Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Armando se convirtio en mi mejor amigo. Llegamos a la unidad al mismo tiempo y fuimos inseparables. Desde Colorado hasta la noche antes de su muerte siempre juntos. Era my trabajador, todos los demas soldados lo querian mucho. Sufri tanto su perdida. Siempre lo recordare."
Martin M. Morales of Aurora, Colorado

"A true friend who gave his life for his family and friends. I knew him personally from school. I introduced him to our recruiter, thank GOD for men like him, who without hesitation give their lives for our freedom. For freedom isn't free it costs many lives to attain it and maintain it. The Lord have you in His presence. Amen."
Alexander Castellano of South Houston, Texas/USA

"pfc soriano you were an awesome friend and outstanding soldier R.I.P brother you will never be forgotten"
sgt(p) Santiago (TITO) of HWB 3/3 ACR

"Soriano Family,

I was in Iraq with Armando in his original section before he got switched to supply. I will never forget his bravery and dedication he had to the Military. He was everything a soldier should be. He will always remain in my memory and prayers. Words can’t explain the anger I have on the individual’s whom I blame for his death. May they be haunted by this for the rest of their lives? It really should have been me, because the choices of the two to be switched were between him and me.

Armando,

Fly high my friend you will never be forgotten."
PFC Rocco, Henry of HWB 3/3 ACR FT.CARSON CO

"January 29, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Armando Soriano:
Armando 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

"god bless the Soriano family from Houston TX"
Armando Soriano of Hemet CA USA

"dios bendiga a esta familia que entre tantas otras familias an perdido un ser querido. dios bendiga la fam Soriano de Houston tx"
Armando Soriano of Hemet CA usa

"TO A SOLDIER WHO I DIDN'T EVEN EVER MET BUT YET YOUR FOOT PRINTS HAVE BEEN CARVED IN OUR FAMILY FOR LIFE. I AM THE SISTER OF BRANDON TORREZ. ON THAT TRADGIC DAY MY BROTHER WAS BY YOUR SIDE AND EVEN TIL THIS DAY HE HAS NEVER LET YOUR MEMORY GO! YOU IMPACTED MY BROTHERS LIFE AND FOR THIS WE HONOR YOU! I PRAY BLESSINGS ON YOUR FAMILY WHO MISS YOU SO...VERY MUCH! AS YOU REST UPON THE CLOUDS WE HONOR YOUR LIFE'S SACRIFICE! ADIOS AMIGO. MELISSA TORREZ DOCKINS!"
MELISSA DOCKINS of WICHITA FALLS, TX/ US

"Familia Soriano.

Les acompaño en su perdida, que es la mia misma, mi hijo tambien murio al inici de esta guerra inmoral.
Ustedes son unas victimas mas de las locuras de personas sin esclupulos que primero nos roban a nuestros hijos y despues nos quieren dar la patada.
Es incleible que ustedes que dieron el maximo sacrificio, que dieron la vida de su amado hijo Armando por este pais, hoy les page con la doportacion, espero que logren su justo derecho de permanecer aqui en una forma "Legal" .

Su hermano en el dolor
Fernando Suarez del Solar.
Padre de Jesus Alberto Suarez del Solar, USMC, muerto en Irak el 27 de Marzo del 2003 por una bomba ilegal norteamericana.
Paz.
El soldado de Estados Unidos, Armando Soriano, nacido en Houston, Texas, murió en Irak el 1 de febrero de 2004. Tenía 20 años cuando el vehículo en el que patrullaba sufrió un accidente en Haditha. Era un domingo.

Armando era hijo de Enrique y Cotilde Soriano, mexicanos que pasaron la frontera sin documentos en 1980. Así, indocumentados vivieron sin mayor contratiempo por años. En Houston tuvieron cuatro hijos. Enrique y su esposa viajaron varias veces a México y regresaban a su casa en Estados Unidos pasando como indocumentados. Sin problema.

En 1999, Enrique y Armando fueron a México porque el joven Soriano fue invitado como chambelán a unos 15 años. De regreso Enrique fue detenido por la migra y deportado. Al día siguiente de su deportación Enrique pasó “por el monte” y desde entonces decidió no regresar a México hasta no ser legal.

Armando decidió ingresar al ejército, sobre todo por la ayuda económica que significa para ir a la universidad. Hay otro beneficio para quienes ingresan al ejército estadunidense, pero de ese nunca se habla, porque siempre prefiere nunca imaginarse. En caso de que el soldado muriera en combate y que sus padres fueran indocumentados, éstos podrán obtener la ciudadanía estadunidense.

Cuando Armando murió, el ejército de Estados Unidos comenzó el proceso para que sus padres obtuvieran, primero la residencia permanente y después la ciudadanía.

Dos años y medio después, sobre Enrique Soriano pesa una orden de deportación que a no ser que suceda un milagro lo enviará a México. Su arresto y deportación de 1999 hacen imposible, legalmente, que pueda obtener la residencia. El congresista demócrata por Houston, Gene Green, tiene una iniciativa pendiente de aprobación que solucionaría el asunto, pero es muy raro que ese tipo de leyes se aprueben.

Enrique dice a quien se lo pregunte que tiene claro que más allá de muros fronterizos o militares en la línea; si lo regresan a México él volverá. Que nadie lo separará de su mujer (que ya tiene su residencia) o sus hijas que nacieron aquí. Y menos de la tumba de su hijo. Si me hacen irme, dice, pues lo desentierro y me lo llevo.

Enrique, que se dedica a la construcción, no habla mucho inglés. Apenas unas palabras. No acaba de entender las explicaciones de su abogado. El maldito tecnicismo por el cual su mujer sí, pero él no puede tener la residencia y lo quieren echar del país por el que murió su hijo. No hay tecnicismo que le devuelva a su hijo.

Tampoco entiende cómo es que ahora, tantos años después, 3 mil soldados muertos después, miles de iraquíes muertos después; un presidente confundido no sabe qué decir o qué hacer sobre una guerra que ya perdió."
Fernando Suarez del Solar of San Diego,CA

"To the family of armando soriano.
It has been more than 3 years since the tragic day that armando passed. i was in his platoon at the time and got to know him well. Not a day has passed that i have not thought of him. His memory will never be forgotten, at least not in my heart."
Wo1 Steven Badgley of Ft rucker , AL

"To the family of:Armando Soriano 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"

"I was in your sons platoon he kept me in high spirits when i was down and kept me laughing when i needed it. he is one of the best soldiers i know and his memory will stay with me forever"
SGT Woltz Christopher of FT. Knox KY

"Soriano u will always be in my heart and memories we were good friends and we will always be god bless u and your family."
SGt Morales Martin of Colorado Sprigs , Colorado

"You were an exceptional soldier that will always be there for your fellow soldiers...thank you for doing all that you did with us and Fam. Soriano know that PFC Soriano was the very best...SOLDIER, FRIEND, and without a doubt a SON. Thank you PFC Soriano I will always remember you. WE MISS YOU, but you are still guarding us from above without a doubt...THANK YOU."
SGT Villasenor, Alex of HWB 3/3 ACR FT. Carson, CO

"PFC Soriano,
you were a brave soldier and you will never be forgotten. For those of us that fought beside you we will always remember the wonderful person that you were and your dedication to god and country...I did all I could for you that day. God bless the Soriano family of Houston Texas.

Cpt Thomas C. Owens
Former HWB 3/3 ACR 1st Platoon Leader and XO
OIF 03-04"
Cpt Thomas C. Owens of FT. McPherson, GA

""Please Forgive Me Armando!" It is I who feel the guilt for you being where you are now. I Still remember the day you approached me when I had just returned from all my Army training and was doing hometown recruiting in our old high school of South Houston. You asked me if I liked and enjoyed being in the Army so far and return my respond was,"I love it every bit of it so far and it has been the best choice I have done yet in my short life span!" I spoke to freely from the bottom of my heart, and I never imagined you would even think of following my steps even when you gave me the signs like calling me more often to ask more questions and that you were talking to a recruiter but I just thought you were just talking a bit and you were not going to take the actual jump. When I heard the news from the Army Stripes Newspaper, Pentagon Channel, and friends I was in shock and totally destroyed internally inside of me, in fault for not being next to you during that moment when I should have for inspiring an old friend in joyning in our ranks of Army enlisted, and mostly because of my bit more knowledge in the actual combat arms training. It has been a bit over a year now since you were taken and I was moved to Korea, but I have been trying to head back to Iraq where I belong with all my friends and comrades of my old division of the 1st Cavalry Division. If you could see what I have become, I know you would be ashamed of me letting things go by, like not becoming a Green Beret "Special Forces" and doing what I like most and have returned to the desert where all you have is your fellow comrades next to you and trust them with your back and life itself. I am due to return home shortly after my four years in the service, only to spend a bit of time with my family and visit you where your body rests. "I will always remember you, I hope deep in my heart you did not come at all because of my stupid spoken words of experience and true love to the military, and if you did please forgive me and use me as your tool to accomplish anything you want. I give you my word I will do whatever you ask from me even if it puts my life on the line once more, just ask me in whatever spiritual or out of this world phenomenon and I will make sure it happens...!!!""
Alex F. of Korea

""Please Forgive Me Armando!" It is I who feel the guilt for you being where you are now. I Still remember the day you approached me when I had just returned from all my Army training and was doing hometown recruiting in our old high school of South Houston. You asked me if I liked and enjoyed being in the Army so far and return my respond was,"I love it every bit of it so far and it has been the best choice I have done yet in my short life span!" I spoke to freely from the bottom of my heart, and I never imagined you would even think of following my steps even you gave me the signs like calling me more often to ask more questions and that you were talking to a recruiter but I just thought you were just talking a bit and you were not going to take the actual jump. When I heard the news from the Army Stripes Newspaper, Pentagon Channel, and friends I was in shock and totally destroyed internally inside of me, in fault for not being next to you during that moment when I should have for inspiring an old friend in joyning in our ranks of Army enlisted, and mostly because of my bit more knowledge in the actual combat arms training. It has been a bit over a year now since you were taken and I was moved to Korea, but I have been trying to head back to Iraq where I belong with all my friends and comrades of my old division of the 1st Cavalry Division. If you could see what I have become, I know you would be ashamed of me, and you would know that I should have become a Green Beret "Special Forces" an taken the option to avenge you my friend and returned to desert where all you have is your fellow comrades next to you and trust them with your back and life itself. I am due to return home shortly after my four years in the service, only to spend a bit of time with my family and visit you where your body rests. "I will always remember you, I hope deep in my heart you did not come at all because of my stupid spoken words of experience and true love to the military, and if you did please forgive me and use me as your tool to accomplish anything you want. I give you my word I will do whatever you ask from me even if it puts my life on the line once more, just ask me in whatever spiritual or out of this world phenomenon and I will make sure it happens...!!!""
Alex Fernandez of Area III, Korea

"soriano you will always be missed and loved, i can't believe it's almost been a year since i last seen you...to the soriano family thank you for bringing such a wonderful person into all of our lives in how bat, you will never be forgotten brother"
Spc Ted Powell of Ft Carson Hwb 3/3 acr

"Soriano thank you for all the memories we had together.And I was glad that I had a chance to know you and share some of those memories with you, you are always miss by all of us.but we will never forget you but I just want to say it was and honered to serve next to you. but alright my brother i'll let you go for now but not forever god bless you."
sgt(p) Covarrubias,Edgar I of HWB 3/3 ACR FT.CARSON CO

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

"Rest in Peace Brave Solider. You are the bright shining star in the sky we see everynight when we look up to heaven."
The Taylors USMC of NC

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

"God be with you Armando and your family in a time like this. You are no longer with us but your smile and bravery will not be forgotten. We will miss you so much because you were always such a good friend to all of us!!! We will never forget you!!!!!!!!!!"
Maritza

"rest in peace my dear friend and my hero we will all miss you,and you will never ever be forgotten thankyou for being so brave for our country,but i know you will be a good angel.armando aka monkey a true hero."
Fina Gonzalez of pasadena,tx

"Rest in peace brave soldier!"
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"God Bless You our hometown Hero."
The Martinez Family of Houston, TX

"Thank you Armando Soriano, 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 Pfc. Armando Soriano:
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 Armando 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 Pfc. Armando Soriano:
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 Armando, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia