Name: Army Cpl. Joseph A. Blanco Age: 25 From: Bloomington, Calif. Assigned to the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas Incident: Army Cpl. Joseph A. Blanco died April 11 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle and he subsequently came under small arms fire during combat operations in Taji, Iraq. Also killed were: Pfc. James F. Costello III and Pfc. George R. Roehl Jr. Died:
April
11, 2006 Bloomington soldier was a proud uncle
BLOOMINGTON, Calif. Army Sgt. Joseph A. Blanco was a doting uncle on his last visit home, a Thanksgiving holiday family reunion held just before his return to Iraq.
Blanco, 25, died of injuries received in Taji, Iraq, on April 11 with two other soldiers when an explosive device detonated near their Bradley Fighting Vehicle and they came under small arms fire.
Blanco, Spc. James F. Costello III, 27, of St. Louis, Mo., and Pfc. George R. Roehl Jr., 21, of Manchester, N.H., were killed. All three were assigned to the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.
When we first found out, we all took it so hard. I couldnt believe it, sister...
Prayers & Condolences For: Joseph A. Blanco BY Anonymous on Nov 02, 2006
Dear Blanco family, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write to you, we are all now family by default! Jamie was in that Bradley with Joseph and I feel they were very good friends. When we received his "belongings" he mentioned Joe in his diary. As well as Paau and Roehl. I'm hoping you are finding comfort in the fact that Joseph was as much behind the cause as our Jamie was! I pray constantly for our boys and I'm sure they have a "heck of an army" in heaven. God Speed! Jim and Marie Costello
Prayers & Condolences For: Joseph A. Blanco BY Anonymous on Oct 27, 2006
To the Blanco Family:
Please think of this when the pain of loss becomes too much to bear. -------------------- ---------------- I Did Not Die
Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the gentle Autumns rain.
When you awaken in the mornings hush. I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there; I did not die.
Prayers & Condolences For: Joseph A. Blanco BY DONNYDO on May 15, 2006
O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on Your departed veteran, Joseph, who gave his life in the service of his country. Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of Your Son he may share in the joy of Your heavenly kingdom and rejoice in You with Your saints forever.