California's war dead: Tribute to a son

Chad,

Today June 7, 2009, would have been your 31st birthday. We miss you more than ever. They say it gets easier with time. I can't imagine missing you will ever get any easier. We met some of your closest buddies including Cody, Sgt. Lei, Bryan,and many others, last week at Ft. Campbell.

They had some awesome words to say about you, some serious and some very funny. The visit was very emotional but very inspiring. We were so proud to call you our son. We went to your stone dedication ceremony, saw the new display in the lobby at headquarters with your pictures and dogtags. We met other Goldstar parents at a luncheon hosted by Col. Johnson and his wife, went to the unveiling of the sketches of the new memorial wall, where your name will be engraved when completed, in the fall. We drove down Trimble Blvd. which they named after you...And we also attended the Currahee, 506th Brigade Ball at Opryland Resort.

It was awesome but very, very sad knowing you should have been there with your wife, not us. Bittersweet... We left sad but just as proud as ever of our son, our hero, America's hero, always. But today being your birthday I can't help remembering you on the day you were born and your years growing up.

Not only were you an awesome soldier but you were also my precious little boy. We love you son!! I know in my heart you're watching over us and that you know of all the respect and honors you've received from all who knew you.

Forever in our hearts!!!
Love,
Mom and Dad

Posted Sunday to California's War Dead database on Army Private 1st Class Chad M. Trimble, 29, of West Covina. Trimble was killed when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb near Gardez in eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province, south of Kabul.

Read more comments left for the 539 Californians who have died in support of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

-- Megan Garvey

A soldier remembers a true brother in arms

Since the Iraq war began, there have been more than 4,000 troop casualties there. In addition, the U.S. has lost about 680 military personnel in the war in Afghanistan. More than 500 service members from California are among the war dead.

Here is a comment left by the brother of a dead Californian soldier who recounts his sibling's life and what it is like to be deployed:

"My name is Isaac Isaiah-Luke Ramsey. I'm Jacob's older brother. I didn't realize that this page existed until today, the 13th of May, 2009. Currently I'm writing from Mosul, Iraq, in the MWR. I was perusing the photos of one Drea Kim, and I came across a website that she had left as a comment on her photos of Jacob. I heard the news at 1:00 in the morning on 11APR09, though it really didn't hit me until we opened the casket, I knew that I was going to be in for a rough road. Now that the funeral is over, and I'm deployed, things seem to be back in order. But the saddness haunts me still, and the hopelessness I feel, the despair over what happened can't be expressed in any human language, and the extent of how unfair it seems to be that after the death of my brother, we have to continue living, but we do. It seems that the death of a human being isn't important to stop time, to shake history. How wrong it seems that my brother won't be remembered in the history books for countless ages to come. If it wasn't for those in power, my brother would probably still be alive, because he never would have had to be deployed. And if it wasn't for those terrorists in the Middle East, so many more grieving mothers would still have their babies. The world is unfair beyond question, beyond reason. I'll miss my little brother very much. At least I got to spend the last year of his life with him. Whether that was Providential or not, I don't know. He was a caring young man, and throughout my life I knew in my heart that he was a better man than myself. He was inwardly good; I was merely doing the things I did because they appeared right, and I didn't want to cause a rift in the social fabric of my surroundings. Always the better man. Jacob will forever be missed. Nothing can replace him. If there is any way that I can immortalize him, I will. He doesn't deserve to be forgotten by the rest of the world."

R.I.P. Jacob I. Ramsey
07-12-88 04-10-09
Kabul, Afghanistan

— Isaac Ramsey
May 13, 2009

Be sure to read more about the lost veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars at our California War Dead special section.

-- Jacky Guerrero

Nobody knows about me or about our love...

The following note, originally in Spanish, was left on the profile of Sgt. 1st Class David Nunez, 27, of Los Angeles, who died May 29, 2008, in Shewan, Afghanistan. Translation by Times staff writer Robert Lopez.

Posted by Gloria:

You were a womanizer, lier, and drinker. But this does not take away your good qualities. You were human, and like all humans you made errors. Nobody knows about me or about our love, and they never will know in reality what happened with us. It made me sad to see you buried and your death in this way. But my comfort is my memories of you and the time we lived together. We were very happy in that time. What I do know is that your only and true love was your work. You died doing what you wanted most in life. In reality I never understood what it was that you did but just hearing you talk about it was enough to know that you enjoyed it.

Now you can rest, you did your part in this battle.

You will always live in my heart.

Original Spanish version after the jump.

Nathan K. Bouchard, 24, of Wildomar

Army Sgt. Nathan Bouchard of Wildomar, pictured right, died August 15, 2008, in Samarra, Iraq.

Bipsy:

I met Nathan when we were in drama together at Mt. San Jacinto and I also knew him through our Christian college group, the Fold. My favorite memory is this: He called me at three in the morning and said, "Bipsy, I'm joining the army tomorrow! Let's go to the beach! Right now!" So we drove to Oceanside, went all the way out to the edge of the pier, and he said, "You've got to try this-sit on the edge!" It was pitch black, so I was a little scared, but he was right, it was awesome. All you could see were the seagulls white bodies and their reflections shining on the black, glassy water. It was surreal, like floating in space. I only saw Nathan one more time after that, before he died. I'm so thankful to God that I got to have that special memory of someone so in love with life. He knew how to live it with passion and died fighting for what he believed.

Christopher Stanley:

I knew Nathan when I was a college student in Savannah, GA. Our local hangout of choice was a karaoke bar where I eventually became the KJ (karaoke DJ). Nathan was was lively, fun, and just an all around decent human being. I always looked forward to Monday nights, as it was usually really empty at the bar, except for Nathan and Jay. The three of us would just take turns singing, sometimes opting for Kamikaze karaoke (someone chooses a random song for you) to pass the time. I believe that it was Nathan who discovered we had a song in our catalog called "I Farted On Santa's Lap". I'm glad I had the chance to know him, and I will always miss the heck out of him.

You can visit Sgt. Bouchard's profile in our California's War Dead database to leave your own comment. A list of all recent comments is also available.

--Ben Welsh

Remembering the dead and debating the war

When Arlynn Palacio posted July 4th about her nephew Army Specialist Rel A. Ravago, 21 of Glendale, she sparked a debate about why we were at war. Ravago was killed in action in Iraq in November 2003 when his vehicle was attacked by a mob.

Palacio, who signed her post "Rel's aunt who aches for him" wrote:

"AS WE CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY, LET US NOT FORGET THAT WE CONTINUE TO ENJOY OUR FREEDOM BECAUSE OF THOSE WHO GAVE UP THEIRS.

PLEASE JOIN ME AS I CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF ONE OF THEM, AN EXTRAORDINARY YOUNG MAN WHO REMINDS ME DAILY THAT FREEDOM DOESN'T COME FREE."

Later that day "anomous" wrote:

"I am sorry for your loss and he was a brave man, but your statement about protecting our freedom would be true if only he had died actually protecting us from a country who hurt us. How long will the Iraq connection to 911 lie go on?"

To which Palacio responded:

"With all due respect to your comment…but, this space is too small to elaborate on my statement. The sole intention was to commemorate my nephew’s 5th year death anniversary this year by remembering not just him but everyone who gave up his/her all, be it in blind faith or not. I am not here to widen a rift on this issue. The ONLY truth my whole family and I know is that there is not one day that we are spared from the pain of not ever going to have the chance to welcome him back home alive after having served our country. Although we have days better than others, we have yet to experience the feeling of a healing wound. Rel did not die believing that he was 'actually…' but in what he actually believed was his duty to do."

Another reader, who signed the post as a soldier who had served two tours in Iraq also weighed in:

"To Anonymous comments. First Iraq has nothing to do with 911. 911 was cause by Al-Qaeda's network consist of Saudi, Yemen, Somalis and other foreign nationals which Taliban giving them safe haven in Afghanistan. Iraq, well its another issue whether you agree to it or not. Indenpendence was won by blood by our founding fathers. The founding fathers believe that in order for them to be free from England was to fight for its Freedom. Iraq is pretty much the same way. Since Saddam was to strong everyone that was oppose to the regime was dealt with right away. Living and fighting in Iraq for 2 years and ending up with a disability. I would not hesitate to go again to be with my band of brothers. Be greatful that you live in America that is being protected by my band of brothers. Also when you see a soldier in uniform thank them for keeping the bad guys from coming over to America's soil so you don't have to go to malls, movie house, and restuarant were a suicide bomber explode themselves. Be thankful that you are not sitting in traffic were a car all of a sudden explode next to you. As for me I have live through that for 2 years and fighting also. So be thankful for your freedom that you are able to express your opinion. FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE IT HAS BEEN PAID BY OUR FOUNDING FATHERS WITH THEIR BLOOD, AND SOLDIERS BEFORE US AND SOLDIER AFTER US FREEDON WILL STILL BE PAID BY BLOOD WHO BELIEVES IN OUR FREEDOM."

To read more about the more than 500 Californians killed in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq--and see what other people have said on the memorial pages--visit California's War Dead database at latimes.com/wardead.

--Megan Garvey

A Soldier Remembers his Fallen Friends

On June 29, one year and one day after their deaths, Arvin Reyes wrote to four comrades in the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. The Army unit is based based at Ft. Carson, Colo.

The California men, along with Spc. Dustin L. Workman II, 19, of Greenwood, Neb., were killed in Baghdad when a roadside bomb exploded.

Reyes wrote to Sgt. Shin W. Kim, 23, of Fullerton:

"Sgt. Kim, my friend. I was there for you and didn't leave you. You were there for me and save my life. I owe my life to you. I can't ever repay you. I don't know what's God planned for the life of everyones life. But it was such a heartache that I felt when you left us. We love you Kim. We miss you. You're a great soldier and a hero. You are always remembered.

Of Private 1st Class Cory F. Hiltz,  20 of La Verne:

"Hiltz, a good friend, smart, and funny. We love you Hiltz. You are always remembered. We pray for you.                

On Sgt. Giann C. Joya Mendoza, 27 of North Hollywood:

"Sgt. Joya, we used to be the crew together in my platoon Sgt.'s guntruck. He was the gunner and I was the driver. He is a good soldier. A good friend and very cheerfull. He watched over me all the time on patrol and I got his back. Same time we are on the battle field. He is brave. I miss you, Sgt. Joya. You, Sgt. Martinez, Sgt. Kim, Hiltz, and Workman will always be remembered... We love you.

And to Sgt. Michael J. Martinez, 24 of Chula Vista, Reyes said:

"Sgt. Martinez, I miss you. I know you're just looking down at me. I am trying to get better. You know me, I am still trying to recover. I almost give up. There's still so much thing going on with me. Anyway, you're always my team leader. You lead me the way to be the great soldier I could ever be. You were there for me, for the rest of our platoon and company. You did your very best. Thank you for everything that you've done. You are always remembered. We love you..

You can read more about these men, as well as 499 other Californians who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and post your own comments at our California's War Dead database.  A list of all recent comments is also available.

--Megan Garvey

Brian Cody Prosser, 28, of Frazier Park

Staff Sgt. Brian Cody Prosser of Frazier Park, pictured right, died December 5, 2001, in Showli Kowt Afghanistan.

Patrick J Horton:

Brian, I remember your humor, atheletics, kindness and the good times at lunch and long bus rides home with the "Hill Kids" to Frazier Park when we went to Maricopa H.S. together. You inspired me to join the military myself five years ago, by your example and with the hope of partly picking up the job where you left off as best as I can. I hope to be one quarter as good at it as you have been. Your legacy is the now free country and people of Afghanistan who enjoy so many of the freedoms Americans often take for granted; they can vote, have free speech, women can be educated and pursue the career they want and all this without threat of reprisal or being stoned to death as with the Taliban regime. Whatever the critics say, I hope they pause long enough to realize that it's soldiers like you that have pushed back the darkness of tyranny the world over throughout history and that soldiers love peace first and most since they may pay the highest price for it as you have. The poet Edmund Burke said, "All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." For me you exemplify the honor of recognizing that risk and rising to the challenges to see that good prevails. Things are not perfect in Afghanistan, but they are moving in the right direction and you helped protect and position their leader so this process could move along. I hope they never forget you for it, I'm sure I never will. I also hope I can pay my respects to you at Showli Kowt, Afghanistan one day, but until then you are often missed, my friend.

You can visit Staff Sgt.  Brian Cody Prosser's profile in our California's War Dead database to leave your own comment. A list of all recent comments is also available.

- Ben Welsh

Navy Hospitalman Marc A. Retmier, 19, of Hemet.

Last night the Times' Megan Garvey reported that the paper's count of California servicemen and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan had reached 500 with the death of Navy Hospitalman Marc A. Retmier, 19, of Hemet.

Within hours comments began pouring on Retmier's profile page in California's War Dead, the Times' database of the state's casualties. Here is a selection of what readers had to say.

Mary Machado:

Marc was my cousin, the son of my dear cousin Joy. I wish for her and all the family of Marc the strength to make it through their greif and loss.

Marco:

Another one of American's Finest gone. I will pray for the family tonight. I'm always so impressed at the men and women of this younger generation giving so much. God Bless America!

HA Boykin:

Marcs death is hitting everyone at Bethesda National Naval Medical Center hard. This shows just how many peoples lives hes touched in the short time hes been here. Our hearts go out to his family, they are paying the ultimate price for the freedoms we take for granted. We're going to miss him, the Navy lost one of its finest.

Dina:

Marc Retmier was definately one of the finest. I had the honor of attending Corps School with him and sitting in front of him every day in class. He was a great guy and will be missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

"Gutierrez was my drill sargent when I went through Basic..."

Sgt. 1st Class Luis E. Gutierrez-Rosales of Bakersfield, pictured right, died July 18, 2007, in Adhamiya, Iraq.

Naomi C Nicoletti:

Gutierrez was my drill sargent when I went through Basic, at fort Jackson. He had the best heart of any person i have ever met in the military. He would sit in a chair in the barracks after marches and all of us who were hurt would line up, he would fix blisters bandage cuts, and take the time to talk to each person one on one. He made every single person feel special and important. He was also the most playful person, on march's he would sneak off into the woods and then jump out and suprise people. He was always happy, always smiling, always singing. He would whip out pictures of his his "little princess" amber. He would talk about her everyday, he was so proud to be a father. I respect him more than any other person I have met. He loved what he did, and was always excited about his job.

You can visit Sgt. 1st Class Luis E. Gutierrez-Rosales' profile in our California's War Dead database to leave your own comment. A list of all recent comments is also available.

- Ben Welsh

From Dan Nevins, Friend & Brother in Arms

Sgt. Patrick R. McCaffrey Sr. of Tracy, pictured above, died June 22, 2004 near Balad, Iraq.

My Brother,
we didn't talk much while serving together, but when we
did, there was always substance and the more I got to
know who you were at your core the more I respected you.

I would have loved to have you in my squad as I am sure
every squad leader would have.  You always went above
and beyond and that is a testimony to what a great person
you were. I want to  tell you that I feel that your sacrifice,
though tragic and untimely, was not in vain and history
will tell the tale much differently than it is in the present. 
So, as you look down on the rest of us, I hope that you will
understand that.  At least that is the way I feel.
You left too early to know, but on 10 Nov 2004, when
another of our brothers (SFC Mike Ottolini) paid the
ultimate sacrifice, I was severely injured in the same
explosion.  I lost my left leg in the explosion and after 27
surgeries, after being evacuated to Walter Reed they were
able to save my right leg.  Now, three years later, I am back
at Walter Reed having the right leg amputated.  It was just
too much pain to deal with daily and the recurring bone
infections were "show stoppers".  Now that I have had the
surgery on the 23rd of January 08, I feel much  better, and
Hopefully I will be walking again soon.

I know that we have made our sacrifices for a just and
good reason, and I am PROUD to have known you and
served with you.  I will ALWAYS remember you, as well as
Andre and Mike, in addition to all of those who made it
home on their own power, but have their continuing
battles that go unseen.

Again, Thank You for being the man who you were.  I am
honored to have served in the same unit with you, in the
same Army, and for the Greatest Nation in the World, and
Proud to have fought with you as a brother in arms for a
cause that history will view as necessary and just.  God
Bless you and yours.

Your Brother,

SSG (R) Dan Nevins

You can visit Sgt. Patrick R. McCaffrey Sr's profile in our California's War Dead database to leave your own comment. A list of all recent comments is also available.

- Ben Welsh