Remembering California's war dead
A month ago today, Army National Guard Maj. Rocco Barnes, 51, of Los Angeles was killed in Afghanistan in a vehicle rollover accident.
Barnes had made a career in the entertainment industry, first as a bodyguard and later as an executive in a production company based at the studios of Paramount Pictures. But friends said the Ohio native who'd served two tours in Afghanistan and two in Iraq never lost his desire to serve his country.
"Some people join to get a paycheck and some to go to college, but he was a true, old-fashioned soldier," his friend Nina Ratterree told The Times. "He did it for his country."
It is a sentiment shared by many of the 546 Californians who have lost their lives while supporting the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Victor Cervantes, 27, of Stockton was killed in combat June 10, 2005, in southeastern Afghanistan. After his death, Cervantes' longtime friend Adena Rollins told The Times, "He would tell anyone he met how proud he was to serve his country."
At his request, Cervantes' tombstone reads, "Freedom is not free."
Army Spc. Wade Twyman, 27, of Vista was among four soldiers killed March 4, 2005, when a roadside bomb exploded near their armored Humvee in Ramadi, Iraq.
His family remembered him as a "true patriot" who grew up wanting to serve his country.
Army Sgt. Eliu A. Mier, 27, of San Clemente was born in Durango, Mexico and moved to California with his family when he 3. Mier was just weeks from returning home when he and two other soldiers were killed Jan. 31, 2004, when a roadside bomb exploded near their convoy in Kirkuk, Iraq.
His family remembered him as a patriot who believed that the job he was doing in Iraq was crucial to protecting the freedoms of his adopted country.
"In his eyes, he was there for the right reasons," said Ruth Vallejo after her brother was killed. "He died for a good cause. He died for my two kids and his son."
The stories of these men are chronicled in California's War Dead database. Since 2001, The Times has endeavored to write obituaries on all Californians who die in support of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since Memorial Day last year, those stories and other material have been collected in The Times' database, where readers are invited to leave memories of their loved ones and colleagues.
Here are some recent posts:
"Rocco,
I heard this morning. We met for 2 hours on a remote mountain top in Afghanistan in May. Your qualities as a leader and friend were immediately apparent. An excellent ambassador for your country's intelligent approach to Afghanistan, you had a great impact on the other nations with whom you worked.
To the family of Rocco,
I grieve with you from England for the loss of your inspirational, great man, whose death is very hard to bear. A true hero, who stepped up to the plate time and again. He touched our hearts deeply in such a short time. I know from personal experience how hard this time is but our thoughts and prayers are with you."
— James Murray-Playfair, British army, posted Friday on Army National Guard Maj. Rocco M. Barnes, 50, of Los Angeles, who was killed June 4 in a vehicle rollover in Afghanistan
"Perez, few years after you are gone, I still find it hard to say Goodbye. What a long road it has been, for me, few years after you are gone, I still dream about you, what a worthwhile path, saying Goodbye is so hard to do.
The thought of how we always chatted is still in me and I remember how you wanted me so bad in the C-Company soccer team in Kuwait during the Battalion Organizational day despite the pain on my ankle, you persuaded me to carry on and amazing we ended up as the champion.
I still feel like I lost a friend and an ally in our fight to protect the country. No doubt Perez, to those who are privileged to know you, knew obviously you worked hard to recognize and protect others. For that, I salute.
May those who follow in your footsteps have the fortitude to fill and forge beyond yours.
You will forever be remembered. And to the two little kids you left behind and wife that we much talk about of, I offer my sympathy. Rest in Peace."
— Dada Adedayo, (retired) U.S. Army, posted Friday on Marine Cpl. Jose Perez, 21, of Ontario, who was killed by a sniper Oct. 18, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq.
"Aaron was one of the best people i have ever met while i was in. We met a few days before going to bootcamp. I watched him say goodby to his family and together we compleated our training. From the yellow foot prints to the EGA cerimony. This man was always there to create a smile or make someone laugh. He worked harder than anyone. Our honor grad and our leader. A born leader. I speak for anyone who had the chance to meet him and the entire Marine Corps when i say all of us would have taken his place if we had the choice. But now we know it's in gods hands. And this wonderful man is now one of gods greatist angels. Guarding the golden streets. And is finally home and at peace... To the Allen family... I love you all. Your all in my prayers and thoughts every day. Stay strong and be proud. I know i am. Take care."
— Bryan Belluz, corporal, posted Wednesday on Marine Cpl. Aaron M. Allen, 24, of Buellton, who was killed in combat Nov. 14, 2008, in Iraq's Anbar province.
