Steven A. Valdez Obituary

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Steven A. Valdez:
Please accept my remembrance of Steven on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

It's been almost 6 years now since Steven passed I still miss him every day. He was my nephew but I was only a couple years older then him so we were really close. I named my son after him which was born a little over a month after we laid him to rest. He knows he is named after a hero my son my tattoo and my love for Steven insure he will never be forgotten. Thank u all very much for helping keep his memory alive. Love u and miss u Steven.

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Steven A. Valdez:
Remembering Steven 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 Lance Cpl. Steven A. Valdez:
Steven 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

My name is Elaine Simmons and I am coordinating an In Honor and Remembrance ceremony honoring the fallen soldiers. It will be held in Jacksonville, Arkansas on September 12,2009 and we would be honored if someone from the family would be able to attend. Please reply to [email protected]

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 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 and Respectfully,
Kenna

As we pause on this Memorial Day 2009, we think about Steven and the sacrifice that he gave to this nation. Steven will be remembered. His memory will live on in those that knew him. And when you live in the memories of others, then you still live. Our prayers rise up for this young man.

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 Steven, 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 –
(To hear the song)
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

A true American hero.God bless Steven and his family.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Lance Cpl Valdez!

Steven I love you and miss you.

Your cousin
Jamie

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 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 (KIA on 07/06/07) 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
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Lance Cpl Valdez and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Lance Cpl deploying soon

Steven, You have been gone for a long time but no one has forgotten you and your sacrifice. God Bless You and May you rest in peace!

Steven it has been a little over a year since you were taken. You are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. To the Valdez family; I previously signed Steven's guest book. I live clost to ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY and I visit there two or three times a week. Each time I am at ANC I always visit/honor Steven. From the most inner part of my heart I am so sorry Steven was taken from you.

It has been a little over a year since Steven gave his life for our country, his fellow Marines, and for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayer to his family and friends. He is not forgotten by the 2/3 family. Guns Up!

I know as all of Steven's Marine buddies left for their current deployment Steven was never far from their thoughts. They are fighting for his honor along with all those others who have given their lives. He is missed by my son, Brian,immensely. He and others wear a constant reminder of him in a hero bracelet. Brian even had a tattoo with a beautiful saying put on his back in Steven's honor. As you struggle with your loss of one year ago, know that your Son and loved one, Lcpl Steven Valdez has not and will not be forgotten.

We remember this day as the day that Steven gave his life for his country and for freedom!!! Our son Max Draper, served with Steven and he misses him a great deal. We have pictures that Max took of Steven in Afghanistan and would enjoy sharing them with you if you would like. Send us an email and we will get them to you.
Again, we are so sorry for your loss and pray for your family when we think of Steven.
God Bless. The Drapers

Well it's been a year today. I think that I miss you more than ever. I think about you all day. You will never be forgotten. I love you with all heart.

Paying tribute to Lance Cpl. Steven A. Valdez, on this first anniversary of the day, he gave his life for our Country and for Freedom.
A Multitude of Thanks to this young hero for his Courage Dedication and Service.
Rest In Peace Steven, in God's Loving Care and may God's Grace and comfort continue to be with the Valdez family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
My brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.


Those we love remain with us, for love itself lives on...
And cherished memories never fade, because a loved one's gone....
Those we love can never be, more than a thought apart....
For as long as there is memory, They'll live on in the heart.

May the memories of your loved one live in your heart always.
Softly and slowly....
Time heals...
I am deeply sorry for your loss.

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 ON FOR YOU. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.



A PROUD MARINE MOM

My heartfelt sympathy to the Valdez family in the loss of Steven. I did not know Steven, 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. Steven soon it will be 6 months since you were taken. You are a 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~

Psalm 23



1

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3

He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.



This is a verse that I have found to be comforting to me during my husbands death. Remember that when it seems that no one else is round, God is still there with you! And he will be your rock!



My daughter,McKaLyne, and I send our heartfelt sympathy for your loss! God Bless this warrior, God Bless those whom serve freedom's cause! They are our true HERO's!!!!



If you need anything, please feel free to contact me!!!



Wife & Daughter of the Late

Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford

KIA May 23, 2005

Our family was saddened to recieve the heartbreaking news of Steve's passing. Our son, LCPL Draper "Max", was a gunner with Steve in Afghanistan and considered him a brother, Max thought very highly of Steve. He continues to tell us how he misses him. We continue to pray for your family and all those that loved Steve. He is trully an American Hero and we thank him for his service and dedication.

Sincerely, Robin & Robert Draper

I have been wanting to get in touch with the Valdez family since I received the horrible news. My son Aaron Carnahan is a buddy of Steven better known as Valdez to us.I know Aaron and several of the boys are taking this very hard. I spent 5 days in Hawaii right before the boys left for Afghanistan.I saw the special bond they all had. It made me feel good to see that bond. I got to know Steven and all the boys a little. Steven wore these dark shades quite a bit while I was there. I called him young Tom Cruise. I have some pictures and also some video of all the boys if you would like me to send them to you. Please feel free to contact me. My email address is [email protected] and my address is 9208 W. Deanna Dr Peoria Az 85382. You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Trina Carnahan

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Valdez family. Our son Trent served with Steven as a machine gunner with E 2/3. When I received an email from him telling us about Steven's death, I took out a picture of Trent and Steve that was taken soon after they arrived in Afghanistan. I would be happy to share a copy of that picture with Steven's family if they wish. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who has taken the time to share their memories and condolences of my brother Steven. I will never forget him and will live every day for him. He is a hero and inspiration to us all. Steven will always be my little brother, my hero. Miss ya, bro.

I am so sorry for your loss. My boyfriend Brian is over in Afghan right now. LCpl Brian Guzzo and Valdez were good friends. I have pictures of the two of them at SOI and from K-bay. Brian speaks very highly of Valdez and is taking the loss pretty hard. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless.

This messages is written with a sad heart and tear filled eyes. I have tried several times to write it, but I seem to get to emotional each and every time, but here goes.

I have a picture of Steven and my son LCpl Brian Guzzo (a close friend and buddy, also serving in Afghanistan, taped to my computer along with pictures of he and other of his close buddies. When Brian emailed us about Steven's death and how hard it was for him, I just sat and stared at his picture; seeing a young man who was standing handsome and proud in his Marine cammies, with determination and fun in his eyes, and an impish grin on his face. To realize that no one will see the same look on his face is devastating, yet what a joy he must have been to his family. He, along with all the other KIAs and troops currently serving will always be our heros, will always be a part of not just our hearts, but of his fellow Marines' hearts and lives.

My son's words about Steven were these "he was a great guy, and a lot of fun. This is the ugly part of our job, but we must keep going so that Valdez's death had meaning"

May Your entire family feel God holding you in the palm of his hand.

I am so sorry for your loss. My husband, Kyle, is with 2/3 in Afghanistan, as well. I do not know if my husband knew Steven or not, but I know the losses of his brothers has affected him. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

I am writing you my sypathies. I am sorry for your loss. It has greatly efected a friend and role model of mine. He was one of valdez's good friend. He is part of the brotherhood his name is Lance Corpal James Stueter. He was Valdez's roomate in hawaii. And he is talking this loss hard. My prayers are for your family and the rest of the soldiers that are over there.

We have a grandson, Andrew, who is serving at Camp Blessing and our hearts go out to all the Valdez family. It is a brave thing our men are doing in Afghanistan and Stephen was doing the thing he loved. He will be remembered by all, even those of us who did not have the honor of meeting him. God bless you all.

I want you to know that my prayers and thoughts are with you. I served here with Steven and I'm very proud to be able to have served with such a fine young man. He was an outstanding Marine and will never be forgotten. He is in all of our hearts here at Camp Blessing. We all will miss you Steven.

Tears of saddness, but with a thankful heart I say to all who knew Steven and the others who have/are serving our country.... None other can we be so proud of. As a mother of a US Marine in the 2/3 brotherhood I just wanted to extend my sincere condolances at the loss of one of America's finest. Our son, Cpl Michael R. Aaron also serves our country and I am so proud to say he is my son. I pray God's comfort on your family and know that Steven is waiting and watching and in a place that God must of wanted him. Not for us to understand, but believe is true! Sincerely and with thanks to your son, Charlotte Aaron

My family would greatly like to add our condolences to you and your family during this terrible time.We would also like to express our thanks and most sincere appreciation for Steven and the many others like him who are willing to place their lives on the line and to willingly make the sacrafices they do so I and my family can enjoy the freedoms and rights we do.Truly your loss is a great one and will be shared by many. Again to the family and friends of this young American HERO I offer my most heartfelt sympathy and prayers.

My husband and I grieve with you at your loss. Our grandson, whom we raised, is with the Marines at Camp Blessing and wrote that Steven was a friend of his. He ,too, grieves and misses his friend. May God comfort you in your loss. Sincerely, Jenny Darland

I am so sorry to hear of your sons early departure into heaven. My son also passed away sept. 3rd 2005 at camp blessing. It looks as if they may have known each other. Ryan and Steve were in the same 2/3 marine company and stationed at the same base in HI. I am so sorry. May god bless you and your family and of course our sons. lisa nass

May God bless you in a very special way, as He took a very special person from this world to be with Him. I thank God every day for men like your son who are willing to fight for our freedom and the freedom of oppressed nations. I know Steven has made a difference in every life he has touched. God bless everyone in his family



Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they

protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they

perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus,

our Lord and Savior. Amen.



“I’ll lend you for a little while

A child of mine,” He said.

“For you to love the while he lives

And mourn when he is dead.

It may be six or seven years, or

Twenty two or three,

But will you ’til I call him back,

Take care of him for Me?

He’ll bring his charms to gladden you,

And should his days be brief,

You’ll have his lovely memories

As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,

Since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught down there

I want this child to learn.

I’ve looked this wide world over

In my search for teachers true,

And from the throngs that crowd life’s lane

I have selected you.

Now will you give all your love,

Nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call

To take him back again?”



I fancy that I heard them say,

“Dear Lord, Thy will be done.

For all the joy this child shall bring,

The risk of grief we’ll run;

We’ll shelter him with tenderness,

We’ll love him while we may,

And for the happiness we’ve known

Forever grateful stay.

But should the angels call for him,

Much sooner then we’ve planned,

We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes.

And try to understand.” -Edgar Albert Guest

Im so sorry for the loss of this young Marine. LCpl Valdez is an American hero . My son is a Marine with 2/3 at Camp Blessing. His brothers are sadly missing him. May God comfort us all.

Marine Mom

I wish to pass on my deepest sympathies at the loss of your son. Your son is and always will be a hero to me and my family. We certainly appreciate his service and sacrifice in the war on terrorism, and efforts in keeping our country free. My son is currently in Afghanistan as well, and is also with 2nd Btl. 3rd Marines H&S Comp, and feels your loss in a way only a brother Marine would feel. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers, and may God bless you in this sad time.

We are proud to have Steven, and all of you as our extended family. SEMPER FI !!!!

God Bless~( Jamie,Navy wife)

I am so sad to hear about your great loss. My husband is in Iraq right now,and we have 4 little girls at home. I just want you to know how grateful I am for men like your son and my husband who are courageous and outstanding in all they do. Lance will be remembered forever and he will forever be a "Hero" to my family and I. Thanks again for the son you have raised to bring freedom to our country and my little girls. God Bless You always.