Army Specialist Daniel E. Gomez

Remember Our Heroes

Army Specialist Daniel E. Gomez, 21, of Warner Robins, Ga.

Spc. Gomez was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died July 18, 2007 in Adhamiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle was attacked by enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Luis E. Gutierrez-Rosales, Spc. Zachary R. Clouser and Spc. Richard Gilmore III.

SPC. Daniel Gomez Remembered
July 29, 2007 11:36 AM EDT

Army Specialist Daniel Enrique Gomez was killed in action last week after an IED attacked his vehicle and this soldier with valley ties was honored by valley veterans Friday evening.

It was family, friends and the small community of Laguna Heights who came to pay their respects to the family Specialist Gomez. They all gathered at the grandmother's home to remember the ultimate sacrifice he made at the young age of 21.

Emotions hit a high note for the family of Specialist Gomez, this as America's Last Patrol pays their respects in the best way they know how to honor the fallen soldier.

"Today is about honoring the family and a way to give them thanks for the sacrifice their son,grandson and uncle made for this country," says Arturo Garza with America' Last Patrol.

Daniel's dad, Juan served in the Air Force and holds on tight to his oldest son's dog tags. They were left from his last trip home. He says it's part of Daniel he'll hold closest to his heart.

Juan Gomez, Daniel's dad says, "I haven't let go of them yet --- being in the military this is what you are, a GI an American soldier."

While Gomez grew up in San Antonio, and lived in Georgia, his family roots are here in the valley.

His parents grew up in Port Isabel.

"We used to come here as much as we could to visit his grandma so he grew up here with all the neighborhood," says Juan.

As the family mourns the loss of their loved one, Daniel's dad recalls the last moments he spent with him.

Conversations included how Gomez wanted to get back to his comrades as a combat medic.

Juan says, "He would go back to a lot of danger and everyday he would put his gear on and one day he got killed in action but he died a hero."

Funeral arrangements have been set for Specialist Gomez.

Visitation will be held all weekend at the Chapel of Hurley Funeral Home in Devine.

He will be buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

Army Specialist Daniel E. Gomez was killed in action on 7/18/07.