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John Torres Obituary

JOHN MANUEL TORRES, a Houston Army Reserve soldier, went home to our Lord on July 12, 2004 while serving "The war on Terror" in Afghanistan. John was born in Cordoba, Argentina on February 7, 1979 and resided in Houston since 1980. He joined the Army Reserves in 1996 in the 453rd Transportation Company and began his training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina to complete his Basic Combat Training on April 10, 1997. On June 16, 1997 he completed a Cargo Specialist Course at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Later, he was called to Bosnia for duty and served on the 441st Transportation Company Detachment Two from October 8, 1997 to May 15, 1998 and received the NATO Medal, Armed Services Medal and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. On June 22, 1999 he received a Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding service on the 441st Port Operations Cargo Detachment for his service in Hungary. Also, he received the Army Achievement Medal for his "motivation, energy and technical expertise for the success of the 453rd Company mission" on May 25, 2001. John graduated from Parkview Baptist High School on May 28, 1996. While completing the Basic training in Fort Jackson, he initiated his degree towards Business at the Harold Washington Military Service School. Later, he continued his studies at the University of Houston's Bauer College of Business in the summer of 1998. On June 20, 2002 John was placed on the Bauer College of Business Dean's list for excellent grades. John received his Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance in December of 2002. John is survived by Susana Ferro (Mother), Juan D. Torres (Father), Ricardo Wacinowski (Step-father), Paola Ferro-Wacinowski (Sister), Veronica Santiago (Sister), Evan Santiago (Nephew), Andrea Ferro (Aunt), Mariano Santiago (Brother-in-Law), Elizabeth Wise (Fiancee'), and best friends Mo Amer, Nick Jahanian, Sargon Palmer, Vincent LaCourt, Neal Dave, Akash Gupta, Guillermo Mezatesta. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church, 13350 Ashford Point Drive, at 3:00 P.M., Family will be receiving friends on Monday, July 19, 2004 at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home from 4:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with a rosary being recited at 7:00P.M. . Interment will be in Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery at a later date. We give thanks to Mario and Maggie Rios, the Huguenine family, the Wise family, the Lopez family, the Doussausoy family, Craig Wilkins and the employees from Devon Energy, the employees from the Westchase Marriott, and the employees from the Embassy Suites in Rosemont, Illinois. Also, we give thanks to our family members in Argentina; the Ferro family, the Torres family, the Pilone family, the Wacinowski family, and the Santiago family. John is remembered for his positive attitude towards life, his love for his family and friends, his generosity for the homeless, his smile that brightens everyone's day, his laughter, and his outstanding luck at Black Jack. He touched everyone's heart that knew him and most of all he always gave without expecting anything in return. John will be truly missed but his spirit remains with all of us who remember him, and remember that God only takes the best. My heart is glad, and my glory rejoices, my flesh also will rest in hope„(Psalm 16).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Jul. 18, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for John Torres

Sponsored by 453rd CTC, 644th TC, SFC Hollis .

Not sure what to say?





Gabriel Perez

May 30, 2022

John and family. After so so many years a Memorial Day does not pass that I don´t think about John. It was a short few months that we spent playing soccer in Katy and then saw you after I got back from
Basic before you left. That was the last time I saw you at our unit. Your memory lives on.

Ismael Flores

May 11, 2021

I cannot it will be 17 years! God bless you Torres and the rest of the 453rd wherever they are today.

abigal montez

February 8, 2006

im srry

Jason LeCompte

May 26, 2005

My only memories of John were of us laughing and trying to have fun even though most of the times we were bored out of our minds on a weekend drill. We served together in the 453rd from 98-01. I'm truly sorry that his life was taken from him. I will continually keep his family in my prayers, and I pray that they find the TRUTH to the questions in which they are seeking answers. May God be with us all.

Joyce Esther

August 15, 2004

May God Bless the Torres Family during your time of Breavement. We are praying for the troops that are still overseas, and hope that you will keep your heads up high and hearts warn to the will of God.

Frank Moore

August 9, 2004

My deepest sympathy goes to John’s family and to Lisa (Elizabeth) Wise, my niece. Words cannot express the emptiness that all of you feel for the loss of such a fine man like John. He touched your hearts and will forever live in your wonderful memories of him. John’s family and Lisa are in our thoughts and prayers.

Alison Harbin

August 6, 2004

Unfortunately, I only had the honor of meeting John once. But through Elizabeth, I learned what a wonderful, generous, loving person he is. When Elizabeth would talk about him, I often wished I had someone like that in my own life. This world has lost a beautiful and rare light, but I know Heaven is brighter, full of the light from John's spirit. And I also know his light, his incredible sprit, will live on in all of the people he touched...

To the Torres family and to Elizabeth, I pray that God surrounds you with His peace that surpasses all understanding.

Juan Schaeffer

August 6, 2004

Juan was a good friend of mine. I served with him in Afghanistan. I send my condolences to his family and friends. I am truly sorry about what happened. But I can assure you all that he will be watching us all and keeping us all safe, this is the man I knew. He was a good friend, who I joked with and who teased me, we were friends and I am proud to call him that! My sincere apologies for the lost of your son. His friend

Candice Bradshaw

August 4, 2004

John will always be remembered as a man who could put a smile on anyone's face. He would always walk around with a brilliant smile on his face even at drill where no one wanted to be. John once told me that even though he was called back from IRR that he did not mind being deployed because he was serving his country, and he did so with honor. I will deeply miss all the crazy conversations we had. You will be in my heart forever, John. God be with your family in this time of need. I know you will always be looking upon us with that crazy smile...

Veronica Santiago

August 3, 2004

I appreciate everyone's heart-touching comments on my brother. He was a beautiful person who always thought of others first. I will post a picture everyweek so everyone can remember the way my baby brother was. Thanks for all of your prayers and support and we will find the truth at the end of the road. I love you all..V

JOHN WITH LIZ AND EVAN--MAY 2004

August 3, 2004

Susan Wise Moore

August 2, 2004

As I paid my last respects to John, I handed my niece Elizabeth a white rose. She told me that the white rose was John’s favorite flower. For the next few days I thought about John and his favorite flower. I thought about how beautiful the white rose is and how fitting the symbolism is to John and the life he chose to live. The bloom of the rose never lasts as long as we would like it to last.



I send my deepest sympathy to John’s family. To my niece Lisa, I love you.



Susan Wise Moore

Craig Wilkins

July 30, 2004

I first met John in 2002 when I interviewed him on the University of Houston campus. We were interviewing students interested in a summer intern job at Ocean Energy. John was the first student I interviewed. He was early, dressed up in his suit and tie, hair cut short and eager to get started! He impressed me with his straight-forward and honest manner, experience and his desire to make something of himself in the business world. I was also impressed with his military service. John did a great job during his internship and it was easy to justify hiring him as a new accountant. When John was called up to active duty, the first thing he told me was that he didn't want to upset his Mom and Elizabeth since he had already served in Bosnia. He always seemed to be thinking of others instead of himself. Ocean gave a good send off to John and he left for Ft. Hood. We were thrilled when John's unit was told to step down and he returned to his job, now at Devon Energy. Then we were bewildered when he got called back up to go over to Afghanistan. As I said, John thought of others. I received an email from him several months ago wanting to get Elizabeth on as an intern at Devon. We will miss John and will keep him and his family in our prayers. John is not dead, he is with our Savior, Jesus.

claire wise

July 29, 2004

John was such a fine young man. He made my granddaughter very happy. He will be greatly missed and will always be in my prayers.

reggie ficklin

July 29, 2004

may god be with us all

Kevin Rutherford

July 28, 2004

I didn't know him well, I had just recently met him. He seemed like a great guy. He is greatly missed here.

Home away from home in Bagrahm Afghanistan

July 28, 2004

Chillin at Chilli's with fellow soldiers and friends in Quatar

July 28, 2004

SPC Torres with fellow soldiers in Afghanistan

July 27, 2004

Elizabeth Wise-Rockefeller

July 27, 2004

As Elizabeth's aunt, I had occasion to meet John several times, and though I did not know him well, what I did know about him was that he made Elizabeth happier than I've ever known her to be. He was very kind to the entire Wise family and for that we will be forever grateful. Even my brother Tom said on many occasions that John made his job of parenting a lot easier because of his positive influence and level-headedness. He will most certainly be missed and will be remembered in our prayers often.

Ruth Deibert

July 27, 2004

July 24,2004

In honor of Spc.John M.Torres

On behave of my son, Spc.G.Baldillez,453rd CTC

In the silence of your heart say to yourself, God has his reasons though they are heavy and hard they are guided by his tender hand; unknown and unseen to us. We are merely a breath in God's sphere, and a leaf in God's forest. You too will rest in reason when the spirit your son's lights and shadows are ebraced. And, when the shadow fades and is no more, the light that lingers becomes itself a greater more desired light to be cherished. Let your soul speak daily, let it sing; so that your son's light might shine through your lovingness.

My son, George, carries much anguish over your son's passing. They graduated Basic and AIT. George bunked next to him. They worked and chilled together for the last 10mos. George says, "Torres was my friend. And as the days draw closer to the time we leave, leaving this place is not going to feel quite like it would have."

Your son, John, Lived his life with a Smile. Smiles are the most needed in this world. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and he took time to share. His joy was his success. There is no doubt your son was special because he put a little kindness into everything he did.

Speak often of his light, so that it may brighen your days. Then in passing years you will welcome each tomorrow for chance that your son's spirit will cheer you.

Bryant Moody

July 27, 2004

I remember hanging with him at drill and eating at Golden Corall. We used to talk about anything and everything. He is a great guy and a friend I will miss dearly.

Doug & Kathleen Blanchard

July 27, 2004

We will miss John. He was a wonderful person, both inside and out. As Elizabeth's aunt and uncle, we had the opportunity to meet John several times, and to see the joy in Elizabeth and John when they were together. We already felt he was a part of this family. There is now an angel in heaven watching over all of us. We will continue to pray for your family and to remember John.

Marjorie Pastran

July 27, 2004

SPC Juan Torres will always be in our hearts and memories. My prayers are with him and his family. SPC Torres was an inspiration to all of us and will continue to be throughout the years. Always with a cheerful thought and a shoulder to lean on. He will truly be missed but never forgotten. I am proud to have know him as my friend, my co-worker, and a fellow soldier. God Bless and bring strenght to his friends and family.

Elizabeth Wise

July 26, 2004

I was lucky enough to get to know John well over the years. He was the most beautiful person that I ever have met. The beauty that John possessed was not only because of the physical but it came form the inside. John always looked out for and put others before himself. I believe that John is my soul mate and he is not gone forever. We will be together again someday.

MITCHELL HOLMES

July 26, 2004

He is now an elite member of the lords eternal army. God bless him and keep him.



(SGT Holmes)

Roger Rangel

July 26, 2004

John's Family and Friends,



I understand your sorrow because I lost a brother two years ago. The sorrow is due to all you will miss about him... all the dreams he had, but yet to live out, all the good he could have done with his life, all the ways he let you know he loved you in his special way. John was a good man and should be missed here on earth. Yet, there is reason for much rejoicing. Though his body is no longer living, his spirit will live for eternity. Yes, he lives in the spirit now! In a place called heaven. A place that we hope and look forward to also being in one day. A place where there are no more enemies, a place where there are no more tears, a place where he will have peace, a place where he will see his Heavenly Father and his saviour, Jesus Christ. Rejoice, because he has salvation through Jesus Christ!

David Wise

July 26, 2004

John was my friend and I will miss him alot. He always made me feel happy and included me in a lot of activities. He took time to talk with me and we would e-mail each other. I will always remember him.

MSG Floyd Williams

July 25, 2004

Absent from the body is being present with the LORD! My heart goes out to The Torres Family, I will keep the family in prayer.

Belinda Douglas

July 25, 2004

I would like to express my deepest condolences on the behalf of 644th TC here in Iraq. May God be with you, and your family at this time.



Deepest Sympathy, SGT Douglas

Shelia Johnson

July 25, 2004

It's hard to lose the ones we love, To see then pass away, The sweetest and the kindest gone, while others are left to stray!

But if we had a garden with roses fair and bright, we'd often pick the loveliest and think it to be right.

And so it is with Jesus, in His earthly garden here. He often picks the fairest flowers, the ones we love so dear.

The flowers that are picked by Him will never fade away. We know they'll live forever, and we'll see them some sweet day. I pray that the Torres Family will be uplifted and know that GOD is still in control. With Sympathy,

SFC Shelia Johnson

Thomas Wise

July 25, 2004

I knew John first through Elizabeth and then on a more personal level. Never have I met a finer person. His kind heart, positive attitude, and his strong family ties were an inspiration to all that knew him. Our family was blessed because we had the opportunity to know him well. While the pain his family is suffering may seem unbearable hopefully some comfort will come in knowing that John was loved and will be missed by our family. He will never be forgotten.

Noe Quintanilla

July 25, 2004

We will miss you. You are a part of our family here in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

3rd Platoon

Platoon Sergeant

SFC Noe Quintanilla

Paul Savage

July 24, 2004

My deepest regrets for our lost soldier. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. John will be missed by all. We thank him and his unit for their service to our country.

ERNEST SALAZAR

July 24, 2004

It was an Honor to serve with SPC Juan Torres these last nine months. The 453rd lost one of it's Best Soldiers. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and freinds of SPC Juan Torres, may God give you comfort and peace in your time of sorrow. SPC Juan Torres will be missed, but he will always live in our hearts. He won't be forgotten! God Bless You,

SFC Ernest Salazar 2nd Platoon Sergeant

Barbara Foster

July 24, 2004

God Bless your family, and just know that love is coming to your family from all over the world.



The Foster Family

SSG Edward Smith

July 24, 2004

God Bless to Spc Torres's friends and family. He was a friend since 1997. He will be missed.

alejandro fuentes

July 24, 2004

to a great soldier, whom i got the honor of meeting. to me he was always generous for that i will never forget. he will always live among us i thank the LORD for his presence

Amado Castellano

July 24, 2004

I am deeply sorry about what happened. You are in my prayers and I hope God comforts you during your time in need.

cheryl davis

July 24, 2004

Cheryl Davis

Rudy Riojas

July 24, 2004

I didn't know Juan very well. but when I did have a chance to speak to him. He seemed like a young man who knew what he wanted and was a very respectable person.I'm sure he is shinning down on all of you. God Bless your family.

William & Gloria Strong

July 24, 2004

On behalf of my husband, Sgt. William Strong who will soon be deployed to Iraq from Alpha 1/23 4th Marine Div. and myself, our deepest sympathy to the family of Spc.John Torres. For your ultimate dedication and sacrifice for our blessed country, you will be honored always. May your wings fly you high to the heavens. May God bless you all always.

SGT Cindy Monroe 453rd TC, USA

July 24, 2004

To the Families of Spc Torres,



I would just like to give my condolences to the proud members of a very fine soldier! I had the pleasure of working with Juan Torres on several occasions, and he has never been a dissapointment! He was the epitome of a great soldier, and the U.S Army and the 453rd has lost one of the best! I'm sure that this statement does not replace the fact that he will be missed, but we know he is in God's Hands! Be encouraged, and God Bless!

Veronica Santiago

July 24, 2004

What I am about to say, everyones already knows. John was a positive person who always told me not to worry during stressful moments and he always said the same thing"Don't worry about it, it will work out". In the end, it always did. John was so generous and always giving to others and never expecting anything in return. I remember last year we were in his car and he stopped and a red light and gave this man holding a sign "homeless will work for food" money and I asked him why he did that. John gave me a lesson on the importance on giving when he told me we do not know what the man was going through. He helped me pay for school and take care of Evan, his nephew. John loved his nephew, like his own son. He adored his parents, especially his mother. He always looked out for her and at age 25, he constantly called her to let her know he arrived safely wherever he was going. Mom, he is your angel and he is watching over Evan. I have always believed in angels and know that he is an angel in heaven. I thank God for the brother I had and the 25 years I shared with him. I was blessed and most of all honored to be one of his sisters. John, I love you, your family and friends love you, and I am not saying goodbye buy just "see you later". This is what we always would say.

Love you always....big sis

Barbara Rinehart

July 23, 2004

I am Lisa's Aunt, and want her and John's family to know that they are in my prayers, even though I can't be there in person right now. I met John only once, and knew that this was an exceptional young man who cared for Lisa deeply and vice/versa. Lisa's face lit-up whenever she spoke of him.I remember my sister Donna telling me that John was an answer to her prayers-an Angel sent to watch over Lisa, and I'm sure he still is watching over her.

Carlos Gonzalez

July 23, 2004

I was one of Juan Torres's roommates. It was really hard for me to believe what had happened. He was really a great person to work with but it was even better to be his friend. A friend like that u can never forget.

Theresa Price

July 23, 2004

My heart aches at the loss of such a special person. I only met John a few times, but he was easy to like and I understand why my niece and her family were so fond of him. Every time I think of what could have been, I feel a deep sadness and my eyes tear up. Time will heal the hurt, but he will always be missed because he was a good person with a good heart.

Barber, Larry

July 23, 2004

To the family of SPC John Manuel torres. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to each of you during this time of great loss. I am a Chaplain in the 90th RRC, a higher headquarters for John's unit. It was with deep sorrow that I learned of John's death. I pray that God would give each of you peace and comfort as only HE can do in this time of pain and loss.

SGT Helisha Whitehurst

July 22, 2004

My heart and the hearts of the 441st(New Orleans)go out to the family of Torres, though our unit is in New Orleans, we feel the pain of loss. Many of us set and talked to Torres on a daily basis during our deployment on last year. This is a great loss felt by both the 453rd & 441st. His family will remain in our prays.

Mrs. Sheila Phillips

July 22, 2004

To the family of John Manuel Torres,

I don't have to know a person to pray for them.This will be a very painful journey that you will travel, but remember that Jesus walks with you at this sorrowful time. You are the pupil of his eye as he carries you in his arms.

1Peter 5:7 says: cast all you care upon Him; for he cares for you.



May the Lord Bless and Keep you.

Jerry Martinez

July 22, 2004

To his family and friends ,

I am proud to say I served with Torres (John)In Bagram , Afghanistan I was privileged to serve with him in Mez ar sharif, Aghanistan .For 2 weeks on a mission he and I volunteered for. And For those 2 weeks man did we Joke Around he made it easier for me and really made u feel at home and I'm Really Gonna Miss My Battle Buddy And Friend

Gone But Never Forgotten !

Donna Wise

July 22, 2004

My daughter, Elizabeth Wise planned to spend the rest of her life with John. Our entire family planned to spend the rest of our lives with John. As far as we were concerned, he was marrying our family and he believed that too. He wanted to be a part of every family gathering and he touched the hearts of everyone from Elizabeth's grandparents to her cousins and Aunts and Uncles. When Holidays rolled around everyone wanted to be sure John would be with us. And he was. I know he is still with us. I feel him here. I miss him so much. Everyone does. We love you John!

Elizabeth Potts

July 21, 2004

Family & Friends of John Torres,

My heart is broken upon hearing of John's loss and I cannot imagine the depth of your sorrow. I worked with John at Ocean/Devon and have never known a more serene soul than his. Before leaving, he said he was at peace; John trusted in God's will. Our Church has been praying for the 453rd since their deployment and we will continue to do so. I am blessed to have known John and will keep him, and you, in my prayers.

SGT Robert Castillo

July 21, 2004

My deepest sympathy to the family of Spc Torres. He was an example to all of those around him. I am thankful that I had the honor and privilage of serving with him. My prayers are with his family and comrades he left behind.

Lucio Vazquez

July 21, 2004

I had the honor of knowing Torres from when I joined the 453rd. We are all saddened by this. However, we must take courage in knowing that he was needed by the Lord.

RIP Torres.

Scott Haywood

July 21, 2004

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I did not know John personally. However, his dedication to serving this country and the personal sacrifices he made speaks volumes about his dedication and character.

Janet Jackson

July 21, 2004

The Torres/Wacinowski Family,

Keep your hands in God's hand and He will comfort you. John will be missed but memories of him will be cherished. Thank you John for all that you did to keep us safe. May God continue to bless you all in a special way. Your Devon co-worker, Janet

JOSEPH AVILES

July 21, 2004

My condolence and deepist sympathy to the family of this fallen soldier who has given the optimun sacrific for peace and freedom. May the Lord bring comfort to the hearts of SPC Torres family.



SFC Joseph A. Aviles

Marilyn Bearden

July 21, 2004

Although I never met this wonderful man, I followed his story thru my mother who worked with him @ Devon... I knew of the party thrown for him and was deeply saddened by his death. I will keep each and everyone of you in my prayers and know God is watching all of you... May God's peace pour in you all...

LaRonda Davis

July 21, 2004

Our thought's and prayer's are that in your time of loss you find the strength to carry on. SPC Torres will not ever be forgotten for the great person he is or the sacrifices he made. He will live on in our heart's and mind's forever. God Bless and Keep you all.



238th Maintenance Company

5035th GSU

July 21, 2004

The 5035th GSU sends our condolences to Johns' family & friends, we thank him for protecting our freedom and our prayers are with him and his family.

Charles & Doris Hudson

July 21, 2004

The Hudson Family would like to express our heartfelt condolence for your loss.

1LT Franklin Brown

July 21, 2004

I am deeply saddened by your loss and our loss. Juan was a very capable and inspiring soldier. He always presented himself as a very dedicated and devoted person. I always knew him to provide words of encouragement and lightheartedness. He will truly be missed

Lauire Cervantes

July 21, 2004

I am proud to say that I have known John for 12 years. We had a very special friendship. I would always tell him he was the greatest man I have ever known. He was the most thoughtful and considerate person. He has always served his country well and never complained. He is truly an American hero. I am so proud of all your accomplishments John. I will always love you. You will be forever missed.

Jamila Brown

July 20, 2004

Torres, You are and will always be a special person in my heart whether you know it or not. You have embraced the hearts of many without even being aware of it. You are truly angel. Thank you for your inspirations and friendship. God Bless You. With Love

Jamila Brown

Darrell Adams

July 20, 2004

My condolences goes out to the family of SPC Torres. I did not know the soldier but we are all in this battle as one.God bless and keep the faith.

Judy Harrison

July 20, 2004

The family members of the 644th Transportation Company send our deepest condolescences to the family members of this fallen hero. We know that we can't feel your pain, but know that you are in our hearts and prayers at this time.



644th Transportation Company

Family Readiness Group

Maria Teresa Vazquez FRG 453 rd CTC

July 20, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with your family throughtout this difficult time.



Our Lord God has blessed and received your beloved son. We will continue to pray for him to watch over the rest of us who still remain.

1SG James Nash Sr.

July 20, 2004

To the Ferro and Torres Family.

My condolence and deepist sympathy on the loss of Specialist Torres. I am Specialist Torres First Sergeant in Houston Texas. Specialist Torres wasn't just a soldier with the 453rd Cargo Transfer Company, he was a family member of the 453rd and will be missed as a family member.I have nothing but great thoughts when it comes to Specialist Torres. He will be truely missed. There will be a void in our hearts forever. Specialist Torres will be gone, but never forgotten. my prayers are with you and yours. Forgive me for not being there in your time of need.

Diana Godinez

July 20, 2004

I got to know Torres pretty well working the night shift with him on this deployment. He was such a great guy. There's nothing bad you can say about him. He'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sonia Hernandez

July 20, 2004

I met John while employed at Ocean Energy 2002. My prayers and wishes go to the family of Juan Torres. John, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember the times we spent together. I loved your sense of humor and will truly miss that smile of yours. Thank you for being there for me when i needed you the most. John once told me, "never give up", thanks for your advice John. Thank you for serving our country and may god bless you all. I'll miss you and forever i will keep you in my heart. "Love you" GOD BLESS

MARY C. LANDA

July 20, 2004

I did not know John but I am familiar with most of the members of the 453rd in Corpus Christi, TX. I am sorry to hear of his passing as I also have a son, SSG John Albert Landa, in Kuwait. My prayers are with his family and friends. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

SFC Linda Dotie

July 20, 2004

I never met Torres; however, my heart is deeply sadden by your loss. In times like these, I find myself saying "We can not Lord, thy purpose see, but all is well that's done by thee.

LT Brandi Blakes

July 20, 2004

I am disheartened to have to see this happen to such a beautiful soldier. SPC Torres was quite a character and always stood out as a very intelligent human being. My heart and prayers go out to his family, friends and his platoon.

Manuel Coronado

July 20, 2004

I was privledged to serve and live with Torres these past 9 months. He was very intelligent and considerate of others. He lit up the room with his presence. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. My prayers are with his parents,sisters, and good friends. It stands true, God takes the best early. SSG Coronado

MICHAEL HERNANDEZ

July 20, 2004

MY PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES GO TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF JUAN TORRES.



GOD KNOWS YOUR LOSS,

LAY YOUR BURDENS IN HIS HANDS, FOR HE IS STRONG,

REST YOUR HEAD IN HIS SHOULDERS,

FOR HE IS PASSIONATE,

GIVE TO HIM YOUR PAIN AND SORROW,

FOR HE IS LOVE,

PRAYING THAT HIS LOVE WILL COMFORT YOUR SORROWING HEART.



SSG HERNANDEZ, PSNCO

348th Transportation Battlion

Houston, TX

Margarita Lopez-Figueroa

July 20, 2004

I never met John, but I know he was a unique person. It takes a special person to be a Soldier. My prayers to the family. Papito Dios necesitaba una estrella en el cielo. John va a ser esa estrella. Que Dios los bendiga a toditos.

ALMA JUNEAU

July 20, 2004

May the Peace of God be with your entire family at this time of breavement. The Lord shall be your comforter just called on Him and He surely will answer. Peace be with you.

Ricky Nero

July 20, 2004

I met Torres a few years ago when I first joined the 453rd. He helped show me around and treated me no different than anyone else even though i was the new guy. I can still remember him telling me that I should go back to school. Torres will be greatly missed, and he and his family are in my prayers.

Samuel Ogungbemi

July 20, 2004

THOSE WHO BLOOM IN THE HEARTS OF OTHERS NEVER FADE AWAY......

MAY YOU FIND COMFORT AND STRENGTH

IN YOUR MEMORIES...............

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Sandra Landry

July 20, 2004

On behalf of the Army Reserve Family Program Coordinators and Specialist we wish to convey our deepest sympathy.



Though your love one has slipped away God's will we must obey.



In this hour we all must pray for strength and courage to lead the way.



As this soldiers takes his rest, we bid him farewell for he has stood the test.



One last final pass and review for now John's wings will carry him through.



God Bless !!!!!!!!!

Esther Ogungbemi

July 20, 2004

IM THINKING OF YOU AND WISHING YOU

HOPE IN THE MIDST OF SORROW

COMFORT IN THE MIDST OF PAIN

WITH HEARTFELT SYMPATHY.

Melissa Arrant

July 20, 2004

I never had the privilige of meeting John, but have heard many a wonderful things about him. I have come to know many of the families of soldiers by being a part of the 453rd CTC/Family Readiness Group. These are a wonderful group of men and women and I thank them everyday and pray for their safety. I thank each and every one of them for protecting my country and for giving me my freedom. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends at this time. Please know we are all with you during this time and look to the Lord for your strength.



God Bless

Melissa Arrant-Treasurer 453rd FRG

LTC (RET) Wilford Scott

July 20, 2004

My prayers and best wishes go to the family and friends of Juan

Torres. I was his Battalion Commander when he was part of the group that was selected and sent to Bosnia. I remember a soldier who understood his purpose, his duty, his mission, and his responsibility. May God's grace bring peace to you soon.

Emeka Smith

July 20, 2004

My deepest condolences to the family of Juan Torres. I am very grateful for the sacrifice he has made for his Country. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

amir emami

July 20, 2004

I would like to say that it was a privilege and an honor to serve with you son for the past nine months here in Bagram. Juan was a smart, intelligent, hard working soldier who had an easy going personality and a great sense of humor, we will greatly miss him here. My deepest condolences for your loss.

SGT Emami, 453rd CTC, Bagram Air Field

Joseph M. Trevino

July 20, 2004

I met Torres while still in FT. Hood and tented with him here in Afghanistan. He will be missed dearly, you are in my prayers. God Bless.

BRENDA PURIFY

July 20, 2004

We are all god childrens and are here just for a loan? God was loking for another one of his children to help out in heaven. So he called Juan? He is in a better and happier place. May God bless his family.

Daniel Soto

July 20, 2004

Juan woked with the 2nd Platoon 453rd ADACG here in Bagram Afghanistan. We got to know him pretty good and Juan was a pleaseure to work with, he was part of our family here and we really do miss him so much. God Bless Juan and all of his family.

Brit Britton

July 20, 2004

It is with a heavy heart that I write this farewell to a great citizen soldier. I am honored to have been his Commander while assigned to the 453rd. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family and those of us still in Iraq remember him dearly.

God bless.



CPT Britton

MARIE SALONE SSG

July 20, 2004

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow,nor craying,neither shall there be any more pain;for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4 We all loved him but God loved him first May God be with you all. SSG Salone Marie

453rd CTC and 644th TC

July 20, 2004

On behalf of the 453rd CTC and the 644th TC, we send our condolences and prayers out to the Ferro and the Torres family.



FREEDOM'S CALL



They are called to be in uniform

To serve both day and night

Protecting ou great country

To fight the valiant fight



To rescue us from danger

At home~ across the sea

Brave & special people

Who keep our nation free



And together on a mission

Our heroes, they are there

Every color~ every creed

With freedom's light to share



And day by day~ step by step

All for one & one for all

Our heroes stand together strong

To answer freedom's call.



SPC Torres will be deeply missed by all and never forgotten!!



With deepest sympathy and greatest of prayers,

Alberta Woodson

July 20, 2004

My sincere sympathy to the family, friends and other loved ones of this child of God! I pray that you will look to the Lord for guidance, comfort and healing. Always remember that God only takes the best! God bless you and keep you.

Stephanie Hollis

July 19, 2004

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Ferro and Torres family. I had the pleasure of knowing Juan Torres, working with him as his Platoon Seargeant/Squad Leader with the 453rd Transportation Company from 2000-2002. Juan was a great soldier, just did his job with out complaining. He will be greatly missed. My prayers and Blessings go out to all his family, friends and fellow soldiers. Peace be unto you all.



With deepest sympathy,

SSG Sherwana D. Brooks

July 19, 2004

I am going to miss Spc. Torres' bright smile and his laugh. My prayers are with you and your family in your time of sorrow. Just remeber that GOD will bring you through. Hold on to his unchanging hand.

SSG. Brooks

Terry Dabelgott

July 19, 2004

Our deepest sympathy to the family, friends, coworkers, and fellow soldiers of Juan M. Torres. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God comfort you in this your hour of need.

With deepest sympathy

Det. 1 453rd TC

Family Readiness Group

Corpus Christi, Texas

Kirk Lindsey

July 19, 2004

I met John when I started working for Bank United/Washington Mutal in March 2001. I shared many fun times working with him. He was a great person and wonderful friend. I just want to thank him for fighting for our freedom. I send my prayers to his family and may GOD be with us all.

Dora Rodriguez

July 19, 2004

Susana, Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this tragic time. If you need anything, please let us know.



Your Friends at the Holiday Inn Select I-10 West



Dora Rodriguez, Sheila Sandoval, and Jill Meador

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