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Tomas Sotelo Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Tomas Sotelo
April Duran
May 26, 2025
Remembering you Tomas on this Memorial Day. There are no words of comfort that I have to offer. I think of your parents and siblings often.
I knew Tomas from Cottage Grove and got to know him through ROTC at Reagan.
Til Valhalla my friend.
April Duran (Sanchez)
Rosa Cruz
May 31, 2021
Tomas,
Thank you for your service! I was blessed to have bee your teacher. I will never forget your sacrifice, brave soldier!
Rosa Cruz
May 31, 2021
Tomas,
Thank you for your service! I am grateful to have been your teacher.
Rosa Cruz
May 31, 2021
Tomas,
Thank you for your service! I am grateful to have been your teacher.
Maria Rivera
November 1, 2015
Thanks for everything Tomas...
Beth Durham-Gillett
June 2, 2014
His service to our country will never be forgotten. God bless your family. Blue Star Mothers of America - Houston
October 14, 2012
In memory of Tomas Sotelo. Always remembered.
Vanessa Hernandez
July 19, 2011
Tomas,
Thank you for your service! It's been eight years now;I knew you for a short time however it's as if I'd known you longer. Miss your silly self. Keeping your family in my prayers.
Peggy Childers
June 27, 2011
To the family and friends of Cpl. Tomas Sotelo:
Please accept my remembrance of Tomas on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
June 27, 2010
To the family and friends of Cpl. Tomas Sotelo:
Remembering Tomas on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
L. Ruvalcaba
May 31, 2010
I am a friend of Flor's from Reagan ROTC, I want to say that as her Riflette sister, it hurts me to know she's hurting. Today is a day of rememberance and I find myself here, online- viewing photos and reading what other friends and family members have to say about Tomas. I am glad to hear that an award was established at Reagan- Honoring Tomas. He gave his life in service to our country- He will never be forgotten.
Memorial Day 2010
Veronica Gonzales
April 11, 2010
Although I did not know Tomas Sotelo I would like to send my Condolences to his family. I am a Senior at Reagan High School and in ROTC. Earlier this evening we had our Military Ball and I am Honored to have received an award in Honor of Tomas. I also thank him for serving this country.
Sandra Salazar
March 4, 2010
To the Sotelo Family,
My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to Tomas and the family. I knew Tomas, Jose, and Flor from Reagan. I am very happy I had the honor and the privlege of meeting him and his brother and sister. He will be missed. I apologize for not writing anything sooner, but I have been serving the Air Force myself since 1998. Tomas is, and ALWAYS will be a hero to me and everyone else who defends our country and to those we fight for. He will forgotten by NO ONE! I'm sorry I could not had been at the service. My condolences to all. With love, honor, and respect... God Bless you!
Erica Sanchez
November 11, 2009
Happy Veterans Day Tomas! Still hard to believe that you are gone. Thank you for fighting for our freedom. Even though you are not here with us you are always in our thoughts and prayers! Miss you much!
August 9, 2009
Rest in peace.
You are remembered.
Allen
Houston, Texas
Peggy Childers
July 7, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Tomas Sotelo:
Tomas 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
In Memory of Tomas ~ (Debra Estep)
June 27, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Tomas, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
December 30, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Sotelo family in the loss of Tomas. I did not know Tomas, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you.Tomas it has been over 4 years since you were taken. Please know that you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Henry Garza
September 14, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Althea B
July 24, 2007
Thank you for your willingness to defend the United States of America and all that we hold sacred. Though tears can never bring you back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that you made and our sorrow at your passing. You are truly a hero and your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Your mission on earth is complete. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the heroes who have passed before.
Garnet Jenkins
June 26, 2007
The price Cpl. Tomas Sotelo and the Sotelo family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten. Please know how Deeply Sorry I was to learn of the loss of your Brave Young Soldier.
There will Never be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Young Heroes for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have of Tomas, will remain in your heart forever and that this Grateful Country Remembers his Sacrifice.
Treasure this hero Lord, in Your Garden of Rest,
for while here on earth, he was one of our best.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gary Allain
March 4, 2007
Cpl. Tomas Sotelo
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
Steven and Jessica Ayarzagoitia
June 17, 2006
Tomas you will never be forgotten. We still miss you and know you are in a better place. Our prayers are with your family.
Justina Sotelo
June 8, 2006
It is nice to all of the people in my family when looking it up. I hope all of the sotelos are just like this.
May 23, 2006
To the family of CPL Sotelo,
I am proud to have served with your son in Baghdad. He will always be remembered as an outstanding soldier who earned the respect of everyone he worked with. He always led by example with professionalism and integrity.
Always know that your son is remembered.
Barnett
December 23, 2005
To The Sotelo Family,
It was an honor to have served with your son; he will forever be missed and never forgotten. I too was deployed with him while attached to his unit (2nd ACR) and although, I did not know him personally, just knowing that we were both from the same hometown and both graduated from the same high school really touched me! With that being said, I'm wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season and many more to come! And to CPL Soleto, We Love You and we do know that you are now in a Better Place!
God Bless,
SGT Barnett, C.
Henryk Zaleski
October 2, 2005
Rest in peace at your last post in paradise.
Leo Chavez-Villarreal
August 17, 2005
I just learned about this tragedy, I know it has been some time. I know the wounds have not yet healed especially over a great individual, soldier, brother, friend, and son. Althought GOD decided to take one of his angels, I know he will oversee all that loved him and looked to him as a hero. Mucho respeto para la familia, tendremos a Cpl. Tomas Sotelo en nuestros corazones en este momento y por siempre.
DC3Chavez-Villarreal
Marisela Almeida
August 12, 2005
First and for most I want to send all my Love and Respect to the family of Tomas. Know that he did not die in vein, he died fighting for soemthing he loved so much! He is a Hero and is Loved by many for all that he has done! Tomas didn't choose for this to be his path but GOd did and know that when God knows it's time for his angels to come home he sends for them. He is in a better place Resting In the beautiful Heavens above! May God be with him at all times as I know GOd is watching over him! God be with you the (family) of Tomas .
He is a SON, ANGEL, a HERO..
Paula cobb
July 19, 2005
God bless and comfort the family of this brave soldier. He risked everything to protect us and his country.
May the peace and love of Jesus Christ be with you always and know that Tomas did not die in vain.
Paula Cobb
Rosa Cruz-Gaona
June 27, 2005
Familia Sotelo,
Tomas fue mi estudiante en la clase de espanol en Reagan High School. Todos en la escuela sentimos mucho la perdida de Tomas. Yo perdi a mi hermana de 19 anos hace unos meses, entiendo su dolor. Yo creo en Jesus Cristo y creo que el necesitaba a nuestros hijos mas que nosotros. Con oracion espero que ustedes encuentren paz. Siempre estaran en mis oraciones.
Henryk Zaleski
June 18, 2005
Rest in peace and may God hold you close,forever.
Blanca Hernandez
March 17, 2005
Querida Beny, yo se que tu y mi mama se conocen de anos atras. Pero dejame dicirte que nuestro creador Dios Jehova nos promete un paraiso perfecto en donde ya no va a existir ya mas muerte, ni dolor, clamor, injusticia, violencia, enfermedades, pestes, y todo lo mal. Y ademas el va a resusitar a los muertos para que tengan una oportunidad de tener la vida eterna. Si es que hacemos lo que el nos pide y siguimos adelante y firmes a el entonces si podras ver a Tomas otra vez. Que tan hermoso es la bondad que nos tiene Jehova. Lee la biblia y fortalece tu fe y has lo que nos pide.
Sinceramente,
Blanca Hernandez
Juanita Gonzalez
April 19, 2004
Tomas,
Thank you for your bravery. When I think of you, my memory goes back to when we were in elementry school. You were so cute with your curly hair. We miss you very much. See you soon.
sincerely,
Juanita
Rosalinda Ulloa
April 19, 2004
I love you so much! i will miss you forever.
ESMERALDA/GUALBERTO VELA
July 16, 2003
TO JOSE AND HIS FAMILY,
AS A MILITARY SPOUSE I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH, I'M VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I KNEW TOMAS HE WAS A VERY GOOD AND BEST FRIEND TO ME BUT I WANT YOU TO KNOW HE IS A HERO AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN TO ALL OF US OF THE CLASS OF 2000. WE WILL MISS YOU ALWAYS TOMAS. THE VELA'S
Diana Brzymialkiewicz
July 10, 2003
MISS YOU!!Am stilling waiting for more mail from you Tomas . Cause you know they do take two to three weeks or more.I read your letters very day over and over again ,I hope you recive our letters we send .I gave your powder gatorade and baby wipes to your sergeant he is going to take them to your troop in your honor.I pray that ya'll come home soon and safe.Love you Diana (You always call me Misses)Love you! miss you !Misses.
Modesto V. Cortes
July 10, 2003
May the Peace of Christ be with your family, as a former active duty Marine, your son will not be forgotten and I'm sure that in God's eye Tomas was a Hero, he served to protect us.
Ron
July 9, 2003
To the Sotelo family, my prayers are with you. It was truly an honor to play a very small role in the remembrance service for Tomas.
Words cannot express the gratitude I feel in my heart for his bravery and heroism. May Christ continue to comfort you in this difficult time.
Luci Rivera
July 9, 2003
To the Sotello Family,
My heart is heavy upon hearing of the loss of your son. I know how much he meant to you. Tomas was a true hero as he gave the ultimate sacrafice to his adopted country. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Sincerely, Luci Rivera
Houston, Texas
Santi Sanchez
July 9, 2003
My prayers are with the family. And so are the prayer of my co-workers here at AIG/American General we are all praying for the family. He was a wonderful guy that came from a wonderful family. Jose stay strong and never lose faith. My condolences to the family.
Santitos Sanchez y familia.
Diana Sanchez
July 8, 2003
I knew Tomas in middle school. He was one of my best friends. Although I hadn't seen or heard from him since we graduated the 8th grade, I'm glad to hear that he was trying to do something important in his life. He was a good guy then and I'm saddening to hear about him in this way.
Norma
July 8, 2003
Sotelo Family,
My sympathy goes out to you...
I do not know your family...but I feel that I have to honor Tomas
for his service to our country.
Because of him we have freedom in
the USA, especially in Texas...
Mr.&Mrs. Sotelo you will always be
in our prayers..and always remember
your son did not die in VAIN.....
KIMBERLY ALBRIGHT
July 8, 2003
I didnt know the soilder per say but I do understand the pain of the family. Just stay strong and hold on god will take care of that soilder. I am intern of Congresswomen Shelia Jackson LEE and we are sorry for your lost
sylvia
July 8, 2003
i knew tomas since elementary school...he was such a nice person. it hurts to see a fellow classmate go but atleast we know he is in a better place now. he will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Victoria Sanchez
July 8, 2003
I'm very close to the Sotelo family and I would like to express my condolences to them. I love them all with all my heart. Tomas was a wonderful person who I always admired as a brother. I'm sorry he's gone, but i hope that he is now at peace. My love goes out to him and my bestfriend Erica Sotelo.
Diana & Ed Brzymialkiewicz
July 8, 2003
Tomas, We are so very proud of the great sacrifice that you have made for your country. You will remain in our hearts forever. We were truly blessed to have known you and to have had you as a part of our lives.
To the entire Sotelo family. Our hearts and our prayers are with you. Know that your son was a very special young man and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. He served his country as a valient young soldier and is a true Hero.
Leslie Mendez
July 7, 2003
Hello,
I knew Jose, Tomas' brother from Clifton Middle School and he was a nice young man. I am sure that Tomas was a wonderful brother and son.I would like to thank Tomas for serving his country as I have relatives who are serving also. I will pray for Tomas and the rest of your family and will ask others to pray for you all as well. God Bless You All.
lois dunn
July 7, 2003
MAY THE PEACE OF GOD THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING KEEP YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS.
WE THANK YOU FOR GIVING YOUR SON.... WE DEEPLY REGRET HIS LIFE WAS TAKEN.
Ruth
July 7, 2003
To the Family of this Brave Man:
I would like to thank Tomas for his bravery and willingness to serve our country and to you the family you will be in our hearts. God bless during your trying time.
Ivonne Palacios
July 7, 2003
Thinking of you and praying for you as our beautiful smiling angel enters heaven.
We will miss you!
Myra Ayala
July 7, 2003
To Jose Padilla and The Sotelo Family,
My deepest condolences to you all, Tomas was a great friend and he will be missed but never forgotten. God Bless.
adela cantu
July 7, 2003
My prayers are with the family. Tomas is truley a hero, he gave his life for our country and to assure our freedom. I thank god for this brave young man, who has made this world a better place for myself and all of us. THANK YOU TOMAS!!!
July 7, 2003
May God Bless you and your loved ones. Your greatful nation thanks you for your ultimate sacrifice, and those who have went before you welcome you home with open arms.
thomas and April Gonzales
July 7, 2003
Flor and Jose,
You are in our thoughts. Tomas was a brave person to have the courage to fight for our country. I understand the fears of having someone you love fight in the war. Thomas will always have fond memories of him, jose and tomas in high school together. It gives us great honor to have known such a brave person.
Bertha Rodriguez
July 7, 2003
May God's peace and prayer be over you in this time of grief. Your son fought for our country and we are proud of him.
Erica Sanchez
July 7, 2003
Tomas,
Thank you so much for everything you did, you are truly a hero. You will definitly be missed by all your family and friends. Even though your gone you will never be forgotten. Lots of Love!!!!!!!!!
Jose Padilla and The Sotelo family,
You all are in my prayers and just know that he knew of the great dangers that lied ahead but he did not care, he fought for our safety and that is what made him the Hero he is and always will be. May God Bless you all in your time of sadness.
Esther Sanchez
July 7, 2003
I pray that God will guide and give peace to you and your family in this difficult time.We are proud of our soldiers.
Alfredo Castro
July 7, 2003
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Kristy Trollope
July 7, 2003
As a military spouse, I wish all the family to remember good times with Tomas. This was not in vain. Thank you for your service Tomas.
Lanelle Schmidt
July 7, 2003
MY FAMILY APPRECIATES YOUR SON'S WILLINESS TO SERVE HIS COUNTRY AND GIVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. MAY GOD'S PEACE BE UPON YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
Angela Castillo
July 7, 2003
May God be with your family during this time of loss.My prayers are with you.
Angie
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