Cambridge Who’s Who Remembers Sergeant Israel Garcia
Cambridge Who’s Who honors member Sergeant Israel Garcia, 24, of Long Beach, California, who gave his life for this country while fighting during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. Garcia was born on January 19, 1984 in Nayarit, Mexico and moved to Long Beach, CA with his parents when he was two years old. He attended Lafayette Elementary and Jackie Robinson Academy and graduated from Long Beach Poly High School before joining the United States Army in October of 2002.
In 2003, Garcia participated in Airborne Wing Training at Fort Benning, GA. He continued his training at Fort Bragg, NC from 2003 to 2006 where he took part in 1st Battalion Parachute Training, 504th Parachute. On March 11, 2006, Garcia married his high school sweetheart, Lesly. They lived in Vicenza, Italy, where Garcia was stationed in the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Chosen Company.
On July 13, 2008, Garcia died when enemy forces in Wanat, Afghanistan attacked Observation Post Topside with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. Following a failed first rush, Garcia and three other soldiers headed to the observation post under fire to provide reinforcement and first aid to their injured comrades. At the end of the battle, nine soldiers had died, including Garcia, and 27 were wounded.
“Sergeant Israel Garcia was a true patriot who sacrificed his life to protect the values and ideals that are held dear in this country. He fought with pride and courage and Californians and will never forget his service,” said California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Family members reminisce about Garcia’s desire to be remembered as a hero, his love for soccer and his enjoyment of horseback riding.
Garcia is survived by his wife Lesly Garcia, parents Victor and Mari Cruz Garcia and brother Ramsses. His funeral mass was held on July 25, 2008 at Holy Family Church, Wilmington, CA and burial at All Souls Cemetery, Long Beach, CA. Garcia was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart for his bravery, dedication and service. He was inducted into the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry in September 2008. For more information about Sergeant Israel Garcia please visit http://www.sgtisraelgarcia.com/.
In addition to Garcia, Cambridge Who’s Who would also like to remember the eight other soldiers who were killed in the Battle of Wanat, Afghanistan.
1st Lieutenant Jonathan P. Brostrom, 24, HI
Specialist Jonathan R. Ayers, 24, Snellville, GA
Specialist Jason M. Bogar, 25, Seattle, WA
Specialist Jason D. Hovater, 24, Clinton, TN
Specialist Matthew B. Phillips, 27, Jasper, GA
Specialist Pruitt A. Rainey, 22, Haw River, NC
Specialist Gunnar W. Zwilling, 20, Florissant, MO
Specialist Sergio S. Abad, 21, Morganfield, KY
