Lance Corporal Heriberto R. Sanchez II. UPDATE INCLUDED - 8/15/2008 Maria, to the far right, is Teresa, and Tito's (Heriberto) mom. The actual whole drawing would not fit on my scanner. This was a picture taken of them when Tito's Mother, and sister flew out to Camp Pendleton in California to support him, and take part in the ceremony that the Marines have when their servicemen and servicewomen graduate basic training. Heritiberto, called Tito, for short; was 20 years old, and two months after this photo, been married to a beautiful young woman from his hometown in St. Louis MO., who had joined the Navy. Tito, months after basic training, graduated from motorcycle training. His wife, also 20 years old, was newly stationed in California, too. Yes, until one of them was assigned to another place, they were about to settle in their new life together, finally. Tito decided to buy a high powered Yamaha motorcycle. Maria, and I both talked about how much we wished he would not get one. I guess he thought he could handle it, just fine because he had just graduated motorcycle training in the Marines. About two blocks from their new home, Tito lost control of his cycle, he hit the median on the highway, his helmet cracked open, and he was thrown many feet away into a wooded area. He was killed instantly from a head injury, and a broken neck. Where I work, he had been a student, and so had his mom. Both had also been work-study students, but Tito quit to join the Marines. The news of his death was horrifying, and we all looked at each othe in disbelief. Such a sweet, and handsome young man, lost to us all, but especially, of course to his widow, his mom, and sister. His father, divorced from his mom, and his father's family were heartbroken too. Tito had tried to call his dad 7 times before he went on this ride, but got no answer. If he had answered, perhaps he could have spoken to Tito one last time, or perhaps it might have saved him. There's no telling. Tito left his mom, sister, and wife with some life support, but I know they would rather have him alive instead. Tito played guitar and sang in a band. He was in his high school band, and had some starring roles in high school play productions. He was laid to rest in Jefferson Barracks Cemetery, where is high school band attended and played, many friends, and relatives were there. The awesome seven gun salute, and taps were played, then everyone was invited to a huge celebration of his life party. His sister had gathered together old films and pictures to make a video of Tito's life. Maria said he would not have wanted people to be sad. I couldn't help it, so I did not go to the party. This was a commission by his mom in remembrance of their closely knit family. Recently, a member of Tito's paternal side of his family contacted me through this site. He wanted to tell something of that part of the family I had not been able to fill in. I think it's only fair that I do, and I think Tito would want me too. Below, is some of what Major Senandoah Sanchez wrote: UPDATE BELOW I being the youngest, Tito became the little brother I never had long before he was ever my nephew. Those bonds were never severed despite distance or circumstances. He was very close to his Dad and to the rest of the family, but he and I continued to keep in touch. I'll never forget the call and his excitement in telling me he wanted to follow His Dad's and my footsteps into the Marine Corps. I have been serving for almost 20 years and continue to this day. Words can't describe how proud his Dad and I were of his decision and to describe the emotions when he completed boot camp and earned the right to bear the title of Marine is indescribable......... "It was a life very well lived...an unfinished symphony some might say, but a symphony nonetheless. I spoke with him a few days before the accident. He called me at my command from California with a tight Marinelike greeting "Good Morning Major Sanchez, Sir, this is Lance Corporal Sanchez." Such was the caliber of young Man he was. He was Sir'ing me all over the place, Ironically I finally had to say Tito, knock it off...that's an order. It was a good talk and I count my blessings for the Lord allowing that last call to happen. Marine or not, I never failed to tell him that I loved him after every conversation, and it was no different that last time in October of 2007. Thanks again for a beautiful drawing and for bearing with me. I just wanted to reveal a little more insight into the beautiful story that was Tito's life." Major Sanchez, you are so welcome.