Travis A. Morgado Obituary

Travis, God bless you and your family. It's been twelve years since we served together, but it seems like yesterday. You will not be forgotten.

Dear family of Travis,

I honor Travis's memory on this Memorial Day weekend. I never got to meet him (I don't think, anyway), but he was one of my brother's best friends. Blessings to your family this holiday.

I was a few of the last ones to be there with Travis. It saddens me every time I remember something he said or did. I would love to be able to change that day if I could.. all would that were there. I miss you bud, Michael.

Dear Andrea, My heart goes out to you. You are brave and beautiful and it is no surprise that you raised a wonderful young man.

Andrea and Family,
Words are terribly inadequate for expressing my sympathies and gratitude to you and your family for the loss of your outstanding son. After reading the obituary that you posted at work, I was truly touched. My father was in the Army Reserves and was activated when I was in high school. He was a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was on tour for about a year and a half. He joined the Army Reserves at the age of 45 (roughly), and could still kick everyone's butt at the Physical Fitness Test. This kind of absolute dedication was not new to him since previously he had been a Marine Sergeant. His time in the Marines was before I was born, but he did not see any wartime then due to his young age. It has been about 12 years since he has been back now, and it is moments like these that remind to be extremely thankful for his safe return. It reminds me of the harsh reality of how close this is to home. I am very proud of my father for everything that he has done for this country, and for his willingness to do anything and everything he can. And as hard as that year and a half was for my family, I know that he would pick up and leave to do it all over again if he had to - even if he knew he wouldn't make it home. I would just like to say thank you for raising a wonderful and selfless son that was equally willing to step up and make such a huge sacrifice for the people and the country that he loved. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and friends during this difficult time.

Your mother shared your story of commendable courage and sacrifice, here at work. Thank you!!

Memorial Day 2015
---Thank you is inadequate for your sacrifice, blessings to your family, we will not forget.

Travis I didn't know you, but my friend speaks well of you and your mother speaks proudly about you. Thank you for your service and I wish you and your family peace and blessings.

Hi Travis,

I just wanna say you are greatly missed and that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. You studyiss with me in our reinforced concrete class when we were undergrads and even though we lost touch. I always wondered about you and heard you became an officer in the army. When I had heard you had passed it came to me as a shock and it deeply hurt me. Even though you had it all you put your country first and I admire that. I hope all young people will realize there is more to Memorial Day weekend besides partying. We all miss you and you remain with us. I will live my life to the fullest and be grateful for the freedoms that you and so many others have given us with your sacrifice. You are with us always and we are thinking of you. God bless.

Love and hugs to you and your family this weekend, especially. Obviously, Travis was one of the special ones to grace this earth. I wish I could have known him. I hope you find some solace is the wonderful years you had together.

Andrea and family: I will be thinking of Travis and all of you this week. After reading his obituary and all the condolences posted I can see he was an outstanding man who touched many lives. Much love to you all.

All of us who knew & loved you remembered & celebrated your birth day today. We love & miss you so much

I miss you son. It's been two years and not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I miss you every day. The hole in my heart can still consume me thinking of your life's end. We carry on now by talking of you often and remembering the great person you became. We talk of your many accomplishments and how sad we are that you are gone. We tell stories of you and laugh when we remember funny things you said or did. I read and re-read the stories from your friends and am always grateful when I read stories from your fellow soldiers who knew you. Time goes on for us, but we will never forget you. You are my hero.
Love,
Mom

Your loved one, LT Travis Morgados service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. My son LT Jason Church said it was an honor knowing and serving with Travis.
God bless the Morgado family.

What a beautiful site so worthy of this young man's selflessness and devotion to family and country. Honored to view it and only regretting I did not have the privilege of knowing him personally. Grateful to the family member who shared this site with me and Travis with our nation.

Today, like I do on every Memorial Day, I read about a fallen soldier and honor him by posting about his service. This year, I chose Travis after reading about him on The Washington Post's "Faces of the Fallen" God bless you, Travis, for your service. I did not know you, but you are not forgotten. I extend my love and prayers to your family, friends, and loved ones. Some gave all.... <3

LT it's been one year and 3 days since you left us. Life for me has moved on but a part of me will forever be left behind in OBJ Red where I lost you. I will never forget all the times that you asked me to go have chi with you as you talked to the locals and provide minor medical care for them to help shape our AO and ask me questions and advice about what we could do to help the locals. I miss all the times we use to play Madden in the MWR and you would pick Denver cause they had Tebow. No words of mine could ever be of comfort to your loved ones no matter how well said. All I can say is RIP LT and I will see you on the other side.

No words can better express the memory of Travis than those written today here by our Friend, Dad to Travis, Dean Kessler. We loved Travis and we love you guys. We were just speaking of your wonderful son, brother, friend today and missing him. Big Hugs & Much Love, LaNae, Damon, Conner & Amanda

Travis, I called your mom yesterday to make sure she was well. Words cannot describe what you meant to me even though we were never close. I remember the day your mom found out she was pregnant. I went with her to the doctor's office and she was scared and excited at the same time. I remember how bright you were. I remember your dinosaur collection. I will always honor you and I make it a point to try to spend some of my volunteer time with different veteran's organizations in your honor. Most importantly, I will always be here for your mom and the great family you left behind.

Norma

It has been one year since you left us Travis.
There has not been a single day since then that we have not thought of you, we feel your presence everywhere,

In the wind blowing,
In the rustle of tree leaves,
In the sunrises and sunsets,
In the moonlit and moonless nights,
In cloud formations,
In the quiet way we speak of you,
We love and miss you so much.
Grandparents, David & Gina King

RIP
Airborne
LTC Dave Yorck

Dear Travis,

Today marks exactly a year since you were taken from us after only 25 years…much, much too early. It goes without saying that we all continue to miss you and wish you were still here…and we will forever. The hole in our hearts, the empty seat at the table, and the smelly pair of “old school” Converse shoes can never be filled. It's hard not to re-live the events and feelings of that day a year ago when we were told of your death…and our immense loss. At the same time, it's hard to believe that a full year has passed as we think of you every day. You are still here with us and you will always be part of us!

Although Memorial Day is the “official” day to remember and honor those who served and died while serving in the US Armed Forces, there is not a day that goes by that we all don't remember and honor you, Travis. You are in our everyday thoughts.

We are all better people because of you, Travis. The impact you had on so many of us cannot be measured, but can be strongly felt and seen in so many places. It's impossible to imagine a world without you, but we can easily see how wonderful it was with you in it. You touched and influenced more people in your short 25 years than many do in a full lifetime…whether it was a person you briefly met only once or long time friends who knew you since grade school…your impact was positive and immeasurable. You were an incredible brother, nephew, grandson, cousin, friend and son…but most of all you were an incredible person and your influence will continue to live on. I feel especially honored to have shared in the raising of you and your siblings. I could not have asked for better kids to call my own.

There continues to be a big chasm in each of our daily lives that we must endure – a void that we are filling with memories of you; stories of you; pictures of you and your little smirk and genuine smile; sounds of your laughter; your good heart and most importantly your good spirit. Rest assured that you have not left us empty handed – you gave each of us a big part of you and it will forever be inside us and we will share it unconditionally as you did...you will never be forgotten and our love for you will never wane.

We are all so proud of the man you became, Travis. We all love you and miss you immensely and will always remember and honor you.

On this Memorial Day weekend and everyday thereafter, let us all squeeze every bit of joy out of everything we do because life is truly short and can go any direction at any time. Tomorrow is promise to no one.

Rest in continual peace Travis – we miss you.

To the family of 2nd Lt. Travis A. Morgado:
Travis 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."

I remember Travis when I was roughly 21 years old when I took Reinforced concrete as a senior in the winter of 2009. In class we became friends and we even did homework and our final project together. I still remember going to schultzy's with him on the ave after a midterm. After seeing a friend post about his death it struck me as a surprise. I had never had any friends die that were so close to my age and even though it has been years since I was in college I can remember him like it was just yesterday. A great kid. Smart , young, funny and just an overall great person. I had no idea he joined the military after college but I'm happy that he pursued what he felt was right. Travis, I'm so sorry that you were taken so young from us. But it will remind me every day that life is so precious and to be grateful for everything have even though we don't always realize it at the moment. Thank you for serving your country. You'll be in my prayers. Rest in peace.

You were taken from your family and friends just before Memorial day, and now by Veterans Day I still find it hard to believe you are gone. Freedom is not free. I know this now. This was the first day I hung a flag for veterans day...for you, for your family, and for all the soldiers who gave their lives, for all of those who will give their lives. For all the families who will never be the same.

Is't death to fall for Freedom's right?
He's dead alone who lacks her light!
~Thomas Campbell

Better than honor and glory, and History's iron pen, Was the thought of duty done and the love of his fellow-men.
~Richard Watson Gilder

We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would harm us. - George Orwell

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. ~Joseph Campbell

Peace to each manly soul that sleepeth;
Rest to each faithful eye that weepeth...
~Thomas Moore

Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. He is a true hero just like my brother Army Spc. Vilmar Galarza. He passed aways 3 days after your loved one.

Be Strong.

To the family & friends of 2LT Travis Morgado,
Our hearts are saddened by your loss of one who gave back to his country, and touched so many lives in his short life here on this earth. We know that Travis is safely in the arms of Jesus, may he rest peacefully.....
Our prayers are with you in the days ahead. God Bless you!

R.I.P brother <3

R.I.P. brother <3

Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who strive to send handmade prayer shawls and/ or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA would like to honor your son's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a shawl which we will mail to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses and what they would like to receive. We will send them as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address, as our organization can no longer get family contacts through the military. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne

I am sorry for the loss of Travis Morgado. I will be eternally grateful for the sacrifice that he made for me and this nation.

For such a wonderful young man he made so many people feel special in such a short life. How wonderful to be touched by a young man of his caliber. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Rita B Clay

My deepest love to Travis's family.
I am the mother of two children in the military, One Navy and the youngest National Guard
My youngest daughter went through basic and OCS with Travis. And they shared "Civil Engineering" My whole family salute the honor of knowing he gave his, to save many.
In our Lords Name
Dian Komanec

Godspeed, 2nd Lt. Travis Morgado...America has lost yet another hero...
Prayers to the family of this wonderful young man as they begin this journey of immeasurable grief...

Dear Andrea,

I am so sorry about your beloved son, Travis. My name is Kathleen Rodgers, and our sons roomed together at OCS at Benning. JP and Travis also went through basic training together at Fort Leonard Wood. I hope you get this message as I've been trying to contact you to tell you I am hurting with you.

Please know how much I care,

Kathleen Rodgers

[email protected]

Travis,

I want to let you know how thankful and grateful I am to be your friend. We first met in middle school, but once we got into high school, I considered you my best friend, we were inseparable. The other day I looked at my college transcript; it appears we have taken 8 classes together and living with you at Echo Lake apartments was a blast, ordering Paggliacci's Pizza every night, while drafting our teams in Madden.

Man... so many memories. Outside of family, you have more impact in my life than anyone I have ever met. You were always honest, caring, thoughtful, and competitive. All those characteristics have rubbed off on me after knowing you for so long. Your influence have made me become a better and stronger human being, there's no one like you. You are a brother to me, definitely somebody I can always count on and trust.

I am confident we will meet again one day. Until then, I hope you are enjoying looking at all the statistics of us playing football and basketball.

Love you man, God bless you Travis,

I am very sorry to hear that Travis Morgado died in action in the service of our country. I can't imagine what his parents Joe, and his mother are feeling. My sister Telma's husband, Gary Rangel is also a Army Ranger and in Afghanistan, and my nephew Steven her oldest, is in the National Guard, just got back after his tour.

God bless,

Jose F. Medeiros , San Jose, California

The soldiers life is not for all
A soldier must be willing to give his all. His courage and honor are unsurpassed. Ready and willing to complete the task. Always in our Hearts forever missing you. Love, Narcissa and Peter Nelson

Rest in Peace, Brother

TRAVIS ALAN MORGADO GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.YOUR ONE TRUE HERO AND I KNOW GOD NEED ANOTHER ANGEL IN HEAVEN,.

My condolences go out to you and your family Andrea. Our kids used to play together when they were young ( the barbosa boys) I can't imagine the pain your going thru. He wasn't afraid to served his country and I you must be very proud of him. I will always keep him in my prayers. God bless you and your family.

Andrea, Dean and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for raising such an outstanding child who was willing to sacrifice everything for others.

Sincerely,

Andrea, My heart aches for you and your family. I can see the love and strength you all have together and although there will be difficult times ahead I know you will be okay. God Bless you!

Dean,

My heart breaks for you, your wife and your children. Every word of the obituary made me wish I had met Travis. He seemed like he was an extraordinary human being, who was loved by many. You are all in my thoughts.

The Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley (VNVDV) "Salute" and "Honor" your veteran... He is a true American Hero!

Our condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's brave and proud service to our country. Our nation's veterans will always be remembered and never forgotten.

The family is in our hearts - minds & prayers during these very difficult times.
The Members of the VNVDV - Danville, CA

Our family is so sorry for your loss.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

The Kirton Family
Army CPL Brandon Kirton
KIA 5/18/11 - Afghanistan

I remember when Travis was a little boy. He was so bright and sweet. What a wonderful man who gave everything for what he believed in. Thank you Travis.

Thanks for being Anthony's best friend, you are our hero and forever be in our hearts. Thanks for taking us to Boson, a trip i will never forget and will cherish for the rest of my life. Every time we see the broncos and Tim Tebow we will always think of you. We love you <3

Wow! I read the obituary that his mother wrote. Broke my heart! She did such a wonderful job. Not just with this but raising an American Hero! I thank you so much Morgado family for blessing our beloved nation with this wonderful man. God Bless

On behalf of the South Bay Blue Star Moms, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Travis' family, to those that loved and knew him and to those that have served alongside Travis. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Pat Giordano
Blue to Gold Liaison

Our condolences to the Morgado family. Thank you, Travis. God Bless.

Our son PFC Jackson served under your son's leadership in C Company 5-20 and spoke of him often as to what a great leader/person he was. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family and know that he left quite an impression on those that he led. He is an American hero and a hero to the men in C Co. His men took his loss hard but know that they continue to fight on. May God bless you and yours.

Travis, you will be in my heart forever. thank you for being my fiend, it's amazing, everything written about you here is true!!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.402798206425670.87961.100000864835250

Travis was a great guy. I only meet him a few times but my wife grew up with him. The last time I meet him we were at his going away dinner before he left for boot camp. You could tell he was a great friend to everyone and he always made time for his family and close friends. Travis you will be missed by everyone who knew you. You were a great son, nephew, grandson, cousin and friend. May you Rest In Peace. Semper Fi from Sgt. Lawlor.

I have lived across the street from the Kessler/Morgado family for 16 years watching the children grow up. Travis was such a fine young man, kind, courteous, responsible,loving and caring and one that any mother would want her son to grow up to be. It is a tragic loss for all of us who have shared his life in any way. I will never forget his winning smile.
Dotty Charlson

I want to Thank You for your service. My thoughts,prayers are with your family, may your family know that you are now looking down and with your wings always around... Arrowhead Mom.. HOOAH

Rest in Peace 2LT Morgado. As a former 5/20th soldier we keep you in our prayers and hearts forever. God Bless.

Andrea and family.......my heart just breaks for you to have to endure this loss of your beloved Travis. He sounds like he was a wonderful person, liked by all, and most of all made all his family so very proud. Loved by all his family. My prayers to all of you. You take care of yourself okay. I am one of your cousins.....Fortunes Tia Queta's daughter. Love to all!

Thank You for your service to our country Travis, your in my prayers. To the Family, Andy, Dean,Joe and children our prays are with you too. I will forever keep Travis in my heart and mind as a hero, he was a brave soldier.

I didn't know you, Travis but I work with your uncle. Just from what he emailed to me, you are a bright shining light in his life. Please know that my family & I grieve with your family & friends. Thank you for your service, you're a hero. Godspeed, Travis ...

GOD BLESS YOU
Rest in Peace you are a TRUE HERO!!!
May there be pease within the family.
THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US SAFE

Thank you Travis for your sacrifice and service. You are an American hero. May God comfort your family in this sad time. Know that your service and sacrifice for our country is not forgotten. My family and I live in peace because of men and women like you who gave all. I had the honor of being one of many riders who escorted Travis today from his jet to his church. I was humbled to be in his presence.

Dear Andrea,

You have my deepest sympathy on your loss. Your son made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country. He is our hero."

Thank you to everyone who wrote such beautiful words for my son Travis. I just want to make a correction to the obituary. When I said no one in my family was really in the military, I meant my small immediate family. I have many relatives who served many years ago, and I honor them. I especially want to thank my cousin Ruben Escudero, who had a long career serving our country.

Thank you to everyone who wrote such beautiful words for my son Travis. I just want to make a correction to the obituary. When I said no one in my family was really in the military, I meant my small immediate family. I have many relatives who served many years ago, and I honor them. I especially want to thank my cousin Ruben Escudero, who had a long career serving our country.

My son is with the 5/20. I wish you peace in knowing he was a Hero to his country and that as a mom I will never forget what he gave up for us all.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

There are many people we meet in life
Some do great deeds; But of all that can proudly be called a hero, there is none greater than the man or woman who gives their life for country.

My sincerest sympathy to this Hero's family and friends.

I feel so lucky to have seen Travis grow into the man he became. Secretly noting all the ways I hoped my son would be like him and asking his mother how she shaped him and raised him to be the genuine, calm, intelligent, and determined person he was. I remember him going to Sofia's basketball games (always the supportive older brother)and debating sports with Dean and his brothers (always competitive). But most of all I remember his grin or his smile that would come out of nowhere.

No words can express how tragic it is that the serious but sweet baby boy Andrea raised will never again smell the scents of home, will never again call her Mommy, and never again be held in her arms.

Dean and Andrea, you are the best parents I've ever known. My heart aches for you and your entire extended family. I will continue to do what I can to ensure Travis' memory lives on.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

My prayers to the Morgado/Kessler family. Travis, thank you for protecting our freedoms, you are a true HERO! I didn't know you, but I read great things about you and know you are in heaven with the angels now. Rest In Peace Travis

You're shift is done brother, drop your gear and get some rest.
Thank you for you're service.
-SSG Hoisington
1-23 Infantry 2001 - 2008

No Words Can Express What The San Jose Community Is Feeling About The Loss You Are Feeling Right Now About Your Son Travis, Andrea,Dean Kessler & John Morgado,Andrea & John I've Known You Since High School, We The San Jose High School Alumni Are With You In Prayers & Thought, Your Son Will Always Be In Our Thoughts & Prayers~

To the Morgado family, I pray that God wraps his arms around you and helps you through this painful time. You don't know me, I am from Vermont and my nephew is currently serving in the same district (Army infantry). Travis is a true hero. His service,dedication, and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. God bless your family.

God Bless You Travis....your sacrifice will never be forgotten..My heartfelt prayers go out to my cousin Joe & Andrea,my Aunt Mary & Uncle Manuel and all my cousins.

Our Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Grandparents of a deployed soldier.

Our thoughts and continued prayers to the Morgado parents and extended family.

~ Parents of a deployed soldier.

My thoughts and prayers go out to this family!

Rest in paradise Travis. I hold so many childhood memories dear to my heart. I will never forget the days of flag football, 007 on the N64, basketball, and summer solstice parties. I miss you...until we meet again <3

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Morgado family. My daughter is friends with Connor Morgado. May God give you all the strength to get through this very difficult time :(.

The Alfes- Yobany, Michael, Sean & Adrianna

My heart goes out to you all family fellow soldiers n friends. I am a proud widow of a 22 yr retired army strong soldier.May you all find peace in knowing a country mourns your loss! Home of the great JBLM FT Lewis. Washington

Dear Sophia, Carlos, Eric, Andrea, Dean, and all of the Morgado/Valasquez/Kessler Family and friends,
Our hearts are aching as we contemplate the void that is now in all of our lives. Because of Travis, we are so proud to be Americans, when we see what such a great individual is willing to sacrifice just to show his thanks for being able to live in this country, it truly humbles us. Travis has been a joy to be around from the time he was a young boy. So respectful and genuine, but he always had so much personality as well. This great Man is a hero not for what he did, but why he did it, and the impact he has had on everybody on the way. We feel truly blessed to have been able to see Travis grow from a great young boy to such an Honorable Man. We are also very happy that my 3 sons had the opportunity to spend time with such a great and giving human being. Our love for your family is here whenever you need it!!!
Pat, Bunny, Phinnian, Riley, & Lachlan Rogan Edmonds, WA USA

R <3 I <3 P hereo, for you have paid your dues. thank you for protecting our freedoms. my prayers go out to the family. my son is also in 5/20. may they all be safe

May God be the family!!! My son Devin is part of Charlie Co 5-20. My heart goes out to all those lifes that Travis has touched. I never got to meet him, by the way the men are talking he was a great guy and will be missed ...God bless all of our men and women that are fighting for our freedom...Thank you and love you all

Our prayers to the Morgado family now and the days ahead. My son is also a member of Charlie Co 5-20. God bless you Travis and all our sons and daughters.

Our prayers to the Morgado Family.
Parents of 1st Lt. Michael Sealock

I went through OCS with Travis and always remember how he always seemed to have a smile on his face. My roommate graduated Ranger School with him, and I will always remember the look of pure joy on his face the entire graduation. Of everyone getting through it was obvious how much he truly appreciated it. He made the ultimate sacrifice and will never be forgotten. RIP Travis

God Bless. Our prayers are with you.