Author Unknown  

"They gave their lives so that we, and others, shall be free."

         Fallen Warriors: Alphabetically Listed below.

http://www.thefinalrollcall.us/#wounded

http://www.thefinalrollcall.us/Pow~Mia.html

http://www.thefinalrollcall.us/#kia

The following letter was mailed about February 23rd from an undisclosed staging area by a young soldier, Pfc. Diego Rincon, about to go into battle for the first time.           If anyone thinks going into battle is child's play, think again.. I believe the range of emotions, logical thought, wishes and prayers expressed by this young man pretty well cover the thoughts and emotions of all soldiers going into battle, whether for the first time or the hundredth time..           Yet, even at this young age, through the thoughts and hopes and prayers, comes an unmistakable resolve.. a dedication and committment to get the job done.. Such determination can only be born from love of country, love of family and love of God.. This letter arrived at his parent's home on March 22, 2003.           On March 29th, just one week after this letter arrived home, Diego and three other soldiers were mortally wounded by a suicide car bomber at the checkpoint they were manning.. Diego was 19 years old.. May God Bless his young life and hold Diego, his comrades, and the families of all, in His loving embrace until such time as they are reunited again in Paradise.      Amen " A Son's Last Letter Home " February 22, 2003       Hola, Mother,           How are you doing? Good, I hope. I'm doing OK, I guess. I won't be able to write anymore starting the 28th of this month. We are moving out. We are already packed and ready to move to a tactical Alpha-Alpha (in Iraq). Once that happens, there will not be any mail sent out. We will only receive mail that is less than 12 ounces. At least that's what they said.           I'm not sure where exactly we're going [to] be yet, but it is said to be a 20-hour drive in the Bradleys [fighting vehicles].           So I guess the time has finally come for us to see what we are made of, who will crack when the stress level rises and who will be calm all the way through it. Only time will tell. We are at the peak of our training and it's time to put it to the test.           I just want to tell everybody how much you all mean to me and how much I love you all. Mother, I love you so much! I'm not going to give up! I'm living my life one day at a time, sitting here picturing home with a small tear in my eyes, spending time with my brothers, who will hold my life in their hands.

I try not to think of what may happen in the future, but I can't stand seeing it in my eyes. There's going to be murders, funerals and tears rolling down everybody's eyes. But the only thing I can say is, keep my head up and try to keep the faith and pray for better days. All this will pass. I believe God has a path for me. Whether I make it or not, it's all part of the plan. It can't be changed, only completed.           "Mother" will be the last word I'll say. Your face will be the last picture that goes through my eyes. I'm not trying to scare you, but it's reality. The time is here to see the plan laid out. And, hopefully, I'll be at home in it. I don't know what I'm talking about or why I'm writing it down. Maybe I just want someone to know what goes through my head. It's probably good not keeping it all inside.           I just hope that you're proud of what I'm doing and have faith in my decisions. I will try hard and not give up. I just want to say [I'm] sorry for anything I have ever done wrong. And I'm doing it all for you, Mom. I love you. Your son, Diego Rincon My sincere Thank You to Jorge Rincon, Diego's Dad, for sharing this moving correspondence with a nation that is sharing his family's grief. Return to: The Final Roll Call