 SSG Carlos A. Benitez
Fallen Hero Soldier's Memorial Tribute
On Oct. 14, 2010 three soldiers were killed after being attacked by insurgents in Afghanistan. With a wife and two children living in Colorado and a mother with two siblings living in Dallas, the arrangements for Bronze Star Medalist SSG Carlos Benitez's return were chaotic. However, with the assistance of several members of the Patriot Guard Riders, we were able to compile a memorial tribute for this brave warrior's family.
This video captures the highlights of his journey from the DFW International Airport to the funeral home arrival, church funeral services and the Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery for a military funeral. Video is no longer available.
Information and video by Jerry Castillo / USFallen.org
The funeral service of SSG Benitez was by all accounts the largest crowd (estimated 1500 people) ever to participate in a funeral service according to the cemetery superintendent.
The music at the end of the video is a classic Spanish song played at funerals titled Te Vas Angel Mio, (You go my angel), which was selected especially for SSG Benitez's mother. SSG Carlos Benitez Combat and Service Medals He received a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campain Medal with Bronze Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, 3 Overseas Service Ribbons, NATO Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Combat Action Badge, Combat and Special Skill Badge, Basic Markmanship Qual Badge as Expert, and 4 Overseas Service Bars. Comment on SSG Carlos Benitez Bronze Star Recipients | Other Heroes | 
