Jose A. Paniagua-Morales Obituary

My Dear Alex,
It’s already been 14 years since God decided to give you the one-way ticket to heaven. Since then, not a day goes by without thinking & taking about you. I wish I can say has been easy life without you, but this is a big lie – we all have been riding this emotional rollercoaster for years. And yet, I am thankful for being your mother. Everything we shared, all the struggles, all those dreams and goals we plan together – all of them are in my memory!
3/7/2008 it’s treasure in my heart as the hardest day we ever lived. Having you 22 years was one of the best gifts I ever received from God, all those years full of memories, some great and others understandably painful. Many times, I try to make sense of my life as it is now. However, in my grief I have come to accept that there are some things I will never get to understand. You left behind many memories to share with my grandkids, as today Alexander he is constantly asking many questions of you, asking to watch those home videos we have, part of me I feel bless that your journey is someone else curiosity! Your humanity impacted many lives along the way including those who did not have the opportunity to meet you.
Finally, fact is my life has forever changed. Someday this shattered piece of my broken life eventually will be put back together, close enough as I was before your departure.
Therefore, this is my letter to you - on this 14th anniversary. I will always honor your memory and legacy. Love you forever, my precious one, my hero, my boy, my son your mother!

I was squad leader at the time of the incident. My name is SSG Shealey. I am sorry for the loss. Cell 912-321 -3472

Few more pictures of my son

I am Alexs youngest sister, Daena. My big brother was mine and my sisters father figure along with being our hero. The Army made him into the hero he was meant to be. He passed away in the year 2008... here I am in the year 2019 and his absence has only gotten more painful. With every passing year my already broken heart finds strength to move forward without you. I will always miss you! I love you big brother.

I was honored to carry a banner for Corporal Paniagua-Morales in the Fourth of July Parade in Port Angeles, Washington this year (2017). I volunteer with the Captain Joseph House Foundation, and we march in the parade every year honoring our fallen soldiers. His name, rank, and picture were on my banner, and were seen by thousands of onlookers in this tiny town. This year there were over 40 marchers carrying banners. Our heroes, including Jose, will never be forgotten.

Hello Alex, it's me again. Several years later since I posted here last. Your little sister, Neny and now older then you were when you left us...almost 24 now brother, and guess what? You're nephew will be 4 months in a week!....I'm sure you already know this, but I named him after you. How I wish you could meet him and watch him grow...he's quite a handful, but his smile reminds me of yours and it makes everything so worth it. He's got your spirit already you know? I just want you to know, that he is going to know who his uncle Alex was. I will tell him all about you, all the memories, all the stories, I'll show him pictures and even take him where you now rest in peace...you will never be forgotten as long as I live. I can't tell you how freaking bad it gets to this day that you're gone...next month you'll have been gone for eight long years..and quite frankly I don't know how to cope with that fact. We miss you Alex, every day of our lives. Daena and mom bring you up all the time as much as I do. We never grow tired of telling everyone about you. I guess its like you never left. Sadly though you can't be here..but one day brother, one day we'll meet again. We'd better t least, or else I'm gonna have to hunt you down up there in heaven lol....oh Alex..it is damn near 2am and I can't stop shedding tears for you...I truly hope you are still watching over us. We love you. Please help me find my way again brother...I fear I don't know who I am anymore or where I belong.. Till next time jelly belly (yeah I still remember, heh).

-Your sister, Neny

Querido Jose Alejandro:
Despues de tantos anos de preguntas y busquedas es un honor escribirte con el respeto que merecen las personas que tanto amaste y te vieron crecer y de tu madre que hizo de ti un hombre admirable de mucho valor...Es dificil saber que te has adelantado demasiado a nosotros pero has dejado una huella inborrable en el corazon mio y de tu familia que te vio crecer....
admiro tu valor y a la vez mi respeto por ser un heroe de este pais, aunque has dejado un vacio en el amor de personas que te aman, te vi nacer y a pesar del tiempo llegue demasiado tarde para hablar tantas cosas que invaden mi corazon; el unico consuelo es haberte tenido entre mis brazos y saber que hiciste de tu vida algo que pocos hombres han hecho con tanta valentia por resguardar la seguridad de tantas familias en esta nacion.
a pesar de lo poco que te he conocido se que fuiste un joven con mucha determinacion y unos sentimientos nobles y tengo la seguridad que desde ese pedacito de cielo donde te encuentras con nuestro padre celestial siempre cuidaras de tu familia....
es un honor para mi dejar estas palabras en tu memoria, con el respeto de todas las personas que te aman y extranan......

Hey brother!!! Not a day goes by I don't think of the times we had some good some bad but you always had a smile on your face and I will always carry you with me.....tell we meet again Co 4-9 keep of the fire!!!!

Your facial expressions, your humor, your look… it's been 7 long years Alex, but I still remember you like you were here yesterday. You have made such an impression to everyone around you, and I am so blessed to have been one of those people. So many days and nights I prayed for you, since before you left us …. and for all of your family. Things are not and were never perfect, and when you left, Insanity grew so much in each of the people that loved you so… I was one of those people. Oh my dearest Alex, May God Bless you as I know you're in Heaven with him now, and may you be watching over everyone that you loved, for it has never been the same here without you .you changed who I was , what I stood for and I became someone different, someone that you always wanted me to be, treating others with respect, having a sense of humor that would knock your socks off, working hard and being honest, and it's all because of God , and because of you . You shined a light on me that no was has ever or could ever do… it's Because of you that I am who I am today. Thank you for all those memories, Thank you for loving everyone who was in your life as much as you did. To me There will never be anyone like you in my life, Those years that God blessed us with your presence I will cherish for the rest of my life . God only knows why you were taken from us , But in him we must trust , and learn from this negative and turn to a positive. I love you Alex.

Dear Alex,

It's me, Neny, your little sister...well, not so little anymore brother. Now at 21 years old, I still can't believe how much I still miss you after these last five years. i'm all grown up but still feel that emptiness inside. It's been tough..Daena and mom are okay..still struggling..but we miss you...I could fill this entire page with things i'd like to say to you, but instead i'll just leave you with this; I love you big brother and miss you like hell. There is definitely not a single day that goes where when I don't remember you....I hope you're proud of what I've become.

p.s-i'm keeping my promise Alex..
-Neny

To the family and friends of Cpl. Jose A. Paniagua-Morales:
It has truly been my honor to sign Jose's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Jose will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

March 7, 2012
To the family and friends of Cpl. Jose A. Paniagua-Morales:
Always remembering Jose. "Some gave all."

Our thanks & Prayers for you Ultimate Sacrifice for Us all. Keeping you & your loved ones & ALl Service Members in prayer & heart each day. May His PErpetual Light SHine UPon you forever & Comofort you family. AMEN

Not a day goes by that I don't miss you....As the holidays approach I can't help but to remember our last Thanksgiving together....It was amazing! All the great laughs we had..memories that I will cherish forever. I love & Miss you so much Alex!

Dear Nephew,
I have been thinking of a lot about you lately. With Memorial Day and the anniversary of your death, I guess it’s inevitable. I want to genuinely thank you for all you did. Not many people pick this life style. It’s a hard rigorous life but we know what must be done in order for evil to fail. Ironic how war can bring peace…The feeling inside of me is gruesome but I thank God men like you exist. You had the courage, knowing death could happen, to fight terrorist in order to protect our home land. Rest in peace Alex, I love you.
CW2 Tulio R. Morales

To the family of Cpl. Jose A. Paniagua-Morales:
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.

just wanna say THANKS to every one who take time and write here for my son, it's been hard live with out him, he was my only boy, beside my 2 girls, i have so many pictures and memories... 3yrs for some people is easy to say for me been long road and at the same time feel like was yesterday, once again thanks for your comments i really appreciated every single one...God Bless you all!

To the family and friends of Cpl. Jose A. Paniagua-Morales:
Please accept my remembrance of Jose on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

I miss you so much Alex...You will forever live in our hearts! I look at your picture every morning..and it's still so surreal that your physically gone..It feels as if your still on deployment and we are waiting for you to come home...But now you are waiting for us..in heaven. I love you kid <3

Alex,

Remembering you today on Veteran's Day 2010. You are always in my heart and my prayers. I know God is taking good care of you! And I know that now that I am serving this country, you and God will be watching over me. You are always remembered and never forgotten Alex!

To the family and friends of Cpl. Jose A. Paniagua-Morales:
Remembering Jose 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

To the family of Cpl. Jose A. Paniagua-Morales:
Jose 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

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since you came to visit me and the family....I remember how excited I was on my way to the airport...Just knowing that I was going to be able to hug and kiss you...My loving nephew, although I know I will see you again one day, it breaks my heart...For I don't know when this will happen...My only hope is that when I arrive at heaven, your smile is the first thing I see...I miss you everyday that goes by..Everything I do, and everywhere I go, you are in my thoughts.....When you left to Iraq, we were waiting for you to come home...Now, you wait for us. My life has not been the same since God decided he needed you back in he's arms...It feels as if I'm still waiting for you to return home..I once told you that my life was at a stand still since your deployment.....nothing has changed....It's as if I'm stuck in a moment in time, that seems to never end. I awake in the morning with you on my mind...I fall asleep talking to you...Asking you to enter my dreams..After all, in my dreams is where I get to talk, laugh, share moments with you, in this non-existing world that only lives in my head...But it feels so real, that I don't care. Bittersweet. I will continue to keep your memory alive, until my day comes. I love you more than words could ever express......You took my heart the day you were born, and you never gave it back...I miss you terribly....if only I could turn back the hands of time...Please always know that no one will ever take your place in my heart....You are gone physically, but your spirit remains with us...I Love You Alex!

I offer my deepest condolences for your loss

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! 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

Though I never knew you I know what you stood for and pray you are now reaping the rewards of being a good soldier heaven. You will never be forgotten but always remembered in our hearts

Jose, Thank you for the brave sacrifice you made so I can continue to have freedom. rest assure you will never be forgotten, to Jose's family I am so sorry for the loss of Jose. always a hero but formost your son, your family, my heart breaks for you all. we dont know eachother but we are now forever joined, my nephew PFC Aaron J Ward at age 19 was killed by small arms fire on may 6 2008 while serving in Iraq, I promised him he will never be forgotten along with all the other fallen soldiers. America's heros but our family. may god bless us all and protect the so many others still fighting. rest in Peace Joes America loves you...
Proud Army aunt of PFC Aaron J Ward 170th military police Fort Lewis WA. the dragonslayers

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Cpl Paniagua-Morales and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Cpl Paniagua-Morales!

My heartfelt sympathy to the Paniagua-Morales family and friends in the loss of Jose. I did not know Jose, 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 and from the moving tribute. Jose 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~

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

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!!

I would also like to tell you about a website, http://groups.msn.com/SSPSoldierPor
traits/homepage,
where some wonderful people will make wood portraits of your fallen Hero for free for the immediate family. I became aware of this site when I wanted to do something special for Le Ron’s mother.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett (Queens, NY)

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

Mary Frye

Godspeed Alex. May God comfort the aching hearts of his family, friends and brothers-in arms who knew and loved him. My son was one of them.

C-Co, 4/9, 4/2 SBCT mom

No bond is as great as a mom and her son. My deepest condolences to you Ana and your daughters.

You know I didn't really get a chance to meet Alex that well, but good enough to find out the GREAT MAN he was going to be.

He came out in my sisters 15ñera and he would go to my house for the practices, and he was the only one that would be their on time.

He was very responsible, and well educated.

Ana you did a great job!!!

you know GOD had a better mission for Alex in heaven and thats why God decided to take him from this world.

Alex left this world as a Great son, brother, family member, friend and a HERO!!!

He will never be forgotten, he will always remain in our hearts.

Ana que DIOS la Bendiga a usted y a sus hijas.
Y solo acuerdese de que Alex fue un muchacho ESPECTACULAR!!!

Usted tovo la dicha y bendision de decir: "Alex es mi Hijo" y mirarlo a los ojos y desirle cuanto lo quiere.

Lo educo muy bien, y por eso ahora el desde el cielo junto a Dios la cuida y la proteje a usted y sus 2 hijas...

Que Dios Las Bendiga Siempre...

REST IN PEACE OUR HERO

My deepest sympathies and condolences for Alex Paniagua's family. While I didn't know CPL Paniagua well, I do know him as he interacted often with the cadets of our JROTC unit. He was like a brother to one of my closest friends. May God rest his soul, and may he rest in peace.

Hello, my name is Ana Carolina, and I am Jose's Aunty. First of all I wanted to say Thank You to each and everyone of you that have left such beautiful messages for my family, especially to my sister who has lost her only son. This is truly one of the greatest pain that my heart has suffered. Not only was he my nephew but he was also a brother. We grew up together, and only being four years apart we got along just as brothers. But I loved how he also respected me as an Aunt when he knew I was upset at him, for something crazy that he would do. My family and I had an opportunity to see Alex this past January when he came home for a couple of weeks from Iraq. We take it as a blessing that we got a chance to see him before he left this world to be with God. I will never forget his beautiful smile and how determined he was. Everything he wanted in life, he would get. He was planning to attend college in Washington State. He was so excited, because education was very important to him. So many dreams he had, that I know he would of had accomplished with no problem. He was also a great father figure to his sisters, which he made sure they were well taken care of. It's hard to comprehend why he was taken from us so soon. Only four months left in Iraq, then we would return home. Well he did return, but not in the way we imagined. How are we going to be able to continue with our lives, when after 22 beautiful years with him, now he's gone ( physically). But I know that one day we will be reunited again, it's only a matter of time my love. "We will always love you Alex, and never will we forget all the wonderfull memories we shared. We miss you each and every minute that passes by".

Wow!! I could not belive this happend. I went to school with Jose
(holywood High) and I know we never kept in touch when he left , but he was a great person , outgoing and he will be greatly miss. I'm in the military too, and i'm in afghanistan as i write this. He was a great person.

Thank you, Jose, for your heroism in protecting our freedom and security. May God hold you in His arms and bring comfort to your loved ones.

To the Paniagua-Morales family,

I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Joses' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.

...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 Iraq

I was a good friend of the family and Alex, and to me its been tough accepting that he is no longer with us.But now he is in a special place.I send my deepest condelences to his mom and the whole family for this lost.He was a great friend and had a sence of humor. May GOD be with you Alex!! You will never be forgotten.

REST IN PEACE CPL. PANIAGUA-MORALES, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Dear Family and Friends,
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences. I cannot begin to imagine the loss and pain all are going through. My nephew is a United States Marine and serving in Iraq. We all pray for him and his comrade’s safety every day. War is a horrible reality. I salute and I am proud of all of our troops and their bravery to protect our freedom and serve their country with honor. Freedom is not free.
With deepest regrets and sympathy
God Bless and may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all family and friends

I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Cpl Jose A Paniagua-Morales. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.

I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!

(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq) See tribute @
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXAX__FZYg4

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and comrades of Cpl. Paniagua Morales. May God wrap you in his loving arms and bring peace to each of you.
from another 4-2ID Mom

Please know that as a mother of a Soldier, I am grieving with you; as are so many, many others.

My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and they were protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007

Our thoughts and prayers out to the PANIAGUA-MORALES family.Knowing now what they have always known are one of many reasons that our HERO[S] shall NEVER be forgotten.Rest well brother as prommissed and in your honor that star spangled banner shall FOREVER wave.Your name stamped in steel shall be FOREVER clutched in the tallons ,as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our great nation...THANK..YOU..Respectfully...HO...YAAH.....All Hard Chargers...If you are wonded I will carry you**If you are captured I will come for you**If you are K.I.A. I will FOREVER reamber you**We have COME by NORTH**COME by SOUTH**COME by EAST**COME by WEST..We were all gathered and united on that great day as strangers.As we stood and upon those last[4] spoken words we are.FOREVER..BROTHERS..SEMPER..FI........B.V.C.

The price Cpl. Jose A. Paniagua-Morales and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten. Please know how Deeply Sorry I am to learn of the loss of your Brave Young Soldier.

May Jose rest safely now, in the Loving Care of God and may the Peace of God be with his loved ones.
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.

"I consider that our present sufferings.
are not worth comparing with the glory
that shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18 ~

May you find Peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Grateful Country Will Not Forget Jose's Sacrifice.
You are in my thoughts and prayers

From our military family to yours, we would like to thank CPL Paniagua-Morales for his service and sacrifice to this great country, as well as send our deepest condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.