :'( You were my first luv, & you will always be a part of me. Years have passed and it still feels like yesterday when I got the news. I'm forever proud of you , for never quitting on your goal, for serving our country selflessly, for being the hero everyone knew you could be. So much I never got to tell you, but you had to know above all, that I loved you. Always will. Til we meet again in The Lords presence... <3

” — Shelly, March 20, 2014 at 9:14 p.m.

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William I. Salazar, 26

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14 memories of William I. Salazar

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