Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Haro you were a good friend. I was able to spend time with you at A BTRY 1/320FA. I was the FDC Chief. You lived across from me in the barracks. I remember we had a Soldier going through a divorce and you let him stay with you the whole weekend to keep him in good spirits. Haro, thanks for hanging out with me, thank you for being the designated driver for us."
MSG Rodriguez David of Nashville, TN

"HARO, I've missed you these past 20 years. You and I both left the 101st in 2000 and wished I would've been able to see you again. You were the kindest person I have ever met to this day. You use to drive us to Nashville and you never drank so the rest of us could have fun and be safe. The stories you told us from your childhood in Cali and previous units were awesome. The night you babysitted for Mike and Jennifer (which she mentioned on here and sorry Jenn I didn't help with that mess either) included my two year old who is now a senior in college. We had two more since then which are a sophomore in college and junior in high school. I wish you were here to meet them. Til Valhall Brother!"
Jason Payne of Norman, Ok

"HARO, I've missed you these past 20 years. You and I both left the 101st in 2000 and wished I would've been able to see you again. You were the kindest person I have ever met to this day. You use to drive us to Nashville and you never drank so the rest of us could have fun and be safe. The stories you told us from your childhood in Cali and previous units were awesome. The night you babysitted for Mike and Jennifer (which she mentioned on here and sorry Jenn I didn't help with that mess either) included my two year old who is now a senior in college. We had two more since then which are a sophomore in college and junior in high school. I wish you were here to meet them. Til Valhall Brother!"
Jason Payne of Norman, Ok

"I remember that night first one lost.. Outta our whole unit battalion brigade he was never supposed to be the one to go. it didn't matter what was going on sgt Haro always made the people around him smile laugh and look to brighter days even in the darkest hours. So many people loved him because he was a great man and will always be a great soldier."
Daniel Janes of Seattle WA

"Sgt. Haro-Marin,
I would just 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. After reading all the reflections left here for you all I can say is that I wish that I had had the honor of serving with you when I was in the Military."
Mike C. of El Paso, Texas

"Nachito, Happy Veterans Day! I really want to thank you for your sacrafice. It has been a few years since I visited this memorial site to write you a little something. I still think and pray for you. I am sure your family misses you. With the holidays rapidly approaching it saddens me to think that you are missed. My friend, remember that you will always be missed but never forgotten. I sometimes have a few cold ones in your honor. Again, thank you for the ultimate sacrafice. Freedom isnt free, that's what I tell my kids. Your friend Julian Ayon."
Julian Ayon of West Covina, Ca. 82nd Abn,

"Your boy Sims here bruh. C-Btry, HHB, Bn Schools and Rear Det NCOIC 3/16 FA. You are truly missed and never forgotten bruh. 21 Gun Salute to you and your family. I read you lima charlie. "Thunder Base Out"."
SSG Sims " Retired " of Temple, Tx

"Such a tragadey so very sorry my husband ralph vasquez served in the navy im praying 4 everyone"
mary vasqsquz of owensboro

"I was in C-3/16 ( 6th section ) with Sgt Haro. We had a connection right away, I was raised in Baldwin Park and it was great finding a friend from home in texas. Most of the time we were in the field he was my spades partner. What i remember most about him is, He loved being a solider, and he was a good one. Just a great all around guy. i did not know him for a very long time. But his Memory will live with me forever. RIP Brother."
Sgt. Loera Robert, E of Chino, CA

"WOW 7 years already...
Where has the time gone Haro...Robby is grown and on his own, Kendall just graduated high school and Mikki is a sophmore in High school, Remember when you babysat them for us so Mike and I could go out for the night and they wanted snow so you popped like 10 bags of popcorn and threw it all over the place, and left it for mom to clean...ha...that was such an awesome memory for them, they talk about it to this day..
I miss you and the crazy times we had, You are an awesome man..
Ft. Campbell would have never been the same without you and your stories, and your craziness...You are so missed...
Love you!!!
SSG Hoover and Jenni and the Kids..."
jennifer Hoover of Ft. Riley Kansas

"Nacho was my cousin, my childhood friend, my partner in crime and most of all he was family. Most things about him have already been said here but I must add that he was a squeaky clean guy too. He didn’t smoke, he didn’t drink and he hardly ever cussed. He didn’t need to drink to have a good time. Nacho was the kind of young man that any mother would want their son to be like or their daughter to have as a husband. I will always hold him close to my heart and I know that he is in heaven looking down at our families, shaking his head like he always did, with his arms are crossed. I am so proud of him and even though it has been 7 years since the day he was killed, I still miss him so very much.

FYI His remains are resting at the Rose Hills cemetery gate 9"
Carla Marin of Los Angeles, CA

"My name is Ruben Serrano, older, extremely honored and proud cousin of Atanacio Haro Marin (My little primo Nachito). What can I say but good things about my Beloved cousin, having even carried him in my arms as he was just a little boy and I, a rebellious teenager who turned out to be the black sheep of the family. One thing is for sure, all these positive comments that friends, family members and servicemen have posted in the website, do not lack in honesty and aren't minutely exaggerated. I was a gang member who wasted half his life, and in prison when given this sad news about the terrible loss of my little cousin. I know most people think, what does this thouhtless and ignorant gangbanger care, but believe me it was'n easy hearing this at all, especially in a place where I was forced to deprive myself from showing these natural human emotions which I am now free to express, because they are considered weeknesses. I just layed on my bed for a week wearing my sun glasses to camouflage my quiet weeping in fear that if I went out to yard, someone would say something stupid and I would probably lose it and do something just as stupid, getting my self into more trouble than I was already in. My litlle cousin was and always will be all that I admire and much much more. He was brave, kind, and greatly believed in honor as well as honesty. He was also one of the few people that never judged me for being a gangmember, but instead forced me to finally realize the right way to live, and I say forced in the correct and positive sense of the word because he gave advise in such respecful manner that he left you no way to get upset. I now try every day to follow his advise and apply to myself a bit of the discipline that he displayed in his life, and with God's help it has changed mine. I, and your whole family miss and love you primo. On behalf of the Haro Serrano family, I sincerely thank God and everyone who has offered their condolences but I also extend my own to all who suffer such tragic loss. We feel your pain and we're with you. God Bless you all.

rserr1969@hotmail.com or rserr1969@yahoo.com"
Ruben Serrano of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico

"SGT Haro had the sad distinction of being the "Ivy" Division's first combat casualty in Iraq, He was also the first Soldier that I knew that would be killed in war, the first of many.

While we were in the same Battalion, I wasn't with him or the battalion when he was killed, but I will always remember hearing the news of our loss.

We worked close together for a few months back in 2002, engaged in a generally worthless SimEx. I will always remember SGT Haro as a Soldier and NCO that always had a positive attitude, even when others, such as myself, may have not. I had the privilege of getting to know him during those few months. What I came to understand about SGT Haro is that he embodied the best in America. He joined the Army because he felt it was his duty to do his part for our nation, not for want of employment or opportunity ...he was already a competent businessman. He wanted to give back to a nation that gave him, a man from an immigrant family, what he felt were amazing opportunities. It was therefore no mistake that he rapidly became an NCO, and as an NCO his Soldiers were always his priority. He truly cared about his Soldiers, and not because he had to as an NCO but because of who he was, constantly counseling, developing and generally mentoring them.

When it came time to deploy it is no surprise that he did so willingly and was excited to do so. Only weeks before we left I spoke with him and he told me that he was going to get out of the Army after we came home, but first he had a mission to complete and Soldiers to take care of.

I will always owe a debt of honor to SGT Haro, and I continue to serve because of men like him. His memory will always challenge me to be a better leader.

Only good Soldiers die in war, because it is the good Soldiers, the heroic Soldiers, that step forward, sacrifice, and do what is necessary to defend us all. SGT Haro wasn't a good Soldier. SGT Haro was one of the best!"
CPT Erik J. Burris of Bagram, Afghanistan

"Hey, Nachito.

Still remembering those Christmases we used to have. Ma Ene went up to join you last year. Tell her hi for me"
Joel Martinez of Commerce, California

"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 was surfing the web looking for a email address to my old unit. I came across this websight. I am so glad that I have found this page. My name is SSG Stevenson, I served with Nacho in the same Platoon. I was their that night, to this day I still think of my dear friend Nacho. From the day we met till the day I pass, Nacho was and will alway be a true friend. You are missed my friend."
SSG Stevenson of Herington, KS / Ft. Riley, KS

"To the family of:Atanacio Haro-Marin 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"

"Sgt Haro Was the type of Soldier that, everyone loved and a strong leader, he smiled even as he flew to germany on his last night, Sgt Tarpley flew by his side that night. He was a true example of a hero.....I still remember the old C 3/16FA AND ITS HEROES, Americas Heroes!!!!!!!"
Spc Windham of Ft. Jackson 42A school.

"hey hey nachito......damn uncle i hadn even came across diz website after wut 3 yrs amlmost 4....since u left us...but jst wanted to tell u ilove you and i miss u alot still kant stokp cryn til diz day!! forever ull be a soldier...ily and look out for my big brother up der plz....miss u both!!"
priscilla, serrano of LB, CA, usa.

"NACHITO! I TOO STUMBLED ACROSS THIS PAGE LIKE MY BROTHER BELOW. I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT TO THIS DAY YOU ARE STILL TRULY MISSED & LOVED BY ALL THOSE WHOSE LIVES YOU TOUCHED. I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I HOLD YOU IN MY HIGHEST THOUGHTS. I ADMIRE YOUR COURAGE & HEROISM. YOU MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR COUNTRY & FOR THAT I AM FOREVER GREATFUL. YOUR DEATH HIT ME HARD JUST AS IT DID MY BROTHER. I NEVER LOST SOMEONE IN OUR FAMILY SO CLOSE. YOU WERE THE FIRST. IRONICALLY, A MONTH AFTER MY BROTHER RANDY LEFT YOU THAT COMMENT BELOW, WE LOST OUR BROTHER KEVIN. I'M SURE HE IS NOW IN GOOD HANDS WITH YOU. HE ADMIRED YOU AS MUCH AS ALL OF US DO. I LOVE YOU TWO SO MUCH! UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN...GOD BLESS YOUR SOULS!!"
MARY MICHELLE SERRANO of LONG BEACH, CA. USA

"January 28, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Atanacio Haro-Marin:
Atanacio 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

"Atanacio,
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. After reading the reflections left here for you, all I can say is that I wish that I had the honor to have served with you when I was in.

"Macte Nova Virtute"
(Go Forth With New Strength)
16th FA Motto"

"I was a gun bunny with SPC Haro At Fort Campbell, KY Alpha 1/320th FA. We were in 5th section he was a hard worker. I would tease him about running marathons and I would ask him "do you think you could run to Nashville from here" and Haro would say yes "and I could beat you driving a car there". He would always bring the section Tequila back from home when he took leave. He was a great friend and always took care of the next man. Rest In Peace Nacho."
SFC Wesley of Fort Richardson, AK

"I was a gun bunny with SPC Haro At Fort Campbell, KY Alpha 1/320th FA. We were in 5th section he was a hard worker. I would tease him about running marathons and I would ask him "do you think you could run to Nashville from here" and Haro would say yes "and I could beat you driving a car there". He would always bring the section Tequila back from home when he took leave. He was a great frind and always took care of the next man. Rest In Peace Nacho."
SFC Wesley of Fort Richardson, AK

"SGT Haro, I have heard a lot about you..I never met you but I know that you are missed greatly. Your family talks only good about you and I wish I could have met you"
SFC Zacarias of Los Angeles, CA

"HEY HARO I REMEMBER THE DAY I FOUND OUT ABOUT YOUR DEATH I WAS WAS HIT HARD WITH THE NEWS BECAUSE I USED TO TALK TO YOU ALL THE TIME ABOUT GOING ACTIVE I REMEMBER THE DAY YOU TOLD ME YOU WERE GOING ACTIVE LEAVING OUR UNIT C BTRY 1/144FA I TOLD YOU THAT YOU WOULD LIKE IT JUST LIKE I DID BEFORE I CAME TO YOUR RESERVE UNIT NOW I FEEL GUILTY I BLAME MYSELF FOR YOUR DEATH I ALSO REMEMBER HOW I HELPED YOUR FAMILY THE DAY YOU CAME HOME FOR GOOD I GOT ALL YOUR INFO THEY NEEDED THAT NIGHT THEY WAITED FOR YOUR BODY AT THE FUNERAL HOME I STILL HAVE YOUR FUNERAL CARD I AM NEVER GOING TO FORGET YOU OR ALL THE PICTURES WE TOOK TOGETHER I MISS YOU AND THE FACT THAT YOU LOVED TO RUN I WILL BE VISITING YOUR GRAVE SITE MORE OFTEN TAKE GOOD CARE OF ALL OUR FELLOW TROOPS"
PFC RAY R ALARCON JR of DUARTE ,CA

"Nacho, Hey, Well Its Been so long, since we last talkd. "Que Dios Te Tenga en su GLORIA".
I remember that last evening we talkd, I was just a senior at sierra vista. I remember telling you that I had finally signd up, into the Army. You where happy, (as usual)and I remember that day, you telling me , " Im Leaving to Germany" you was so happy. Then that was it, I lost touch. Untill July 4, 2003, I calld back home from O.I.F. I talkd to one of our friends, and I askd him, "Have you heard of Nacho?" .............. and when he told me that you had passd away, on an ambush, I was just speechless.......... Nacho, you where a good friend, you always with that colgate smile, you made anyone that was depressed happy. Ill always remember your funny, krazy, butt, lol . Thanks for so many laughs, and so many memories. God Bless you and your family!

P.S. What Cementary, is SGT Atanacio, resting? (biggie_iggy@yahoo.com)"
SGT Vasquez, Jose of Baldwin Park , CA

"I was surfing the web and I came across this website. It has been 3yrs,2mths,and 16 days to the day you passed Nacho and not one day goes by that you don't cross my mind. I really am not the person that expresses my feelings but the day that you passed on I took it really hard, even though I did not show any expressions. I was pulling two shifts at UPS.I was so tired when I got home all I wanted to do was sleep. But for some odd reason my cell phone started ringing off the hook like crazy. After a few calls I finally picked up the phone and received the horrible news that Nachito my uncle had passed away in Iraq. When I heard this news my heart justed dropped. I ran to the living room and woke up my younger brother Rick and told him to get dressed that we had to go to aunt cata's house. Today is Aug 19th 2006 and I am currently living in the home where my cousin as we were know lived his life and not a day goes by that I don't think of him. Rest in peace nacho you will never be forgotten and you will always live in my heart. I wish my two daughters Emily and Natalie could have met you in person so they could have seen what a wonderful human being you were. Rest in peace and god bless you for your ultimate sacrifice. Peace out Nacho, and the Serrano family will always mourn your loss."
Randy Serrano of Baldwin Park, C.A. USA

"First of all, please accept our condolences from the Ayon family. Today I retrieved out of my mailbox a letter from our Congresswoman with a list of names remembering our fallen heroes. I was deeply sadden to see the names, specially when I came across the name of SGT. Atanacio Haro Marin. I immediately went on-line to find further information on "Nachito" as I knew him. On a site I saw a picture of him which brought some old memories back to life. I had the privilige to know Nachito and his family from childhood. We were about the same age so as kids I remeber playing and laughing, just having a good time. As time went by our family moved out of the area so I wouldn't see Nachito as often. I don't think Nachito knew that I myself had enlisted and served in the Army in the 82nd Airborne. It would of been great to have sereved together. I read all of the messages on this site and I saw a picture of him in another I am really proud of him and it is a privilige to have been one of his childhood friends. I am now a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy, married with a 2 year old son. I really thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifice Nachito, you left us far to soon. I will never forget your great sense of humor and the laughs we shared. Some day when we meet again maybe will have a chance to sit and talk, laugh, and share our memories and experiences in God's kingdom. Once again Nachito thanks so much for your freindship and service to our country! God bless you and your family."
Julian Ayon Jr. of W. Covina CA.

"Hey Nacho. Today is June 3rd, 2006. It has been 3 long years to the day since you left all of us. I wanted to write this and let you and your family know that I always think about you, and cannot forget your great personality. Take care bro, and I miss you . "don't worry, be happy"!!!
Cyclone"
Robert Niezwaag Jr. of Riverton, Wyoming

"hey nachito i know ur up there with God just letting you know that the family misses you you were a great family friend! we will always keep your memory alive in our hearts!"
maria rojas 14 of california

"My name Is Sgt. Robert Niezwaag. I served with Sgt. Haro in Iraq. We were on the airplane flight together to Iraq, and he was also in my section a short time before going to 3rd section. I remember his great personality, and willingness to help anyone. I learned of his death at the field hospital where I was at at the time at LSA Anaconda, Balad, Iraq. I was there when they brought him to the field hospital. I couldn't believe that it was him that was brought in. I thought and still think why someone so good and nice could end up like this. I wished that it was me laying there instead of him. I know that he is in a better place, and that he is up in Heaven looking down. I remember talking to him about the LA Lakers, and his family. I remember when I first came to the unit, he was the first one to welcome me to the unit. I remember going to his apartment and watching wrestling. I sure miss him. I pray for him and his family, along with everyone else that has gave the ultimate sacrifice, and is still serving. This world has lost a great magnificant man, and I will remember you until I see you once again. "Nacho", take care, and I miss you bro, and I wish that I was a fraction of the person that you are. Robert."
Robert Niezwaag Jr. of Riverton, Wyoming

"My dear friend Nacho. I still remember that day I heard your name on the News. I was putting up curtains and all of a sudden just stood there for a long time. I didnt want to believe my ears, I dont think anyone did, but once I came back into reality, nothing but good, great, funny and laughable moments came into my head. I remember when we used to go to the clubs in killeen and you would always light up the night dancing and joking. I will never forget you Nacho. Your friend,always, and forever, until we meet in Heaven,"
Jennifer Ibarra of Ft. Hood,TX USA

"Our son Matt, 3-16 FA, served with Nacho at Fort Hood and in Iraq. They were good friends and Matt was the medic who tended him when he was injured. Matt took his death very hard and then we lost Matt's brother Clint(Stryker Brigade 1/25) in Mosul on 2-19-05. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family, as we now know the pain you feel. We will never forget SGT Haro - he is a hero serving with Clint on "God's Army" now. Love and Peace to all of you.

From the Gertson Family in Eagle Lake, Tx."
Gayle, Susan,Matt, JoLynn and Cori Gertson of Eagle Lake, Tx

"Just want to say you're in a better place now and thanks for fighting for this great country and standing guard to preserve our freedom. All the boys from Sierra Vista High school are proud and to the family of Atanacio continue to be strong.
Pedro Flores
class of 95
Thanks for the good memories in high school..."
Pedro Flores of Baldwin Park,CA

"Haro you will always be remembered in my families hearts and thoughts I am a better soldier having gotten to know you.
We will meet again my friend
SSG MIchael B Hoover"
Michael Hoover of lawton Oklahoma

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

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.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"Today, a year since you where taken from us, your sacrifice is still a tribute to how great a person you are.
You will never be forgotten. And because of your sacrifice we all know now the true price of freedom."
BABULA of B bty 3 / 16 FA

"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, Atanacio, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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

"No words can describe what a great man Atanacio(or as we all called him "Nachito") was. Always carried a smile and brought happiness to the family. Every family event he was the Life of the Party. We will never forget what a great guy he was. It hurts a lot though everytime I take a look at his picture, remembering the good times, but I know he will always be in our hearts. This past New Years Eve,I would say was the hardest, it was exactly a year that I had last seen him. As the Haro family and ours (Quezada)gathered that night we took a moment of silence in his Honor and just Rememered what a wonderful person God now has by his side.Thank you so much Nachito, you will always be remembered and will be present in our heart and prayers. I miss you and I hope you can guide me and watch over me. Because soon I will be enetering the career that u and I always wanted to take "Law Enforcement", and I promise you that now I will try harder for you do to my best and to be a good leader as you were. Good bye my dear Guardian Angel "Nachito""
Quezada, Marisol of Maywood,Ca.

"First off God bless your family durning this time. I serve with Haro when I was at hood before I came on recruiting duty, he was in my section for a very short time before moving into 3rd. I will never forget your good nature and your giving spirit, you are a hero in my mind. The Suggs family will never forget you."
SSG Suggs (COLD STEEL) of Sacramento, CA

"In loving memory of my uncle Sgt.Atanacio Haro Marin whom I love with all my heart and will always live in our family's hearts. My uncle "Nacho" and I had a special bond, he was always there when I needed him, in his eyes I was always right, never did he scold me or tell me I was wrong. He used to spoil me.The last day I saw him was 1/02/03 we were celebrating the come of the new year at his house. I will never forget what he told me that night before he was shipped back out to Texas. He looked straight into my eyes and said, "Hey you know I love you, Right?" and I answered "Well,now I do" and he smiled and gave me a big hug. Itwould take up thousands of pages for me to tell you how I feel about him. All I know is that he lives in me and I cant help but to tear every time I think of my angel. I'm sure he's smiling down at us from heaven. Thank you all for your condolences."
Daniela Turcios of Lynwood, Ca.

"I served with Sgt. Haro for over two years and was with him in Iraq. To all those that knew him, we are so much less now for his passing. Atanacio was one of the most giving persons that I have ever had the luck to know. He was always with a smile on his face. And ALWAYS with his whistle on his lips (and I mean that literally). He always was willing to help anyone who needed it. Whether it was money, a ride, advice, or just simply an ear that was willing to listen to what you were feeling; he was there for everyone.

As you meet people throughout your life, you find faults in most of the individuals. Nacho was not one of those people. I can say with ALL honesty that I can think of nothing that can be said bad against him. He was as pure a good person as I have ever met. God called him home because he missed having one of his chosen next to him in heaven.

To his family, nothing can be said to make that pain lessen. But, know that you are not alone in you grief. We in Cyclone battery feel his loss every day. Our time served in Iraq has been less without out him. It would have been a lot more tolerable with him there. He was a breath of fresh air in a sea of stagnation. It wouldn’t have felt like such long time if he had been there.

To all of those reading this posting that never met him, feel jealous of those of us that knew and loved him. You never had the privilege to meeting one of the best examples of humanity at its best in a time where humanity seems to be at it’s worst. We are all better for his life. And we are all so much worse for his death.

To Nacho: man, I wish that I had been there to take it for you. I would have gladly taken your place if I could have. You were always a better person than I could have ever been. I miss you so very much. I know that you are at the right hand of God now and doing His fire missions for Him now. Put steel on target, Haro. I love you and wish that you were here with us."
Cpl. Jonathan Tindell of Ft. Hood, TX

"Thank you Atanacio Haro-Marin, 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

"This message is for the family and friends of Nacho. I just learned of his death about 2 days ago, I am very sorry for your loss. I knew Nacho for almost 2 years, we were very close friends. He was a wounderful man and person. I just can't believe he has passed. He has touched my life in many ways. Nacho you will truly be missed."
Renee Hoshaw of Killeen, Texas

"My name is Kurt Wells; I served with SGT. Haro-Marin with Alpha Battery 1/320th FA in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. I remember him well even though it was 4+ years ago. I remember him always volunteering for anything that ever came up. I was the supply NCO at the time and was fortunate to work with him a couple of times. He was a true Hero. I was truly saddened learning of his death and my heart goes out to his family and fellow soldiers. I know that his presence there saved lives and he died a hero."
Kurt Wells SSG COANG of Denver, Co U.S.A

"I was Sgt Haro's Smoke(Chief of Firing Battery) when he was in A Btry, 1/320th FA, 101st Airborne(Air Assault). He was my NBC NCO and then one of my gunners. He was a good soldier that always tried his best, I could always rely on him to get the job done. I was glad that I got to know him well as a person and not just a soldier. He will be greatly missed."
SFC Ken Montes US Army Ret. of Columbia/Ft. Jackson, SC

"To the family of Sgt Atanacio "Nacho" Haro-Marin, your son was one of my best friends, we traveled to Iraq on the plane together on March 31st and then he was moved out of my section to go back to the guns. I was injured 2 days prior to Nacho's time of passing, I was medevaced from Iraq due to a broken wrist which occured during the first attack our unit had. Your son was a very good friend and would never be forgotten by me or my family who he helped out during the birth of my second child. I know that Nacho is in great hands, and me and wife will never forget what he did for us. Please accept our condolences in the lost of your son and a great soldier."
SGT Timothy Allen Webb and Family of C Btry 3-16 FA, Fort Hood, Texas

"To the Family of SGT. Atanacio Haro-Marin: Your son has touched the lives many people and his friends miss him so. As a Howitzer Gunner, he cared for all his crew members. Always first helping and giving no matter who it was. It was an honor to have served with him, and call him my friend. His smile and laughs continues to echeo in my thoughts for he is with us always. May peace come to you in time and God Bless."
SSG Jeffrey Shelton, C BTRY 3BN, 16TH Field Artillery of Fort Hood, Texas

"My son, Pfc. Robb Boersen,served with Sgt. Haro as he called him. He was with him when they were attacked in Balad. He has told us about the times they shared on the ship going over and how much he cared for him. He is a true hero. We pray that God gives his family and friends peace."
Kim Bolton of Holland, Mi

"Atanacio also known as "nachito" was a great person. Nachito was my uncle.He's dad is my dad's cousin.I wasnt really that close to him but hes death still hurts. When I saw his body I bursted into tears. I still cant believe that hes gone, that he no longer will be with us. He was always happy, hes truly going to be missed. R.I.P "Nachito""
Flora of El Monte, CA

"Just giving you some heads up, its Army Sgt. Atanacio Haro-Marin... its a Mexican-American thing. I would also like to say that what we [my family] thought of nachito [we knew him] was that he was a great man. I never cried at a funeral before, but for the first time, when i was standing there in my full cadet blues for CAP saluting to taps and hearing the twenty-one gun salute in his honor, i couldn't hold back the small tears streaming down my face. The family nevwer wanted to trade thier son for a medal, but he did die. with full millitary honors. I thank the creators of this site. for the family of Nachito, a great and funny man."
Rafael Martinez, 15 of Commerece, California

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Atanacio Haro-Marin:
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 Atanacio for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada