Wilson County News salutes America's Heroes

• 12/6/07 • Hey BoBO, we miss you dearly. Your always in our hearts and our prayers. We are so proud of you and the men and women who serve with you to protect this country. God Bless and hurry back home your nephews miss you. Love Big BOBO, Philly, J.P and Brodyman.

• 11/29/07 • Addsion we are so very proud of the commitment you made to serve and protect this country. I pray everyday for you and as well as all of the men and women of the armed forces.The pride I feel inside is unbeliveable. Thank you son. Love Mammers mare21aj@msn.com

• 11/15/07 • HELLO EVERYONE MY DAUGHTER KRYSTAL QUIRARTE IS MARRIED TO PFC CHRISTIAN QUIRARTE I AM SO PROUD OF ALL THESE YOUNG MEN & WOMEN DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY GOD BLESS THEM AND KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYS... sash_dmendez@yahoo.com

• 10/22/07 • All of these smiling faces represent what is good and honorable about this country....they are the past, present, and future....makes me proud to see them...they're absolutely the best and gives me hope! kmills62@hotmail.com

• 10/19/07 • I just want to say "Thank you" to all of our brave and wonderful soldiers who are serving and have served in the military. My Big Sister, Sharon (Martinez) Cousins, my first cousins, Matt Ramirez and Elijah
Ramirez, who are currently enlisted. My uncles, Raul Ramirez (served in Vietnam), Eli Ramirez, Arnulfo Ramirez (currently in the reserves), and Carlos Ramirez, who have all enlisted! I am so proud of ALL of you. God Bless! nlesquivel@hotmail.com

• 10/5/07 • I stumbled on this website by accident. And I'm glad I did! I am a Canadian from Vanvouver and I want to thank all American soldiers for their bravery and dedication. You keep freedom safe for us too. Thank you. cmaneker@yahoo.com

• 9/5/07 •My brother John Tejada who is a Staff Sgt. in the United States Air Force was deployed to Iraq on Sept. 3, 2007. May the Lord keep him safe and guide him back home safely. We love you and miss you. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deut 31:6) zlopez@deltaproduce.com

• 5/2/07 • Good morning everyone! Just a quick FYI - JP is getting ready to make is second tour of duty to Iraq - keep him as well as everyone else in
your prayers.. nanajv8@yahoo.com

• 3/28/07 • Hello, everyone, my nephew James Jordan Rangel was deployed to Iraq last week, hope he is well, God Bless You all with a speedy trip home. Thanks for all you do to keep our country safe. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND KEEP THEM SAFE. NMCMAHAN40@YAHOO.COM

• 3/20/07 • Baldemar S Flores IV did deploy Feb.13th and is doing good. He says to tell all family and friends hi and that he will be home soon!! Baldemar will return home in mid Aug. or early Sept. For those of you who know him keep him in yalls prayers and all other troops that are serving our country!! bs_babe130@yahoo.com

• 3/15/07 • Justin, I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living, My baby you'll be.I miss you. I love you with all my heart ("a mommy's heart just gets bigger & bigger"). I hope you have been getting your brother's letters (Alexander). Mine have all come back; Grandma Sharon and Alex/Loralei's have not. I think of you every day. May God bless you to be successful, SAFE, and everything you desire. Your MOTHER, Heather xxooxx hmaria213@yahoo.com

• 1/11/07 • Marine Baldemar Flores IV scheduled deployment to Iraq on Sunday, Feb 11. Gordo, your godparents are praying that God grants you his blessings during your time in Iraq. We love you and pray that you return to your family soon. Good luck and we will be praying for you. Love, Erasmo & Ophelia Flores oflores@mobilestorage.com

• 1/11/07 • Thank you for everyone's support and comments and it means so much for the individual soldier, sailor, marine, or airman serving overseas to read this. I cannot thank you enough for everyone that I have come across and has said thank you in some way, shape, form, or fashion....so THANK YOU! Personal thank you's: The Ramirez, De La Zerda, Bustamante, Soliz, Flores, Molina, Coronado, Sanchez, and the Valadez families for all your support and welcome home gestures. Last but not least...CRYSTAL...You have definitely given me hope again and thank you so much for being there when you were notobligated to be. You and Xavier hold a special place in my heart and I miss you terribly.....Miss you love.....MA3 (USN) Matt Ramirez ducati2000guam@yahoo.com

• 12/15/06 • To all of those who are serving in our country I just want to say thank you so much. This means alot to all of us, without your help we would not have OUR freedom. To the rest of my close family and friends take care, Elijah Ramirez(a friend from a few blocks down from my parents house), Noelle Kopecki(yes this is me Chebo) take care of yourself. Good to see your picture, keep up the good work. Last but not least my cousin Matthew Ramirez take extra special care of yourself and come home to us soon. We miss you and LOVE you. I'll see you soon Catito, for someone who can make me laugh so much and so hard you can also make me cry like a baby. I miss you man. Everyone says hello!!!. delazerdam@yahoo.com

• 11/27/06 • As a coaching family, we are meant to roam through Texas, but the mark that many of you made on our lives is ever present. I am in awe of all of you, but I especially want to send a "hug" to those of you who made it through my Spanish classes...a few of you didn't think you'd make it through that, and look at you now! YOU ARE MY HEROES, and I will make sure and pray for each and every one of you. God Bless You and Hasta Pronto - Sra. Wood. c.wood@ljisd.com

• 10/8/06 • TO OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILEY BACK HOME WE LOVE U AND MISS YALL ALOT... WE ARE DOING GOOD OVER HERE IN SHAPE BELGUIM... HOPE TO YALL WRITE BACK SOON LOVE YALL. THE COURVIER FAMILY.debbiecourvier@yahoo.com

• 7/24/06 • From everyone at 64ESFS Kingdom of Saudi Arabia we send thanks to you and your staff for operation cookie drop. The phone cards were also a
big hit. Aunt Elaine and cousin Kristen thank you for your support and dedication to the men and women who are protecting our country.kelly.hons@evab.centaf.af.mil

• 6/23/06 • I am currently serving in the USAF. I want everyone in the armed services who are serving overseas to know that my prayers are with them and their families. Good job troops and come home safe!.melissa.trevino@shaw.af.mil

• 5/28/06 • God bless the soldeirs serving to maintain the Freedom and Liberty we enjoy each day. May they come home soon, triumphantly to enjoy that
which they defend so honorably. Bless their families as well for they too make great sacrifice.hreally@yahoo.com

• 1/16/06 • I'd like to Thank all our men and women in the Armed Forces. They sacrifice a great deal that we may continue to live a secure life style of our choosing. A special thank you to my brother Capt. Leif Purcell. And a great big WELCOME HOME!! Lee Berry, lee.berry@sbcglobal.net.

• 12/14/05 • I would just want to say thank u to Matthew Ramirez from poth TX. ray_molina_blue@yahoo.com

• 12/9/05 • As a Veteran and as a former Caoch at Floresville H.S. I would like to say thanks to all of the brave young people on this site. The service that you provide for your country allows my two tear old daughter to sleep in freedom. Best wishes to all and Godspeed. coachwood@sbcglobal.net

• 11/10/05 • Very proud of all who serve and protect this country, The Military service does a great job!!! dlbm78148@satx.rr.com

• 10/23/05 • I just wanted to say that I am proud to see all these pictures from Wilson county who have joined the fight for America. I am currently in the Navy...and I
grew up i Stockdale. I have been in the navy for two years now...right out of high school...I am currently stationed onboard the USS HUE CITY (CG66) in Mayport
Florida....I am proud to be an American! kleckaan@cg66.navy.mil

• 08/28/05 • i just wanted to tell everyone back home that we are still kicking ass out here and we will not stop until we know that America's future is safe and bright. thanx to everyone who is supporting us in this, and we will come home soon to see our loved ones. i love you mom dad, gloria, crystal, and of course rose.
middleman_4819@yahoo.com

• 07/16/05 • I am proud of my hometown and the many service members that it has produced. I would also like to thank everyone for being so supportive. I have been to Iraq twice and have always felt the town's warmth while there. I will be making my third trip soon and I am expecting the same. Thank you and God bless all of our heroes.Serapio lara Sergeant U.S. Marine Corps serapiolara@sbcglobal.net

• 07/12/05 • I want to let you know that my prayers are with all the men and women fighting for their country and we are proud of you. glendagaona@netzero.net

• 06/29/05 • Freedom has a flavor the protected will never taste. My hats off to all those who serve in our military. Tony Jasso juan.antonio.jasso@us.army.mil

• 06/26/05 • Being from such a small town, I have experienced the death of a dear friend serving overseas(SPC Lauro Garcia DeLeon III), had a family member seriously injured, and I have seen countless other friends and acquiantances line up to enlist in the military... with all the skeptics in the world today, I am so comforted and glad to know that there are so many people out there that still support the ones I love as much as I do. Thank You for your continued support,
thoughts and prayers. God Bless all our heros! Kimberly kimmiedk_co2004@yahoo.com

• 03/28/05 • My boyfriend is stationed in Iraq right now. It is really hard on his family and me. I ask everyone to pray for him and all the other soldiers
over their. I dont really understand why they are over there right now, but I do support them. Thanks to all the armed forces!!! Keep them in your prayers. I really love you Dustin...please come home. Amanda mandi1833@hotmail.com

• 03/25/05 • Thank you so much for publishing the article (Oct. 13, 2004) and photo on this page regarding my son, now Private First Class Matthew Joseph Hazel, who returned safely from Iraq on March 3, 2005. His unit received the honor of being First Team for the year. Thank you and God Bless, and please continue in prayer for all our service men and women. Linda Willis-Riojas

• 03/18/05 • My big brother is currently stationed in Iraq. I appreciate youall keeping all the soldiers in your prayers and thoughts. It really means a lot to those who are or know someone serving. Thanks again, Amber. sfarrell@awesomenet.net

• 03/16/05 • I have just returned from a combat deployment overseas. I served with Petty Officer Tammy Ramirez. She performed spectacular. I have never served with a Sailor with such an incredible heart and a desire to serve with incredible honor. Floresville must be extremely proud! We who serve, are extremely proud and honored to serve with Petty Officer Ramirez.

• 02/19/05 • I just wanted to say how proud I am of my husband SPC.Carlos R. Munoz and all the other men and women serving our wonderful country. Thank you so much! I love you Carlos...hurry home!

• 01/26/05 • I just want to say i'm praying for all the service men and women like PFC John Perales and the troops from the 7th LRS in Dyess, TX who are over in Iraq right now serving our country. I love you guys and come back home safe. Amn Desaree Marie Viera.

• 01/12/05 • IWe were all proud to visit you brave men and women at Bethesda and Walter Reed Hospitals. God bless you all and keep you sfe
emdwyer@aol.com.

• 11/3/04 • I am looking for Serapio Lara. A US Marine from Floresville, TX. I want to tell him how sorry I am about last christmas. Please contact me.
Richie and Monica you too please. God bless The US Marines. Heather hwiatrek@aol.com

• 10/15/04 • I also wanted to say GOD BLESS every one who is proudly serving our country. I pray for all of ya'll hoping that each and every one of ya'll will come home pretty soon. I just recently lost a best friend SPC Lauro Garcia Deleon III who was proudly serving for Iraqi Operation Freedom. I pray for everyone to come home and GOD BLESS each and everyone of ya'll. Monica Cerrillo • cerrillo62002@yahoo.com

• 6/22/04 • I recently learned that your paper has adopted my son's platoon. I was hoping to receive a copy of recent news articles/pictures featuring Bravo Co. Also, after viewing your website, thank you for all you are doing to support our military. I am sick of these so-called polls saying Americans aren't supporting the war. I believe this is merely an attempt to persuade people to buy into their own agendas. Thanks again, W. Pattillo

• 6/22/04 • My boyfriend is a Bravo Company Marine and I miss him but I am so proud of him and the other Marines' accomplishments. • Bethany

• 6/21/04 • Hello, my name is Mindy Hersey. I'm an Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Petty Officer stationed on the USS Cole (DDG 67). My husband is a Cpl with the 22nd MEU in Afghanistan and I was recently informed that your paper featured his company, Bravo, in an article and also had taken a town "company" picture outside your town hall. I was wanting to know if you could send me the article. I also wanted to say thank you for your town's support during the war. There are a lot of us out here that don't have family and are by themselves, but when we have supporters like you on our side we realize that we are not alone and it makes our days go by quicker and easier just knowing that someone out there cares. God bless your town and Thank You.

• 6/21/04 • I just wanted to express the thanks to the people of your town. My husbandis with the 1/6 Marines, Bravo Company in Afghanistan. Just to see your town to this warmed my heart. Mt husband and I have been away from each other since Feb as we were both deployed and are looking forward to that sweet reunion. Thank you for your support and making their time over there a little bit more bearable. God Bless! • IT2 Malinda K. Hersey, USS COLE (DDG 67)

• 6/20/04 • Hello, I am Tammy Ramirez. I am again deploying overseas. I'd like to thank everybody for the support that you'll have extended to those of us serving. I am now an HM3/E-4, and will be an E-5 shortly. Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers. You're all in ours. God bless!

• 5/21/04 • Again, I want to thank you, your paper, and the town of Floresville, TX for all that you have done for our boys. As I write this I have tears in my eyes because I had pictured my son alone without my being able to comfort and support him. Just knowing that others are reaching out to my Marine is something that helps me to deal with the separation. Thank you for filling in the gaps when he does not get my mail. L.M., Proud Marine Mom, Virginia Beach, VA.

• 5/21/04 • I am going to show your article to my local paper in Fayetteville, GA and hopefully give them an idea. They are trying for the "most Patriotic City' contest. I don't know where Floresville is but I do know what kind of town it is and I would vote your town the Most Patriotic Town' Keep up the great work! I will continue to visit your website. And remember nothing you do for our Troops would ever be considered 'insignificant'. We must continue to show our support for them and our President. Thanks, Liz Corbin

• 5/14/04 • I'M CURRENTLY STATIONED WITH HQ BTRY 1STBN 11THMAR 1STMARDIV, AT CAMP PENDLETON CA, I SERVED OVERSEAS IN IRAQ AT THE BEGINING OF THE WAR AND CAME HOME IN JULY OF 2003. I JUST WANTED TO THANK ALL OF YOU WHO SUPPORTED US OVER THERE. YOU PRAYS AND LETTERS ARE WHAT KEPT US GOING DURING THIS TIME OF WAR. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND KEEP UP THE WORK. SEMPER FI. CPL PATRICK SEANGAGE. psgage122203@yahoo.com

• 2/9/04 • Just wanted to take a second to thank everyone for supportingour troops. It is the support of family and friends that keep us going.----Petty Officer Second Class Elijah E. Ramirez

• 1/6/04 • We love all you guys fighting for us over there in Iraq and Afgahanistan. Love you all and come home safe. God bless. Rachel • cindhers_angel@hotmail.com

• 12/27/03 • When I glance at these pictures it just makes me more proud to be apart of the wonderful country. A country full of brave men and women who protect it with their lives. Thank you all so very much.

• 9/5/03 • Thanks for your support. 1988 Floresville graduate now serving onboard USS MUSTIN DDG-89 San Diego, Ca.

• 6/28/03 • I would like to thank the Wilson County News for recognizing the hard work and dedication of our troops. These sodiers spend endless days training on how to defend our beautiful and I thank you for your support.----Staff Sergeant Alan T. Slipp, United States Army Ranger.

• 6/18/03 • We are all praying and are extremely thankful for our boys and girls overseas and here at home. Good luck and god speed to everyone, especially Elijah Ramirez, John Daniel Arevalos, and Jeffery Stavinoha

• 4/11/03 • I am deployed onboard the Aircraft Carrier, USS HARRY S. TRUMAN CVN-75. I grew up in Floresville and still call it home despite having to move to east Texas my sophomore year. I appreciate what you are doing with your web page and all the support from South Texas residents. My parents James and Brenda are living back in Floresville now. Thank You, HTCM(SW) Michael W. Barfield, USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) Repair Division LCPO • barfiewm@truman.navy.mil

• 4/6/03 • Wanted to say Serapio Lara is serving in Kuwait we are so proud of him we all love him were are proud of him he's family and me and he's son Xavier Lara :from he's baby's mom Belinda • Bggrumpy21@aol.com

• 3/27/03 • I believe Louis Veliz is serving in the Navy. Not sure where he is but he helped me in my classroom in his senior year. I found him to be a nice young man and the students enjoyed his visits. Sandy Migl • migl@awesomenet.net

3/26/03 • Looking for Cousin, his name is Eduardo Espinoza Jr. He is in the Navy in the Persian Gulf. I am looking for his e-mail address. His family are residents in Wilson County. He is 21 years old and a a graduate from Floresville High School. His sister who will graduate this year will join Armed Forces right after graduation. Thank you, Cousin Nancy Guerra • nguer049@neisd.net

3/25/03 • To Whom it may Concern, I am a 7th Grader at FMS. My cousin Benito Marroquin,Jr. is in the Navy. He is overseas. I have a question, do they read these e-mails? If they do please write me back as soon as possible so I can e-mail my cousin. God BLESS AMERICA. MAY GOD BE WITH MY COUSIN AND ALL THE OTHERS. I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.Thank you to all soldiers. A proud american, Raven C. • CarrascoRB@aol.com

3/25/03 • Have you posted all of the pictures yet? If not, try and look for Elizabeth Montana. She is in the Navy. Thank you. • Patnotagain@aol.com

3/18/03 • Hello, Just wanted to say thank you for the online web site. I am a Poth resident and in the military. I am currently overseas and deployed and enjoy viewing your website weekly to keep up with the latest news in Wilson County. Keep up the great job and again thank you for the home town news. • SGT Fermin Rocha Jr.Name: Fermin Rocha Jr. • frochaibo@hotmail.com

3/14/03 • I am currently on assignment in Afghanistan and enjoy news from home • Michael S. • recondoc2@yahoo.com