Julio Vargas, 23

Marines, Corporal

Based: Camp Pendleton

3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force

Supporting: Operation Enduring Freedom

Died: July 20, 2010

Helmand province, Afghanistan

Married

Gender: Male

Hometown: Sylmar

High School: Sylmar Senior High (Sylmar)

Burial: Forest Lawn Memorial-Park, Hollywood Hills

Vargas was killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan, according to military officials. Enlisting in the Marine Corps in February 2008 was just another step in Vargas' life plan. He hoped to complete his duty and then go to college to gain the skills needed to specialize in forensic policing.

Mario D. Carazo, 07/22/2010

Brian F. Piercy, 07/19/2010

32 memories of Julio Vargas

“

I have know Julio and his family for more than 15 years. Growing up in the bad areas of this city we nevertheless had hope for a better future. Sadly we didn't see each other the past few years since everyone was busy with school and work, however we always acknowledged each other when he came to visit. He was an awesome friend, brother, husband, and son. I am still saddened to know that there is still a war, and countless families are being affected. Nevertheless Julio was raised like no ordinary son. He was taught by wonderful parents the importance of education, responsibility, religion, and most importantly: love. He loved his family to the fullest and was always humble. I only hope the family can remember Julio for the many people he has touched, including mine. From playing as childhood friends to the goals we shared, Julio was a wonderful example to our community. We give our condolences to the family and friends, Julio will never be forgotten.

” — Jafet Sauceda, July 23, 2010 at 4:34 p.m.

“

I had the priviledge to know this exceptional youn man for 8 years as a bishop of the LDS Church. One of my best students in Early Morning Seminary program, well behaved. He had a deep love for God, his family, his friends, and his country. Once I asked my seminary students to put down their thoughts on how they see themselves in the future. Julio wrote that he will be in the Navy Seals or the Marines, that he will find a special person to marry, that he will be a police officer and study to become a lawyer, and then a judge. He returned with honor after serving for 2 years as full time missionary of the church and as a boy scout he lived the scout oath, " On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people at all times, to keep myself physical strong, mentally awake and morally staight." We'll miss you Julio and may God bless your love ones!

” — Jose Nunez, July 25, 2010 at 11:20 p.m.

“

Julio Vargas we went to Sylmar high together. I was joining at the same time you were brother. I joined and never heard anything or any news after i left, until Wednesday when my wife came into my garage and asked me if i knew a Julio Vargas. I replied yes why and that’s when i found out about the devastating news. You were a great and smart kid Julio, and an outstanding marine i bet. You died in combat defending your country keeping America, California, and Sylmar the 818 safe. I, LCP. Tony Velasquez will always remember you as a friend and as a brother Julio Vargas it was an honor to know you, may you rest at ease and in peace.

SEMPER FIDELIS!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND
ORAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

” — LCP. VELASQUEZ, July 27, 2010 at 12:53 p.m.

“

"Born To Fight, Trained To Kill, Ready To Die, But Never Will". You my fellow Devil Dog, are among the IMMORTAL!!! It's my honor to have known you my brother in green. I remember being at Camp Whitsett with you guys, tagging along because there was no one other than my cousin Johnny Nelson that would go from the Arleta ward. Article I of the Military Code of Conduct States: I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life". You have demonstrated just that brother. I will never be anywhere close to the man nor Marine you are Cpl. Vargas. "Here's health to you and to our Corps which we are proud to serve; In many a strife we fought for life and never lost our nerve; If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven's scene: They will find the streets are guarded by UNITED STATES MARINES." Save me a place among the few, my brother. If I prove myself worthy one day in the eyes of God, we will meet again leather neck! . Hooraah DEVIL DOG! Love you Bro

” — Former Marine LCP. Andrade, July 28, 2010 at 9:48 p.m.

“

I worked with Julio when he was back in the states, we were in the same squad when we were doing the work ups for the deployment, Me not being a grunt and being MT didn't like doing the stuff that we were training to do. But Julio was always there with me during those humps up huge hills walking side by side to me tellin me we're almost done (even though we still had miles upon miles to go) but Julio was always there for me when i wasn't feeling right. always kept me motivated. Before they left i got sent back to my section cause they were cutting numbers for how many marines they could take. and we always talked about being there for eachother and always having our backs. when i found out about Julios death i was devestated. and couldn't believe it. Cpl Julio Vargas will always be talked about to my Marines and letting them know that he was the fine definition of a United States Marine.
Semper Fidelis.

” — Michael Miano, August 18, 2011 at 4:01 a.m.

“

I remember growing up with Julio and his brothers, Ulises and Agustin. They were always good little boys. They stayed out of trouble most of the time. I remember the twins called me their "hero" for beating up some little boy that had messed with them. I just laughed at the time. Now I think about it and it makes me smile and cry because now they both turned out to be the heros they thought I was to them. It really hurts to remember them growing up always laughing. . and to know that one of them will no longer be laughing with us. Julio like his twin have always been the happy cheery type of guys. When I found out about Julio it broke my heart, I just couldnt believe and didn't want to believe that one of the twins was no longer with us. All I could think of was those little boys I saw grow up.. and how painful it was to know one was gone and his family left heart broken. Augies twin Julio is now looking down on his loved one's from heaven, smiling cause he knows they're gonna be okay. My prayers go out to you and your family. It's been years since we've seen eachother but it feels as if it was yesterday when we got into trouble together or I got you guys and my brothers out of it:-) Julio, love you buddy and you're in a better place now. You died fighting for US... you'll never be forgotten... you were and will continue to be a role model for many of us. R.I.P

” — Lupe Gonzalez, August 18, 2011 at 2:38 p.m.

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Julio Vargas, 23

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32 memories of Julio Vargas

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