Right-Wing & Right Minded

WEDNESDAY HEROArmy Specialist Peter Navarro
20 years old from Wildwood, Missiouri
2nd Battalion, 70th Armor, 3rd Brigade Combat Team
December 13, 2005

A Ballwin family, still grieving over the loss of one son, is coming to grips with the death of another, killed Tuesday in Iraq.
Army Specialist Peter Navarro was 20 years old, and only one month away from coming home.

Navarro's father, Jose, says, "In our last conversation he told us, 'Don't send any mail because on December 20th, we won't be getting anymore mail for our unit.' They were getting ready to head back."

Then on Tuesday, his parents received the terrible news.

Their son was part of a mission to secure an area for Iraq's historic parliamentary elections. "An explosive device detonated, killing everybody in the Humvee," says Navarro.

Navarro and three members of his unit were killed.

"He died because he was trying to make a difference, and being a soldier was what was making a difference in this time of life," says his father.

Jose Navarro spent 23 years as a Navy medic.

Following in his father's footsteps, Peter joined the Army right after graduation from Lafayette High School in 2003, forgoing his acceptance at Truman State.

And just six months ago, the Navarros suffered another tragedy. Their middle son, Daniel, died in an accident.

On a visit home, Peter, concerned for his unit's safety, decided not to take an extended leave. He told his mother, Rowena, "'They're already one man short back there and he didn't want that. Somebody's taking my place and that's not fair.' He said, 'They'd do the same thing for me.'"

The Navarros, still grieving for one son, must now bury their oldest child.
"He touched so many hearts. When you become a friend with Peter you have a friend for life."
These brave men and women have given their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

Also, if you have a loved who has served or is currently serving in the armed forces, and would like for me to profile them as a Wednesday Hero, I would be proud to. Just email me with some info and a photo.

Crossposted @ Hooah Wife
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