Camp Pendleton Marine Cpl. Roberto Cazarez was killed in combat March 30th in the dangerous Helmand province of Afghanstan, according to the Department of Defense.
Cazarez, 24, was assigned to Camp Pendleton's 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.
Cazarez grew up in Harbor City, California. The Orange County Register reports he joined the Marines in July of 2006. Cazarez was on his first deployment to Afghanistan when he lost his life.
According to the OC Register, his military decorations were many, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
Loved ones and strangers alike left words of condolence on the Marine Family Network website, including this message from "marinemom":
My husband and I are so very sorry for your loss. Our son is in Cpl. Cazarez's unit and I know he and the others are grieving for the loss of their brother who was/is a hero. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I only hope you know you are not alone. Those of us who never met you are thinking of you, praying for you and here for you.