Hundreds Show Up For Funeral Of Coalinga Marine Killed In Iraq

08/09/2007 (KFSN) -- The dream of becoming a Marine ended tragically for 20 year old Christian Vasquez. Thursday hundreds of friends and family members in his hometown paid their respects to the latest valley native to die in Iraq.

Lance Corporal Christian Vasquez died in Iraq last week. Vasquez is the 23rd person from the central valley to die in Iraq. But to the hundreds that showed up at his funeral the 20 year old marine was a Coalinga son who left an indelible mark.

Adriana Arias, family friend, says "He had a lot of great friends and we grew up in Coalinga. I'm grateful that everybody is showing up and showing their support." Nora Osuna, former babysitter, says "He wanted to better his mom's life, get her out of working in the fields. He wanted to become a doctor."

Vazquez was killed August 2 in Iraq's Anbar Province. Relatives say Vasquez was committed to serving his country.

The priest noted the turnout to say goodbye to Vasquez was the largest ever at St. Paul the Apostle Church.

Valley Congressman Jim Costa paid his respects and said Vasquez is the 13th service member from his district to die. "It weighs on me heavily all the time. It underlines why these men and women shouldn't die in vain," says Costa.

As loved ones released dozens of white balloons into the heavens a group of Vietnam Veterans stood close by with the symbol of freedom they fought to protect. Larry Kirchert, Vietnam Veteran, says "They deserve honor. The Vietnam vets when they came back they got nothing, we're here to honor these troops because they've given their life for you and I."

Hundreds of additional people showed up at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. The funeral was very emotional.

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