Jonathan Antonio Vega Yelner - Recent Comments - California's War Dead - L.A. Times

Michael Bradshaw on May 27, 2018

Sun, 27 May 2018 07:58:32 -0700

I miss ya bud. I think about you a lot. More so around memorial day.

Parker James Hoogesteger on October 6, 2017

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 09:07:28 -0700

Well what can I really say except thank you with all heart and soul to one of the most brave and selfless serving soldiers I have ever met. My name is SPC. Parker James Hoogesteger and I was SGT. Yelners Gunner on the day we were hit by an IED that sadly ended his short lived life. I did not really know him that well personally but on that satin that brief little time I chatted with him up until the tragedy I felt I knew my whole life. I often carry a tramendous amount of guilt and blame and pain for his family and friends because I was schedualed to drive on that day, he saved my life by sacrificing his for mine and lord knows I've carried it almost as a burdon of guilt and shame he is gone. I've never really had the opportunity to express this to anybody and I do want his friends and loved what a special son and loved one they truly were blessed with. I was scheduald on the roster to drive that day but do to lack of experience on the gun as yelner had with driving he had the roster switched so i would be on the gun and he wanted to drive. He and I were planning a mid tour Euro Trip leave together where he and I would tour Europe together for the first two weeks of leave and then part ways to spend the last two weeks with our friends and family back in the states, we were planning this all out dicussing in detail during what we thought would be a fast trip back to the saftey of FOB Kutchbach in Tag Ab Valley when the tragedy suddenly ended his life wounding myself and two other in the vehicle. I've been living and hiding the guilt and pain ever since and have never spoken of it until now and want all his loved ones and those close to him to know that he lives in my heart and that I may not really have lived my life as thankfully and carefully as I should have but I am eternally greatful of his sacrifice and are very much thankful to be here and alive today because of his sacrifice. Yelner is a true hero, a true lord, and a true savior and I thank him and his family for their sacrifice and are forever in their debt. I love all my brothers and sisters in arms and after my rock bottom tumble I would have never been able to recover back the Hoogy I was when I served along side them. Because of all the mental stress of combat I had a bit a mental fallout for a while and I apologize to friends and loved ones I scared over that ordeal but I am striving hard to bring back the Hoogy everybody knew me as, and finally speaking out about all this lifts a lot of the pain off my heart and soul. In the short time I knew him Yelner became more than just a friend or a hero on that day, I want all his loved ones mother and father to know he became my savior, and I truly am forever greatful. Amen. Rest In Piece my brother Jonathan Yelner and I am forever greatful of your sacrifice. SPC Parker James Hoogesteger

Daniel Wand on September 16, 2013

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 10:35:08 -0700

Jonathan, my friend, buddy, and rock during deployment. I remember how when times got tough you shrugged it off as it was nothing. You never let anything that happened get you down. When they called you to replace me you answered without hesistation. When I learned you had passed I blamed myself since you replaced me. Now that the years have passed I guess your faith has rubbed off on me because I realize that you were doing what you loved; serving your country. Not a day goes by that I do not think of you and your sacrifice. I work twice as hard, I love my wife and kids twice as much, I strive to be the best twice the normal. Because I am living your life and mine. You will always be in my heart and on my mind. You will never be forgotten and will always be remembered. Love, Wand

Imari Bracy on October 17, 2012

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 05:22:02 -0700

To the family and friends of patrick D, Feeks I would like to offer up my deepest condolences to you. This must be a difficult period in your life but i want to share a comforting message with you found in the bible at John 5:28,29 Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out. During this difficult time i hope that this can provide you some comfort. God also tells us 9 that he will make wars cease to the extremity of the earth

Donna Henderson on September 12, 2012

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:46:35 -0700

I just wanted to express my sympathy to the Feeks family over your loss. One day we will see a world of true peace. Young people like Petty Officer Feeks will never have to sacrifice their lives again. It is a comfort to me to know that our loving heavenly, Father Jehovah will soon make all wars to cease to the extremity of the earth according to Psalms 46:9. Then his son, Christ Jesus, will call forth all those in the memorial tombs to a resurrection promised at John 5:28,29. And earth will be restored to a paradise just as it was orginally intended. With perfect people living forever in peaceful conditions Psalms 37:28,29.

Yolanda Vega on May 16, 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 05:28:13 -0700

Jonathan, my son, there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I remember how happy you and your brother made my life. Of course, I miss you. I know that Mathew misses you more. We are a great family. So, Mathew will grow up to be a great man. And, you and I will be proud of him. Mathew and I keep your memory alive. I am very grateful to everyone who contacts me and remembers your dedication. I have so many beautiful stories of you and Mathew. They bring me peace. The additional stories from your friends are a gift. G-d bless all of you. And, those of you who are still serving - Be Careful. We want you home. Love, Mammi

krystal on April 14, 2012

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 05:46:08 -0700

THANK YOU!!!!!!! For your sacrifice, words do little to describe our sincere gratitude. However, There is a hope for a future where such wonderful people will not have to die in the wars of the world. ISAIAH 2:4 And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore....REV 21:3,4-"death will be no more"

Steve Holquin, Henderson, NV on July 8, 2008

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:41:54 -0700

As an Air Force Veteran I am proud to call Jonathan a brother. My heart felt sympathy goes out to his Mother, Father, Step-Father, Brother and all his friends. It doesn't matter that we never met. We are brothers who wore the same uniform and shared the same expierences. We raised our hands and swore to defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foregin and domestic. There will always be a special place in my prayers for Jonathan, his family and friends. God Bless you Jonathan for making the ultimate sacrifice.

Gary Liban, RN on July 6, 2008

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:43:47 -0700

I would like to extend my sympathies to the family and friends of an admirable young man and a true American patriot. I'm sure that I speak for many of my fellow Americans and veterans that Jake's ultimate sacrifice do make a lot of difference in keeping this land in particular, and the world, in general, a safer place to live in. I pray for the safety of the other like minded youths who are serving in various parts of the world. For every militant we put out of commission, the less the threat from extremists that constantly threatened our way of life. Jake, your ultimate sacrifice is fully appreciated by a grateful nation. Rest in peace, my brother.

Bethany Elliott on May 27, 2008

Tue, 27 May 2008 07:37:13 -0700

I miss you so much....forever in my heart!! <3