Tributes

Memorial Page Established by-Karla Alden

February 26, 2012
SPC Sasha Sherard

Oh wow...words can't explain how i felt when I found out about her passing...Castillo was my sister and
best friend not by blood but by heart...we always had fun together, stuck up for each other, we was
always there for each other. And when we left BCT and AIT we made sure we stayed in touch with each
other...I didnt hear from her for a while and a couple years later I found out why. It hurt me to my heart. I
looked at the picture she gave me in her pretty prom dress and cried and cried...But I know she us up
there smiling down on all her loved ones. Wanting everybody to be strong. She was very vibrant and full
of energy...In my heart she will always stay. And even now I look at her picture and say "Hey Sis...I
miss you but when my time come I will see you again"...I love you Lil Woman...I know you are up
there looking down on us and I am going to do my best to continue to be all I can be and hopefully travel
to Miami like what we used to talk about. xoxoxox my prayers go out to her family. I have never met any
of you before but I love you too :)

September 13, 2011
Larissa
To the family of SPC Jessica Sarandrea,
You do not know me and I do not know you or Jessica, but... Today I went to Section 60 of the Arlington
Cemetery and saw Jessica's head stone. I thought it was important to let you know that someone is
visiting her and praying for you all. I walked a lot of Section 60 today and Jessica stood out to me. I,
always, was a female Army soldier and Jessica was the first and only female soldier that I came across
during my visit. Not knowing her but seeing her head stone among a sea of men names just struck me.
Please know that she has had an impact on me that I can't explain and I will do everything I can to visit
her often.

May 18, 2011
Robert Frazier
Friends and Family of Jessica,
I was visiting a friend's final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery today and saw Jessica's
Headstone. I was struck by her youth; and it made me think of the incredible sacrifice that this young,
brave patriot made on behalf of her country. I am an Army veteran; and wish to offer my respect to her,
and my support to her family and friends. She made a positive difference, and shall always be
remembered. God Bless.
Rob't

February 15, 2011
sharon johnson
Hi to my beloved daughter-in-law this is Valentines Day and you will always be my Valentine. Love you
Jay-Lo HAPPY VALENTINES DAY SWEETIE

November 7, 2010
Sharon Johnson( MOM)
Hello again well this goes out to the Castillo family from Raylands family Jessica is a beautiful person
and we will see her again so dont be sad we shall rejoice in honor of her name  and who she is and was.
You all are in our prayers may God continue to bless this family and we love you all.

August 20, 2010
Amanda N. Sanchez Lewis
To the friends and family od Specialist Jessica Sarandrea.  Today I participated in an organization called
Run for the Fallen.  It is where we run a 5k in honor of a fallen soldier.  I was more than honored to
make that run in honor of Spc. Sarandrea.  I am a veteran myself having served 8 years in the Navy and I
am now a Navy spouse, my husband is a Submariner.  I myself lost 7 shipmates on 9/11 and appreciate
the sacrifice Spc. Sarandrea made more than you can imagine.  Although I never got the chance to meet
this beautiful young woman, reading through these posts I can see she was a remarkable person.  You
will never be forgotten Jessica, not in the hearts of those who loved you and the hearts of those who
never got the chance! God Bless You!    

July 05, 2010
Sgt Jeremiah Marsh
I just wanted to say thank you. As I was sitting, drinking a cold beer, my arm around my wife, surrounded
by my friends and family, watching my kids light fireworks, I thought of you and your family.
It's hard to believe it's been 16 months since I flew home with you. Sometimes it feels like the whole war
was just a bad dream.
I just wanted you and your family to know that you have not been forgotten, and neither has your
ultimate sacrifice upon the alter of freedom. As we were about to begin the festivities, the party was
stopped and all bowed their heads to honor you, and one of my soldiers by name, as well as to reflect on
the sacrifices of all of the brave heroes who have given everything so that my friends, my family, and I
could celebrate the freedom of our nation in peace and safety.
                         Thank you.


April 11, 2010
Janeth Wills
In Honor Of Jessica Sarandrea-Castillo
Hi Jessiquita, here we are, Gabriel , Cesar and I, talking about you , we miss you doll,
we LOVE YOU!!

March 03, 2010
Spc Christopher Hazlett
Hey Beautiful, I can't believe it's been a year. It feels like yesterday and years ago at the same time. I
miss you so much. Today I celebrate the day that our father loves you so much, that he felt it right to
bless an angel so beautiful with eternal love and salvation. I know you'll you will be there waiting for us.
I can't wait!! Till then I know you'll always be here for us. For your family and mine. I know you're always
a whisper away. I love you with all my heart sis. I think of you everyday! To all who loved Jess, I promise
she's always a whisper away. To her family, God bless you all. Especially Xiomara, Carlos and Antonio.
Thank you for raising such an angel to embrace my life. I am eternally grateful. I love you Yvette!!!     

October 17, 2009
Josue Castillo
USN CORPSMAN JOSUE A. CASTILLO
TO MY BIG SISTER
I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO START. IT'S BEEN 8 MONTHS AND IT STILL HURTS SO BAD. I WANT TO
SEE YOU AGAIN AND HUG YOU. I KNOW THAT YOUR HAPPY AND IM JUST BEING SELFISH CAUSE I WANT
YOU BACK IN THIS WORLD. IM WRITING THIS TO SPEAK TO YOU AND MABEY ONE DAY I WILL BE ABLE
TO, WHEN I SEE YOU AGAIN IN HEAVEN, AND YOU BETTER BE THE FIRST PERSON I SEE WHEN I GO UP
THERE SAYING "HEY STUPID, I MISSED YOU". ITS HARD YOU KNOW, I CAN'T DO ANYTHING IN THE
MILITARY WITHOUT THINKING OF YOU. I STILL WANT TO CONTINUE JESSICA, I STILL WANT TO BE IN
THE MILITARY, I WANT TO GO TO WAR, AND MABEY IF GOD LETS ME I WANT TO SAVE SOMEONE'S
LIFE. ITS MY JOB, AND LIKE YOU THATS WHAT I WANT TO DO. I STILL WANA BE A NAVY SEAL AND
NOW EVEN MORE THEN BEFORE. ONE DAY I WILL BE AND THEN IT'LL BE PERSONNEL I'LL BRING INFO
BACK TO BRING BAD PEOPLE DOWN AND I'LL CAPTURE THOSE WHO THREATEN PEOPLE JUST LIKE
YOU SIS. I'LL PROTECT MY COUNRTY LIKE YOU DID AND I'LL GIVE MY LIFE FOR IT IF I MUST. I KNOW
THAT YOU FOUGH!
T FOR ME SO I DON'T HAVE TO GO TO WAR, BUT IF GOD LETS ME SAVE JUST ONE THAT'S IT JUST
ONE PERSON BEFORE I DIE THEN I'VE DONE MY PURPOSE IN LIFE. I WON'T LET ANY OF THEM, THE
PEOPLE I WILL HAVE TO FIGHT, DRIVE ME PAST MY MILITARY DUTIES I WILL BE THE PERFECT SAILOR,
BUT WHEN ONE CALLS AND ATTACKS AND THREATENS MY FELLOW MARINES THAT I WORK WITH
THEY WILL REGRET THE MOMENT THEY TOOK WHATEVER OATH THEY TAKE TO DESTROY US,
BECAUSE THEN THEY WILL FEAR NOT ONE BUT 2 CASTILLO'S YOU AND ME. I WILL GET BETTER AT MY
JOB AND CONTINUE TO LEARN SO OTHERS MAY COME BACK TO THERE FAMILIES. FORGIVE ME JESSI
FOR NOT BEING THERE MABEY I COULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING I'VE GONE THOURGH MEDICAL
TRAINING EVEN OTHER CORPSMAN WILL ONLY GET TO DREAM ABOUT, YET I DID NOTHING I WASN'T
THERE. BUT I'M GOING I'M GOING TO WAR AND I'M GOING TO ACCOMPLISH THE JOB THE MILITARY,
THE NAVY, HAS SET FORTH FOR ME TO DO. I HAVE A BIG FAMILY JESSICA AND ITS FOR THEM I FIGHT.
EVEN THOUGH YOU NEVER MET DAVID HE WILL KNO!
W WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU FOUGHT FOR, BY THE WAY I HAVE ANOTHER ONE ON THE WAY,
HE'S NAME IS RAPHY, AND HE TO WILL KNOW YOU, YESSY AND I MADE THEM TOGETHER AND ARE
PROUD TO BEAR THE NAME CASTILLO AS THEY WILL, THEY WILL KNOW IT STANDS FOR HEROES LIKE
YOU AND THEY WILL STANK PROUD TO BE JUST LIKE YOU.......I'M SORRY JESSI I KNOW THIS IS A LONG
WRITING AND LITTLE HAS BEEN SAID. FORGIVE ME BIG SISTER PLEASE, I WISH I WAS THERE FOR
YOU.....

I LOVE YOU BIG GIRL AND THANK YOU FOR TEACHING ME SO MUCH.

JESSICA WE DID CRAZY THINGS WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER WE DROVE MOM AND DAD CRAZY AND
WE EVEN BROUGHT BRANDON INTO THE CRAZY FUN, I'M GLAD WE WENT THROUGH ALL THE HARD
TIMES WE HAD TO GO THROUGH CAUSE IT MADE US 3 STRONG. JESSICA I LOVE YOU AND I WILL
NEVER FORGET YOU. I CAN NEVER TAKE YOUR SPOT AS THE OLDEST CHILD IN THE FAMILY SO I'VE
DECICDED THAT I WON'T. WHEN PEOPLE ASK YOU ARE STILL THE OLDEST YOU WILL STILL LIVE ON
AND WHEN BRANDON ASK'S ME WHAT TO DO I'LL THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU WOULD DO AND ANSWER
HIM THAT WAY. DON'T EVER FORGET ME CAUSE WE WONT OK.

JESSICA Y. CASTILLO THE BEST SISTER AND THE BEST TEACHER ANYONE COULD EVER HAVE THANK
YOU LORD FOR LETTING ME HAVE HER AS A SISTER BEFORE YOU DECICED IT WAS TIME TO BRING
HER BACK TO YOUR ARMS. I LOVE YOU JESSICA AND EVEN THOUGH I MOURN ITS YOU THAT PUSHES
ME FORWARD IN ALL I DO. THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE AND NOW ITS MY TURN....I'LL MAKE YOU
PROUD!!!!!!!

Sept 21, 2009
Spc Bonnie Nieves-Granados
Wow!!! When i first heard about the news, i thought they were talking about another girl, but i just
couldn't believe it. Jessica and I were really good friends. I guess what made us be so close is that we
come from the same hometown Miami, Fl. Her family are great people and hoping they are just taking
one day at a time. My regards are to them and to Jessica Sarandrea-Castillo we will miss you and hope
you are in a better place now. Thank you for your  courage and fighting for our country. You will be
remembered.
Rest in Peace.......................

Sept 15 2009
SPC Laura Alvarado
Although I met you back in high school, and had no idea that you had joined the Army just like I did...
you're my battle, and you will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service, and we will continue to
accomplish the mission. I wish that I would've had the pleasure to serve with you sometime. Please
watch over all of us, and keep us safe. Once a Soldier, always a Soldier! Rest in peace battle.

July 14, 2009
SPC Syra Haskins
In Honor Of SPC Jessica Sarandrea
SPC Sarandrea, we worked together and although we didn't hang out all the time, when we talked its
like we knew each other for years. Your passing really messed me up. I just couldn't believe how real it
was. I could just picture you coming around the corner with your beautiful smile that lit the room. I had
a dream, a dream that gave me a feeling of relief...I was in my CHU on Marez when I had a dream that you
and I were outside of the company with our ACU top and PC off, like we just got done working outside.
Although my dream had no sound, we were laughing our heads off. It makes me smile just to remember
the dream. But when I woke from this dream I had a big smile on my face and relief in my heart that you
are with GOD and that you are happy. I want to tell your family how great of a person you were and how
lucky I was to have known you and be a part of my life. Jessica Y. Sarandrea you will always be in my
heart. I will see you again buddy...don't you worry!


June 24, 2009
Sally Ciereszko
In Honor Of Jessica Sarandrea
I never knew you, but visited your final resting place today.  I was inspired to learn about you, and  
wanted to find a way to thank you for what you have sacrificed for me and for my family.  Words could
never be enough.,,,,I am eternally grateful to you and deeply saddened for your family,  for their loss.

Memorial Day 2009
SPC Mayra A. Arias
PFC Sarandrea,
I met you when you first arrived in Mosul. I think I saw you in my office almost everyday for like a month
straight. You were always cheerful and I quickly took notice of how well you did your job of taking care
of soldiers.
I experienced my first ramp ceremony the night I arrived in Mosul. It was like a slap in the face...a reality
check that I was indeed at war. But it didn't affect me the way your passing did. I didn't know the soldier
of that ramp ceremony, and although I didn't know you personally, I still knew you and had interacted
with you.
I've thought about you and your family almost everyday since you went away. Today is Memorial Day and
I just wanted to let you know that you touched my life in a such a way, it's hard to put into words. You
won't be forgotten, this I can assure you. I wear your bracelet in your honor proudly. Thank you for your
service.
V/R,
SPC Mayra A. Arias
TF 146 TXARNG

April 3, 2009
SGT Jeremiah Marsh
Jessica,
I never had the pleasure of knowing you in life, but I had the honor of traveling with you on the first leg
of your journey home. I was getting ready to go on leave when the mortars fell. I thought little of it, as
this was a common part of both of our lives. A short time later while waiting at the air field, it was
announced that soldier had fallen in the attack, and would be flying with us. I saluted your flag draped
coffin as I entered the plane, and sat next to you praying for you and your family throughout the flight.
We made a special stop for you in Kuwait, as you had a special flight from there. One of the greatest
honors of my life was having the privilege of taking part in the ramp ceremony as you were unloaded
from our plane.
Although we never spoke, I will never forget you or your family.
To your family I along with a greatful nation extend my eternal gratitude and offer the words of Abraham
Lincoln.
"I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the
cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a
sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. Yours very sincerely and respectfully, Abraham Lincoln."

March 27, 2009
mouse
Wuts up girl? miss u... alot. sorry u had to go so soon, but im not sorry ur with God now, im happy for u.
Dnt worry i'll b there with u 1 day. I wont cry because i refuse 2 celebrate ur passing. in stead, i rejoice
in celebration and in memory of ur life. dnt b a stranger come by anytime u want. u will always b in my
prayers now and forever. i love u. R.I.P baby....from ur fiend "MOUSE" JJM

March 25, 2009
1SG Donald Crawford
Pfc. Jessica Y. Sarandrea
I never knew you, but as a fellow Soldier you are in my heart, im on the Base where, God came to call
you home from, i was there that night he sent his angels for you, for me its hard losing anyone even if i
dont know them, we might have passed each other on the FOB and exchanged greetings in passing, i
just want you to know you are in my thoughts, my you have ever lasting peace, GOD BLESS YOU AND
YOUR FAMILY.

March 18, 2009
Spc Dingle
I met her the night we few into Marez. Even though we all had a long day, she was still high in spirits.
Ever since she worked in the company supply room, I saw her all the time. Once supply moved into the
same building I work in, I saw her every day. She would always shock me with a random hug, complain
when I didn't get her to smoke (so I would go with her just to talk), and ask if I wanted to go eat dinner
with others when we got off. She is definately a friendly face that is missed around the company. I wrote
this poem for her:

I miss you already,
It seems like this is just a dream.
Nobody was ready,
Why did you have to leave.
You had a big heart,
You were my smoking buddy.
Even though you were feisty and short,
You were always so cuddley.
I can still see your face,
I still hear your voice.
We know you are in a better place,
For that, we can rejoice.
You were always fun to be around,
and always there to talk to.
From teaching me how to salsa and get down,
To the missions to the dfac we had to walk to.
We have lost a sister,
Your husband, a great wife.
You always took a cute picture,
And had good goals in life.
It wasn't your time to go,
There was still plenty of time.
To have kids and watch them grow,
To the day their wedding bells chime.
You will be remembered,
You will never be forgotten.
Our memories will never be surrendered,
In my heart, you will hold a spot in.
Things were going smooth,
This deployment was going steady.
You are a person that is sad to lose,
I miss you already.

Sgt Nelson
In Honor Of Jessica Sarandrea
Sarandrea I still can't beleive your gone.  You came to us and like a lot of people I wasn't sure how to
deal with you, but you took control of the situation and became a friend to everyone around us.  You will
allways hold a special place in my heart.  I will never forget all the little things you did to make me did
she just do that.

CPT Joseph B. Mason
In Honor Of  SPC Jessica Y Sarandrea
To all that knew SPC Sarandrea, we all share in the loss of this Soldier.  She was here only a short time
and inspired such strong feelings in all that knew her.  She will be missed by all Spartans.  Go with God
Jessica.

Joseph B. Mason
CPT, AR
Commanding

hi i'm amber and i'm jessica's cousin
jessica was a very strong person,you fall she'll pick you right back up.the first time i meet my cousin was
when i was six in miami we just walking i don't rember a whole lot but i rembered the name jessica.then
when i was eleven i meet her at her house,she was very loving Jessica  and josh came out very caring,
and loving jessica was a bundle of joy these  people who did his to her didn't even know her they don't
care they'll just blast away thier bombs they don't care about all the lifes they'll ruin.also jessica loved
to joke around.jessica's real last name is castillo,a castillo who made history.she'll be known for having
a great personality.josh and jessica's dad carlos castillo knew she would fight for you and that's exactly
what she did she fought fights for josh and she goes to the army to tell us I fight for you so you don't
have to.even though i didn't know her too well i love her because she died for her country.she only got
4 awards,that's what they give her for her life i guess.
thank you,
amber  

March 17, 2009
Jessica Roland

Castillo, when I heard the news I could believe what had happened. On our first deployement we were
rooommates and became good friends. You were always there when I came off a mission to see how I
was doing. We had such great time over there given the situation we were in. I can't believe that you
are gone but you are in a much better place.  I pray for your family in their time of grief. You were a
wonderful person and will never be forgotten. You will truly be missed.

SSG Richard Taylor
Missing You
Missing you on this sunny day
Praying that this pain will go away
It hurts so deep, I cannot sleep
Missing you, I shall now weep
Just knowing you are in a special place
Gives me hope, I cannot pace
Missing you, I miss your smile
Forgetting you, will take a while
I know your gone, but not alone
Missing you I must atone
The time we had, I hold so dear
Missing you, I shed many tears

This is a poem I wrote for PFC Jessica Y Sarandrea after she had passed. I will always miss my soldier.
She was just so full of joy and life, I always called her "Saying Hey "CRAZY", cause you never knew what
she was going to do next, I remember coming into the office asking my other soldier where is "CRAZY"
and she would be hiding under the desk to say "Surprise", I mean I still can't beleive she is gone. She
will be greatly missed , I couldn't finish the poem cause she was like a little sister to me, and I protected
her like a big brother. I'm greatly sorry for the lost, but Jessica will never be forgotten, she will always
have a place in my heart.

March 16, 2009
SSG Damascus Chambers
PFC Sarandres or "Lil Bit" as I called worked with me her whole last deployment in kuwait in 2006 until
2007. She was my supply clerk and had me eager to come to work everyday. Her attitude was one of the
most amazing that you could ever meet. She could come in and smile and turn a bad day into one of the
best you could ever experience. Her and my other clerk SGT Perkins became like my daughters. The
news about lil bit has had a great impact on my life. She will be truly missed. I have yet to meet another
Soldier like Castillo. I know that she will still shine down on us as the angel that she is.

March 14, 2009
Karla Alden Castillo
Jessica you now know how much your dad (my brother) really love you, sadly you guys were getting
closer and he got to spend sometime with you before you left, that is a small comfort to him now, I wish
you took his offer to move in with him and not go to Irak maybe you still be here with us. Please send
him the strenght that he needs to make it thru one more day I worry about him alot because I know and I
seen the love and sorrow he had for you guys thru the years the sadness he had of not seeing you guys.
It wasn't supposed to be like this when I remember you I remember you when you were a baby and aunt
nightmare is seeing a niece go before her. We will always miss you and love you. karla

March 14, 2009
SSG Julie Lopez
Castillo, you were not only a really good friend of mine, you were like my daughter with you only being 6
months older than my own son. You slept in the bunk close to mine and when I came off a mission, on
our last deployment, you were always there to ask me if I was ok and say that you were glad I was back,
and it was always nice to see your smiling face. You had a very very kind heart, my younger 2 children
loved hanging out with you and playing with you. I am praying for your family, may God bless them and
you. You were raised a beautiful child with a big heart. The world lost a great person but God wanted
you home. I MISS YOU SO MUCH!! Rest in Peace  
Julie Lopez

Regina Vick
Yvette, aka "Lil Girl".  You will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts.  We were blessed to
have you in our lives and thankful for the times we shared.  You are our hero!  Love and miss you!
Regina Vick (Robyn's mom)

March 12, 2009
gigi
In Honor Of Our dear, sweet loving Jessi
God carried you away.
Jessi, we know you hear us,
We think of you every day.

Oh, you were so special,
A wondrous, loving daughter and friend
Truly a great sister, too,
And for everyone, such a good friend.

We think of all you loved
In your little bit of time.
Nature, wild life was your dream,
And of it you richly mined.

short and thin and girly,
Truly a vision strong.
At 22 you were still so young
And you never did anyone wrong.

How the boys had an eye for you,
And how you’d eye them back,
You didn't sit on the sidelines, jess,
Activity - you'd never lack.


we love and we always have you in our hearts!....

your friend GG.

March 10, 2009
SFC Rod Brewer (R)
Private First Class Jessica Sarandrea.  
Jessica, Remember, That You Will Not Be Forgotten.
Christmas in Arlington
Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace and farewell.
SFC Rod, Standing in Honor and Respect
     
March 09, 2009
Jennifer Larson
Jessica, I did not have the honor of knowing you, but would like to thank you for defending the ground I
walk on. Your family is missing you tremendously, but I hope that they know that it is soldiers like you
that we should honor everyday and thank for our freedom! You are a hero! May you rest in peace with
all of the other angels that surround you.
Jennifer Larson - Co-worker of Jason Alden

March 09, 2009
Loretta Boyd
In honor of Jessica, I would like for the family to know you are in my prayers. I am the Grandmother of
Rayland West. Always remember to look to the hills from which cometh your help. You help comes from
the Lord.
Loretta Boyd   Bakersfield, Ca.

March 08, 2009
Sharon Johnson
In Honor Of Jessica Castillo-Sarandrea
Hey baby, you are my most precious JEWEL of life and i will never forget you. You brought the light into
my life when i met you and you are so precious to me and my family. I smile everyday at your picture,
yeah it is in the same place right where you put when we first moved into the house. I will always love
you forever J-lO.Im just so proud of you. You will never be forgotten but always remembered and loved.
LOVE MOM
I LOVE YOU GIRL

March 08, 2009
SHARON JOHNSON
HEY GIRL I LOVE YOU AND YOU WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED YOU ARE A PERFECT JEWEL THAT SHINES
BRIGHTER THAN A DIAMOND. YOURE ONE OF GOD'S LOVING ANGELS THAT WAS PUT ON EARTH TO
SPREAD YOUR LOVE TO THE WORLD THAT'S WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO MY FAMILY WE LOVE YOU J-LO
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED NOT FORGOTTEN AND TREMENDOUSY LOVED FOREVER.
LOVE MOM
 

                     March 08, 2009                         
Teresha Oliver
Pfc. Jessica Y. Sarandrea
United States Army
KIA 03 March 2009, Iraq
Sign Guestbook
Pfc. Jessica Y. Sarandrea 22, of Miami, Fla., died March 3 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered when
enemy forces attacked her forward operating base with mortar fire. She was assigned to the 3rd
Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood,
Texas.