https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/ The latest user comments on Alfonso Ochoa Jr. en-us https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c181719 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c181719 10/9/2015 Dear Ochoa family. My name is Ellie Wood. I am a runner and am here in Washington DC running in the Army ten miler. I have run many full and half marathons, including the Marine Corp marathon in 2013 and 2014. I ran in 2013 for my dad, Major Frank Ferrante (USMC) it was amazing to have him there to cheer me on and to wear his dog tags that he wore in Vietnam. As I was running the race at mile 12 I came upon the blue mile. I was overtaken with sorrow as I saw pictures of those who passed away serving our country. I have decided to run in honor of a fallen soldier and asked for a Marine and was given your family members name, Marine Lance Corporal Alfoso Ochoa Jr. I am honored to run meaningful miles for the fallen, fighting and families. I would like to learn more about Alfonso if your wiling to share. elliefwood@gmail.com Sat, 10 Oct 2015 06:10:42 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c59263 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c59263 Dont knw were to start but it brings me lots of memories from high school fonso I remember u as always getting me in trouble for ditching class or when I'll be wondering the hall ways you will always get me in trouble an tell me to get to class you will tell me not to go the wrong way I will tell u I dnt get the class u will answer me nothings impossible if u Listen And ask for help thank u for looking out for me my brothers will never tell me wat u would can't believe ur gone fonso so lucky u were part of my life and got to be ur friend may u rest in peace Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:33:12 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c30293 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c30293 Alfonso, mi Hermano you will never be forgotten. It feels like it was just yesterday you had me talking to the recruiter out on 7th street. Even though you knew I wanted to go to the Army. It brought tears to my eyes to hear that you past away, It was only a month in since I started my deployment when I heard. We had great times in High School and JR High. Especially in Spanish class and being office TA's. I will never forget you fonso, as my brother in arms and as my friend. My most sincere condolences go to your family Te quiero mi Hermano y con dios de vas. Sun, 06 Jun 2010 08:31:44 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c19267 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c19267 My name is John. I was 2nd team leader in Ochoa's squad. I just wanted to say that nobody can appreciate what he's done more than I can. He was one of the best marines I've ever met. Always doing what he was told without question, and never complaining. Whenever he was on security while we were on a mission, I knew I would be able to rest easy. The day he fell had made me numb to everything that had been going on since we had been there. It was such a shock, I couldn't react emotionally. I thank him every day I'm here, because I have a newborn son. It could have been any of us in the back of the truck to dismount and sweep, but Ochoa jumped out first. It's painful to think about, but thanks to his sacrifice, my son will still have a father in this world. I am deeply sorry for your loss. He was a very good man with a very good heart. He was dependable, and our squad loved him very much. Your family and He will always be in my prayers. Thankyou for giving the world a man like him. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:56:13 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c18914 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c18914 I did not know Alfonso, but I am in awe of him and other young men and women who sacrifice their lives to make the world a safer place. Their depth of goodness is very moving and inspiring. I am forever grateful. May God Bless Alfonso and your family! Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:37:25 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c18840 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c18840 Familia Ochoa. I took some time for me to come here, and find a way to share my thoughts with you, especially since its a only been a few days since you said good bye to Alfonso. I'm a Staff Sergeant, and have served in the Marines since November 1992. I grew up in Lemoore, and Armona so hearing of a Marine passing from where i grew up hit home with me. I have a little 2 yrold girl, I cannot imagine , nor do I want to try to feel what your whole family is going thru, my heart is out to you. Always know that when Alfonso joined the Marines, your Family grew even more. Alfonso will forever be a Warrior whom fought, and served HIS country honorably...This November 10th the MArine Corps birthday, I will drink to him.. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:40:22 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c18812 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c18812 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ochoa and family, There are no words that can possibly ease your pain and feelings of loss. Alfonso impacted many and will be remembered, not just as a Brave and Honorable man, who was committed to his duty; but, as a close and trusted friend and man who was very giving and caring for all of his friends. My step son was Alfonso's room mate in Hawaii. Alfonso, our son and three other Marines became very close friends. While our son became a member of Golf 2/3 and was deployed at Now Zad and Dahaneh, in Helmand province, Alfonso and the other three became part of Echo and Fox. The five friends, kept in touch and even other members of our family and Alfonso became friends and kept in touch on Facebook. His humor was infectious and his character beyond reproach, a loyal and wonderful friend for those fortunate enough to have the opportunity to know him. My wife and I first learned of what happened to Alfonso via one of the close friends who was deployed with him. My wife informed our son by phone. As I see other Marine families, reaching out to you, perhaps only another 2/3 and Marine families would understand what you have gone through during these past 6 months and especially now. Know that all Marine Families are here to support and stand with you. It's been said that our grief and sadness serves as a testiment to the impact of his life and the honor of his character. As the 2/3 Marines are now headed back to Hawaii, his four Marine brothers and our families, also grieve Alfonso's loss. There is no way to separate the young man from the Marine; nor, the Marine from the young man. They are forever joined and yet it is the young man, who served as a Marine that we all remember and we honor. Thank you for Alfonso and for the opportunty to know such fine young man. We are blessed and forever impacted because of him. We will hold Alfonso and you in our hearts. Rob Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:58:22 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c18793 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c18793 dear alfonso, i wish i could"ve met you ,i met your father and he is a great man therefore i know you were. we spoke alot about you and through him i could tell you were also a wonderful solider . i never got to say hello but you had my husband and i at goodbye . we love you very much and will see you soon dont party to hard and tell god i said hello =) sincerly nini Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:45:30 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c18727 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c18727 To Alfonso's family and friends This is not easy for me to hear about or speak on, but I too am deeply saddened for your loss. It will be 5 years on the 30th when I lost my son in Iraq. He too was a MARINE stationed in Hawaii...and was only 20 years old. The hurt and loss will never go away, but you need to come to the understasnding that the Lord wanted your Marine in Heaven with him to serve a much greater calling...a calling that we will not fully understand until we see our loved one again. I was sad to hear that the funeral service is today 10/22 I would have loved to attend. I would love to speak to you and meet with you if you'd like. I live in Hanford and teach school in Armona where I understand Alfonso went to school. Please know that I will pray you all find the strength to get through this time and please call me anytime day or night if I can help you. Siempre Fi Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:51:34 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c18679 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/alfonso-ochoa-jr/#c18679 Dear Ochoa Family- I am sitting here in tears at the loss of your beloved son. My son LCpl Alex Minsky was one of the first to be critically injured from the 2/3, June 1st, when they first deployed. He is recovering and I am thankful. I can never say that I can imagine how you feel, because I can not, even watching my son at deaths door. After spending these past months in many military hospitals and with marines. I KNOW his brothers will NEVER forget him, and we shall not either. I will pray for your families strength and thank your family for your sons desire to be a marine. I was there when they graduated, as they went to boot camp together. We honor your sons service. Jackie Minsky Orange County, Ca Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:42:09 -0700