Claudio Patino IV, 22

Marines, Corporal

Based: Twentynine Palms, Calif.

3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force

Supporting: Operation Enduring Freedom

Died: June 22, 2010

Helmand province, Afghanistan

Married

Gender: Male

Hometown: Yorba Linda

High School: El Dorado High (Placentia)

Burial: Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside

Patino died June 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was on his third combat deployment, having previously served in Iraq in 2008 and in Afghanistan in 2009. He had returned to Afghanistan in March.

Marc A. Arizmendez, 07/06/2010

Kevin A. Cueto, 06/22/2010

29 memories of Claudio Patino IV

“

I met Claudio, when i was in summer school in 7th grade with natalie and sasha. We all had science together, and some other classes too i believe. They soon became my best buddies after that, and ill never forget what a wonderful summer that was. In high school i had a few classes with Claudio where he always talked about his dream of becoming a Marine.. He was such an awesome and wonderful friend to me throughout the years, he was friendly to everyone, and always had a smile on his face. He knew what he wanted to do in is life and i am so proud to have known such an amazing, brave, and all around wonderful person. Thank you Claudio for serving our country with honor. You will be missed by so many, but never forgotten!!

” — Katie Owens, June 25, 2010 at 11:02 a.m.

“

My heart is in pain and my mind is troubled with the news of Claudio's death. I was watching the Fox last night and that solidified any doubt that his death might have been a false report. I remember picking my sister up from Yorba Linda Middle School and meeting Claudio for the first time and I thought wow, what a name! Over all though, he was a very well mannered kid, chubby and kind of silent, but nice. I also remember when I was showed a photograph of him after basic training and was blown away by his transformation. I am deeply affected by his passing and I dont know why. Perhaps he possesed a power so grand that when it reached its peak it radiated like the sun affected everything below, lighting the nights' sky as he made his final journey. I dont know.I do know with absolute certainty that I will never forget the day I met him and the day I learned of his passing and I will always strive to do everything I can to be better, not because thats what he wanted, he didnt know me, but in honor of his bravery and sacrifice. Now you are in heaven and you know all of the worlds mysteries and with all sincerity I'd thank you for everything you have done for our country. Peace be with you Marine.

” — R.B., June 25, 2010 at 11:24 a.m.

“

I do not remember Claudio that much in grade school, but my first memories of Claudio was in junior high. Just passing by you could tell that he was just an original guy. He had a style all his own and always looking old school in a plain white tee, blue jeans and converse and a million mile stare. He was the toughest guy I knew even though he could take me down anytime he never touch me except to grab my hand and pull me close for a one armed hug. Claudio was one of those guys that you just wanted to be around because he was sincere, honest, and made you feel a part of things. Claudio has, and will forever have, my respect, my love, and a place in my heart.

” — Cameron Justice, June 29, 2010 at 8:30 a.m.

“

Claudio was such a great person, inside and out. He was a true friend to all, and a true hero to this country. I feel so honored and blessed to have met him, and to have had him as a friend. The fondest memory I have of him is going to Fullerton and dancing the night away with him and a bunch of other people. He was able to let loose a little that night, and forget about all his worries. Also, another memory I have of him is his last going away party. This was the last time I got to hug him, and I remember, when he was saying good bye to me, he just held me tight for a good 30 seconds as if he knew he was not going to come back this time. He died doing what he loved to do - serving his country. He is my hero, and I will never forget my time shared with Claudio. I will always carry him in my heart. Thank you for everything Claudio. You have touched my life in so many ways.... Until we meet again... I love you! RIP <3

” — Candace Mercer, June 30, 2010 at 12:18 p.m.

“

Claudio has been such a huge part in my life hes been there for all of my childhood at yorba linda from elementry to middle school to high school..I remember the times when he would come over to are house and watch movies and eat dinner with me and my family...I met him through my brother esbardo dominguez they were best friends,brothers!!!Everytime he was around i felt so safe like nothing would happen to me.. there were times when my brother would be picking on me and just beating me up pretty much being a brother and everytime claudio was around my brother wouldnt even try it cuz he knew that claudio would be beating him up!:] Claudio was my hero always saving me!!. He was like superman!!His grandma was always at are house hanging out with my mom just talking and everytime we would walk back home with her to claudios house i would get so excited to see claudio because he was so much fun to be around he was always making me smile and laugh. Claudio Patino was family he was my big brother growing up and he will forever and always have that place in my heart i love him with everything. He is the defention of a true brother, true friend, true marine a TRUE HERO!!!Im so honored and blessed to have had him in my life and as a brother im going to miss him and his smile and his laugh and just his soul and heart. I dont think that i will ever meet someone like him again so i will cherish everythhing and every moment that i got to spend with him. Thank you claudio patino for always being there for me and my family we love and we miss you so much. I cant wait to see you again, till then i will live out my dreams just like you did and i will never give up because i know you wouldnt never want me too!Like you and esbardo would say.. "To die would be an awfully big adventure." I love you claudio so much and i miss you till the day we meet again!!!!Thank you for being a huge part of my life,I have finally found my true inspiratioin..R.I.P<3333

” — Judith Dominguez, June 30, 2010 at 7:29 p.m.

“

I read all these awesome post and newspaper articles and realized that the man I work with had a lot to do with developing the character of this present day war hero. I took my 20 year old son to the viewing-hoping he would realize the forces that are against us in this world. On the drive home-we talked-he got the message. Freedom and democracy is not cheap-yet a price can not/should not be put on a human life-especially from the lives of our youth. However-freedom does have a cost-sometimes in the ultimate way...Claudio Patino IV, I salute you and thank you for serving our country. You have renewed my spirit that today’s youth in our society still cares and is willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we believe in. My God bless you abundantly. Semper Fi!

” — Vincent Boeding, July 2, 2010 at 8:35 p.m.

“

Through the years, Claudio would come to our door asking permission to retrieve a ball or some toy that accidently flew over the back fence into our yard. Even when he was little, we knew he had a presence about him that was purposeful, respectful and direct beyond his years. As a teen, he came to the door one day and, a little embarrased, asked if he could come into our back yard to get his knife. He was target practicing with a friend and they "missed". We occasionally had to ask him to aim lower when he was shooting some type of pellet or BB gun. He was definitely a marine in training throughout his life. A true warrior. Claudio, you inspired respect and awe in us. You lived a purposeful life. We will miss you and honor you in our hearts and actions.

” — Sheri Jackson, July 3, 2010 at 10:14 a.m.

“

I was assigned to the Marines from Task Force THOR(U.S. ARMY) out of Kandahar, to perform Route Clearance in Helmand for the Marines. I left down there in early June and was remissioned back to Kandahar. I was headed home on R&R leave after my first 7 months in Afghanistan. It was very hard as I was ushered onto a C130 transport aircraft bound from Kandahar Airfield to Qatar with Cpl Petino next to me going "Home" for his final time. I stared and I wept to myself at the flag draped coffin of this Hero. Me, a 38 year old Marine and Army Combat Veteran...I asked God "Why not me instead of him. I have 5 children and a wonderful wife..I have gotten to live and love, God why him?". I have been home since November of 2010 and ther isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about this young Hero and our five hours on that plane. . To the family of this Hero..Marine, thank you for sharing this amazing hero with us all and for his unselfish dedication to his family, country and fellow Marines and Soldiers. . God Speed Cpl Petino, until we meet again continue to watch my back.

” — SSG Walter Gresham, June 2, 2011 at 7:15 p.m.

“

Tonight, I thank God for people like CPL PATINO, a Legend, all who have served and are serving this nation, have earned a space in history. I read every single comment, and I wept at some of your friends words, I could hear their voices and feel their emotion. When I think of the close calls most of us had out there, I think to myself, I did not have to know them all to Honor them, I take nights like these to think and meditate on the sacrifices made, the ultimate price that was paid. 6 years down the road and your death resonates, ringing loud and clear. La Sangre, llama, La Sangre, a Patino in Truth and Indeed. We do "advance on the enemy" foreign or domestic, we do abide by Honor, Courage, and Commitment. We are living according to helping the helpless, we are Forever Faithful! Tonight, I rejoice in remembering CPL Patino. My heart tells me you are living, you are alive for eternity, May the Lord continue to pour out His Blessings Upon your Family and May He Grant them Comfort, May the fruits of the Spirit be upon them all, Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Goodness, Gentleness, Faith, Meekness, and Temperance. May every single life you touched, remember the Good Times of your presence here on earth. You are Living Forever and my children will hear the tale of CPL PATINO, who "pushed himself into the line of fire so Small and the other two would know where to shoot." OOH-RAH! In Jesus Name. Amen.

” — Bryan Patino, February 20, 2016 at 3:47 a.m.

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Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org

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Claudio Patino IV, 22

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29 memories of Claudio Patino IV