Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan R. Flores

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan R. Flores, 18, of San Antonio, Texas.

Lance Cpl Flores died when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations near Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was operating with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, which was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

"My son did not die for oil," said Delia Flores, Jonathan's mother, reacting to public criticism about the war. "He died for the people in Iraq — the men, women and children who live there. He died for us — for our freedom."

The Jay High School graduate always knew he wanted to be a Marine, his family said.
"My son believed in freedom, and he fought for it," Ruben Flores said. "He was a hero."

When he was 17, Flores was insistent about joining the Marines — what he called the best branch of the military. But, since he was not yet 18, he could not join without his parents' permission. So adamant about joining, he said he would do so with or without his parents' blessing as soon as he turned 18. So, believing the Marines would provide an opportunity for a brighter future, they signed.

"God took my son, or I should say the devil took him, and God lifted him up," he said. "I don't want San Antonio to ever forget my son." Ruben Flores said.

Marine Lance Cpl Jonathan R. Flores was killed in action 06/15/05.