Army Sgt. Myla L. Maravillosa

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Myla L. Maravillosa, 24, of Wahiawa, Hawaii

Sgt Maravillosa was assigned to the 203rd Military Intelligence Battalion, Army Reserve, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.; died Dec. 24 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of injuries sustained earlier that day when her Humvee was attacked by enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades in Hawijah, Iraq.

KHNL-8 - Family and friends today mourned the death of Army Sgt. Myla Maravillosa.

Sergeant Myla Maravillosa was killed in Iraq when humvee was hit by an enemy grenade on Christmas Eve.

Her mother, Estelita Maravillosa from Wahiawa, said she supported her daughter's decision to join the Army reserve.

But said it was the worst thing that could happen during the holidays, a visit from two army officers. "Christmas eve... what happened... it's very terrible.

The 23 year old was assigned to the Army Reserve's 203rd Intelligence Battalion. Her specialty was interrogations. Myla joined the reserve to help pay for college and to serve her country.

Estelita says it's a country paying a high price in this war.

"My daughter is the victim. I hope President Bush will remember that one, will realize how many American soldiers are being killed.

"What I wanted is my daughter will be buried with dignity and honor. That's all I wanted, that all my request will be granted, because that is my last farewell to her. That's all."

Myla had only been in Iraq since late November.

Estaellita brought her to Hawaii for a funeral service, then will take her to the Phillipines to be buried.

Estelita also plans to start a foundation there in her daughter's name to help feed needy children.

Army Sgt. Myla L. Maravillosa was killed in action on 12/24/05.