Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Still thinking of you this memorials 2023
Will ways remember our time. Fallen brother will never forget. Brothers forever."
Sgt Ramos of California1

"V, it's hard to believe that it has been almost 13 years since you passed. You have been gone, but as I hope you know you haven't been and never will be forgotten. Rest easy brother, Thank You for your service, and Dawgs of War!"
Kevin Wanner Sr. of Kansas City, Mo

"Happy Veterans Day Ninong! Just laughed really hard at some of the comments especially Uncle Carlos'. Not sure what other family & friends go on here or will see this. But I know we all miss you. I can't believe all this time has passed.. It's also crazy that the same day you passed away on September 27th 2004 almost ten years later my little sister was born (9/27/13). I'm sure if you were around you would have loved her to pieces. She definitely followed after her older brother lol. Maybe its just a small coincidence that it was the same day but I do believe everything happens for a reason. I know you're gone but never forgotten. I love and miss you Ninong forever my hero.."
Dean of Los Angeles, California

"You're still missed, bro. If I had the power to raise the dead, I'd bring back Hedy Lamarr in her prime, but you'd be next, I swear. You understand. I don't come bearing any good personal news, but the Cowboys are becoming a real force again. I don't mean to suggest my life isn't going well, but when I remember that you've been gone for over 10 years, I feel guilty for having wasted so much precious time. Life is wasted on the living. I will keep coming back to litter your page with more trivial remembrances, don't you worry. Thank you, again, for your service, bro. You are in our thoughts."
Carlos of Rosemead, CA, USA

"For many of us, this day 10 years ago was one of the saddest. Since then, we've missed you at all the family gatherings and celebrations. It is nice to know that you're watching over us; that we can still talk with you in our thoughts and prayers; and that your spirit and dedication can guide us in our actions. Proud of you and miss you cuz."
Jeff of Vancouver, Canada

"ALWAYS REMEMBERED NEVER FORGOTTEN!

On Sept. 27, 2014, it will be our nephew’s Lito (Sdt. V) 10 th death anniversary. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since Lito (Sgt. V) left his family and friends to join the other coalition heroes in Joint Base Heaven. Although Lito (Sgt.V) is not with us anymore, I can still feel his spirit watching over us and protecting us from harm’s way. I know he was watching over me when I had the heart bypass surgery last April. Rest In Peace Lito and thanks for watching over us.

Uncle Ray"
Uncle Ray of Vancouver, BC

"Lito, just want to report I defend my dissertation tomorrow en route of completing my doctorate at USC. It seems like yesterday that I told you that I made a promise that I would finish my PhD in your honor and happy to finally do it tomorrow. I've always have been inspired to finish because of you and I am forever inspired by you to make sure my future work contributes to positive social change in this world."
George 'Allen' Villanueva of Los Angeles, CA

"You and others still remembered. Thank you always on this Memorial Day 2012"
ESC of Oxnard, CA USA

"hey V, its been a long time..thank you for everthing. thank you for keeping my head up and giving me the chance to make the right choices. you should see Scout now.beautiful girl. i also have 2 other daughters. wish you could have met them and i wish they had the chance to meet you. lots of love and tons of respect. i have the first round when i see you on the other side bro. see you on the high ground. sappers lead the way"
rich laughlin of el paso texas

"V, great friend, great NCO. We had some good times in Giessen; from you stashing a few extra concrete mines in my ruck before a hump, to knocking back a six pack of beer you managed to "find" in the middle of nowhere in Bosnia. Miss you mate, you went way too soon."
Mick Doran of Manteca, CA

"A LETTER TO NN OF COLORADO

thank you for your honesty and praying for sgt.v. i have known sgt. v (my first nephew) since he was a baby and i am sure that the main reason he was picking on you was to keep you out of harm's way. sgt. v also pick and nag his younger brothers and cousins for the same reason (to keep them out of harm's way). sgt v always have this mother hen instinct and i bet he was also a mother hen to his platoon. we are glad that you made it home safely.

your truly,

sgt.v's uncle"
uncle rei of vancouver, bc, canada

"we just observed sept.11's 10th anniversary. this was the day the world changed and we are still fighthing this war that will never end. this is not a war against moslems but a war between good and evil. we all know that good always win. on sept. 27 we will observe lito's 7th death anniversary.

lito your death and the death of thousands of coalition heroes won't be in vain because heroes like you have already made a difference to thousands and even millions of people around the world.

rest in peace lito (SON, BROTHER, BROTHER IN LAW, SGT V, NEPHEW,COUSIN, PARE, NINONG and PEACEMAKER)"
Uncle Rei of Vancouver, bc, canada

"Memorial Day 2011....I still remember my friend. I still remember you."
ESC of Oxnard, CA

"I never had a chance to truly know you. You didn`t like me. You`ve blame me for stuff I`ve never do. You`ve picked on me a lot. But I acknowledge that you were a true and good soldier, and I will always pray for your soul. God bless you!!"
NN of Colorado

"I will make sure you are awarded what you deserve, the Medal of Honor. It kills me to know we lost such an amazing person. Thank you again for your heroism and sacrifice.
Isiah 57:1-2"
Michael Iannaccone of Ft Lauderdale FL USA

"Sgt. Villanueva...I'm glad I got the chance to meet you and chill with you in Kuwait and at the Texas Airport when we went on R&R together, and some random guy bought us a beer at the bar, I was only 19. Then we got back to Iraq and on Sep 10th Daclan was killed and you were there to put your hands on my shoulders as the medivac was landing. You told me to stay focused and you understood the hurt I was feeling. Thank you for Inspiring me that day and giving me Courage, and every other day since then."
Ferrel of California

"Happy Birthday, Lito.

You would have been 43 today. They say men in their forties are scoundrels. We were always ahead of our time.

Thank you, as always, for your service, bro. You are missed."
Carlos of Los Angeles

"You would be turning 43 this coming December. Who knows which girl you'd be with, how many kids you'd have, or how many stupid jokes we'd crack. Seems like we were always laughing at something. Oh. The Cowboys suck again this year, bro, sorry to tell you. I remember talking to you when you were in Germany. We talked about chicks and football. Aside from the military, there's never been anything else. We're simple creatures, aren't we? You were a cheerful guy with a warrior spirit and a giant heart. You are missed and admired still."
Carlos of CA, USA

"Memorial Day 2010
Always remembered!! Thank you!"
ESC of Oxnard, CA USA

"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
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

""Lito" as WE called him....came home to us after he got injured in Iraq....(in hindsight) to say one last good-bye...we were hoping he would stay....but he told me..."I can't leave my men behind." He was so dedicated to his men as well as his friends, but especially his family! He is a true man...a true HERO!! Thank you Lito! I will always remember!"
Gigi of LA

"We met in junior high school. Back then, as soon as recess and lunch hit, we’d sprint to claim one of the four big racquetball courts, the good courts. You were a happy-go-lucky guy with an infectious mood. We’d become friends quickly.

We went to high school together. We hung out with different friends, and I started hanging out with your younger brother Lawrence, but you and I would be friends always. I hung out at your house more than anyone should hang out at someone else’s house. I met Allen, your youngest brother, when he was 8 or so. Your mom and dad took me in and treated me like family.

You went to Army boot camp in 1986, the same year I went to Marine Corps boot camp, but you knew more about the Army than I have ever known about anything. We both joined as reservists but you would eventually go active. You were always the better man.

I’m proud to have had you as a friend. No matter what I come to accomplish in life, it'll never compare to what you did in serving our country. I deeply appreciated your sacrifice and it will never be forgotten. I'll carry your memory to my grave. Rest in peace."
Carlos Maguina of Los Angeles, CA, USA.

"December 08, this is the day that Lito was born. Who would think that in 36 years he would be a Fil - American hero. He was a hero to his family, friends and to his platoon. He was hero to the people whose lives were changed because of the women and men like Lito who made the ultimate sacrifice to give them democracy. The Coalition Forces have lost so many young men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world in our fight against terrorism yet they persevere and never complain about the hardship they endure while in theatre, we all hope that this war ends but we know that this will be an ongoing fight. Thanks to the heroes like Lito and all the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect us all, we now have fighting chance of winning this battle. Lito, God Bless you on your special day. " Happy Birthday! Lito" and "We Will Never Forget!"

Uncle Rei
Vancouver, B.C. Canada"
Raymond Onas of Vancouver, BC; Canada

"I'm gonna close my eyes right now.

I can feel the anticipation of you and the family arriving in town. Heard you guys are at the border. Gonna call Ken and go over to Grandma and Grandpa's now and wait.

Eyes still closed...

I can feel the sticky August heat of L.A., wondering who's party you guys are gonna take me to tonight. I'm watching Lawrence play vids right now. Maybe one burrito from the taco truck before we roll out...spot me a Marlboro light?

Eyes still closed...

Damm, you got so many DVDs in your barracks. Me and Jeff are still kinda sleepin, oh, there you are, rolling in for a quick lunch break...your Folgers coffee still warm from the morning. Still gonna take me and my brother for some of them Popeyes Biscuits later?

My eyes are now open and I still see you.

Miss you,
Cousin Clint"

"I'm gonna close my eyes right now.

I can feel the anticipation of you and the family arriving in town. Heard you guys are at the border. Gonna call Ken and go over to Grandma and Grandpa's now and wait.

Eyes still closed...

I can feel the sticky August heat of L.A., wondering who's party you guys are gonna take me to tonight. I'm watching Lawrence play vids right now. Maybe one burrito from the taco truck before we roll out...spot me a Marlboro light?

Eyes still closed...

Damm, you got so many DVDs in your barracks. Me and Jeff are still kinda sleepin, oh, there you are, rolling in for a quick lunch break...your Folgers coffee still warm from the morning. Still gonna take me and my brother for some of them Popeyes Biscuits later?

My eyes are now open and I still see you.

Miss you,
Cousin Clint"

"August 22, 2008
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Joselito O. Villanueva:
Joselito 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

"“SFC V”
HEY BROTHER. SORRY I NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE AND IT REALLY HIT ME HARD. THANKS FOR ALL THE GOOD TIMES AND BAD TIMES. THANKS FOR MENTORING ALL OF US YOUNGER NCO’S AND SOLDIERS IN 2ND PLT “ROGUE SAPPERS”. THOUGH YOU ARE GONE YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN. YOU ARE THE EPITOME OF A HERO. LOVE YOU MAN!!!"
SSG. SMITH, IDRIS 158TH INF AZNAG of Peoria, AZ, United States

"Today is Memorial Day 2008. All day I could not get Lito out of my mind. I thank you for serving and protecting the freedom so many of us take for granted. Because of your service, I never really got to spend a lot of time hanging out with you. But the few times we had the opportunity to share great times, I will never forget. You will never be forgotten."
E. S. Camanag of Cerritos/Oxnard, CA

"SFC V,
It seems like forever since we were in Balad Iraq. I still remember when you guys convoyed me up to Omaha in the ate up Humvee with the RPG hole in the back. We had some great conversations and you helped me get through insanity of that place. I find myself thinking about you often bro. I know you're in a better place but I still hope you know you are missed by your Comrads In Arms.
I'm sorry we never got to have that beer in Germany. You were probably the most generous and real person I've had the privi of meeting in my service. I'm sorry it took me so long to tell you I miss you bro. I know those guys over in 9th engeneer miss you. My prayers are always with your family. One thing I know is that someday we'll meet again and I can only hope that the big guy in the sky bends the rules a little and allow us to have that beer. You are missed and loved bro."
SSG Dooley-Hernandez of St. Petersburg, Florida

"SFC V,
My brother you are not forgotten. Your courage, personality and smile under the worst conditions will always be an inspiration ot all of us. Rest In Peace
Your former TF CDR
Dave Hubner"
COL Dave Hubner, Cdr 194th Armored Brigade of Fort Knox, Kentucky

"I can't believe it's been 3 years today since we lost you Lito. Not a day has gone by that we have not thought of you. We all miss you so much and you will never be forgotten. I wish I could of come to LA again this year to remember you with all the family but I have a new baby boy Jayden who is keeping me busy! I know you would of been so excited to meet him! I can't wait to tell him all about his brave Uncle Lito when he gets older. I love you Lito! You will always be my hero!"
Farah Anderson of Surrey, BC, Canada

"On this Memorial Day I am remembering fallen hero Joselito O. Villanueva - though time continues to move forward, please know that his sacrifice will never be forgotten. This morning I put the memorial bracelet I had made in his name on my wrist and said a prayer for him and his family. It is my hope that you have all been able to find some peace after enduring such a loss. Wishing you all love and strength as you continue on your journey through grief and healing..."
Tanya Villanueva Tepper, Fiancee of Fallen Firefighter Sergio G. Villanueva, 9.11

"Memorial Day Is Not A Holiday Anymore

Memorial Day is coming up and for those who lose a love one (sons, daughters, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, nephews and nieces), it is now a Day Of Remembrance. We the family and friends of Lito (Sgt. V) will always remember him as a loving and responsible son, big brother, nephew, ninong and kumpare, To his fellow grunts, he will always be Sgt. V. and to me personally, he will always be the one who bested me in model making. I still have the last model kit that Lito gave me when he was stationed at Fort Lewis. It's still in a box. LITO....WE REMEMBER! GOD BLESS YOU."
Uncle Rei of Vancouver, Canada

"To the friends and family of S.F.C Joselito O. Villanueva, My deepest condolences .
My name is Christopher Roberts, V and myself go way back to the beginning of his and my Army career. He came to the 14th Combat Eng. Bn. Delta co. U.S.A.R back in the mid late 80's, he was very young and quite when I first met him but that didn’t last long it became obvious real soon as I got to know him that he was a young man with adult responsibilities and wanted to go as far as he could and then some in the Army. I n 1990 he had already passed me in rank as was immortalized as Sargent V.
A unit in our battalion was asking for volunteers to go to Desert Storm (Desert Shield at the time) I was living in LA where I grew up just like V and volunteered to go to war when I got to My unit to do the transfer paper work V was already there
We spent about 7 months there and got back home. The following year the unit asked who wanted to go to the Sapper Leader course, and so Sargent V and myself went back to Ft. Leonard Wood. Shotly after that our unit was reorganized and I went to The National Guard, I never saw V again but I never forgot Lito, I was in Iraq with the 1rst Armored Division from 2003 to Jan. 2004. I often thought about Sgt. V while I was over there I knew he was either here to or on his way shortly (Huwaaaa)
I only learned of his death yesterday almost 3 years later by looking for some other soldiers on the web When I saw V'S face on the list of casualties I got real sad then A thousand memories from 20 years ago to the last time I saw him raced through my mind
I went home last night and told my wife Christina about Sargent V and cried all I could ask god was why him? Why anybody?
S.F.C. Joselito O. Villanueva you will never be fogot by me
Christopher C. Roberts U.S. Army Retired
Please Email me at christopher.c.roberts@us.army.mil"
Christopher C Roberts of Bethesda Md.

"Today is a beautiful day. This was the day that a wonderful man was born. V gave a world that seemed so ugly and so awful hope. You do not meet many people in your life that are truely gunuine. People that make decisions for the better of someone else. V was my bestfriend from the first day I met him. I sit here today and think what if? I miss him and wonder why GOD has taken such a beautiful soul from this world. I am a better person for knowing him and will never forget him. He will forever be in my heart and memories. And one day i will hope to raise my children to be just as genuine as he was.RIP, battle."
Natalia Laughlin of Seattle, WA

"September 27, 2006

Everything will be okay. Joselito would not have it any other way. Today is a reminder to give Thanks & Love. We miss you and we will carry on."
Clint of Vancouver

"Sept.27/04 THE WORLD STOP FOR LITO'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS

I still remember that late September afternoon when my son Matthew woke me up and told me that his cousin Jeffrey called and said that Lito was killed in Iraq. I was still in denial when I called Jeff, who confirmed that Lito was killed by a sniper while on duty.

On my flight down to LAX, I was filled with anger. i was angry at why Lito had to die at young age, before us (it's just not the natural order of things). Why he had to die by a coward's bullet. Snipers by definition are cowards. They hide and shoot at their targets, who can't shoot back.

The first time, I saw Lito dressed in Army dress uniform that anger was replaced with pride. I was proud to know that Lito died figthing for the freedom that we used to take for granted but now cherished and I was proud to think that he died avenging the victims of 9/11. I was proud of his brothers Lawrence with his wife Christina and Allen supporting their Mom and Dad during this time of family tragedy.

I was proud to see all of Lito's friends pulling together and supporting his family in their time of sorrow.

Next week will be Lito's 2nd Death Anniversary. We still mourn his death but we will celebrate his memories and accomplishment.

I am looking forward to seeing you all again next week."
Uncle Ray of Vancouver, B.C. Canada

"Lito, I always think of you and remember your wonderful smile. I am sure you are looking down on all of us and protecting us from evil. Ken, Gia, little Noah and your Auntie Cyn miss you a lot, as I do. You mom, dad and brothers worship you and think about you every day."
Uncle Jimmy of Vancouver, Canada

"Hey Cuz,
I know you're up there in heaven chilling out watching over your family and friends making sure we're blessed in life. As for blessings, me and Gia have Noah and another one due late November. I am thankful that you're Noah's godfather and Auntie Babe said you could be the godfather also to our second one. I know that you'll protect them in life and keep them safe. I promise to always tell them how you treated me like a little brother and how you and Lawrence, Allen, your Mom and Dad made me feel like a part of your family during my summers in L.A. Those were some of the best times in my life and I thank you cuz for teaching me responsibility and respect. Imagine, at only 18 you were giving me a curfew and rules to not mess up your room, borrow your clothes, or drink your beer! Yet you never got too mad at me and always forgave my foolish actions. In other words, you treated me like family! I promise to always teach my kids to value family like their Uncle Lito and to always honor you! Our family will never be the same without you cuz and you'll always be in our hearts! Love, Kennet,Gia, and Noah Thomson."
Ken of Surrey, B.C., Canada

"A MEMORIAL BIOGRAPHY OF SFC JOSELITO ONAS VILLANUEVA

LITO WAS THE FIRST BORN GRANDSON, NEPHEW OF THE VILLANUEVA'S AND THE ONASES FAMILIES

AS A CHILD HE WAS NAUGHTY AND NICE

HE GREW UP RESPONSIBLE AND CARING TO HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FELLOW SOLDIERS

HE LOVE AND LOOK AFTER HIS MOM & DAD, BROTHERS, HIS SISTER IN LAW CHRISTINA AND ALL HIS COUSINS AND NEVER TOOK SIDE WHENEVER THERE WAS A RIVALRY AMONG THEM

HIS PROUDEST MOMENT WAS SEEING HIS NEPHEW JUSTIN FOR THE FIRST TIME

AS A CHILD HE TOOK UP MODEL MAKING AS A HOBBY AND ALWAYS COMPETE WITH HIS UNCLE RAY.

ONE OF LITO'S PROUD MOMENTS WAS WHEN HIS UNCLE RAY FINALLY CONCEDED DEFEAT AND LOSS A BET AS TO WHO WAS THE BEST MODEL MAKER

HE SERVED IN THE BALKAN AS AN INTERNATIONAL PEACEMAKER, AND WAS ONE OF THE LIBERATORS OF KUWAIT'

HE WAS ALWAYS PROUD AS A GODFATHER TO HIS GODCHILDREN

WHENEVER HE WAS STATIONED TO A PLACE WHERE HE HAS FAMILY AND FRIENDS, HE ALWAYS MADE SURE THAT HE PAYS THEM A VISIT AND ALWAYS KEPT IN TOUCH WITH ALL OF THEM

LITO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE AND GAVE HIS LIFE TO KEEP ALL HIS LOVE ONES SAFE AND OUT OF HARM'S WAY"
UNCLE RAY of VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA

": To the family of:Joselito O. Villanueva 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 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 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"The upcoming winter holidays will be the second without you, big bro. I always looked forward to the holidays, and the our reunification from whereever or whatever we would be doing during the year. You were away serving our country during the year, but it would always be such joy to come home for the holidays and see you. I looked forward to having a draft beer with you and especially going out to a diner to eat. We always had an irresistable appetite for breakfast food, whatever time it may be. Eggs, hash browns, and whatever else to add on. It always makes me happy to see what a uniter you were, how you kept everyone together in the family and looked after everyone in your circle of family and friends. I'm in tears right now, and remember you as the most unselfish person that I have ever known. I've always wanted that same quality of yours. I still remember the last time that I talked to you. You were about to board a plane and be on your way back to Iraq. You had come back from Iraq last year for two weeks during the summer. You were not rushing yourself to get on that plane. You boarded last because you wanted to wait as long as you could, so that you could continue to talk to me. Always unselfish and my big brother, you listened to me and all the hell I was going through in Philly. You got me through so much of life, and it hurts knowing that you are not around and how I wanted to be around when you came back and started your life in the U.S., outside of active duty. You are the one person I know who deserved to live out a civilian life outside of always protecting and taking care of other people. You inspire to keep going in life, and to live life for myself, like you always told me to do. Never judged me, never kept me from doing my own thing, thinking my own thoughts. You were just always there for me to listen and call out of no where to check up on me. I miss you big bro. Always your bro--Love Allen"
George Allen O. Villanueva of Los Angeles

"Joselito is my cousin here in the Los Angeles area. My name is Joselito also. I remembered when we went to school together in fifth grade when I first came in the States. He helped me adjust and treated me like a brother since I just came from the Philippines. At school we had to split our names so our friends wouldn't confuse us. Our friends called us Lito and Jose. I miss you Lito. I am very proud of you and you will always be in the hearts of the Alcedo family. (Dad, Mom, Jocel, Eric, John, Elaine, Joebart and me, Jose. We love you."
Jose Alcedo of Toluca Lake, Ca.

"Often we hear of wars in far off places, but we do not feel the
impact of such wars until it affects someone close to us. To loose Joselito
who was only 36, is a family tragedy. My only comfort is knowing that Lito was
undertaking a noble cause of protecting those around him, and has now left
us to go to a better place. Lito, you will always be missed but never forgotten by your love ones.

Uncle Ray"
Raymond Onas of Vancouver, Canada

"Sept 27, 2005 is coming upon us fast. The Dawgs of War, Charlie Company, 9th Engineer Battalion will be conducting a 7 mile rememberance run (1 mile for each stripe he earned during his time with us in the Army). A set of cased colors will be carried during the run in which every soldier will have the privilage to carry in rememberance of our lost brother. The colors will not be uncased during the run as "V" is not here to help us uncase them. After the run our Company will sit under a nice shade tree and all soldiers who knew "V" can tell everyone how he improved their lives. Not all people get the privilage in life or have the guts to become what "V" will always be to us in the Dawgs of War, A SOLDIER! "V" I truly miss you brother and I know one thing for certain. You have got to be in Heaven because their afraid you'd take over Hell. If anyone would like something spoken for them on the 27th after our run please e-mail it to me at michael.morris@1id.army.mil"
1SG Michael T. Morris of Schweinfyrt, Germany

"I am one of Joselito Vilanueva's god childern. Even though i wasnt able to see him as much, i still love him. Ill miss how he would always call me his princess and how he would always tell me about his missions. But even though he may be gone, he will always be in my heart... i love you Ninong Lito..ill NEVER forget you.. NEVER"
Brittney Gonzales of Carson California ,USA

"To the Family and Friends of SFC V: I served with "V" in Iraq and he became one of my dear friends while we were there. This man still has a big impacted on my life and I think about him all the time. On Memorial Day I stood tall and proud in front of a Memorial for Fallen Soliders in full uniform and saluted my fallen friend. My platoon has braclets with his name on it and we wear them all the time. You should be VERY, VERY PROUD of this man. I have never been prouder to say that I served with someone like "V". If anyone would like to talk to me, I would be happy to do so. You can contact me @ "dasab2021@yahoo.com"
Cpl. Dan Sabia of Rome, NY, USA

"To the Family and Friends of SFC V: I served with "V" in Iraq and he became one of my dear friends while we were there. This man still has a big impacted on my life and I think about him all the time. On Memorial Day I stood tall and proud in front of a Memorial for Fallen Soliders in full uniform and saluted my fallen friend. My platoon has braclets with his name on it and we wear them all the time. You should be VERY, VERY PROUD of this man. I have never been prouder to say that I served with someone like "V". If anyone would like to talk to me, I would be happy to do so. You can contact me @ "dasab2021@yahoo.com"
Cpl. Dan Sabia of Rome, NY, USA

"I am also one of Lito's first cousins. He was the oldest of the boys and I was the oldest of the girls. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. I miss him so much. I know that he is watching over all of us and I know that we will meet again one day."
Farah of Vancouver, BC

"I didn't know Joselito, but he carried my name. I served during Vietnam and as a member of the American Legion, I salute this soldier for his devotion to duty. He is not forgotten. He lives in the hearts of many. My condolences to the family."
Juan Villanueva of Port Richey, Florida

""V" was one of the best friends I ever had. I was blessed to have known him for two of the best years of my life while in Giessen Germany with the 16th. As an only child, I can also say that he was the closest thing to a brother I have ever had. His personality was positively magnetic. Everyone liked him, in fact I don't believe it was possible for anyone to have not liked him. His death hit me really hard as I had just received an e-mail from him on September 24. One thing, above all, was a constant with Lito...he placed all of his friends and family above himself. The grief for his fallen and injured comrades in the 9th was evident in every correspondence that we shared. I wanted his family to know that my wife and I intend on naming our first son Joseph, in his honor. I'd be happy to share photographs or e-mails from "V" if anyone is interested. My e-mail is adjghoen@vba.va.gov Respectfully submitted"
Gregg Hoenig of Des Moines, IA

"Lito was my oldest 1st cousin. I miss him very much. It's very comforting to read many of the messages here on this forum. I'm from Vancouver, BC, Canada and when Lito was posted in Ft. Lewis outside of Seattle, I visited him quite frequently, even slept at the barracks and I was so proud to see how he lived his life, what he had to go through, for the sole purpose of serving others. Lito has a very loving family in California and here in Canada, I'm happy to see that he also had a loving family in the Army.

We miss you, see you soon, and the next one is on me.

Your Cousin,
Clint

P.S. If anyone has some stories to share with me about Joselito please email me at rockwellinc@shaw.ca as I would love to hear from you."
Clint of Vancouver, BC

"Lito was my oldest 1st cousin. I miss him very much. It's very comforting to read many of the messages here on this forum. I'm from Vancouver, BC, Canada and when Lito was posted in Ft. Lewis, I visited him quite frequently, even slept at the barracks and I was so proud to see how he lived his life, what he had to go through, for the sole purpose of serving others. Lito has a very loving family in California and here in Canada, I'm happy to see that he also had a loving family in the Army.

We miss you, see you soon, and the next one is on me.

Your Cousin,
Clint"
Clint of Vancouver, BC

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

"To the family of Joselito,

I was stationed at Fort Lewis,WA. He was my squad leader, platoon sergeant and friend. I will never forget the time that I was with him. I am very sad to hear about his death. My prayers are with you."
Christopher Adams of Colorado Springs, CO

"To Joselito'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 your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To all the people who left messages for Joselito Villanueva. He grew up in our neighborhood and was my nephews close friend. My nephew was handicapped in his younger years. Lito help him and protected him from bullies at school. We saw Lito's family during the funeral. I can assure you that they appreciate each and everyone of the comments made on Lito's behalf. I spoke to the Briggadier General who headed his military honor funeral. I thank him for his service and told him that Lito earned his 21 gun salute. He truly became a profesional American soldier and gave his life to duty and country. Thank you again for remembering and honoring Joselito, a fine young soldier that he became. Long live sergeant "V"."
Pepe of L.A. Ca.

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

"My deepest sympathy, our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. May God bless you and help you through this time. Forever in our hearts a HERO Joselito O. Villanueva."
Amy & Aaron Monier of Waterford, MI.

"IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,I UNDERSTAND THAT WORDS COULD NEVER EXPLINE IT,THANK YOU SOLDIER FOR PROTECTING MY FAMILY,REST WELL BROTHER....SEMPER-FI"
WAR_MCHN50@YAHOO of CALIFORNIA

"To the family of Joselito,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Joselito is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
Vic and Tammy McClain--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"To Joselito'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

"Thank you Joselito Villanueva, 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. 1st Class Joselito Villanueva:
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 Joselito 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. 1st Class Joselito Villanueva:
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 Joselito, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia