https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/california-based/john-k-rankel/ The latest user comments on John K. Rankel en-us https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c195997 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c195997 Fuiste grande, mi sangre, gracias por tan bonitos recuerdos, siempre estaras en nuestros corazones, en nuestras mentes, nunca olvidado, siempre recordado honrrando tu nombre y tu lucha... Thu, 05 Apr 2018 01:34:06 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c180429 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c180429 MEMORIAL DAY 2015 Giovani was a good friend and roommate, who served with my two sons Thomas and Robert Hellman as a Navy Corspman at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda MD. He was the bravest young man I have ever known. While he was on route to Iraq, he wrote me the most beautiful heart felt letter just weeks before he was killed by a roadside bomb. His letter said that he wanted his legacy to be that he loved his country more than anything and was prepared to give his life for it. I still have the letter. Geo had the kindest soul, and just wanted to help people. He had dreams of becoming a doctor, and went to pharmacy school with my two boys. I had the pleasure of meeting him at his graduation ceremony from the Navy School of Health Sciences along with my two sons, where they all received their Certifications in Pharmacy. I had dinner with him along with my boys after the ceremony. From the moment I met him I knew he was special. Ironically at the graduation ceremony, I didn't realize that I ended up taking more pictures of Geo than my own sons. He became like a a stepson to me, and always talked to me on the phone when my boys would call home. He was so respectful and always referred to me as "Mama Hellman". I sent him homemade brownies before he went to Iraq, and he told me jokingly that he wouldn't share any of them, and would only let his buddies smell them. Lol. There are so many amazing stories to tell even after he passed. One particular story of how my older son had prayed for peace after his passing, and for God to give him a sign to let him know Geo did not suffer, and how the next day he was picking up wounded soldiers from the airport in Bethesda MD. to bring them to back to NNMC, and that one of the Marines he picked up was with Geo in the Humvee when they were hit. This marine was the only survivor out of 5. Geo did not suffer he told my boy. The marine was not supposed to come in that day, but was scheduled for the following week to come back to the U.S. My son told the marine it was also his last day of medivac duty, and that if he had not come in that day he would never have known the extent of what happened to Geo. God had given my son the peace he needed to try and go on. My boys truly believe that it was a sign from Geo... How proud Geo would be of my boys today, who have gone on to have sucessful careers in pharmacy. My older son Thomas, is a Pharmacy Lab Tech, at Trinity Hospital in Tampa FL, and my younger son works at Tampa General Hospital as a CPT specializing in IV's. He attends USF college and will be graduating in a few years as a Pharmacist. We will never ever forget Geovani Padilla. You have attributed to my boys determination and willingness to suceed in your honor. They loved you like a brother. Rest in peace Geovani. We all love you, and your legacy will live on forever. God Bless. Love, Mrs. Diane Hellman dianehellman@yahoo.com Mon, 25 May 2015 07:52:59 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c126534 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c126534 Geovani was my cousin and I never really got to know him as I was only 6. I do remember that he was always happy, always laughing. He is extremely missed. Sat, 27 Jul 2013 11:11:05 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c117645 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c117645 7 years ago today Iraq time... You are truly missed by all of us and we will see you again someday I will be by soon to see you love ya bro Carman Richard Hospital corpsman Us navy Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:24:57 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c58831 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c58831 Geovani a great friend who I will always remember. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:57:11 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c50624 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c50624 He was a friend of many true to many. He will be truely missed by everyone he touched. Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:35:15 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c49126 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c49126 My America is South Gate. I carry South Gate in my heart. For there I carry this young hero in my heart. Sun, 03 Apr 2011 10:40:37 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c49100 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c49100 Mi querido primo: yo se que desde antes de escribirte este mensaje tu ya saves su contenido. Te quiero y extrano tanto!!! aunque en cada reunion familiar tu sigues estando presente por que todos te recordamos, espero llegar a estar junto a ti algun dia. Love you! Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:37:45 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c41102 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c41102 Remembering you today, my friend. Thank you for serving our country. Your picture sits next a beautiful wooden cross in my living room. You will never be forgotten. We will see each other once again Geo. I love you. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:27:25 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c39201 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/geovani-padilla-aleman/#c39201 I can't believe Geovanni isn't here. I grew up with him. We went to Breed & Hollenbeck & Roosevelt together. We even lived a block away. I am so sad to hear this. I know you were a bright guy. I will miss you very much. May your soul rest in peace. -Roxana Salas Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:20:55 -0700