Remembering California's war dead
Since late 2001, The Times has chronicled the lives of military personnel who have died while serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their stories, photos, personal websites and additional material have been collected in the California's War Dead database. Readers are invited to leave memories of their loved ones and colleagues.
Here are some recent posts:
“I had a dream about you last night. I am not even sure why I did. its been a long tme since you left this world. I did not know you very well but I knew you enough to know that you were a great person. I cried a little in memory of you. You were a great friend to Heath and Kathleen. They came to visit with there new baby boy. We even talked about those funny drawings you used to make. I dont kow why i am saying all this on the internet I guess its just better to write out your feelings. Miss you Erik. I know you are in a better place. Give God a kiss for me :)"
— Alexis Strong, posted Wednesday on Marine Cpl. Erik T. Garoutte, 22, of Santee, who collapsed and died Oct. 19, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq
“A day doesn’t go by when I don’t think of you. Whenever I’m driving I look at your dog tag hanging from my rearview mirror and I talk to you.I get Chipotle at least once a week for you, and I can never finish it because I start to cry when I remember you. I’m in a crappy relationship, and I can’t seem to get out of it. Each night I come home I start to cry because I wish I had someone as great as you to call my own. So many people loved you, and that degree of love doesn’t matter when it was someone as great as you. You touched and moved so many people, especially me. If I could trade places with you and give you back to your mom, I would. She loves you so much, and I hope you visit her as often as you can because she is such a good women with such a good heart.”
— heart broken friend, posted Tuesday on Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua R. Whittle, 20, of Downey, who was killed June 6 when he stepped on a land mine in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, on the Pakistani border
“It’s been almost 5 years and I still miss her, Keicia and I met at Ft Lee VA when we were both starting our military endeavors, and she was alot of things from brave and heroic to careing and considerate but most importantly she was a friend."
— John Gleaton, posted Wednesday on Army Sgt. Keicia M. Hines, 27, of Citrus Heights, who died Jan. 14, 2004, when she was struck by a vehicle at Mosul Airfield, Iraq
“I am truely sad. I have been looking up old 11th Marine buddies I served with in the Gulf War and Oscar was one of them. I had looked forward to hearing from him and sharing the news in our lives when I came across this after seeing his photo. Oscar was a great freind and I’ll miss him and the oppurtunnity to catch up things. He became an officer!! Semper Fi my friend.”
— David Oaks posted Tuesday on Marine 1st Lt. Oscar Jimenez, 34, of San Diego who was killed in combat April 11, 2004 near Fallouja, Iraq
““He was always making people laugh. He used to talk to my dad about wanting to join the army. The news of his death was the first time I ever saw my father cry. I miss him so much.”
— Kiani Palacio, posted Thursday on Army Pfc. Steven Acosta, 19, of Calexico, who died Oct. 26, 2003, of a “non-hostile” gunshot wound in Baqubah, Iraq
“To the McCaffrey family, All our prayers and thoughts are with you. The devastation you have experienced can only be known by those who have experienced the same. I don’t know that but I do know just how devastating Patrick’s death is. I am the mother of the soldier who did all he could to save Patrick’s life. He is mourning Patrick like he was his own brother and will never forget the hero in Patrick in his words the true hero’s are those who gave their all as Patrick did. He will never be forgotten.”
— Soldier’s Mother posted Wednesday on Army National Guard Sgt. Patrick R. McCaffrey Sr., 34, of Tracy, who was killed June 22, 2004, when his patrol unit was ambushed and attacked with small-arms fire by purported Iraqi allies near Balad, Iraq
