Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

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

Army Sgt. Roger P. Pena, Jr.

29, of San Antonio, Texas.
Pena died in Musa Qulah, Afghanistan, when his convoy came under enemy small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York. Died on June 14, 2006.

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"Brother man Pena
Not a day goes by that we don’t miss you. Feels like yesterday we were laughing, and talking about our dreams when we leave Afghanistan . Miss you bro."
SFC Don Capio of Ft. Dix, NJ

"Hey brother!it's taken me 10 years to do this and I apologize,to you and your family! there hasn't been a day I haven't thought of you or talked to you in the last 10 years.I lost a part of me the day I lost you and have carried a heavy heart since our last conversation that night in Bagram,before you left.Only you and I know what was said and felt that day and I have carried a tremendous amount of guilt and responsibility for your loss since that day!And I believe you gave yours for mine, and I want you to know I'm living my life to the fullest,you have allowed me to become a father and I'm truly grateful to you for that!I miss and love you more than any words can describe!And I hope to sit down with your boys one day so I can tell them just how much you loved them,and what an example you set for me to see what it is to be a good man,father,son,husband,soldier and my best friend! I love you"
Mutafis of Northville Michigan

"Memories of serving with you still remain. Much respect and love to you and your family... Rest peacefully..."
Celeste Holley of Detroit, Michigan

"The ache within our heart remains. We miss you dearly. You are never forgotten. We think of you always. I know that you watch over our babies and I hope that you are proud of them and whom they are becoming. Your memory lives on and you will not be forgotten. I will always love you."
M. Pena of Mission, Tx

"Pena,

It still hurts to see someone so destined for greatness to leave too soon. I miss you and I still think about the fun we use to have. I will never forget!

SSG Baker"
Marcus Baker of Willingboro, NJ/US

"SGT Pena,
There no words that write or express how I feel about the situation. However, I Thank God for every moment that you spend with me and our whole team. To Marisol your husband was an awesome solider and doctor and he is truly missed."
Dsyhond Murphy of FT Drum, New York

"Roger every day u will be remembered for the sacrifice u gave for our country and for tgat of the Afghanistan people. We will always lovewgAt you have given us. Your friend and brother. Pico delgiooo"
Jonathan Gerhardt of Rancho Cucamonga,CA

"as time passes and as the seasons change, the pain still remains.i still come here to at least feel as I am closer to you, and i apologize for not visiting you where your earthly remains are but i am one semester away from attaining my Masters. one semester away from entering the VA and fighting the good fight for us soldiers whom sacrifice so much, are promised much and are given nothing in return. i miss you so very much Pancho. wish i could do more, hope im making you proud. love you always."
Eduardo Teran of Knoxville, TN

"Roger Sr,
Im sorry it took so long to respond back. If you wish to talk, ask question or anything I will always be there. He was part of our team, I was the lead gun truck driver, not a day goes by that I dont think of him. If you wish to talk feel free. rtressler@hotmail.com, god bless."
Roman of Port st. Lucie, Fl.

"Son you make us very proud! "Little did we know that day God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side." Love you Sgt. Roger P. Pena for your ultimate sacrifice for the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and your loved ones! Love, your DAD"
Roger of San Antonio, TX US

"Roger, not a day goes by that I don't think about you and my other brothers of Team Caddilac (Marauders) in some way or another. You are missed. To Roger's family, my heart pours out to you. I can only imagine your pain. I have trouble dealing with mine own at times.

"Hear me, my Chiefs! I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever." ~Chief Joseph"
G. Chavis (Wiggy) of Mississippi

"Roger, i miss you man. I still haven't forgiven myself for surviving, while you had to die, although i'm trying. I'm sorry brother"
c.i.smith

"“Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.”
~Kevin Arnold

Today marks six years and there is not a single day I do not think of you. I will never forget the day I lost you, how my whole world crumbled around me. I have so many wonderful memories with you, I will never forget. Your memory will always live on. You are always in my heart. I will never forget your love, bravery, courage and sacrifice. I love you."
M. Pena

"friday was your birthday and I haven't missed one since we've known one another. Tonight Freddy DJ'ed Joe's annual Halloween party and we both miss you so much. I really don't know how to make this life the same without you bro. I know its been like five years since you've been gone, but it's so hard at times. You've always been at the center of our goals and dreams. I woke up this morning and I knew I wouldn't see you in person but I would in spirit. You know we kept a lot from those whom were close to us and * bro, it hasn't been easy for us. All that was good in my life was you and the kids, and luckily I have
Freddy, Karen, and your parents. But I can't help but to miss you and this life I live in doesn't share the same colors. You've always been my life my love and my friend. I just wish I could've done something or * just been there. I love you bro and nothing that comes to me can replace or appease that. All I can do is live this life and accomplish great things until I see you in the next realm. Until then, I will do and will not fail in that goal. I love you and carry the hopes and dreams we share concerning our families and friends. I don't know if placing this upon a media means anything, but I do know that meeting you and sharing life with you has been one of the greatest joys of my life...until we meet again...I'm always your boy...."
Joeangel Castro of San Antonio, TX, USA

"SGT Pena was the consummate professional. I led the convoy that day, and up until the end he was doing the right thing, checking his buddies, and calling out what was around him.

To his parents, you raised a wonderful man. To his wife and sons, Roger is the best there is. There is not an hour that goes by that I don't think of him and remember his smile. He taught me so much in the brief time I knew him.

The best tribute I can pay is to ensure that he is remembered and that I live my life in a way that honors his."
MAJ Michael D. Dolge of Ft. Hood, TX

"Pancho...they approved my Masters program...and my vision of changing policy in the V.A to make a difference...I miss you...I hope I'm making you proud.......I'm trying real hard...I won't let you down."
Eduardo of Seymour,Tn.

"I miss you everyday.....time continues on and yet it still seems so unreal. Always wishing I could turn back time. I miss your smile, your laughter, everything about you. I will never forget....you are always in my heart,my love always."

"Hey Roger as I plan to head back down range I think of you. I miss you brother and I hope your wife and boys are well. I carry you with me every day and I will never forget you..Your Platoon Sergeant and friend....Dave"
SFC David Hart of Fort Riley, Kansas

"Peña was a good man. I was injured that day with him in the ambush and not a day goes by that I wonder why him instead of me. To his two sons and wife, I am truly and deeply sorry."
Nathan Toews

"If this is hard for me, I cannot imagine lo que la pobre Mari has gone through. I miss you hermano. I hope Im making you proud."
Eduardo Teran of Seymour,TN

"Pena Family,
I appologize for not listing this right away. My email is Seth_Cain@live.com"
Seth Cain of Ft. Sam Houston

"Pena family
My name is PV2 Seth Cain. Today we were in training at Ft. Sam when I found one of the memorial bracelets they make for the fallen soldiers. I do not know who it belongs to, but I would like to give it to you. Please write back so we can get in touch.
God Bless His Soul,
PV2 Seth Cain"
Seth Cain of Ft Sam Houston

"Como duele perderte...sorry for writing so much, but today my pain is unbearable.I wish I was there with you and hopefully be able to prevent the incident...I would of held you down.We all miss you.But we will never forget Mari and your lovely boy's they have gotten so big,my son still talks and remembers you as who you were Pancho OUR HERO and asks when he can see Ivan and Gabe is a mini you...Marisol is a trooper,I know you can rest in peace knowing that she has everything under control she is a great woman and mother."
Eduardo Teran of Seymour,TN

"I really miss you bro. Love you."
Eduardo Teran of Seymour,Tn

"Pancho, my son Caesar was born a few days ago...i miss you dearly...i wish you could see him. Ill be running for you tomm.I miss you so very much...Manolo."
Eduardo Teran of Seymour, TN

"Mook, I don't know who you are but thank you for not forgetting him. We miss him everyday and during these coming days it feels like just yesterday again. Time can continue to pass us by but the pain in our hearts will always remain, we will never forget."
M. Peña of TX

"Pena Family
I was in Afghanistan with your Roger he loved his family very much and talked of them often his sons and his wife he love all of you and was a brave and corageous MAN and had a lot of close friends that miss him every day!! I am so sorry for your loss"
Mook

"Thank You. I will make you proud. I wont let "us" down.Tu hermano siempre."
Eduardo Teran of Seymour,Tn

"To the family of:Roger P.Pena, Jr I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all 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 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"Mrs. Pena and Family, I was in the same truck with Roger on that tragic day. I want you guys to know that you were always with him. His laptop had so many photos of family. I cried for him. I looked up to him spiritually and morally. I think you can see that he touched everyone he came in contact with no matter how short the time. It's been a year and a half and I still wear his name on my bracelet daily. Although I only got to spend a short time with him, I will surely spend the rest of my life trying to emulate him. I feel blessed I was able to share in the light that was only his. My grief is only surpassed by the comfort of knowing he's in a better place now. I would have loved to share in his company more, but I cannot be selfish. My sympathies to you and your family. God bless."
Brian DeButts of La Mesa, CA

"Anonymous of Ft Drum, everyday I miss him so very much and he will never be forgotten....it has not been easy to accept the reality of his absence. He was my best friend, the love of my life and my soulmate whom I was supposed to grow old with, we had so many plans. His love was unconditional and had no boundaries. The most beautiful gifts he ever gave me were our two boys, Ivan and Gabriel, whom were his pride and joy. He was an extaordinary father to them. I cherish the memories he was able to give them. We miss everything about him and it is not easy, our lives will never be the same. Words themselves cannot express the agonizing pain my heart feels."
M. Pena, mgomez229@hotmail.com of Tx

"To the family of SGT Pena,
I don't now if you still check this. But if you do, I wanted to let you know that we have not forgotten. Not a day goes by. We still remember Pena and the man he was."
anonymous of Fort Drum, NY

"Pancho its me Manolo... Im writing to you b/c its been awhile and unfortunately i do not know where your remains are...but i will be there before the end of this year to give you the farewell you deserve or mejor dicho...say hello to you and pay my respects.I miss you like only your family and marisol and the boys do. You are and forever will be my sons Godfather...He talks alot about you and Ivan, he always talks about how you are a hero "for keeping us safe" and how he wants to follow in our example when he grows up...I dont really want that for him but I cannot stop him...Lo que sera,sera.I have lost many loved ones and no disrespect to them, but your absence is the hardest for me man...and beleive it or not i know you are hearing me right now...i know it. Me recuerdo el dia alos quince minutos que "EL" me llamo...me dijo lo que paso,and w/o mentirte I knew somthing happend before "HE" called.Tito is fighting tommorow and ofcourse hes winning...hopefully...Much Love and Respect."
Eduardo Teran of Knoxville,Tn

"Roger,
It has been a year since we lost you. I cannot describe the loss I feel when I think of you and your family. Your wife and children are always in my prayers and I will NEVER forget you. Your smile and care-free attitude made every "difficult" day easier to stomach. You are now and always be my brother. Rest in Peace Bro, you are never forgotten..."
Downtown of Fort Belvoir, Va

"September 11, 2007
To the family of Sgt. Roger P. Pena, Jr.:
Roger 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

"It has been some time since I last wrote...but I have to write. You might not of known it but I was going to ask you to be my sons Godfather...and you will always be.My son and I still think about you,Marisol and your boys.I miss our family bbq's watching our BOXING and Im now a COWBOYS/SPURS fan and I root for them for YOU. If any of Roger/Marisols family see this.Please send email to teran.eduardo@yahoo.
I miss you like I thought I never would.Love you bro."
Eduardo Teran of Knoxville,Tn.

"I can't imagine the pain and sorrow you
are going through. But, he died for you and I and others, freedom, sometimes it is a very costly word. He
will always be a hero, be proud and lets keep him in our prayers. God bless
you and your family."
Chris Rodriguez of Chandler, Arizona, Maricolpa

"Roger,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike C. of El Paso, Texas

"God Bless..."
Jill Desmond, widow Sgt. Dennis J Boles of Homosassa, FL USA

"As a tribute to Roger's ulitmate sacrifice, the Harlandale Class of '95 has implemented a scholarship fund that will be distributed in honor and memory of Roger and Gene Ramirez(another fallen marine), as well as all other fallen soldiers. Please e-mail YMV99@hotmail.com, for more information"
Class of 95 Alumni of San Antonio, TX

"Roman,Bagman This is Roger dad, maybe hopefully we can discuss my son Sgt.Roger P.Pena incident I Like know ,For piece of mind ,I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU. Take and God Bless you."
Roger Pena Sr, of San Antonio, Texas U,S.A

"Roman,Bagman This is Roger dad, maybe hopefully we can discuss my son Sgt.Roger P.Pena incident I Like know ,For piece of mind ,I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU. Take and God Bless you."
Roger Pena Sr, of San Antonio, Texas U,S.A

"Roger,
I was with you in on that sadden day, you will not be forgotten and neither will the words you spoke to me just a few mintues before you departed from us. Team Caddi misses you. God rest."
Roman of Bagram

"Roger,
I was only able to speak with you shortly during your brieg stay on Bagram, but you left a huge impression. You will be missed by all of us."
SSG Jason Stewart of Bagram, Afghanistan

"To me and my family you are and always will be "PANCHO", its me "MANOLO" it hasent been that long but your absence still burns deep withing me brotha' I miss you Marisol and the kids... I still consider you my brother now and for ever! I will never forger you and your sacrifice you died for an honorable cause. Love you forever!"
Eduardo Teran of Ft.Drum, NY

"Roger,
You and I became good friends here in Afghanistan. I will never forget the times we had together. I am going to miss you always. Rememeber You told me you wanted to bench 300lbs by the time you left here, well I am going to be hitting that gym everyday and I am going to bench that 300lbs for you - Baker and I, no matter how long it takes us. Your were a true friend and I concider you as a brother. Miss you BAttle, We all miss you. Its not the same here without you."
Don of Bloomfield NJ

"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.
Our nations HERO, Roger will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!
"

"Thank you Roger Pena, Jr., 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 Sgt. Roger Pena, Jr.:
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 Roger 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 Sgt. Roger Pena, Jr.:
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 Roger, 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