Posted on 11/25/2010 2:13:48 PM PST by nickcarraway
For families that lost loved ones, holidays bring pain, but also honor
This Thanksgiving, Xiomare Mansilla and husband Martin will be with their daughter Jessica. Their spirits united in a world no parents should ever know.
Jessica, an army soldier, was killed in Mosul, Iraq when a mortar round came in to her base camp.
"People like my daughter saw a need for this country and they filled it," said Martin Mansilla. "She was the center of our lives." For the families that lost loved ones, the holidays are a time that brings pain, but also honor. "Those that lost loved ones, it's hard to explain but we find hope and a way to continue," said Martin. "That's what I want to do is reach out to other families, go give them a hug and let them know that we are with them," said Xiomara. Manny Ferrero remebers his brother Marius' last Thanksgiving before returning to Iraq. The brothers just three years apart. Marius lost his life north of Baghdad when an explosion went off. He had only been in the Army six months. His mother and grandmother at first didn't want to have Thanksgiving this year, but Manny started a foundation to honor his brother.
"We'll allocate resources around Miami," said Manny Ferrero.
The foundation made in honor of Marius, Mario's Soldiers, will be giving away items at the VA hospital and Ronald McDonald house.
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