Sgt. Israel “Ira” Garcia killed in July 13th attack in Wanat, Afghanistan

On Tuesday, July 22nd a plane carrying the casket of Israel Garcia touched down at Daugherty Field; the memorial service took place on Friday. Garcia–the eleventh soldier to return to Long Beach in such a fashion–was killed when militants attacked his outpost with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades.  Eight other soldiers died with him.

Garcia, 24, grew up in Long Beach: he was a student at Burnett Elementary and the Jackie Robinson Academy, graduated from Poly, and married his high school sweetheart (whom he had met one summer while swimming at the Belmont Plaza Pool).  Three months after the wedding he was in Italy, preparing for the first of three tours of duty.  At the time of his death his final tour was almost over, and his reunion with his wife Lesly was already planned:  Lesly was scheduled to fly to his base in Italy on the evening of the 14th, but news of his death reached her that morning.

He is survived by his wife, his parents, Victor and Maricruz Garcia, and his brother Ramsses Garcia, all of whom live in Long Beach.

Tags: Afghanistan, iraq, israel garcia, Long Beach, unremitting sadness, War