BRAVE MAN FALLS - Pvt. George Delgado, 21, of Palmdale, who was killed in an Easter Sunday bombing in Iraq, is shown on a patrol in December.
U.S. Army
Pvt. George Delgado, 21, three more die in IED attack
This story appeared in the Antelope Valley PressFriday, March 28, 2008.
By Valley Press staff and wire services
A Desert Christian High School graduate known for his sense of humor and zest for life was among four U.S. soldiers whose deaths in an Easter Sunday bombing pushed the American military death toll in Iraq to 4,000 men and women killed in action.
Pvt. George Delgado, 21, of Palmdale and three others died after a roadside bomb, known as an improvised explosive device, or IED, hit their vehicle about 10 p.m. Sunday as they patrolled in southern Baghdad, officials said.
At Desert Christian High, from which Delgado graduated in 2004 after spending his senior year there, Vice Principal Devin Thomas remembered him as a "friendly, outgoing young man who had zest for life - just a great personality and a great person."
Between graduation and going into the Army, Delgado returned several times to Desert Christian High to observe teachers at work in their classrooms because he was interested in becoming a teacher himself, Thomas said.
"He seemed to be so excited to go into the education field," the vice principal added.
High school friend Alysse Pernula said Delgado had an adventurous spirit and, overall, enjoyed Army life.
Delgado's family, who moved to Palmdale from San Diego in 2003, runs the Inka Kitchen restaurant in Palmdale.
"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Pvt. George Delgado, who gave his life to defend freedom and protect the people of the United States," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement issued by his office. "George served our country with honor, integrity and steadfast loyalty to his fellow soldiers. California has lost a true patriot. Maria and I send our sincerest condolences to his family during this difficult time."
Assemblywoman Sharon Runner, R-Lancaster, and state Sen. George Runner, R-Lancaster, issued the following statement on the death of Delgado, a resident of Palmdale.
"Our prayers go out to the family of Pvt. Delgado during this difficult time," Sharon Runner said. "The Antelope Valley lost a great American - a true patriot and protector of our freedom."
"Pvt. Delgado's courage to defend our country and commitment to further the cause of freedom is truly remarkable," George Runner said. "His service to our country will always be honored and never forgotten."
Killed with Delgado were Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Hake, 26; Pfc. Andrew J. Habsieger, 22; and Spc. Jose A. Rubio Hernandez, 24. The four were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat team, 3rd Infantry Division, based out of Fort Stewart, Ga.
A fifth soldier was injured in the attack, military officials said.
Three more American soldiers were killed Wednesday, bringing the total to 4,003, officials said.
I'm not sure why, but I've been dealing with memories and even what you might call flashbacks in the last month or so. This story hit me hard for some reason.
Pray for the Delgado family.
1 comment:
I went to AIT with Delgado and he remains in my prayers as does his family. This was such a tragedy he will be remembered by everyone he has touched.
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