Ruben Villa Obituary

Wow this is my first time seeing this and seeing how many people loved my dad. 8/18 is always a rough day I´ll forever deal with but reading what everyone had to say about my dad is so heartwarming especially for today. Being 33 now I´ve realized I´m so much like my dad. My son Izaac looks just like him too. He´s 13 and he has his smile and is tall just like his grandpa. I remember my dad use to always play around and get me mad for some laughs and now my son does the same exact thing. That´s definitely Ruben!! I know he´s always with me and my family protecting us. I love you dad and I miss you so much.

Thinking of you this evening Ruben! Continue to rest in God’s loving arms! ❤

Happy 52nd belated birthday in Heaven Ruben!!! Gone, but never forgotten! Continue to rest in God's loving arms!

Happy belated birthday Ruben. Still missed!!

Thinking of you today. Say hi to my dad for me please. He's new to heaven.

Remembering my beloved nephew on the day of his birth. I know he's celebrating this special day with his grandpa and grandma. RIP

Happy Birthday Ruben!!!!

Your still missed

Hey, if my dad shows up there sometime in the next couple of days (especially tomorrow) can you please send him back! I miss you my friend.

Happy Birthday, Ruben.

Talked to an old, treasured mutual friend last night and of course your name came up. We all miss you, "Buckethead".

Missing you everyday. Time does not, will not, ever heal this wound.

You are truly missed. Keep watch over us.

RUBEN,

YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN,GREATLY MISSED !!!!!!! :)

August 18, 2012
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Ruben Villa:
Always remembering Ruben. "Some gave all."

Ruben,
Time still has not healed all wounds. When I come to El Paso to visit I still think all of the family will come together as we once did. Love and miss you. Please watch over my precious daughter Fatima. I know she is up there with you, grandma & grandpa.

RUBEN,
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY. MAY GOD KEEP HOLDING YOU IN HIS ARMS AND SEND OUT HIS ANGELS TO WATCH OVER YOUR MOM AND YOUR SISTER SHARON, AND ALWAYS KNOW THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGETTEN. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE GREATLY MISSED. :)

Happy birthday my love. I'm glad I didn't listen to you and still celebrated your birthday, your last birthday with us 06/06/2006, but I'm glad we were there in El Paso on your R&R to celebrate with my family. Happy birthday my love.The loneliness is unbearable sometimes but the smile on your face embedded in my heart somehow eases it. I love you, always will

i cant believe i am writing on your memorial page. i havent talked to anyone really about what happen to you. i cant. even now 5 yrs later, i just cant. i havent coped with losing you. i believe you are still overseas and i am waiting for you to come home. this is very selfish of me, but i want you here, i need you here. my son looked at the picture of you hanging in my hall and said "i love you ruben." this completely broke me down. you were the only reason our family came together at all really. i dont see any of our family. honestly i dont want to. its not the same without you there. its so empty. not complete at all. my heart will always feel empty. i love you so much, i still cant and probably never will believe that your never coming back. it kills me knowing i am never going to see you again, and my kids will never get to meet such a incredible man. you were the best father and just best human being ever. i promise i am being a good girl and will not "fly away" as you would say. i know you are in a better place now and are free, and that makes me happy. i hope you are proud of me. i am getting my life together. ruben, you are so dearly missed and loved. i hope you know that.

Ruben,
As I read over all of the entries it always brings many tears to my eyes. You are so very loved and missed. I miss your warm smile and comforting personality. I am still in denial about you being gone and expect to see you at family functions. I wish I had the chance to give you one final hug. Love you and you will never be forgotten.

Ruben, Yesterday was your anniversary. 5 long years have passed since you left this world. It has been 5 extremely hard years for your family. My blessings goes to them and I pray that god continues giving them the comfort and strength that they need, especially to Sharon and your mother. Continue to watch over them as you have all this years, now that you are one of god's precious angels. Ruben just know that you are greatly missed and you will never be forgotten.

To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Ruben Villa:
Please accept my remembrance of Ruben on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Thinking of you and your family today, with love.

Ruben your 41st b-day just passed. It's been 5 long years since you've been gone, and they have been the hardest years of mine and mom's. I still find myself in denial that you're gone. I still expect you to walk through the front door of my house and starting giving me a hard time. You were the best brother a sister could ever want. You can rest easy now you're in the safest of arms-The Lord

Sharon Villa-Romero

Ruben is so missed by his family, especially during the summer months. We will all be together next week and he will be in all of our hearts. Rest in peace Ruben, you are free now

Thought about you yesterday, thinking about you today and will think about you forever. Rest easy, my dear friend

Ruben, It is your 41th birthday today. Happy Birthday and continue to rest in gods arms. You will continue to be missed and I am sure you know that.

I am in total shock, I just froze. I have wondered and wondered what ever happened to you for so many years. Something finally told me to look for you but I never though I would find out about your death. It kills me that I am just finding out right now, almost 5 years later. I will always remember sweet thoughts of you and the special, kind, funny, and amazing guy that you were. I still remember like it was yesterday the surprise visit I made to you when you were stationed in Ft Huachuca. We had a great time. I want you to know wherever you are in heaven that you will always be in my thoughts and I will never forget you. If anyone reads this can you please let me know were he was laid to rest at I would really like to take him some flowers, please I would greatly appreciate it. My name is Liz and I was a good friend of his. You can email me at [email protected]. Thank you so much. Love You Ruben. Love Liz.

To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Ruben Villa:
Remembering Ruben 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

I'm truly devastated something told me to look for you. I recall when you called me I was so happy to hear from you. I thought about all of us overseas and the trouble we got into but it was all in good fun. If I would have known that phone call was the last time I would hear from you I would have told you I love you and miss you, you were truly a good friend. I'm deeply sad that I'm just now finding out about your death. I will alway love you SFC V......Richmond

Each August my thoughts are consumed with you and the countdown on the calendar begins. I speak of you at least once a month, sometimes using you as an example of people in our lives who slip through the cracks. Sometimes it's relating a funny story of our years together at Ft Huachuca. And sometimes I don't speak out loud, I just go back in my memory. I will miss you forever but the day has come for me to put this site away and not access it anymore. I feel driven on certain days to come here to let you know I am still thinking about you but if you don't know by now how much your passing affected those who shared your life, then I guess no amount of writing will ever be enough. I was told by a counselor once, years after another tragic incident in my life, that I had to find a way to let go or I would continue grieving. I did that then and I think I may have to do that with you too. I will always love you, my friend, and cherish the fact that we shared a moment in time together. But I think maybe it's finally time for me to say goodbye. I will not access this site anymore (well, maybe somewhere down the road). I pray you continue to provide peace and comfort to your family and friends and that you are sitting at the right hand of God. Til we meet again...

It still feels like you are just stationed overseas and I will see you when I visit El Paso. I miss you cousin.

Ruben,
I have fond memories of us stationed at Camp Doha,Kuwait. You were a true friend and you made life enjoyable for me at Camp Doha.
Godspeed and you are missed and thought about everyday by your friends and family.
Lawrence Rutt

Thinking about you, as usual, with your birthday approaching. Rest well in the arms of God, my friend.

Ruben, you are still missed. Cecilia, you all are still in our prayers. My God bless you all and provide you with some peace.

Mr. Villa:

It was an honor to have known such a kind hearted and strong person. I thank you for the limited time I was able to know you. Thank you for all you help, both military and personal.

I miss you, my dear friend

Ruben, you are missed so dearly. There have been so many changes in our lives since you left us but I know you are at every change,the good and even the bad.If it were not for your guidance, and protection things could be worse. Your presence and love is felt in our home as Parisa our grand-daughter looks up at your picture smiling and giggling at times.Dominik, April's baby smiles at your pictures as well. We miss you so much but you continue being a part of our lives as we all know you walk next to us as our personal guardian angel.You took care of us in life and you continue taking care of us from heaven. We have to settle seeing you in our dreams making our mornings and days brighter than the last. Thank you for everything you did and continue doing for us. We all miss you and love you. We are ok here, rest in peace.You are and will always be my love, my life, my true love. Your wife, Ceci

Yesterday was three years since you have passed. Its been hard raising the little ones without your support, but I know you watch over them in your own way. I wish you were here so they could see their corny gradpa, but I know you're in a better place now. I miss you everyday. I'll always love you Dad

Three years ago you walked up to heaven leaving an emptiness in our hearts. My nightmare began then and I ask our Lord to help me wake up.It is supposed to get easier but each passing day seems worst.I know you are at peace but the selfish part of me wants to look you in the eyes, touch you, hear you with my own ears and even smell you.Even though the kids and I know you are at a better place, we cannot stop missing you, wishing to pick you up from the airport or taking a family vacation like we used to.We think and talk about you everyday on how funny, corny and yes how now the kids appreciate your strictness.You molded them into wonderful, responsible, appreciating young adults.Your legacy is something they will bestow unto their kids one day because like they say, "Dad would have wanted or done that." You are missed so much words cannot describe the happiness we all feel when you come to us in our dreams.We all cherish those nights we become part of your world again. I ask again, help me wake up!The pain is so intense that it can be unbearable but like you did so many times before, you reach out to me in your own way to comfort me.Thank you because I know you will always be there for me and the kids. I will always love you because you were always, my world, my life, my true love.
Forever your wife, Ceci

Ruben,
You've been in my thoughts all day today and every day. I know you are watching over all of us here in Iraq. Remember you are missed so much by your military family. See you in Heaven. Save me a spot.

To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Ruben Villa:
Ruben 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 will be three years ago tomorrow I got the phone call that I will never forget. I still think about you all the time Ruben and miss both your goofy scowl and your smiling face. I know you are busy looking after your family and I hope you are at peace. Still missing you, buddy.

To Ceci, Kristle, April, Raul and Jacqui
I just wanted you all to know that I continue to think about your family and hope you are doing well. I know the new additions are very bittersweet, but life goes on, as it should! Please know that I care about you all and for as much as I continue to think about Ruben, your memories must be ten-fold. God Bless you all.

We celebrated your birthday and sang to you with a cupcake at the hospital in Phoenix.You're a grandpa again. Our little man was born June 2.Although you are not physically there, your presence was obvious. When I prayed for you to be by the baby's side, I felt a warm tingling sensation with overwhelming peace, your sign that you would be by the baby's side when he went through his heart surgery.We all know you watch over us since our little guy is recovering very well, we know you were there to hold his little hand when his mommy couldn't be there in surgery. I miss you so much, it doesn't get any easier.It consoles me to know you are at a better place watching over those who need a personal guardian angel. You always proved to me you were there for when I needed you and even now you continue being there for me and the kids.Your smile and laughter in my dreams help me through rough days.My kids and family need me so much here but I still can't wait to see you meet me when my time comes. I know you will be there too to open up the gates of heaven for me. I know you know, you are and will always be my world, my life, my true love.
Your wife,
Ceci Villa

Happy belated birthday. Being here in Iraq constantly reminds me of you. I know you are at peace now. Plus I know you are watching over me and will make sure I make it home okay. I miss my best friend terribly. I look back at all the fun times we had and can't wait to see you again and continue the fun times. Peace be with you.
Dawn

Happy Birthday Dad. I love you and still miss you.

Happy birthday, a day early. Heard you have a new grandbaby that needs all of your guardian angel skills. Hope you are resting well, my friend.

Still missing you, bud!

Ruben I was blessed to meet and get to know you while we were stationed together at Camp Doha back in 1995. I was shocked and deeply saddened when I received news of your death. You were a great NCO and an outstanding friend.
Godspeed and I am eager to see you again and talk about old times.

Lawrence Rutt

Monday marked the day in which our lives changed forever and have since been a blurr. Your absence is missed more with each passing day and with milestones that you should have shared with us in this earth. I know you are watching over us and you are within reach in our hearts but your voice, your laughter, and your big heart is something that breaks the littlest of pieces left with your parting. I have to remind myself you are in a better place but you are so much needed here with me, the kids and your entire family and friends. Words cannot describe the pain that is still in my heart since the day I found out you were never again going to call, write and that we wouldn't be able to pick you up from the airport with the wild stories you always had for us. Jacqui celebrated her Sweet 16 but it wasn't the same without you, instead of full joy, there were many tears. No party or get-together has ever been the same since you left, nor will there ever be one where tears aren't present. Kristle graduated from college in May something I know you are proud of and it hurt all of us because we know you were so proud when she entered college, but you were more happy and proud when she would let you know of how well she was doing. She and the other kids will always remember what you used to say, "Do Not settle for mediocre, you have to Excel" that meant a lot to them then and now they are living with it, Kristle graduated with honors due to high grades. We all wished you would have been there to cheer for her as she walked wearing her black cap and gown. She is having her baby soon, that is another milestone we would talk about when the kids were young. I know you will be with us, but the selfish, earthly being in me still cannot completely accept that I won't be able to look at you in the eyes and see that you too are happy. I miss you so much that I wonder if my heart will ever be atleast half of what it used to be when you were here. You will always be my love, my life, my true love.
Your wife always and forever,
Ceci

It was two years ago yesterday and not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Now more than ever since I'm expecting a baby girl this September. I know you're watching out for us and for your granddaughter. I love you.

Ruben,
It's been two years, can't believe it. I can only assume you are finally at peace since I don't sense your presence every day like I did. I still miss you each and every day and talk to you amongst the stars on occasion. Sleep well my dear friend.

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 Ruben, 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

Yesterday was a difficult day for me Dad. It was your birthday, and we celebrated it without you. I miss you and I hope to see you in my dreams again tonight. I love you Dad

Ruben,
I am leaving Vet Svcs as of this week and I wanted to leave one last entry. I want to wish you a happy birthday and finally, say goodbye. I still miss you, my friend and I will carry you with me always. Rest in peace.

HEY RUBEN, JUST WANTED TO TELL U HOW MUCH I LOVE AND MISS U SO MUCH. ALLYSA IS TAKEN IT THE HARDEST. PLS WATCH OUT FOR HER FOR ME. I LOVE MY DAUGHTERS VERY MUCH AND U CAN WATCH THEM FOR ME. UR AN ANGEL NOW, AND I KNOW UR THERE WATCHING OVER US ALL JUST LIKE U DID BEFORE U LEFT. I LOVE U RUBEN. UR SOOO MISSED.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt 1st Class Villa!

I miss you so much!

Ruben,
I don't know why but you have been ever present this week. I have finally come to terms with your death, have succeeded in overcoming my sadness and my anger. I still miss you, still think about you almost every day, even called my current boss SFC Villa yesterday. But at least now I can remember you without the overwhelming sadness that accompanied my memories in the past. I hope you are resting well, my friend. I don't know why you have stirred in the past week but I'm glad you stop by to say hi once in awhile.

To the family of Ruben,
I will keep you in my prayers. May God bless you and your family and help ease the pain so you may remember all the good times of his life. I met Ruben over 10 years ago in Kuwait. I also looked up to him. He was and will also be an inspiration to me. I was always amazed that he could keep a smile on his face through any circumstance. He was my mentor and encouraged me to strive for the stars. I will never forget him and the encouragement he gave to me so many years ago. GOD BLESS YOU, SFC RUBEN VILLA!!! You are truly missed down here on earth.

Ruben,
It was a year on Saturday that you left us but it often seems like yesterday. Each day brings another thought or rememberance of you and this week is a tough one indeed. I am at the District Conference and your presence is everywhere. You are talked about and remembered with such fondness by everyone. I don't know how I will make it through the missing Soldier part of the Dining In because I will surely see you sitting in that empty chair. I still miss you so and probably always will. It has been a rough year, I have lost far too many, but you were the hardest to accept and I don't think I have yet come to terms with it. Please walk beside me on Thursday night into the dining hall because I will need your strength. Till then...

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)

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt 1st Class Villa and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

It was bitter sweet watching the fireworks display last night. I kept thinking back to past 4th of July's with all of us in El Paso. The 4th of July was always a special holiday for us. My fondest memories will always be of you, wearing a sash of black cats, with a big smile on your face. Its sad that we can never celebrate the holiday like we used to, but I am comforted by the fact that you will always be by our side to celebrate it in spirit. I will always treasure the memories we had together Dad. I love you Dad.

Ruben, the 4th of July was one of your favorite holidays as you popped fireworks with my brothers as if you were at war. Since those years, it's not the same when you weren't able to attend and everyone including the kids, nephews and nieces all wanted you around. You made firework popping fun. I still have the flowers you sent me for last 4th '06. They're dried in an arrangement in my room. I've been dreaming of you everyday and I know you want me to place flowers for you since in my dream you give me my favorite pink roses.You still remember what I told you about the pink flowers and in my dreams you repeat it. I miss you so much, I still say good morning when I walk out of my room and see one of your many pictures in my house and I say goodnight as I go to sleep. Jacqui and the kids are doing well. Jacqui mentions details of what we've all done in the past with you as far as vacations and everyday activities in which you changed our lives. It's good to hear her talk about you, it seems she's dealing with your passing little by little.You were her daddy and she was your little girl. We all miss you and love you so much.We know you are in a happy place for when you come to any of us in our dreams, you appear happy and content. It's hard but we are beginning to accept this.We still feel at times as if you are somewhere TDY and you can't call because of the location you are at. You play tricks on us around the house and we know it's you so we don't get scared anymore when you play Jacqui's Ipod or turn on the fart machine when no one's around it.We just laugh when we hear it go off.It may sound childish or foolish but that helps.It hurts to go visit your gravesite but talking about what we've all shared with you and the recurrent happiness you appear in when we dream of you, helps us deal with the fact God wanted you by His side. We love, I love you, always have always will.You will always be my world,my life, my true love. Sleep and rejoice with the Angels of the Lord.
Love always,
Your wife,
Ceci Villa

Ruben,
Words can not explain how much I miss you. I still feel as if when I go back home to visit I will see you. I miss your smile and you trying to make me laugh since I was always so quiet. Te amo..

Ruben,
My dear friend. This week brought about the anniversary of your birth and a flood of memories. I can honestly say there has not been a day that has passed since Aug 18 that I have not thought about you. So far, the pain of losing you has not lessened and I fear it will be a long time before it does. The years we spent working together here at Ft Huachuca were some of the happiest and funniest years of my life. You were my boss, my adversary, my confident and my friend. I cherish the days when we were so angry with each other that we wouldn't talk until CPT Beebe took us outside to "duke it out". I cherish the quiet moments when we shared life experiences and stories. But most of all, I cherish the memories of laughter! I miss you so, my friend. Please know that the soldiers you mentored are all doing well and keep in touch with me. We reminisce often with both chuckles and tears. My tears still flow freely when I think of you, but they are selfish tears because I want to hear your voice one more time. I will always hold dear our last telephone conversation and only pray that I said all that I could say. Til we meet again...

It feels like just yesterday that we were working at Ft Huachuca together. You were my mentor and true friend. I will always miss your laugh, your smile and sharing appetizers with you at lunch (thanks for the pounds, too by the way!). I even miss the way you said "ma'am" in that know-it-all tone! I still cant believe you are gone and in my mind you are still just deployed to some remote location where you are enjoying golfing and eating lots of yummy food. I truly miss you my friend, and thank you for all you have taught me about life. I know you are with me everytime I run... I picture the goofy way you shuffle your feet, as if you are ahead of me once again on Humble Hill urging me not to stop and walk (while walking is authorized, it is strongly discouraged, right??). I owe you so much, and can not wait until we meet again and share one more appetizer together :) Until then, I promise to not stop and walk, and to run through life with pure enjoyment,
Your friend,
Amy (formerly CPT Pike)

This Memorial's Day is so significant because as I watch the tv as they talk about fallen soldiers the honors that are given, I have you in mind. The honors are for you first in my mind and heart and then for the other soldiers like you who didn't want to leave but your dedication to the military was so true and honoring that you picked your head up and proudly geared up. It's a year to this date that I saw you again as you came down to see the kids graduate from high school. To them you know you were dad although the same blood doesn't run through your bodies. The dedication and love you gave them DNA didn't matter. You were Dad and will always be Dad, afterall, you were there on their first day of Kindergarten and then on their graduation day. Due to reasons of where you were and time flying, you missed their ceremony but still made it to their graduation parties. Your presence and your determination to be there for their day postponing your R&R for two months later only to be there for them made the kids so happy, only real parents would do that and for them you were their real dad. Those two weeks were too short and like you said you wished you should've spent more time with us and that we should've taken off the Vegas. I'm glad we did go to the casino in Ruidoso, we laughed so much going and it was more fun coming back. My dad's eyes tear up when he remembers that day, when he was telling you stuff he probably made up about Vicente Fernandez and Juan Gabriel. You were laughing so much you were crying. My mom kept waking up because you were laughing so hard, but she would only wake up to tell my dad to stop with the lies.
Then you'd wake her up to ask if it was true what my dad would say and you'd laugh even more when she would say my dad was making stuff up. He remembers that he would stop and you'd remind him about it and he'd come up with more stuff and you'd ask about other people. They both miss you but my dad misses you the most and says that when he goes, he's going to look for you and make you laugh some more to the point where you cry again. You know he would tell you that he'd brag about you being in the military and he still proudly displays the baseball caps you would buy him from where you were. I remember you saying it was weird how you were was just a son-in-law but he was proud like a father. Maybe that's why you liked him so much too. He was very proud of you and still is, but now, tears fill his eyes when we talk about you or see the old home movies at their house. My mom has found him watching the movies by himself crying when she's woken up from naps. Besides the trip back to Ft. Huachuca, that was our last trip together. Remember we were happy when I took you to the airport early in the morning and got rerouted because of an accident earlier that day in which the street leading to the airport or any other streets closed which made you miss your flight. I was given an extra day with you. We picked up the kids and went to Denny's where we talked and laughed at you making Jacqui mad with your plans for her quincenera. She would get mad when you would tell her we'd get her dress at Wal-mart and have her party at Peter Piper Pizza and when she would bring up the car deal, you would tell her you'd buy one of my dad's old car's for her. You loved to make her mad and we loved hearing you laugh about it. She doesn't want a quincenera know because you won't be there to present her or dance with her. She says now she'd do anything to have you back even if you bought her dress at Wal-mart and her party at the pizza place. She's really opposed to any party where you should be at physically. We spent the rest of the day together taking a trip to Tombstone where we talked about moving to San Antonio and promising never to bring up anything that hurt us in our past. We both forgave each other for the bad times and promised to start new again. We got to spend another night together, a night I will never forget. I still sleep in the t-shirt you forgot to pack. It took me sometime to wash it because it still had your scent, crazy huh, but I still wear it. Just like it took me some more time to remove your belongings that were in footlockers from the livingroom when they finally sent them over from Kuwait. You were there with us again in our livingroom. The kids had to help me store them in the closet. I see now why everything happened the way it did and why that last day together as a family and as a couple seemed so extra special. Remember we both said as we fell asleep that it had been a very very nice day. I remember telling you in the morning how I wished you'd miss your plane again so that we could have more time together and you said, "me too." I remember how we hugged and embraced at the airport and you wiping tears off my face and then Jacqui making fun of you because you had tears in your eyes too. Her comment broke the ice making us both laugh. The airport is so small with only one person waiting to get on the same plane with you that it didn't matter who watched. You also told me you weren't sure if you'd make it back and you had told me earlier you should've left me your truck but with that said and you mentioning you were scared of not coming back alive, I told you you had to make it back to bring your truck back yourself and that besides I needed you to come home as well as the kids, your mom, your sister and that even Patrick would want to see you back to ask you all the million questions he would ask you. You had to come back and we planned on you fliying in to El Paso to see your mom and sister throw a the big party we would make for your homecoming, picking up your truck drive home to Ft. Huachuca with us and then drive to San Antonio. I was telling you anything to encourage you to see you were going to make it back. You stalled until the pilot told you to board. I remember you walking backwards as we stood inside and you were outside with your lips saying I love you and you pointed to me and Jacqui. Jacqui's eyes were full of tears but mine rolled down because we didn't want you to go back to what you called, hell hole. When you were at the plane's door I could see you look at me and tell me again, I love you. That picture is and will always be enbedded in my mind and will never leave my heart. We stayed there until we couldn't see your plane anymore and it was nice when you called me that you had made it back to the hell hole that you saw me and Jacqui looking out at your plane. The kids regret they listened to you when you told them they should go to work instead of going with me and Jacqui to the airport but you taught them to be good kids and of course they listened to you, you are "Dad" and you told them you were used to flying in and out. They remember their last embrace and you telling them you loved them and they returning the "I love you too Dad be careful and come home soon." Jacqui is so hurt and confused with her life turning over the way it has, but she misses you too much, she's also like you, tries to hide her feelings. You once told her along time ago she needed to be strong and not let anyone see you weak. We miss you so much, I dream of you often and brought some peace when in my dream you showed us this apartment where you lived. It was palacial, majestic the kids and I were in aw. I told you I didn't know you had that kind of taste. It was beautiful and we asked you if we could move in with you and you told us it wasn't time for us to move in with you and I still remember your smile when you told us that. We looked around and it was breathtaking the kids asked you again for us to live with you and again you replied with a smile, "It's not your time yet." Then my dream shifted. I know you are in a better place but it's still hard to swallow. We are only human in this earth and selfish, you are an angel looking at us, watching over us taking care and protecting us, kinda like when you were here on earth. You know our every move. We have to tell ourselves when we are in pain with the reality of your passing that you are in a better place, it helps sometimes. Your plaques your flag and pictures on our walls with your flashy smile help and hurt but we will never take them down, we will rearrange but not be brought down. Oh Ruben, I love you, I miss you so much. I run the home movies a lot to hear your voice and laughter which at times make me cry more and sometimes make me smile and appreciate the time we were allowed to spend together as husband and wife and a family. You are so missed and loved not only by us, your mom and sister but by all of those you touched your life with. At times I still feel as if it's a bad dream and you're going to wake me up with a call in the middle of the night, your day. Yeah, you're probably saying I'm cuckoo but that's ok. You will always live on in me and our family. I also had a dream that you were golfing everyday, if that's what you're doing, golf away as long as you are happy in heaven and from the looks of my dream, you always have a smile in your face and seem happy. I miss you Ruben, like always, I love you, you will always be my world, my life, my true love. Your wife always, Ceci Villa

Dad, its been almost 10 months since you've been gone. I still think about you everyday. You are still the first person that I want to tell good news to, especially school stuff. Everytime I got a good grade, you were the first person that I thought of telling. You still are that person I go to first, even now. On this Memorial Day, I just want to say how proud I am of you. Thank you for everything you have sacrificed for us, and our country. You will forever be My hero. I Love You Dad.

Ruben,as time passes we miss you more and more but we know we have to move on as you have done but in a better place. Your best friend "Rock" has been stationed here in Ft.Huachuca as you guys talked about getting stationed together again so many times before. It's bitter sweet to see him again. Re-living those years we were neighbors making you guys the best of friends.He can't believe you're gone since you guys talked two days before you left this world. He still calls you his brother and he says he'll always be the blacksheep of the family therefore he says I'll always be his sister. Your presence is needed and missed. We laugh about what you guys did and said but your laughter is so much missed. He will try and joke like he used to but it's not the same. He needs your input like when you guys would make fun of me and his wife Sheri. Tears filled his eyes when I took out the pictures of our past as neighbors, an adopted family. He continued to visit my parents and family in El Paso when he would be around that area. They will never forget all the holidays we shared with you, us and his family along with my entire family. Christmas,New Years,the 4th of July, Easter and many more have changed for them with our traditions we shared with his family through so many years of being neighbors and above all, friends. Their kids have grown so much. They aren't the little kids you used to play with and pick on, you'd be surprised but I'm sure you see that.You and him along with some more of your very dear friends were a unit that now has broken. It is now replaced with memories, pictures and laughs filling in the empty space, but it will never be the same until we all meet again in heaven where you sit and enjoy. Albert toasted for you on his change of command last Friday. I went because I knew you wouldn't have missed it but although you weren't there physically, we know you were looking down smiling at your brother. I took your physical place because afterall, I am still your wife and I know that if you were still here in this Earth with us and you couldn't attend, you'd want me to be there for him. Ruben, you are and will always be my life, my world, my true love. The kids and I are doing ok, rest in peace. We all miss you so very much. Rejoice in the kingdom of the Lord. Open the gates of heaven for me, as I one day will join you.
Your wife, Ceci Villa

To All of the Villa Family.

My heart still breaks for all of you. I still think of him often. Every time I go for a run, I imagine him running along side me. I would never run with him when we were young - Now I run all the time and that's because of him. I also cherish the time I have with my husband because I see first hand how easily it can be taken away from you. I can't believe after all these years Ruben is still teaching me how to be a better person.
God bless all of you thru this trying time and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers always.

Te Amo Ruben. Rest in Peace.
Bonnie Lou

Ruben, I still don't believe you're gone. I keep thinking you're in another country doing your army think, and that it's a matter of time before you come back. I didn't think that the last time I talked to you would be the last time I will ever talk to you. You wasn't just my nephew, you was my brother and friend. I love you bro. Rest in peace.

Our Hero
SFC Ruben Villa Jr.
Beloved Husband and Father
We love you and miss you,
Your family,
Wife,Ceci Villa. Daughter's: Kristle, April and Jacqui Villa.
Your son, Raul Villa

My Love, yesterday marked the 6th month when you took your last breath here on this earth. There's not a day that goes by with us talking about what we've seen and done as a family. The memories are too many and so dear to us no one will ever take them away no matter what. My love for you will never deminish for I love you, always have and always will. The kids and I miss you so much but even though we feel you, smell you and see you at our home, we know you need to rest in peace. There's no need to worry about us. You've taught us well. Our destiny for now is to live without you until we meet again. We'll go on living with your memory and your love through our hearts and souls. Rest my love, sleep with the angels. The priest said yesterday in a special prayer for you, that you are the lucky one rejoicing in the Kingdom of the Lord. We the living become very selfish and want you here with us like it was before. Crocodile tears are for those who lacked unity while in life. We(kids and I) are at peace that we didn't take you for granted. People realize what they had after they're gone but it's always too late. The reality is harsh that we won't see you anymore but we know you are not in harm's way anymore. You don't have to deal with the hot and cold weather conditions you hated in the Middle East and previous deployments you had to deal with. You were tough and would deal with anything and anyone that came your way but you sure hated the heat. You come to us in our dreams and we can deal with that for now. You really need to rest. I know you worry about us because you told me that if anything ever happened to you when you just left to Iraq, you would always be our guardian angel. Your daughter Jacqui was happy to see her and you in her dream driving your truck. I will make sure as promised, that will happen soon. Again my Love, rest in peace, rejoice with Our Lord in company of your Father and Grandparents. Your life, your legacy will always be a part of our lives and will always be honored. I love you and miss you my dear husband. You are and will always be my world, my life and my true love. Your wife, Ceci Villa

Ruben, it's been 6 months that you've been gone now, and it still feels like yesterday. It is something I will have forever sketched in my mind. I miss you dearly, patrick often talks about you, and Albert does too. Mom is still trying to believe that you're never coming back, but we shall see you again later. I miss you so much, because when God took you, he took a huge part of my heart. I try to look back on all the happy times we had growing up together. I miss your laugh, your smile, and mostly, you celebrated life. And bad or good we were there for each other, to comfort, to laugh, to support in anything. Just last night mom and I were remembering the funny things you used to say and do. She still cries alot, she tries not too, so that you can rest. I want the same thing, I just miss my brother, you were also my best friend I will never forget, there are things between us that only you and I know, and when it is my time to go, I will take them to my grave as well. You were the best, and still are. I still can't believe it's been six months today. We have visited your grave ever since you died, we went to see you on Valentine's Day to tell you we love you. Patrick, just sits by your tombstone and asks me, "mommy why did God have to take Uncle Ruben, and all I can say is because "God called him, and he had to go". I talk to your gravesite as well. We each get our turn, Albert, me, then mom, then Patrick. We will continue to go visit you every 18th of each month. You are always welcome in my home, you know that. I know you are here in our house, (and you know what I'm talking about). The front door was a clear sign, I got your message, I will try not to cry every time I see your pictures on my den wall, which is designated just for you. Like I said, I know you're here and you watch what we do and say. I think what makes me saddest is that I know mom misses you more than anyone, because, if it wasn't for her you would never have come to be on this earth. I'll see and talk talk to you next month on the 18th. We have just come from your grave, awhile ago. We placed some nice flowers. I hope you like them. We loved you then,and we love you now and always.

Your little sis,
Sharon Villa-Romero

Americans will NEVER forget the service or sacrifice of your beloved Soldier - Respectfully - Glen Nevogt

“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history, we 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

We miss you very much down here Ruben. I know you are finally at peace with grandma and grandpa they love you so much. I have a picture of you in my car so I get to see your beautiful smile each and every day!! I miss you so much and love you with all my heart.

5 months ago today-on August 18, 2006-I opened up my email and noticed a new email message from my Dad. At the time, I had no idea that this was the last email I would ever recieve from him. Over the past few months, I find myself reading and rereading that email. I've must have read that email at least 100 times since he's been gone. I've memorized it by heart. It just dumbfounds me that he sent to me on the day he died. Which made the news I recieved that night even more surreal.

Even though he's not here anymore, it gives me a little comfort to read that email. Everytime I'm feeling down, I read that email and my spirits raise.

Dad, I will always think of you as my father, no matter what anyone says or thinks. You raised me to be strong, and I'm trying to. For Mom, Jacqui, April and Raul's sake. I'll look out for them, with everything you've taught me, and with you, beside me.

I'll make you proud Dad. I have never been more sure of anything in my life.

It's been 5 months since you've been gone. I feel and know that you are still here in my home, since this was literally your home when you would come home. I pass by your room, and I begin to cry, that's all I find myself doing these days, is crying and praying. But I definitely feel you presence here. When you died, a part of me died with you, it does make sense, after all I am your sister. I try not to cry when I remember that we were not just brother and sister we were best friends, I knew all your "skeletons" and you knew all mine, and that's when I "try" to remember that you're with the "man upstairs" as Grandpa used to say. Nobody can abuse you in any way, mentally or physically. You are safe and warm up there. I miss our "brother and sister" time when you would walk through the door with your duffle bag, and then in a couple of hours we would take off and go out for some drinks and just talk and talk for hours about what's been going on, and you being "the big brother" you were always concerned about me and giving me advice whether it was soliceted or not. I really miss our talks and I'm grateful for being the examplary brother you were. Every time I see your pictures and your plaques in my den I stop and want to cry. All the plaques were so well deserved. I know your're upstairs with Grandma and Grandpa, your biggest fans. Ruben, it has been a difficult road since you died. But I know you are ok, words cannot express how much I miss you, after all I did grow up with you. I have lifetime memories and then some, and those can never be shut down or cut off in anyway. I miss you, I love you, and you can stay in this house, which is your house as well. I know you're here, your one and only sister ,Sharon A Villa-Romero.

It's almost 5 months since my husband passed away. The pain in my heart and that of our children is just as intense as that day we were notified. I tried to psyche myself in believing he was still out in his tour but the reality of not getting his phone call on Christmas and New Year's Eve brought me crashing to reality. I clutched my phone tight that night until it was taken out of my hand and to those words I didn't want to hear again, "He's not calling." It's getting harder and harder to bear as time passes. No phone calls or emails to read or reply. I ask myself if this gets any easier but the reality of this is painful. I know I must be strong for the kids. I don't know what it is to loose a parent and I can just imagine what they are going through. I still talk to my husband everyday and I reassure him we'll be ok that he needs to just rest in peace. I'll continue to teach the kids what he believed and continue to follow his strong points. He will always be our hero and his legacy will live on in our hearts and lives.I miss you honey, as always, you are my world, my love, my life. I love you,
your wife,
Ceci

Ruben its been awhile since you have been gone but I still miss you all the same.I wish I spent more time with you but I took it for granted, I just want you to know that I love you so much and always will.

Its been almost 4 months and I miss my dad. I miss talking to him about every new thing that has come in my life. I miss telling him about a good grade I got in school, even the bad ones. I miss his stories. I miss the way he used to knock us kids on the head and say "Hello! McFly!" I miss his smile, his laughter, his...everything.

Dad, I know you're looking down on us right now. Thank you for the 15 years you've given me, I know the memories will last until we meet again

I love you

My condolences to the Villa family, we share your great loss. Our prayers are with you. Sgt. 1st Class Villa thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, you will never be forgotten, you are an American Hero.

Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held
Peace, peace, and farewell..."

Jack Colnot and Family
(Sgt. Kyle A. Colnot, KIA 22 April 2006, Iraq)
email [email protected]
San Antonio, Texas

Dear Ceci

With sincerest and deepest thoughts and prayers to you and the kids and may Almighty bless all of you the courage and strength to bear this very precious loss. A true shocking and tragic news that never could be imagined.

God bless you all and stay strong.

Abby

When I received word of our loss, my heart sank. It is hard enough when MEDDAC loses anyone, but when it is someone you know, it is even harder. The first time I met SFC Villa he had a soldier that needed medical treatment and if it was not for his persistence and concern for his troops treatment may have been delayed. Shortly after that, I had the honor of playing soccer with him during the Commander's Cup season '03-'04 at Fort Huachuca. What a character he was. His determination kept us all going even when we were losing. It was always about having fun....win or lose. The grin on his face was bigger when we won though. :-) My thoughts and prayers are with his family...he will be missed.

[Salute]

MAJ B

I am so touched reading how about how wonderful a man he was. How fortunate you all are to have had him in your life.
Rest in peace, Ruben.