Osbaldo Orozco, 26

Army, 1st Lieutenant

Based: Ft. Hood, Texas

C Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment

Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Died: April 25, 2003

Tikrit (near), Iraq

Married

Gender: Male

Hometown: Delano

High School: Delano High (Delano)

Burial: North Kern Cemetery, Delano, Calif.

The son of Mexican farmworkers, Orozco was a gifted fullback and linebacker who had a scholarship to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he was captain of the football team. He was the first in his family to graduate from college.

Jose F. Gonzalez Rodriguez, 05/12/2003

Troy David Jenkins, 04/24/2003

21 memories of Osbaldo Orozco

“

Not until recently did I found out the Osbaldo was a casualty of the Iraq war. A few months back I went to visit my old hometown of Delano California where I grew up and went to Hight school and where I've been away from for quite some time. I went down to the cemetery to visit my cousin's grave and as I walked around I came across the name "Osbaldo Orosco" in a grave. The name sounded very familiar and got stock in my head. When I got back home I searched online for a list and pictures of fallen soldiers in Iraq, and I came across Osbaldo's picture. It was then that I realized that he was a boy whom I sat next to in the locker room of our P.E class. I was not a close friend of "baldo" as everyone knew him, but we had small talk now and then. He was a very nice guy, well liked at school. I always thought that he would have a succesful career in the NFL since he loved the sport so much.
I thank baldo for his service for our country, and I would also like to thank his parents because they are hardworking immigrant farmworkers that have contributed sweat and tears for this country.

” — Rey, September 10, 2008 at 9:39 p.m.

“

When i found out baldo was gone...i didnt know what to say,...what to think. Is this really happening? I remember being in the 7th grade and his mom "Reyes" came to my home and talked to my mom. I noticed something was wrong that day in the afternoon when i seen "Ozzie" his brother at school. He was upset, ive never seen him like that. Baldo and our family, We are i guess what i call neighboors. He lived like 5-6 homes away and i can see his home from where i lived. Baldo was an awsome guy, i met him a few times and and he was a brave guy. I was a coward he helped me out. Now im serving my country in the united states marine corps. Baldo il never forget you and im sure our schools wont either. Earlimart middle school and Delano high #45. You were one hell of a guy. Well miss you so much. Thanks again.

” — LCpl Hernandez, Hortencia, August 28, 2009 at 12:27 a.m.

“

I still get teary eyed when I read About my good friend " Baldo". He was a very well Respected Gentleman who always managed to cheer you up even in your darkest days he would brighten it up. His great smile and positive attitude really motivated one. I remember Hanging with him a couple of days before he left for the Army. He was hyped up telling me he wanted to be in the F.B.I When I heard he was gone it really shock me. I didnt believe it. I was in denile thinking to my self " The F.B.I or Secret service hired him and faked his Death" He will always be rememberd. Thank You Sir For your Sacrafice for our Country. Thank You Friend for the Wonderful Memories.

” — R Sanchez, June 1, 2012 at 3:23 a.m.

“

Pelon-

You were truly one of a kind. I only knew you for a short period of time but you were always a big brother to me. I'll always remember your infectious smile, personality, and pride that you had for your people and your hometown of Delano. I remember one of the last conversations I had with you and I'll never ever forget when you told me that you would die for your country if you had to. I get emotional thinking about it bro but the only thing that makes me feel at peace is knowing that you loved serving your country. Every time I see a flag or stand for the National Anthem I always blow you kiss and say your name, man. I miss you, I thank you, and I can't wait to see you again at them pearly white gates in Heaven.

Your Cal Poly Brother,
David Watts #29

” — David Watts, May 29, 2017 at 12:59 p.m.

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Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org

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Osbaldo Orozco, 26

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21 memories of Osbaldo Orozco