Kevin E. Oratowski - Recent Comments - California's War Dead - L.A. Times

Sgt. Brandon Jenson on May 30, 2018

Wed, 30 May 2018 10:55:18 -0700

Seems like yesterday but now has been 14 years how time flys Miss you Brother I am so sorry I could not do more that day I was in the same wave of 3/5 Marines sent over to assist 2/4 Benny and myself was placed into Weps platoon I was with him on this patrol as well as the first one to their humvee three of my brothers was taken way too soon you are never forgotten Brother Semper Fi

Sgt. Major D. T Rodriguez. on May 28, 2016

Sat, 28 May 2016 08:59:06 -0700

I am currently at his grave site right now squaring it away and posting the colors on him while my wife and daughters place flags on other warriors. I never new him but was by his side assisting in treating him when he passed. Semper Fidelis Brother!

Ana luisa vargas on May 4, 2014

Sun, 04 May 2014 12:15:09 -0700

It's has been 10years since my baby boy passaway it still hurt to remember that his no long with me

Petty Officer 2nd class Mendoza on July 18, 2013

Thu, 18 Jul 2013 07:04:16 -0700

I was stationed at Camp Pendleton with ACU 5 home of the swiftintruders. I am so proud to haved served with some of the bravest men I will ever know. Benny I had met one of your Devil Dawgs Sgt. Soriano and we were just talking about things and he mentioned Benjamin Gonzalez from the 3 5. I just want you to know you live through all of us, and everything which is great in the United States you are brother. The real heroes never come home alive. Until we all meet again in the big blue heaven. Fallen , NEVER FORGOTTEN. GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER.

Muriel Mahan on May 29, 2013

Wed, 29 May 2013 06:18:33 -0700

I am sorry for your lost loved one. The Bible says at (Psalms 46:9) that "He will cause wars to cease to the extremity the earth." And (Revelation 21:4) "He will wipe every tear from their eyes and death will be no more." Jehovah God made that promise to mankind. What a wonderful hope.

naomi clarke on May 28, 2013

Tue, 28 May 2013 05:19:43 -0700

Nine years since Bejamin passed away. The bible promised a resurrection (John5:28, 29)Benjamin will live again on the earth, under peaceful conditions.There will be no more wars (Psalms 46:9)

Liz on May 11, 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 06:49:26 -0700

I miss you so much my big brother, I pray everyday for you to be here guiding me I love you a lot you are my hero and I am going to make it far in life because I know its what you wanted. I won't let you down. You died with honor and pride I love you very much you have been a very good Guardian Angel to me my protection and my pride <3 One day we will meet again in paradise.

Sgt. Derieux, A. P. on October 15, 2010

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:53:51 -0700

I met Lance Corporal Benjamin R. Gonzalez Jr. In August of 2001 and we became the best of friends. I was an East Coast Marine from NY, unfamiliar with my new surrounding in California, but he invited me with open arms into his family, his circle of friends, and into his church. I remember packing our gear every weekend, catching the bus from Lima 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines in San Mateo to Oceanside (a forty five minute bus ride), then catching the Greyhound to Los Angeles (a two hour bus ride) and we would talk the entire way as if we hadn't seen each other for years. What I would give to talk to LCpl Benny again. Everyone remembers Benny as trying too hard to get others to get along, or to make sure that everyone was happy. Always telling jokes, always smiling, and always hugging everyone just because. Lcpl Gonzalez and I were selected as Combat Replacements in 2004 to replace Marines and Sailors that died in the war in Iraq near Fallujah. LCpl Gonzalez left Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines and was attached to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines only two weeks after we received the notice that we had to return to Iraq. Two weeks after LCpl Gonzalez left, I was packing my gear on a Sunday afternoon for my deployment to Iraq when I received a phone call from Fide Perez, my "California Foster Mom" (since my family all lived in New York and Puerto Rico, she took care of me, and continues to watch over me today). She told me that Benny had passed away in Iraq, she wasn't sure what had happened, but word had gotten to her of his passing. I don't think I can explain my reaction properly to anyone who hasn't been deployed to a Combat Zone, but I didn't cry, I didn't mourn, and I didn't react. I couldn't react because I was inroute to Iraq myself, and I needed to be focused on what was going on out there and on my mission, to make sure that I did my absolute best to bring all of my Marines home. I didn't want anyone else to receive that living nightmare, to open your door to a Chaplain, and two Marines telling you that your loved one had died. After returning from Iraq, it took me a long time to get myself to visit Benny's grave. I'm not sure if it was denial, or a feeling that I failed him, but I just couldn't face my best friend at his grave site. It took me three years to finally go see him at Riverside National Cemetary, but that first day I did, I stayed there for five hours. What was said there, is between us. If anything, I want people to know that LCpl Benjamin R. Gonzalez Jr died doing what he love to do and being what he always wanted to be, one of the few, one of the proud, a United States Marine. I love him as a brother and I will never forget all that he did for me and the impact he had on my life in the three short years we knew each other. I lost touch with his family in the shuffle during my return from Iraq, but would love to hear from them. Benny, I love you brother in arms. -Semper Fidelis, Tony Derieux Sgttonyd@gmail.com

jImmy on November 17, 2009

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:13:01 -0800

Am so sorry for your lost. it hurts me so much to see my latinos being killed , over a worthless war, but even thought i have my issues with the war thank you for serving america. My prayers are with you and all our soldiers. viva la RAZA!

betsy on January 27, 2009

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:30:23 -0800

dang its been so long and it still hurts so much;; i love you so much and i will never for get you... i promise i wil tell my children what a great sacrafice you have done for them. --i love you big brother