Juan Restrepo Obituary

"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for ones friend." John 15:13

No day shall erase you from the memory of time

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Restrepo Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Juan S. Restrepo US Army Private 1st Class. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

thank you for your son's sacrice. He will always be a hero to this nation. God Bless you always.

I am so sorry for your loss, and I want you to know that many people around the country think of you, and of Juan, often. I hope his death can mean the life of someone else--and if so, it was not in vain.

July 22, 2012
To the family and friends of Pfc. Juan Restrepo:
Always remembering Juan. "Some gave all."

To the family and friends of Pfc. Juan Restrepo:
Please accept my remembrance of Juan on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

RIP, Thank You for your service to your country

True American hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice....

Ones sacrifice for FREEDOM. Thank You.

You will never be forgotten!!! God Bless you!!!

Remembered always. So sorry and so saddened for the loss.

Rest in Peace fellow soldier.

HOOAH!!!

You are always remembered by many, PFC Restrepo, also here in Italy.

I posted before and wanted to add this song I love. Makes me think of the this world and the wonderful life in it. Please look it up and listen to it a few times.
Title: Box of Rain
Artist: Grateful Dead

Thanks "Doc" Thanks to him and all our soldiers past and present. We love you all.

Though you may have passed this world by, in our hearts you will live on forever

My son-in-law who is deploying to Afghanistan in March, just shared this film with me. Thank you PFC Restrepo for your ultimate sacrifice. My heartfelt condolences to all your family.

I appreciated seeing "Restrepo" on National Geographic, tonight. I wish everyone could see it and appreciate the sacrifices of our heroes. Juan's sacrifice will never be forgotten. May God's peace abide with his loved ones.

Hero

Dear family and friends of PFC Restrepo,
I am grateful that a film was made about the sacrifices our soldiers and marines make each day. Juan was a Hero, and always will be. He will never be forgotten.
We are so sorry for your loss.

The Palmers

Your legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew you and shared in your struggle to protect our country and the ultimate sacrifice you gave so that we can be grateful for what we have. Your family, friends, loved ones and fellow soldiers will stay in my thoughts and prayers.
A Proud Military Mom.

To the family and friends of Pfc. Juan Restrepo:
Remembering Juan 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 went through medic school with Juan, in 2006, and deployed to Afghanistan a month later. His batallion replaced ours. Our batallion lost alot of good Soldiers in that valley, including 3 other Medics (Cpl Angelo Vaccaro, Pfc Wakunna Jackson, and PFC christopher Sitton). May God bless all our Soldiers who will forever stand guard in that valley. Chosin!!!!

I am from San Antonio, Tx , I saw the movie restrepo last night what a terrible loss. my heart goes out to all the family and friends that new this great person fighting for our country.

I saw the movie Restrepo yesterday at the National Geographic in DC. What a wonderful tribute to PFC Restrepo. The movie is amazing. I really have a better understanding what it is like for the guys over there. Thanks for your service PFC Restrepo. I read how you were just a great guy.. always willing to lend a hand and cheer people. You will never be forgotten.

Juan will never be forgotten. I saw the movie yesterday, Restrepo. It was so powerful and moving. My heartfelt condolences to Juan's family. Thank you for allowing us to share in Juan's life and heroism. The audience was very moved by this movie. It is a testament to the bravery and the madness of war. Politics aside, we ask a great deal of our soldiers and they do us proud. My son is in Baghdad currently and I pray that he returns safely to his wife and child. I cannot fathom the depth of your grief at the loss of such a force of nature that was Juan Restrepo.God Bless you all.

Thank you PFC.Restrepo if not for heros like you we would not be the Greatest Nation that we are. Thank you to PFC Restrepo family and friends for you had a lot to do with making this hero. Mike Ferguson Stuart Florida

My greatest sympathies to the Restrepo family. I did not know Juan but I read about him and how much he was loved by all who knew him. He truly is a hero and person that changed the lives many.

Marie.

Miami, FL

i still think of you bro miss youike we left AIT yesterday i will keep the "restrepo" alive love you bro

Juan Restrepo will never be forgotten. American Legion Post 36, Ft Lauderdale has placed an inscribed brick in his honor, which will be watched over by 2nd Lt Alexander Nininger, who died in WWII and is a Medal of Honor receipient. His statue sits on the Riverbend where he grew up. Juan's mother, Marcia Pardo who placed his brick. Thank you for your post in his Legacy Book. All of our heroes, from Broward County, Florida get a brick placed in their honor. God Bless you, as well

To the family of Pfc. Juan Restrepo:
Juan 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

God Bless you...

PFC Restrepo, I feel terrible that I was part of the Recruiting Station where you enlisted. Even thought I was not your recruiter, I somehow feel responsible for what happened. May God bless your soul and keep your family strong. I had no words of confort for your mother the day I talk to her, because I couldnt believe we had lost you. You will always be in my prayers. SSG Reyes

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 Juan, 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

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Pfc Restrepo!

The last time i seen you was in basic training.Man you where highspeed always motivated and with a smile.Gonna miss you man

To the family of Juan: I want to thank you for giving us Juan, and for the ultimate sacrifice he made in order to secure our many freedoms - he's OUR HERO - and will remain in our hearts forever - I'd love to write to the family if you could contact me!! God bless and keep you all - and may Juan remain in all of our hearts!! Blessings, Trish Benefield
[email protected]
www.silverstarfamilies.org

I served in afghanistan with Juan Restrepo he was my platoon's medic and in the short time i knew him i knew he was a special kind of person i guess Jesus thougt the same i am very proud to have known Juan and lived beside him I will always celibrate your life and to his daughter your daddy loves you very much and he see's how you play and laugh all the time baby girl.

I never met this man but I know but what
i have read he was loved my husband's name is also juan restrepo and i don't know what i would do without him

After reading all the wonderful things that were written about Pfc Juan Restrepo, I am proud to be posting this.

My name is Lynda Durand; I am with the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion, Post 36 in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. I am trying to contact the family and friends of Pfc Juan Restrepo. On Veteran's Day, November 11th, we will be honoring our fallen heroes from Broward County, by placing an engraved brick at the base of the Alexander "Sandy" Nininger Memorial, located on the River walk, at Las Olas. We would like to invite his family members to come and place the brick in it's place and to join us at a reception being held at the Post, honoring him.

I would appreciate it if you could pass this information on to his parents and friends, so they could contact me. I can be reached at 954-560-5208 or email me at [email protected], if to finalize. Anyone interested in participating in this honor, please contact me.

Respectfully,
Lynda Durand
Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Post 36
SR 84, Ft Lauderdale, Florida

Hello, my name is SFC Jordan, Tracy, I was the replacement NCOIC when Restrepo arrived to Vicenza, whomever is reading this I want you to know that Restrepo was a wonderful, respecful and caring person, his wife was everything to him and we went through a lot to get her over to Italy. I am so sorry that this fine man is no longer with us but I will tell you this he was one of the best Soldiers I have ever met in the Military. Please feel free to write.

Man, Juan really cant believe your gone, still remeber your smile and your always upbeat attitude it was impossible to be sad with you around, you were such an amazing person and friend, I still remeber middle school, I miss you alot buddy, Forever blessed to haveing the chance to know you and call you my friend.

To the parents of Juan, I would like to extend my heart felt sorrow as I know what you are going through and what you will yet go through in the coming weeks. I too am the mother of another fallen soldier and with God's continued support in my life I try to reach out to other who might need the support of someone who has been where you are. I want to offer you the support you may need to contact me anytime so that you may vent, talk or just seek comfort I am here for you. As a Gold Star Mother I've reached out through God's blessings to many across the country and we have a good support group. May God continue to give you and your family the love, comfort and healing that you need. In memory of my son SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III KIA Samarra, Iraq November 12, 2006

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Pfc Restrepo and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Sincere sympathy and love, Pat - R.N.

Thank you Pfc. Juan Restrepo. You gave your all for my freedom. God bless your family.

My heartfelt sympathy to the Restrepo family in the loss of Juan. I did not know Juan, 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. Juan 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~

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

Although we have never met, we have two things in common. I'm retired Army and my son is assigned to the 2-503. My heart mourns for you and your family. May God comfort them in their lose and may God provide for you in heaven.

Please accept our deepest sympathies.God Bless

To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

To Juan and Family,
I have been reading these guestbooks for over a year and am writing for the first time now. My name is Erika Hunter, formerly CPT. Erika S. Valdez and I served with HHC/502nd MI BN/Fort Lewis Washington during Operation Iraqi Freedom II, 2004. I graduated from the Army ROTC program at Florida International Univeristy in Miami Fl in 2000 and know Pembroke Pines very well.
My brother CPT Jean M. Valdez, is currently serving in Afghanistan with the HHC 2/502nd INF 173rd Airborne as the S6, it is possible that my brother knew you. My husband, CPT Eric Hunter is currently serving with D Troop 1/14 Cav 3/2 SBCT, Baghdad, Iraq. I say all of this to let you how close I feel to you and your family right now without ever meeting you in person. You are my HERO and I respect and honor you. To Juan's family, may God bless you, you have made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for raising a son that stood in the gap and had all of the courage in the world to protect and serve this great nation.
Love
Erika Hunter
[email protected]

Juan you are like a son to us. You are our sons best friend his road dawg. Remember when you played in a band,skateboarded and did all sorts of other things that young guys do. You will be miss forever. Please watch over your family your mom needs you more now as a true angel. Dont forget to watch over Jorge he will carry you in his heart and on his side forever. We love you Juancho RIP
You will be our hero forever....

God Bless you, Family, as you go through this time of grief, but please know that Juan is a HERO to us all - and he is wrapped in God's Loving Arms and surrounded by Loving Angels. We are here for you!!

Your family is in my prayers. I'm so very sorry for your loss. May God help you in your sorrow.

John 16: 20-22

...you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.....So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the passing of Juan, a true HERO.

To Juan's family: May you feel the love and prayers of so many who, although we may not have known Juan, know that he died a hero for a greater cause. I believe he is with God and we will see him again one day.

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Pfc. Juan Restrepo. My heart aches for you, and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that the deep hurt you feel can be in some part be eased by the feeling of great pride for Juan’s’ valor and deep sense of patriotism. He will always be remembered as an American Hero by my family and we will never forget the great sacrifice made by your family.

In spite of all that happened here in New York City that dark Tuesday morning nearly six years ago, millions continue to live and work here without fear, because of our awesome U.S. Military. We still stand tall and proud here today, thanks to wonderful American patriots such as your Juan.

To Juan I would say you have made the ultimate sacrifice and did so willingly and without hesitation. Thank you so very much for defending my freedoms. It means so much to me, to the people of NYC and to the entire nation. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice in the service of the country that I love so very much.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

May God be with you until we all meet a Jesus’ feet.

Most Sincerely,

Pat – NYC (6 miles from “Ground Zero”)

Sincere sympathy and love, Pat - R.N. in TN

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

To my lost neighbor PFC. Juan Restrepo.My name is Juan Garcia and i lived across the street from Juan.When my 11 yr.old son came storming into the kitchen where i was standing and yelled to me,"daddy! Juan died in the war!" I stood there momentarily dumbfounded.I quickly left out the front door and headed across the street to Juan's house.I couldn't hold back the tears as I entered their home.Juan in my words was and always will be one of the most beautiful kids i have ever had the pleasure of knowing.He held all the possible good qualities that a person can have including,kindness,courteous,always a big smile on his face,happy,and so many more i can't list them all.Juan,my friend,I know you are reading this.Remember when you used to come over with your guitar and jam with me? We would spend time playing guitar together so you could hone your playing skills,and so you did,a magnificent guitarist you were,and i will never forget those times.You were an extremely brave young man who went in to help others and we here in Pembroke Pines Florida and everywhere else will always miss you very much.You are an angel,and with God now,you are at piece,you are "our" hero and we will never forget you friend. Let's remember,it's not goodbye,but "see you later" (no es adios,pero,asta luego amigo)Juan,watch over your family.Our deepest thoughts are with them always. Juan Garcia
Pembroke Pines,Florida.

Pfc. Juan restrepo
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN....HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised Le Ron A. Wilson (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Rest in peace with our humble gratitude.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

As the mother of a son who is deployed, I want to send my condolences. Please know that there are many, many people who grieve with you.

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 now they are 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

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

Pfc. Juan Restrepo and Family:

Know in your heart that you are a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.

To the family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.

Please accept my Deepest and most heartfelt sympathy regarding the loss of Pfc. Juan Restrepo. The price this Brave Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
There is so much thanks to be given, to these young heroes, for their Courage, Dedication and Service.

May Juan rest safely now, in God's Care and may God's Loving Grace Bless the Restrepo family.
I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

"Wait on the Lord, be of good courage
and He shall strengthen your heart"
~ Psalm 27:14 ~

May the Peace of God and your precious memories of Juan, remain in your heart always.
May this give you comfort and strength through the difficult days ahead.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.