https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/california-based/brandon-c-smith/ The latest user comments on Brandon C. Smith en-us https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c193763 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c193763 I may not have known Anthony personally, but I am an alumni of TOHS. I wanted to inform you that Anthony Melia is being honored at the Middle East Conflicts Wall memorial in Illinois. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. https://middleeastconflictswall.org/ Mon, 13 Nov 2017 11:49:05 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c190658 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c190658 You will always be in our thoughts and prayers Anthony. Heroes are Legend and legends never die Sun, 28 May 2017 11:05:52 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c176767 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c176767 One of my favorite and last memories of Anthony, was an ordinary day at practice. We were warming up and getting ready for those damn 5 by 3's. All the sudden, we see this soldier in his dress blue uniform walking down to the field. God how majestic he looked. I remember we all went crazy talking to him. He told us stories of training. And and how he was shipping out. I've never felt so much pride for someone than I did that day. I remember thinking I want to be like him. There isn't a day that goes by that don't I think about the time visiting his parents house and seeing his helmet, rifle and boots. It's something that breaks me down.so vivid that day is in my mind when I go the phone call. I felt so many emotions; anger, hatred, fear, sadness, sorrow all I could do was sit and weep and ask why. I used to think how macho I was, but now I can't fight back the tears from my eyes when I see soldiers in movies, on tv or real life. Anthony I know your looking down, protecting all of us, like you always tried to do when you were here on earth. We love you and miss you. You will never be forgotten by the ones who love you. There is nothing I can do to thank you enough. But I will try to live the best life I can, always trying to help people with a smile, like you did. THANK YOU ANTHONY AND MAY YOUR FAMILY FIND PEACE! Thu, 29 Jan 2015 08:38:25 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c129548 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c129548 I wanted to say THANK YOU to Anthony for his service and for my freedom. I will be forever grateful for his ultimate sacrifice and will NEVER FORGET that freedom is NOT free..........Sending prayers of love and comfort to his family. God Bless you all. Tue, 27 Aug 2013 12:04:35 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c128356 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c128356 Dear Anthony, What is the definition of a teammate? In the sky 12,000 feet above the Earth, it is a "teammate" who checks your parachute before you jump, it is a "teammate" who falls beside you at terminal velocity speed - ensuring you pull at the right altitude, and it is a "teammate" who lands beside you in enemy territory. On the ground, it is a "teammate" who walks your side, covering your back protecting you from the enemy. It is a "teammate" who lays down a base of fire so you can maneuver against the enemy. And sometimes it is a "teammate" who lays down his life for yours... Anthony, you define the true and authentic meaning of what it means to be a teammate. You manifested the highest level of humility, caring and willingness of any soldier I have ever encountered. I am a firm believer in God and I believe that Heaven does exist. I also believe that God put you here on Earth for a purpose, and after you achieved that purpose, you simply just went home! I honor you and continue to pray for you and your family... God Bless you! Former Navy Gunners Mate Phillip Jamison Mon, 12 Aug 2013 01:05:44 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c76420 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c76420 Anthony was a member of my community.....as a nurse I cared for his grandmother in the hospital.....as a mom, Anthony was a schoolmate of my son's and a team member on the football team. I cannot even imagine how his family or any family in this situation deals with a loss such as this, except to have a profound sense of pride for his commitment and sacrifice to our country and each and every one of us. I am proud to have an association with Anthony and will forever remember him with gratitude. Mon, 28 May 2012 04:45:16 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c45097 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c45097 We went to school together. From middle school all the way through high school. Always thought of you as an older brother I never had. Always giving me good advice when needed, and I always looked up to you. I was deployed overseas in South East Asia when I heard what had happened. You'll never be forgotten Anthony. We will always remember you. Thanks for all the great memories. RIP brother. Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:50:11 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c43709 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c43709 I don't know this soldiers as I'm just visiting the 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! Many your memory never be forgotten. RIP Fri, 31 Dec 2010 02:29:10 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c42544 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c42544 I went to school with Anthony, played football with him and he became nothing but my older brother.....and for everything he did for me I am grateful. Miss you brother Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:25:52 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c29540 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/anthony-c-melia/#c29540 I never knew Anthony. I worked with his father; who is one of the smartest and kindest people I have ever known. His father often spoke about him and his love for Anthony. I was in China when I heard of Anthony's sacrifice. It touched me deeply. I will never forget what Anthony did for all of us. I know the apple never falls far from the tree. We lost one of the best. On this day I remember the Melia family. I thank you all. Sat, 29 May 2010 04:28:55 -0700