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Orlando Gonzalez Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Orlando Gonzalez
Carmen Diaz
January 17, 2018
Hello Son, it has been a minute since I looked at these lovely thoughts, prayers and encouragement. I love you and miss you so much. Looking at the snow, take me back to when you were sledding, snow mobiling,,,simply enjoying the season. Eric, I still hear your giggles.
Love you always, MOM/DAD C.DIAZ
Carmen Diaz
January 17, 2018
Hello Son, it has been a minute since I looked at these lovely thoughts, prayers and encouragement. I love you and miss you so much. Looking at the snow, take me back to when you were sledding, snow mobiling,,,simply enjoying the season. Eric, I still hear your giggles.
Love you always, MOM/DAD C.DIAZ
April 3, 2014
another year gone by. I still cry a tear at night. I can see your smile as the song plays on the radio, the one you sang to me. another year gone by, another year closer to being with you again. To Orlando, I love you, forever gone, but never forgotten. in my heart always.
Jonathan Aman
January 5, 2014
My wife served with Orlando at FOB Warhorse. She was close to Orlando, and thought of him as a son.
Charlie Gili
December 31, 2013
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Gonzalez Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Orlando E. Gonzalez US Army Private 1st Class. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Larissa Henry
May 15, 2013
i miss you everyday Orlando..
i remember talking on the phone for hours, and neither of us wanted to hang up..i miss when you sing to me..i miss ur letters..i just miss you! 6 years has gone by, you're still in my heart...forever always. never forgotten.
Larissa Henry
April 26, 2013
i miss you Orlando!! we were falling for each other and you went away...please visit me again in my dreams!
A Native New Englander
April 12, 2013
In memory & honor of Eric Gonzalez. We will always be indebted to him for his service and sacrifice for this Country.
Lynne Neibert
March 20, 2013
Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who work to send handmade prayer shawls and/or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one while serving our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church would like to extend our sincere sympathy and to honor your son's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a prayer gift which will be mailed to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses of those who would like to receive one and which gift they would like to receive. We will send our gift as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved on who died while serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne
Peggy Childers
April 4, 2012
March 25, 2012
To the family and friends of Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez:
Always remembering Orlando. "Some gave all."
DORIS DIAZ
August 4, 2011
Hi'too all the fallen soldiers in america i'll salute everysingle one of you for having the biggest heart too fight a war in iraq,amen i say too all.....first Eric.O.G WITH ALL THE SYMPATHY IN WORLD MY MANY CONDOLENCES
TOO ALL FAMILIES......TO WERE IM STANDING IS AMAZING THE WORKS OF THE TRUE ONES MAY GOD BLESS ALL THIS FALLEN SOLDIERS & THE ONES WHO ARE STILL FIGHTING OUTTHERE HOPE TOO GOD ALL THIS GUYS AND GALS COME BACK HOME 2 THEIRE FAMS....SAVE & SOUND.........SOOO SAD THAT I.LL ALWAYS STAY WITH OPEN ARMS FOR ONE YOU ERIC.0.G LOVE YOU ALWAYS.......
Peggy Childers
March 25, 2011
To the family and friends of Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez:
Please accept my remembrance of Orlando on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
PFC Orlando Eric Gonzalez
March 25, 2011
You are always in our hearts missing dearly. Dad and Carmen
March 25, 2011
Dear Eric, you would think that the pain of missing you, will ease up; but that's a lie. NO MATTER THE TIME THAT GOES BY,; The pain of missing you, it always seems like yesterday. DAMN ERIC, i miss you so DAMN BAD, I LOVE YOU, SO BAD.That it hurts like you can't imagine. I'm no good without you. Espially on this sacrite day. Love You Always, MOM&DAD,DIAZ
Carmen Diaz
March 15, 2011
Dear Eric, Another year approaches and you my dear son are greatly missed. A year, a day, a hour don't go by; that your outgoing presence is missed. You are loved inmensely. LOVE ALWAYS, MOM&DAD!!!!
L Neal
March 14, 2011
To the family of Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.
Nickie Galli
May 31, 2010
To The Gonzalez Family: We went to DC for Rolling Thunder and visited Orlando's grave and all the graves of soldiers from CT in Sec 60.. We left a marker, prayed and thanked him for his service and soul.."Gone But Not Forgotten"
Albert Burch
May 25, 2010
Orlando's unit was attached to mine for a short while as a PSD at FOB Warhorse, IZ for a short while and we became friends. He was always full of energy and quick to lend a hand when anyone needed it. He helped me move my and my CHUmate move CHUs a day or so before it happened. Don't despare his loss, he is among bretheren.
Peggy Childers
March 26, 2010
To the family and friends of Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez:
Remembering Orlando 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
Carmen Gonzalez
March 12, 2010
your anniversary is coming soon and I am reminded of your smile,your hugs and your humor. it reminds me of what could have been and how God has been bigger and better plans than we do. Just missing you
Camile Gromowski
May 13, 2009
I will never forget Eric’s strength. No matter if he did something right, or if we were in trouble, Eric never made excuses and always presented himself with extreme confidence. I am honored to have known him. God directs our paths and puts people in our lives to get us through the hard times and to show us his love. Eric was a soldier of the Lord; I never knew what it meant to be in the Army of the Lord until I met Eric. My prayers are with all of you.
Emmauel Moore
May 6, 2009
Orlando was truely an amazing guy. He and I attended airborne school back in 2005 at Ft Benning. He was in my squad, chalk, as well as a roomate. This guy can run like the wind....the morning we took our physical fitness test it was cold and windy....I could have sworn Orlando out ran the wind coming in at an awsome time 12:00 flat. Orlando was like a little brother to me and he looked up to me as though I was his big brother. The last time I seen Orlando was at the gym at Ritz-Epps on fort bragg. We worked out together that morning. Orlando showed me a crucial ab workout that hurt like crazy 3 days after the workout. As we were departing the gym he told me that he was about to deploy. He was excited, and he was talking about when he returns hes going to by him a fly brand new car. I encouraged him to do that cause we as soldiers work hard for our money. I told him to be safe and I told him to promise me that he will come back home. Sadley to say he didn't. It hurt my heart to find out what happend to this guy. I cried and was sad for a while. He will never be forgotten. His memories remain in my heart.
Old troopers never die they just fade away. Airborne All The Way...Fury from the sky...God Bless
Peggy Childers
March 25, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez:
Orlando 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
Kenna Larra
February 5, 2009
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,400 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
Nathaniel Diaz
September 24, 2008
I am a proud brother of Eric I love him so much i miss the times we shared and yearn the time we lost
July 22, 2008
To the family and friends of Pfc. Gonzalez,
I am so sorry for your loss.
My name is Maggie Selzer, and I am directing ‘Run for the Fallen 5K run/walk’ in Boalsburg, PA (just outside of State College) on August 24th, 2008. The event, held on the PA military Museum grounds, aims to keep alive the memory of all fallen soldiers, but particularly those from PA. All proceeds from the event will go to organizations that support the families of fallen soldiers and supports wounded soldiers.
I encourage you to learn more about the event at www.freewebs.com/runforthefallen5k/
index.htm.
The event is meant to keep alive the memories of brave young men like Pfc. Gonzalez.
If you have any questions, or would like to send a memory of Pfc. Gonzalez to be included with the flag memorial that will be set up at this event, please contact me at (814) 571-8755 or [email protected].
June 22, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Pfc Gonzalez!
Debra Estep
March 30, 2008
To the family and friends of Orlando. Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.
May God and His Angels surround you and bring you comfort.
Please contact me so I can email you a picture of an Angel and soldier that I drew.
Sincerely,
Deb
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
http://remembering-the-fallen.blogs
pot.com/
August 22, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
August 11, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Pfc Gonzalez and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
July 8, 2007
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We will be always grateful for the sacrifice that your Soldier made. God bless you and your family with comfort and peace. We will not forget.
Ronn Massie
June 22, 2007
May god bless the family and friends of Orlando.
You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Orlando for being such a brave hero.
(In remembrance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)
ROBYN Garside
May 20, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Glen
May 5, 2007
“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers
Soldiers write history…they pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever
Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away
Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go
We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light
Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray
Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
April 19, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Gonzalez family in the loss of Orlando. I did not know Orlando, 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. Orlando you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. I live close to ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY and I visit there weekly. Each time that I am at ANC I will visit/honor Orlando.
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~
daniel mccormick
April 10, 2007
u dont know me but i know what u r going through my brother was killed in iraq and i am proud of your son and im praying for your family but if u need someone to talk to let me know my brothers was clinton mccormick
Keith Safford
April 10, 2007
To the Gonzalez family,
The Safford family is so sorry for your loss. Your son was a hero and will be forever in our thoughts and prayers. He is gone, but will never be forgotten. I will make sure my 4 year old daughter knows of your son and his sacrifice and will respect and appreciate those who have paid the ultimate price for freedom. We are going to order some bracelets to honor Orlando.
To Orlando's mom, thank you for raising such a fine and heroic American who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
Trisha Durand
April 10, 2007
Dear Carmen, Jenn, Frank, Michael, and Nathaniel, I pray that the Lord will give you strength and comfort during this sad time. I lived across the street from you in Glen Rock and often saw Eric riding his bike, always with a smile on his face! I moved away but when I heard the news yesterday I kept seeing him on his bike and in church with the Royal Rangers. Love and prayers to you all. Bruce and Trisha Durand
Sandy Bonesteel
April 10, 2007
As the mother of a son (my only child) who is enlisted in the Army, I want to send my condolences.
SPC Rollin Apgar
April 8, 2007
Rest in peace Soldier. You will not be forgotten. May the Lord walk with you in his Kingdom.
H Bradley
April 7, 2007
I've known Gonzalez since late Dec 06 and met him a day following my arrival at the camp. As a civilian employee I'm in constant contact with many of our service members. To you the families, thank you for your sacrifices! Instantly "O" captured my attention with his openly friendly attitude and smile. It was as if I knew him for years! A cup of Green Bean coffee and a smile always accompanied him in our facility. As he once asked me to do, "look up at the sky, what do you see?" I jokingly replied, "all I see are stars." Well my friend, you've opened my eyes further. I look to the sky and see a majestic young man who has touched the lives of many. A hero when you were here with us, a hero as you look down on us! You will forever remain in the eyes of the world a valiant Soldier. Me Ke Aloha Pumehana
Hoku Bradley
April 7, 2007
I've known Gonzalez since late Dec 06 and met him a day following my arrival at the camp. As a civilian employee I'm in constant contact with many of our service members. To you the families, thank you for your sacrifices! Instantly "O" captured my attention with his openly friendly attitude and smile. It was as if I knew him for years! A cup of Green Bean coffee and a smile always accompanied him in our facility. As he once asked me to do, "look up at the sky, what do you see?" I jokingly replied, "all I see are stars." Well my friend, you've opened my eyes further. I look to the sky and see a majestic young man who has touched the lives of many. A hero when you were here with us, a hero as you look down on us! You will forever remain in the eyes of the world a valiant Soldier. Me Ke Aloha Pumehana
bpt ct
April 6, 2007
i also have a eric in the service may you take joy in the hereo he is god bless you all.
Missoula Joe
April 5, 2007
To PFC Gonzalez:
Wherever you are, know that you are loved and in company of some very fine American Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers. May G*d bless and help your family thru this trying time. Semper Fi!
Heide Wagner
April 5, 2007
To the Gonzalez family, I extend all the love and condolences I can humanly offer you. I went to school with Eric, although I was a few years ahead of him. I was not so much a friend, as an aquaintance during my 4 years at Susquehannock. I honestly never thought I would be crossing paths with him upon graduation. However, the stars aligned and I now find myself sitting here at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina as a soon-to-be Army Wife. And I'm hearing all of these great things about 4 fallen soldiers from our own "hometown heroes" in Ft. Bragg...the 82nd Airborne. One name I hear I recognize immediately. I did not know he was stationed here, I did not even know that he joined the army...but I CAN tell you that EVERYONE throughout the entire population of the second largest Army base in all of the United States KNOWS his name now, and they KNOW he was there. They consider him "one of their own". And he will always hold a memory in the minds of and a place in the hearts of, every single person he's come in contact with...whether that be directly or indirectly. He's a hero to a lot of people, and I hope you find some odd piece of comfort in knowing that. It's bitter sweet, I know. I am currently living day to day with the unknown possibilities of my fiancee's fate...but have faith in God, let him guide you and show you that it will all be alright...and I promise you that it will be the best possible alternative for anyone involved. Just believe in that.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all through this time of hardship, as is the entire military community (especially that of Ft. Bragg, NC). We are proud to have known Eric as "one of us". He truely is a hero now. I know there are so many tears and so much pain, but be strong for him. Keep your chins up, and be proud! God Bless you all.
Jorge Velez
April 4, 2007
God Bless! From one of your Drill Sergeants!
SFC Velez
FT Hood, TX
Martin and Nell
April 4, 2007
We are praying for you in the loss of your loved one who so faithfully served his country. We are told to weep with those who weep and we will and rejoice the same.
May the Lord guide and comfort you during this time of loss and sadness.
MARIA RIVERA
April 4, 2007
TO THE GONZALEZ FAMILY : I AM SO SORRY TO HAVE HEARD OF YOUR LOST EVEN THOUGH WE MAY NOT NO EACH OTHER HE WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO IN OUR HEARTS.
Beth
April 4, 2007
To the Gonzalez Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Eric is a true American hero. He will rest in peace and continue to watch over all of you, as he did all of us by protecting our country. Thank you Eric and God Bless.
Ilka Rhodes
April 4, 2007
I did not know Eric but work with Philsia. She mentioned Eric and what a wonderful person he was. Our prayers are with you and your family. He was truly a hero to all of us. May God Bless you and your family.
M & M
April 4, 2007
To the Gonzalez family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this tragic time. Eric will be remembered as a hero who served God and his country unselfishly and for that we are all truly grateful. He will never be forgotten.
Gina Kellerman
April 4, 2007
Dear Lourdes & Gus,
May you find peace and comfort from the Lord at this time of loss. He is a hero for our country and God. He will never be forgotten. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless you always,
a soldiers mom
April 4, 2007
to the gonzalez family,
i am truly sorry for your loss.
you are in my prayers
Kristen Kaczanowski, D.C.
April 4, 2007
Dear Gonzalez family,
I did not know Eric, but I wanted you to know how saddened I was to read of your loss. I also wanted you to know how grateful I am to him for his proud and brave service. He is an American Hero. He and his fellow generation will ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED for what they have done so that WE may continue to live in Peace and Freedom. God Bless You All. You and your son are in my thoughts and prayers, especially this special week. I am very deeply sorry for your great loss.
With Love and Gratitude,
A fellow American
Ruth Brown
April 3, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Gonzalez Family
April 3, 2007
On behalf of the entire Gonzalez Family, we would like to thank everyone for their wonderful words of encouragement & prayers.
Bridgeport ct
April 3, 2007
The family Of pfc Gonzalez
God bless you and always be proud of your son for what he did and was doing for our country.
god bless
bpt ct
a soldier's daughter
April 3, 2007
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I will keep him my prayers every night and day. Our Fallen Soldier will not be forgotten. We are all so very proud of him and thank him for what he has done for his country. Our hero forever will always remain in our hearts. As he watched over his country as a soldier he now watches as an angel.
Elizabeth Davenport
April 3, 2007
Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez will always be remembered and missed by all. He served his country and made everyone so proud. I do want to thank everyone for taking the time to say something very nice about someone who was very special and meant a lot to many. I want to send my symphony out to his family, and tell them how proud I personally am of Orlando and how much I will miss him.
Robert Janco
April 3, 2007
Another American Hero. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Juan & Iris Hernandez
April 3, 2007
To the Gonzalez Family.
We are so sorry for your loss. "Eric" will always be a hero for serving and protecting our country. No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you and your family as you grieve.
A USA CITIZEN
April 3, 2007
GONZALEZ FAMILY
MAY OUR SON REST IN PEACE. MAY THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF ORLANDO FIND PEACE AND COMFORTING WITHIN.
HE WAS A VERY BRAVE MAN TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY AND TO PROTECT IT.
ORLANDO BROTHER REST IN PEACE AND HONORS. AMEN.
Carol P
April 2, 2007
I knew Eric from the eye doctor's office where I worked in Glen Rock.
He ALWAYS impressed me with his manners and his SMILE. He was funny and always very pleasant. I was so shocked and so very sad to hear of his passing. He truly died a hero. His country, his friends and most importantly, his family will miss him, but his memory will live on.
May God hold you in his arms and help you get thru this sad time. As the mother of a Navy Sailor, I THANK YOU, Eric, for your service to our country and I THANK Eric's family for letting us know him.
Eric..Rest in Peace, young man. You are truly an American Hero.
Vicki Shirey
April 2, 2007
Carmen and Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. I know how much you talked of your children. I'm sorry that I never got to meet Eric, but I know you and only know the person you are that he was a great person. He is my hero. Take care and if you need anything please don't hesitate. Vicki Shirey and Family
Megan B
April 2, 2007
As a high school friend of Orlando's, I'd like to extend my sympathy to his family and other friends worldwide. Orlando made friends everywhere he went because his kindness and positivity was so far-reaching. For that reason, I am positive that he's made many a friend during his time served in the Army. I doubt if there's a person who attended school with him who didn't know him, or at least know of him (his extremely fast running through the halls made him well-known!). He was always there to offer a hug or kind words to anyone, regardless of how well he knew them. He enjoyed life to the maximum degree, and even when he was having hard times, he'd never let on to it.
The last time I heard from Orlando was about a week before his death. He e-mailed me and said "Guess what? I might be in Time Magazine!". He was so excited about that. Sadly, it doesn't look like he's made it into the magazine, but if there's a Heaven, I know that's where he is. And I guess that beats a magazine any day.
Over the last few months, he wrote me a few times saying "If anything happens to me..." usually followed by some funny scenario of how his friends were to revive him. This, and some other things he said in his e-mails, sort of make me wonder if in some way, consciously or subconsciously, he knew.
We've lost such a wonderful person from the world this week.
Rest easy, Speedy...
Andrew Shrader
April 2, 2007
Eric was a joy in many peoples lives, including mine . if anyone was ever hurt or depressed he always knew just what to say to cheer them up or at least make them smile. we love you eric and you will be dearly missed"
"our soldiers fall but our brothers stay eternal"
Megan Good
April 2, 2007
When I heard the news about Eric, I was stunned. We not only graduated together but went to elementary school and middle school together. I will always remember him smiling walking down the hallways at school and being so proud to go into the Army. Many of his classmates will miss him in the years to come. RIP Eric, you will be missed.
Linda Clifton
April 2, 2007
I am so saddened to see that another American Hero has fallen. I pray that God will give you strength to make it through these difficult times and that one day you will be able to reflect back on many wonderful memories of Eric.
Peggy Stith
March 31, 2007
Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Faith certainly helps at this time, so embrace our God and bring him even closer to you now. We did not know Eric but as a young man serving our Country he was a brother to our daughter's boyfriend/BEST FRIEND Lance Cpl. Billy D. Brixey JR., (MARINES) from Ferriday, LA. He was also a strong Christian who volunteered to delay his discharge so he could go with his brothers on their mission to Afghanistan in Jan. of 2006. He was only there 20 DAYS before that tragic phone call came. So we have been where you are now and if over this last year we have learned anything it has been how many people really cared and prayed for us. We do not know the reasons God brought our sons to him so young but we must remain strong in our faith and know that we will see them again someday. People say time helps heal the pain but over a year later I can tell you it still hurts every day and although there are still many tears we are starting to remember the good times and the moving memories of Billy. I know you have just as many of Eric and I hope that in the days and months to come that you will be able to let those bring joy to your heart again. May God Bless you and keep you as you go through this difficult time. We will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers as well.
Peggy, Phil, Jennifer, Philip and Brian Stith
Carol Cline
March 31, 2007
Know in your heart that Eric is a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace Eric. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.
March 31, 2007
Thank you for serving our country. My son is in the Army and I pray everyday for all of the men and women who are serving our Country. God Bless Eric's family and may you RIP Eric.
Laura Friedman Zumbrum
March 31, 2007
I do not know you or the family but I just want to say thank you for your service to our country. May God be with you.
Gary Allain
March 29, 2007
Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
March 29, 2007
To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
Dennis (USMC - Viet Nam) & Pam Robertson
March 28, 2007
We are saddened at the loss of this fine young soldier, a hero. May God comfort and embrace you as only He can. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
In memory of our nephew
Lance Cpl James R. Davenport KIA 11/22/06
Garnet Jenkins
March 28, 2007
Please know how Deeply Sorry I am, for the loss of
this Brave Young Soldier, Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez;
As a parent, who has lost a daughter suddenly,
and as a sister, who has lost a brother to war,
I am aware of the deep and devastating pain
that you are experiencing.
The overwhelming heartache, seems to surface
through our shock, as the time passes.
Please hang on to your Faith and know that you will get through this.
Ever so softly and slowly, time does heal.
May Orlando Rest Safely, in the Loving Care of God
and know that he Will Never Be Forgotten.
I pray that the Peace of God will be with the Gonzalez family.
I am the sister, of such a Young Hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord,
and He shall sustain thee."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~
I sincerely hope that you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Country Mourns with you, for Someone Very Precious to you, Who Is A Hero to all of us.
SHIRLEY DONEY
March 28, 2007
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
Gary Allain
March 27, 2007
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
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How to support Orlando's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Orlando Gonzalez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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