TAMPA, FL, US
U.S. Army
1LT, CO B, 2ND BN, 35TH INF RGT, 3RD BCT, SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI
06/25/2011, WATAHPURDISTRICT, AFGHANISTAN
1LT Dimitri del Castillo was killed in Afghanistan. He was radioing in for support for his unit that had been attacked. Some of his men had been wounded. He refused to give up in his attempt to help his men and was shot and killed still holding the microphone in his hand.
Dimitri’s bravery, compassion and commitment to serving his country and others began long before his deployment to Afghanistan. The dangers were apparent to del Castillo even before his deployment in April to Afghanistan. 1LT del Castillo expressed his thoughts saying, ‘I’m going to put this in God’s hands. … I’m going to focus on my men.’
Mr. del Castillo explained that his son wouldn’t want people to dwell on his death instead he’d want everyone to throw their support behind the troops still fighting.
“He was very much at peace doing what he was doing. ” Dimitri always put his fellow soldiers needs first. According to Mr. del Castillo: “He (1stLT del Castillo) wanted to lead his men in combat and do his best to try to help them achieve the mission and get back home safely.”
1LT del Castillo graduated from James E. Taylor High School in Katy, TX in 2005 and the US Military Academy at West Point four years later. He distinguished himself at West Point as the fly half for the Army rugby team. 1LT del Castillo completed the Basic Officers Leadership Course, Mortar Officers Leadership Course, and Ranger School in 2010. He earned his Airborne wings at Fort Benning, GA.
1LT del Castillo loved life, was an outstanding athlete, and an avid sports fan. He had a kind heart for anyone in need. Dimitri loved God, his country, his wife and his family. He will always be remembered for his wonderful laugh and upbeat personality. “He was just fun-loving,” his dad, Carlos del Castillo added.
“Heaven was needing a Hero”