Mario Gonzalez remembered

LA PUENTE - Mario Gonzalez remembers a day when his young son was asked what he wanted to be when he graduated from high school.

The boy replied that he wanted to be a Marine.

Lance Cpl. Mario Daniel Gonzalez fulfilled that dream at age 18. More than three years later, the La Puente resident was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq.

Gonzalez died Nov. 14. He is the 21st person from the San Gabriel Valley - and the fourth from La Puente - to be killed in the Iraq War since it began in March 2003.

Danny, as everyone called him, graduated from Nueva Vista Continuation High School in 2003, and joined the Marines' "Buddy Program" with his best friend, Roberto Mu oz.

Danny Gonzalez left for boot camp a boy and returned a respectful, responsible grown man, said Mario Gonzalez, 48. Danny joined the infantry, and Roberto went a different direction.

They hung out together for a few days, said Mario Gonzalez, when they happened to get a leave at the same time in August.

During that time, Danny would tell his father how he wanted to go back with his unit, the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

He didn't want to abandon or leave them behind. He also had plans for when his service was completed in March, his father said.

Danny proposed to Dalila Ramirez, 18, his girlfriend of 10 months, before leaving in September.

They planned to marry as soon as he returned from his tour of duty. He told his family and friends in his unit how he wanted to join the police academy and become a policeman.

"When he chose the infantry division, I told him I didn't like it at all," his father said in Spanish. "But it was his decision, and he said it will give him experience, and the police force will give him more opportunities if he had experience, so he couldn't let the opportunity pass him by."

"I know they have a job to do and must follow orders, but it's war of vain. I am still proud of the way he died, he's a hero," Gonzalez said.

Patricia Arreola, 47, of Baldwin Park says her son Danny seemed to choose dangerous professions.

"He was so excited about what the \ offered him: a house, money and benefits," she said.

She says the government killed her son, by luring him to the war and letting him get killed.

"He didn't deserve to die," she said.

Gonzalez said he noticed a change in his son's tone and demeanor during his last two communications from Iraq.

"He sounded bad, and was worried after seeing how things are much different in Iraq than when he was stationed in Afghanistan He had lost a few friends there in the last few weeks."

Even though Danny was anxious to get back home, and worried after knowing the dangers in Iraq, he remained strong and proud to do his job.

"He was defending the country he loved, and was proud to be Mexican American. Parents can only give their kids their blessing and hope for their return. But it's hard to see them return in a box," Gonzalez said.

Rogelio, 17, says his older brother gave him advice and influenced him in a positive way, and was always happy.

"I miss him," he said.

He liked soccer and cheered for Mexico during the World Cup, went paintballing with his brothers and friends, loved to joke around, and always tried to make everyone around him smile.

Danny's older brother Ricardo, 24, who has Down syndrome, has not been told what has happened to Danny, for fear of his reaction.

Ricardo adored Danny, and told him "I love you" when Danny would call, Mario said.

Gonzalez said Ricardo sees the Marines coming and going from his home, and sees his family crying, but doesn't yet understand why.

Late Thursday, Mario Gonzalez saw Ricardo walk to a picture of Danny displayed in their home with flowers in front of it.

He saluted his little brother, just like a Marine.

From the Tribune

Related Link:
Mario D. Gonzalez killed in combat