EL MONTE, CA, USA U.S. Marines CPL, DET A, HQSVCCO, 1ST BN, 2D MAR, 2D MEB, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC AN NASIRIYAH, IRAQ 03/23/2003
Although Corporal Jorge Gonzalez never made it to the ranks of the Los Angeles Police Department, he was honored Saturday along with the 100 members of the LAPD serving in the military. Police Chief William Bratton presented Gonzalez’s parents, Rosa and Mario Gonzalez of El Monte, with a plaque in appreciation of their son’s service to the country.
“Today we honor him by honoring his family and the dream that he had, to be one of us,” Bratton said.
Gonzalez, who had been assigned to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., was killed March 23 near Nasiriyah, Iraq, during the early days of fighting.
The 20-year-old Marine is survived by his wife, Jazty, as well as his infant son, Alonso Manuel, whom he never had the chance to meet.
Gonzalez had told family members that he planned to move back to El Monte after he finished his military service next year and enroll in the police academy.
From Jorge’s mother Rosa:
I know that he’s probably with my father in heaven. But as a mother, I’m egotistical. Because I don’t want to let him go, because I miss him. I’m going to miss his hugs. His laugh. Those nights we were all together. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holy Week. They won’t ever feel the same. He was a sweet boy — affectionate and respectful.
From Jorge’s wife Jasty:
My husband was a very good hearted individual, always placing another person’s feelings before his own. He was also well liked by his fellow Marines in Charlie Company. His sense of humor and awesome personality is what I found so attractive. He loves his family, and while we were in North Carolina, wrote and called them frequently. He was not able to see our son before he died, because he passed 20 days after Alonso was born. His aspiration, after his service in the Marine Corps, was to become an L.A.P.D. officer. He was the strength in our little family, as well as in his family (his parents and siblings). He may have looked like a mean giant, but he was actually a very lovable teddy bear. He had written a letter to his mother, which she holds dear, that explained how he prayed that God would forgive him for what he was about to do. This was as he stepped off the ship on the coast of Iraq.
I know that God had answered his prayers by taking him to Heaven, instead of allowing him to struggle through guilt of what had gone on during war. I miss him, though, very much. But I know that my husband is smiling proud, for it was his dream since high school, to serve in the United States military. And I am filled with such happiness when I hear and see people like you and Mr. Reagan giving their all to remember those who have passed on.
Many thanks to you both and once again, May God be with you and bless you for your kindness.
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