Roswell, New Mexico
Moses Daniel Rocha was a strong man with a powerful presence _ so powerful that a friend called him "Superman." "He just had that aura about him like nothing could hurt him and he helped make you a stronger person by being near him," Melanie Varagon said. "He was such a strong person who could always lift your spirits up." Rocha, 33, died Aug. 5 when Iraqi militants outside Najaf opened fire on his vehicle. The Roswell, N.M., native was serving his second tour in Iraq. This time, Rocha was doing infantry work. His job last year was protecting military VIPs. A 1990 high school graduate, Rocha joined the Marines when he was 24 and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He is survived by a 15-year-old daughter, Miranda Pruitt. Aloysius "Joe" Sanchez said he talked his stepson into joining the military. "He died for his country," Sanchez said. "He was a good kid."
To the Rocha Family, I met Moses in boot camp in Dec. 1994 3rd Battalion, India Plt. 3078 we were bunk mates and he was my squad leader. He was a like a big brother to me. I just wanted to offer my condolences to his family. Rest in peace Devil Dog, Semper Fi.
Johnny Reza
May 26, 2025 | Friend
Moses, I sat with you in the back of my C-17. I hope you will remember me some day when we meet. May you Rest In Peace. S/Fi MONGO USMC / USAFR
RBPRICE MAJ Ret.
August 09, 2021
Sgt. Moses D. Rocha was a great man and was equally a great Marine. I served with him at 1st Battalion 4th Marines. We deployed together on two occasions in 2000 and 2001. During that time I was the Armory Chief and he was one of the custodians under my charge. I remember him as if it was just yesterday. He was a very mature and hard-working Marine. There was know question as to how serious he took his job. He was a very efficient, self-sufficient, motivated individual. It was a shock to here...
Zuberi Shakir
May 28, 2018 | Temecula, CA | Military
I honestly love this dude he was my ucle im 8 years old now he dided in 2004 August 5 20 days before my birth dsay
gabriel sanchez
September 29, 2017 | New Mexico
Big Mo,
I miss you Moses, thank you so much for being a big brother and a friend to me. Not one day passes that you're not in my mind. My heart goes out to your family. I thank your mother and father for having blessed us with such an extraordinary Marine, but more so for giving us the privilege of knowing you as a friend.
May you rest in peace warrior.
Semper Fi.
- Cpl. H. Cuevas (1996-2001)
July 11, 2016
I woke this morning rembering you.
We never met in this life but you became a part of mine.
Rest brother. I'll never forget.
A C-17 pilot / former MARINE who carried you back to the states.
SEMPER FI
April 27, 2016
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Rocha Family know that we recently made a small donation to the St. Gregory the Great Care Package Drive in honor of Moses D. Rocha US Marine Sergeant. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you...
Charlie Gili
March 08, 2016 | Brooklyn, NY
Siempre pienso en ti mijo te quiero papa
Manuel G Roca
February 02, 2016 | Laguna Hills
Moses my childhood friend, how I miss all those fun times ... May God continue to bless you in Heaven... Bless your family who continue love you forever...
Reuben Salinas
August 12, 2014 | San Antonio, TX