Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Staff Sgt. Abraham D. Penamedina

32, of Los Angeles, California.
Penamedina died in Baghdad, Iraq, when his patrol came under sniper fire. He was assigned to Company B, 20th Engineer Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on April 27, 2004.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Staff Sgt. Abraham D. Penamedina.

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Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

Please report inappropriate messages

"Thinking about all the BARRACUDAS that lost their lives during our deployment and just wanted to tell you that you are still missed and i think of you often you were always one to lighten the mood with your jokes and positive attitude i will keep your memories with me and will have a couple cold one for you this weekend ... til i see you again Squad leader"
SGT. EVERARDO ARREOLA of HUNTINGTON,WV

"It will be 11 years since you left my side. I find it interesting how everyone says it gets "easier" with time... It doesn't, you just learn to deal with the absence. It seems like yesterday I got the devastating news. I have asked "why" for 11 years... And I will continue to ask til the end of my years. However, every time I look into the eyes of our girls, I can see you. It's a bittersweet feeling to know that these angels have your sweet and caring soul, but were never given the opportunity to meet you. I continue to love you and to remember you. I haven't written in a long time, but not a day has gone by that I don't remember you. You still have my heart and soul!!!!!"

"My Name is SSG Early. I am station here at Fort Hood as an MP. A civilian brought in a folded flag in side a case with SSG Pena's Dog Tags in it. We are trying to locate family members so we can get this in the right hands. Please email me if you have any information on family memebrs info. eearly8507@yahoo.com"
of Fort Hood

"Thank you Javier for your service and sacrifice!! I will never forget you! You will always have a special place in my heart."
Elizabeth Bustamante of Georgetown, Texas

"I want to take a moment and express my deepest sympathies to SSG Pena’s friends and family. I was SSG Pena’s commander while he was assigned to the 305th Iraqi National Guard Advisory Group at Camp War Eagle. To this day, I am consumed by guilt and rage that a soldier as great as SSG Pena died because of my decisions. I knew we were setting a pattern. I knew the enemy was watching. I should have fought harder to have the times and locations of the patrols altered. SSG Pena left an indelible mark on my heart and soul and will never be forgotten. He was an inspiration to me and the other soldiers. He was always professional and even tempered no matter the circumstances. I’ll always remember his ability to lighten the mood with a joke or witty remark. I know these words are late in coming. I pray that they may in some small way help on this difficult day."
Freedom 6

"happy 40th my dearest loving brother...i love u and miss u til the day that I die..."
elvia pena of los angeles,ca

"You fought a good fight, may you rest in peace now
You've earned the right, you stood brave and tall
The ultimate price, we honor you now
For God and country, you gave it all

And although I'm proud of all that you stood for
My selfish heart just wants you home
Your family and friends are all so proud of you
But I can't accept the fact that you're gone...Dolly Parton "I'm gonna miss u"

HAPPY B-DAY MY DEAREST FRND, BROTHER, GUIDE, & HERO"
Araceli of Phnx AZ (4/02/12)

"With your departure came an end to unconditional love and the beginning of a lifelong heartache and sorrow that will never heal- HOW I STILL MISS YOU MY BROTHER, HOW I STILL NEED YOU..."
Araceli Pena-Medina of Phnx, AZ 3/16/12

"love u and will always miss you..."
elvia

""It ain't fair: you died too young,
Like the story that had just begun,
But death tore the pages all away.
God knows how I miss you,
All the hell that I've been through,
Just knowin' no-one could take your place.An' sometimes I wonder,
Who'd you be today?"...

Kenny Chesney wrote this lyrics but i feel them in my soul like if they were mine...
how i miss u my brother, with my heart and for the rest of my life i will ache for you.

"Sunny days seem to hurt the most.
I wear the pain like a heavy coat.
The only thing that gives me hope,
Is I know I'll see you again some day""
araceli pena-medina of Phoenix, AZ 11/24/11

"I got to know you Mr.Patrick (remember?) and I know how Abraham felt about you. Nobody deserved or deserves to die-only God can decide when and where our time will come. If you were spared it must be for a reason. I always did want to contact you after that tragic day. plz send me and e-mail to aracelipena@hotmail.com, may God bless you Patrick-Abraham’s absence has affected us all and we still miss him greatly but I do not share the same feelings as my little brother towards you."
araceli pena-medina of Phoenix, AZ

"There are no words...I know that everyone hurts for the life and love that is lost in war. I will never take sides, as everyone has their own right to share their feelings, but I will say this...no one should die, no one should have been in someone else's place, I am sure that Pat wishes he did die that day and I am sure that AJ is glad that he didn't...but, Pat is the one who will live with that. I heard this once, "Who was it that said only the dead have seen the end of war? I have seen the end of war. The question is, how do I go on living?" Sending love and prayers to the family and friends of AJ who will always hurt for the life and the love that was taken from them."

"We all know what tomorrow is Abraham-like I do every year I took the day off from work to mope around the house and be miserable missing u. I miss u ALL year long but 4/27 just about kills me. I hate to even breathe that day. It still hurts very much. I miss you soo much-words will never explain the depth or the extent of the pain that still dwells in my heart-miss u hermanito- u were sooo great to me and I have the most beautiful memories of u."
araceli pena-medina of Phoenix, AZ

"To "Mr." Patrick Rider... Your message is meaningless. We both know that should have been you on that horrible day. I wish you knew the level of animosity I have towards you. You have ALOT of nerve leaving a BS message like the one you left."
Pascual Pena-Medina of Los Angeles, CA

"I miss you my freind. there are times i think i see you showing me the way. There will never be a day that i will not remind poeple of your life and the freind that i had.The Iraqi people are free today and defending a part of Baghdad because you were there to show them the way i will see (Barrcuda23 we are still in the fight)"
Mr Patrick Rider

"Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and my mind keeps drifting to 2222 inez st #101...I wish i can say i'm happy but i'm not..I have made peace w/god and w/life, i'm at a better place now in life BUT my heart is still missing a link. Wish u were here."
araceli pena-medina of Phoenix, AZ

"I HAVE NO WORDS TODAY-PAIN AND SORROW LIVE INSIDE WERE YOUR LIGHT USED TO SHINE. I WILL LOVE U AND MISS U FOR EVER AND EVER MY BELOVED BROTHER..."
araceli pena-medina of Phoenix, AZ

""My sweet brother... I will NEVER forget that day u left for the army;I pretended I was asleep, I didn't want to say good-bye. My mom wanted to wake me up and u told her to let me sleep; did u knowi was awake;closing my eyes trying NOT to make the sound of my cry? I will NEVER forget the last time I saw you; u said "take care" and I told u "no U take care!" With a craked voice and teary eyes. I didn't want u to see me cry. I remember ur car turning the corner; and hating myself for thinkin what if he doesn't come back. Did we know? I remember the last time I heard ur jolly voice; you called from Kuwait, right b4 u left to iraq. I'm sorry I didn't know what to say. I kept myself busy trying to find pascual to talk to u bcuz I didn't want u to hear my voice crack and start crying and beg u come back like I wanted too. I know it would hurt u to hear me cry. so I tried my best. Now I'm still sitting here alone in the beach where we would come with our momma...Missing u like crazy listening 2 ur favorite "george strait and pure good ol' country music;plus sgt barry sadler ... And yes crying for u. Sometimes I miss u and our momma so much I think I'm gonna go crazy I don't know what to do! But I go on bcuz I know u want it that way. But its SO harD!""
elvia pena of los angeles

"My sweet brother... I will NEVER forget that day u left for the army;I pretended I was asleep, I didn't want to say good-bye. My mom wanted to wake me up and u told her to let me sleep; did u knowi was awake;closing my eyes trying NOT to make the sound of my cry? I will NEVER forget the last time I saw you; u said "take care" and I told u "no U take care!" With a craked voice and teary eyes. I didn't want u to see me cry. I remember ur car turning the corner; and hating myself for thinkin what if he doesn't come back. Did we know? I remember the last time I heard ur jolly voice; you called from Kuwait, right b4 u left to iraq. I'm sorry I didn't know what to say. I kept myself busy trying to find pascual to talk to u bcuz I didn't want u to hear my voice crack and start crying and beg u come back like I wanted too. I know it would hurt u to hear me cry. so I tried my best. Now I'm still sitting here alone in the beach where we would come with our momma...Missing u like crazy listening 2 ur favorite "george strait and pure good ol' country music;plus sgt barry sadler ... And yes crying for u. Sometimes I miss u and our momma so much I think I'm gonna go crazy I don't know what to do! But I go on bcuz I know u want it that way. But its SO harD!"
elvia pena medina of los angeles

"""A life time will not be long enough for us to forget...

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

Author Unknown"

"Here's a picture before deployment. He has his bow tie and Cav Stetson.
http://www.20thengineers.com/ir-b.html"
Brian Secrest of Dallas, TX

"Feliz Cumpleanos Abraham. I love you and still miss you greatly."
Elvia Pena Medina of Los Angeles,Ca

"Thanks for the visit and your soothing words Abraham; knowing that you still listen gives me great comfort and peace during this month of April. As I open my mouth to wish you a happy b-day, my heart skips a beat to know that not only were you brought into this world this month but that you were also taken from it. My heart will remain broken till the day we meet again, until then...I will be missing you my loving brother."
araceli pena-medina of Phoenix, AZ

"Kathy, I was with Pena and Rider the day he was taken from us. I have always wanted to talk to you about him, but i never could find the courage to come up to you. i have seen you in te cementary buti ussually wait for y to leave before i go up to talk to him. there isn't a day i don't think about him and i only knew him for a short time compared to all his friends. my # is 254 319 3925. Just if you would ever like to talk about him, i would love to talk to you about him."
SFC Charles Mills of ft hood tx

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I love you Abraham. I love u and I miss u w/all my heart...I went to THE TEXAS ROADHOUSE yesterday and all I did was think and talk about you...Ur memories are so sweet yet so painful, there are days where all I do is think of what we did, what we said, what we lived. It's so unfair Abraham, We miss you so much. You know sometimes I want to just throw myself in the floor and kick and scream like a child till you come back, but I also know it's impossible so I just make believe your sitting next to me and I talk to you like there’s no tomorrow (ha, ha…do I still annoy you?), Even thought you will never be able to talk to me I know u can hear me. Call me crazy if u want but that always makes me feel better and miss u less...till we meet again so we can talk face to face like we did as kids I will be missing you my brother"
araceli pena-medina of Phoenix, AZ

"hey Brother, Just wanted to tell you I still remember you so much and my heart will forever ache for you. I was being lazy and I wasnt going to bring out my christmas tree. My tree is so huge and it takes up so much space but its also so beautiful, I remembered how when we were growing up we didnt have one. So I turned to see your picture and I thought of you telling me not to be lazy and take it out, so I did. For you, because I will always set it right in front of your picture so that you can enjoy. It took me a few hours to set it up and while I set it up I played nothing but George Strait, because I know you love him and thru him I feel you close to me. I will forever love and forever miss you. You know hes gonna play in Phoenix in february, and of course I will be there. I will have tears in my eyes wishing we could of gone together to sing along, but I will be happy because I will still feel you close to me and Celi will go with me."
elvia pena of los angeles,ca

"Abraham, we still think of you. My husband and I were discussing you and how much we miss you yesterday. We still have not accepted that you are gone. Your children represent you and your seed will continue. May God bless them and Cathy. May your children bring many blessings to Cathy and your family and to the world. We continue to pray for your family. May God bless them and keep them safe. May He give them full peace. Abraham, we miss you."
George and Elizabeth Bustamante of Harker Heights, Texas

"How time passes... It seems like yesterday I was told you weren't coming back, and I see that big American flag drapped over you. The flag you died for.
The girls are getting so big and everyday they remind me of you and I dread the day I will have explain what happened. They've started to notice the other children having "daddys", and it breaks my heart. Andy looks so much like you, she even stands like you. Chey is so carefree and likes to laugh just like you, and Alex hasn't found her way yet. It amazes me how your soul is in them, you left a twinkle of light inside each one of them.
I miss you still and the anger of losing you is still lingering. I was lost for a long time, but little by little you are helping me find my way. I thank you for giving me the strenght to survive this, the knowledge to accept it and the wisdon to love and appreciate my girls. I can't wait to see you and just hold you so tight and know that we will never be apart again. Atleast this thought keeps me going on and looking forward to our reunion. Remember, no matter if the messages on this site stop coming in, if your memories fade a little, if your friends and family stop coming around- count on one thing, that not one day goes by that I don't think of you and not one anniversary, birthday, or holiday goes by that I don't shed a tear because you are missing. And when I go to sleep I always kiss you good night and count on you and David to keep an eye on the babies. I know you two are still at it, even in Heaven...

I feel your arms around me when I lonely, I hear your laughter when all is silent, I feel you wiping my tears when I am sad, I feel you guiding me when I am lost, I feel your hand in mine when I am scared, I hear your voice when I need advice, and when the day is done... I feel your love.

My soul misses yours."
your wife-still...

"I forgot to mention, you know George Strait has a new single out, Livin for the Night. I love him because when I listen to him I think of you and imagine you singing along. As much as I love George Strait, I hate the fact that we will never be able to enjoy one of his concerts together. Although I like to think that now that you are here and there, you sneek into his concerts. You know another sad thing? He doesnt come out here often to this side of town! I had to drive to Las Vegas just to see him. But it was worth it because I thought of you with each song that he sang. I wish we could had more time... So many things that were left undone with all of us. We had so little time, I will never understand and I will never accept...never. All I can do is have faith and hope in God that one day we will be reunited."
elvia pena

"Hey Hermanito, as you know, I just finished nursing school and I want to thank you because as hard as it was I know you and our momma were with me always by my side. I know I couldn’t have done it without you. I will LOVE YOU for ever and I promise I will always try and help Cathy watch over your precious girls. Your babies are so precious and beautiful; just like their Daddy! and I am just honored to be not only their aunt but their nina! So I guess that makes you my compadre! Quien lo pensara. I cant wait to see those little princesses in 2 wks. Please continue watching over us like you always have."
tu hermana, elvia quien te quiere y nunca te olvida of Los Angeles, ca

"April 16, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Abraham D. Penamedina:
Abraham gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Happy B-day Abraham, like every year since you've been gone, it’s hard for me to deal w/this day w/happiness or enthusiasm. I just sit and reminisce on what used to be but will never be again. I lit a candle for you this morning & asked god to help me see or understand why you had to leave so soon. My heart will always ache for you my brother; in my eyes you were the kindest & bestess person in the world. I miss you and I will always, always remember you and love you like the awesome person that you were to me."
Araceli Pena-Medina of phnx, AZ

"Hello My sweet Brother...As you may know I woke up missing you today (AGAIN). I hate these nightmares where I dream something happens to you, then I wake up and think "my brother is fine", then I TRULY wake up and reality hits me letting me know that u really are gone. It breaks my heart to pieces that like in my dreams I can't do anything about it. It hurts so much Abraham not to hear u or be able to talk to you like I used to. I've been trying to move on but time itself makes it so difficult, the more time passes the more I miss you, the more I want to hear u, talk to u or just sit next to you.
Thanks for being there for me when u were here physically and Thanks for being here with me now spiritually. I will never ever stop loving and missing you...Between the image of your children and our memories you will always live in our hearts and thoughts...I love you big brother."
araceli pena-medina (ur sister) of phoenix, az

"To my friend(Brother) Abraham:
Every time I read all the beautiful words that all your loved ones left for you in this page, my eyes aways get wattery, but my heart always gets happy because more people remember you. And that means that you are in their hearts. Hey Abraham just save a space for me in heaven. I promise that when we meet there, we will have fun like in the good old days. I miss you bbbuuudddyyy!!!! (Roosevelt H.S. JROTC Friends/Brothers 4ever)"
Alex Gonzalez of East Los Angeles, CA

"Man, you are now 36 and I am 35, funny how we used to make fun of each other because our birthdays were one day apart. I played some country music for your today, just the way you liked it back in the days. I will always miss you my friend."
Mario Cervantes of Ft. Leonard Wood, MO

"Abraham,
If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane
We would walk right up to Heaven
And bring you back again

No farewell words were spoken
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why

Since you'll never be forgotten
We pledge to you today
A hallowed place within our hearts
Is where you'll always stay"
elvia of los angeles,ca

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Abraham D. Penamedina: I would be honored to add his photo to my tribute site, http://www.Zeitlangers.com . If you care to, please contact me at webmaster@zeitlangers.com"
Don of Wheaton, Il

"hey, WOW your 36 now!!! VIEJO!!! I called Cathy this morning, she was on her way to San Antonio with the beautiful angels to see you. I wish I was there. I hope to see you tonight in my dreams. No me as visitado! Shame on you. You think my nana was upset that we never told her you were no longer physically here? I bet she was shocked cuando te vio alli. Celi and I kept wondering about that. LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU ALWAYS!!!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Wish I could of made it this year to visit you. But as you know our Nana Seferina died last week, and Celi and I went to Mexico. I bet she is finally happy she gets to see you after many years of askin for her Muchachito. You know she was ALWAYS scared about wars and asking if you were in the war, ever since you first enlisted and there weren't any wars at that time. I miss you so much. You know I found an old letter at my nanas' house our mama wrote to her way back when the 1st stupid gulf war took place. She wrote how scared she was that you would be taken to the war and how you weren't scared at all. She was proud of having a brave son. Que ironia verdad, siempre te fuiste years later. Maybe they knew something..."
elvia of los angeles

"Andy and Chy are the MOST WONDERFUL MIRACLES you could of left for us. They are the most beautiful babies;they look just like you. Abraham you couldn't of had a more perfect wife, plus Cathy is the most perfect mother. She's one in a billion, but Im sure you knew that. I'm sure you'll never leave her side, she's such a strong and admirable woman. We all miss you so much. Love you always"
tu hermanita que siempre te recuerda of los angeles, ca

"I will forever Remember you, BROTHER, as we called each other, We live in the same apartment 2222 inez,you knew me as YIYO, it was an honor to know you and to be a part of your childhood, FOREVER LIVE TROOP 62."
Jesse Flores of Baldwin Park CA

"Sorry for the profanity but how do you expect somebody to react when they have lost their only brother and father figure?"
PASCUAL PENA-MEDINA of LOS ANGELES (DUMPSVILLE AS ABRAHAM CALLED IT), CA

""FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!!!!!!!!" is the perfect word to describe the way I've felt inside for the last 3 f**cked up shitty years."
YOUR ONE AND ONLY TRUE, REAL BROTHER PASCUAL of LOS ANGELES, CA

"Although I never knew who you were today I honor your memory. I am a student at Western Washington University and today we had a wall on campus of fallen soldiers names to honor those lost in this war. Name cards were handed out, and today I wore you name, to honor you, and to thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice. May you never be forgotten!!"
Elizabeth Campbell of Bellingham, WA

"To the sisters of Abraham, how sad it is that you miss him so much. I remember when your Mom died - I was at your brother's side when needed to be comforted. He wanted so much to bring you guys to live with him. I know that he loved you guys a lot .I remember him telling me. My e-mail is elizabeth.bustamante@us.army.mil - feel free to write - and maybe I can be a good shoulder to cry on. He was a great man . A hero, to many!!"
Elizabeth a. Bustamante of Harker heights, TX

"Abraham,what a blessing that you left a child behind - your seed goes on. We still miss you -often think of you and the good times we had together. May God bless your wife and your daughter with spiritual blessings and prosperity - I know that you would want this in this order. So, for now we continue to pray for your family. May your wife continue because of your daughter and may your memory never be erased until see each other again in the world to come!"
Mr. and Mrs. Bustamante of Harker Heights, TX

"Nothing can soothe my pain,
For I am now only hollow.
I no longer look foward to tomorrow,
Because all I will feel is sorrow...
Abraham I will miss you till my very last breath. If there is life after death say hello to our momma and know that i can't wait to see you both there"
Your sister Araceli of phoenix, az

"Time has not erased the emptiness,
Nor it has healed our hearts.
We still ache for you my brother,
When we think about the past.
We, your family still miss you,
& will forever keep you in our thoughts."
your brother and 2 sisters that wil always need you back. of phoenix, az

"My hero... Words can never express the love I feel for you, the emptiness you left and the thanks for the miracles you left behind. It has been three years since I last looked into your eyes, heard your voice whisper "I love you", and fall in love with that warm smile. You reassured me things were going to be okay when you left, I can still remember you walking away from me. If we only knew... I pray that I will see you again. I look into your daughters eyes and just fall apart with sadness that they will never hug you at bedtime, that daddy won't be there to walk them down the isle. But at the same time I know that you are the Angel that will guide them and protect them as they grow. I am thankful that all I have to do is hug them tight and I know I have part of you in my arms. Every night I can watch them sleep and know that somehow you continue to live through them. You will always be in my heart, in my mind, and in my soul. Our marriage was based on all that was good and that is why I have no regrets. We had our good and bad and still came through it all strong and devoted to each other. I was blessed to have a husband like you. You were everything I ever wanted and more. I will always remember you at the sight of a Bluebonnet, driving a long a lonely country road, or during a George Strait song. My whole being will always belong to you. I hate visiting a headstone, but if that is all I have until we are together again then, so be it. You were my hero in many ways, a devoted husband, a caring friend, and a honorable and dedicated soldier. I will never be whole again. I miss you every day of my life. My friend, my love, my life...

Thank you to everyone who loved him, and offered their friendship."
Your wife, forever

"SSG Pena was the best a man could be. He had integrity above reproach, courage and loyalty to his family and comrades. His sense of humor always brightened the day. He was always a friend through thick and thin. I will always remember the fun times and the help he gave me in my times of need. To his family my deepest condolences and prayers are with you. SFC Scott Wilmot"
Scott Wilmot of Baumholder Germany

"To Abraham I will never forget you. you were a part of my life for 3years and i cherished every moment. I wish when i saw you last that i would have told you how much you meant to me. You will alway's be missed by me and I am so greatful to at least have known you for the peirod that i did.

Love Elizabeth"
Liz Bustamante of Harker Heights Texas

"SSG Penamedina, it was an honor to work with you at HHD. We remember you and know you are watching over your loved ones. God Bless your Family.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.-Edmund Burke"
SPC Secrest, 933 MP of Waukegan, IL

"Miss you...last few minutes with you will be remembered forever!"
SGT Pham Long D 20thEN Medic

"To the friends and family of AJ.. I had the HONOR of serving next to him at Ft. Hood, TX. He was always a man that could be counted on. He helped me get through a tough time in my life and for that, I am eternally grateful. I have been out of the Army for a while now, and have recently discovered the news of his death. I would have served proudly with, beside or under that man any day! He was a GREAT soldier and a true leader of soldiers! Any who served under him are honored. He will never be forgotten. He is with God now and will always be with you. Thank you for your service AJ... We will miss you Brother.
Aug 2006"
SSG Cline, Garrick D. of Greenwood, MO USA

"BROTHER, I LOVE & MISS U EVERYDAY OF MY LIFE, LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU."
YOUR LONELY SISTER...ARCY of PHOENIX, AZ

"To the family of:Abraham D. Penamedina I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga

"Life is short, but brotherhood is forever.......CURRAHEE!!!"
PASCUAL PENA of Los Angeles,CA

"AJ, you were a hell of a team leader to me. You really looked out for me when I first got to the unit and for most of my military career. During that time you always seemed to be able to lighten the mood no matter how what was going on. This country has lost the finnest Texican that it has ever known. And I will never forget you brother."
Jeff Akins of Fresno, CA

""A life time will not be long enough for us to forget...

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

Author Unknown

In Loving Memory of SSG AJ Pena
Family and Friends of Barracuda
Veteran's Day 2005""

"Abraham was not only our brother, he was also like our dad, he helped my mom raise us and guide us. It's been a year, a long sad year, I still cry for him every day, Iwon't ever accept it I guess. I wish I could see him, hug him and just hear his loud cheerful laugh, and not only in my dreams. All can hope is that I can be a great person like he was so one day I can be reunited with him and our mom. I'm sure he's happy were he's at, with our mom, even though he was the oldest, he was always her baby. But I still miss him like crazy. I want to thank all of you for taking you time and writing messages, that even if they make me cry, they make me also feel good to know he was was around good people that loved and cherished by other people other than us. I would also REALLY APPRECIATE it if some of can write and tell me some stories about you and him, anything, it would mean a lot to us. My email elvia79@netzero.com or my address 2727 e 6th st #3 los angeles ca 90023 I also wanna thank every one who sent cards, they are such a treasure to us. Thanks a million, may God bless you all and your families."
elvia , pascual, araceli pena medina of los angeles

"Memorial Day 2005 - He will always be remembered and loved...we will never forget!"

"We will never forget....1 year."

"AJ, YOU WERE A GREAT FRIEND , AND YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN ,I KNOW YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE AND WITH GOD , WATCHING OVER ALL OF US. YOU ARE OUR ANGEL FROM HEAVEN , SAY HELLO TO JESUS FOR US, GOD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS , YOUR FRIEND , DORA,"
DORA MARTIN of KILLEEN, TEXAS

"I grieve the loss of a great leader and an even truer friend. SSG Pena was my squad leader for most of my military career and taught me many valuable lessons and showed me what it means to be a soldier. He taught me never to quit no matter how hard it got. The lessons that he taught me have kept me going throughout this deployment. America has lost a great citizen and I have lost a great friend. I will never forget you and what you stood for. Keep the fires burnin and the beers cold and ol' George on the radio."
spc clarke of camp war eagle, bahgdad

"SSG Pena will be forever loved and remembered by the soldiers and families of the Barracudas."
Spc Sconyers and Amanda of Fort Hood, Texas

"To the friends and family of SSG PENA, your loss is not only felt by you but by all of his fellow soldiers including myself. I was one of SSG PENA'S soldiers and will never forget his caring nature and great sense of humor. Even when it seemed like the world was on my shoulders he always knew what to say to make me laugh and forget all my troubles. This country will never know the loss of such a great hero,husband,and friend but to those who knew him our lives will never,ever be the same again. May the TEXICAN cowboy continue to ride off into the sunset and watch from above along with the rest of heavens infantry.

mexican proverb says:

you are only your true self around your family and your friends, so its harder now for me to be myself"
SGT ARREOLA, EVERARDO of CAMP EAGLE, BAGHDAD, IRAQ

"SSG Pena I will miss you. I still remember the first day i met you. You made a lasting imperssion on me. I will never forget you. I know you are watching over us everyday. You are missed by all of us."
Barracuda 29 SFC McStay of Camp War Eagle

"TO MY BROTHER I MISS YOU EVER DAY AND I AND THE BARRACUDAS WILL NEVER LET ANY ONE FORGET GOD BLISS YOU KATHY AND YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS"
SSG RIDER of F.O.B. EAGLE IRAQ

"AJ will forever be in the hearts and memories of the Barracudas. Sending our thoughts and prayers to his family."
Sgt. Stocker and Family of Ft. Hood, TX

"Sergeant Penamedina, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"To my best friend when I served, in basic training and in the 82nd Airborne, rest in peace amigo."
Al of Los Angeles, CA

"To the wife of Abraham D. Penamedina, Javier- was not just a loyal soldier but a kind and loving friend. We the Bustamante family want you to know that we consider you family. You are not alone; we will continue to lift you up to the Almighty for healing and comfort. He alone knows your complete grief and loss. Javier's Memory is in our hearts and will be cherished forever. We are proud to have known such a Hero. Love, the Bustamante Family."
Elizabeth Bustamante of Harker Heights, Texas

"To Abraham's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.

Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX"
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com

"Abraham, Altough I never actually met you, I have gotten to know you through your family. They love you and we will always remember you."
AJ of Los Angeles, CA

"To Abraham's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Abraham, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Abraham Penamedina, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Abraham Penamedina:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Abraham for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Abraham Penamedina:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Abraham, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on