SSG Carlos A. Benitez (KIA) – Memorial Tribute Oct. 2010

October 26, 2010 · By Jerry Castillo

SSG Carlos A. Benitez

SSG Carlos A. Benitez

On Oct. 14, 2010 3 soldiers were killed after being attacked by insurgents in Afghanistan including SSG Carlos Benitez. With a wife and two children living in Colorado and a mother with two siblings living in Dallas, the arrangements for 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.

Last March we filmed the funeral of a Vietnam Veteran MIA Air Force pilot who rendered honors by an Air Force Honor Guard. The same unit was present and trained the Army honor guard pallbearers the beautiful Hang-step march (aka slow march).

The funeral service of SSG Benitez was by all accounts the largest crowd ever to participate in a funeral service according to the cemetery superintendent. We estimated the crowd at 1500 people. The fact the funeral was being held on a Saturday may have contributed to the turn out, but ominous clouds kept everyone nervous. It sprinkled for just a few minutes twice and waited until after the ceremonies to let out a down pour and a couple of tornadoes nearby.

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.

9 Responses

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    October 26th, 2010 at 12:45 AM

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    October 26th, 2010 at 2:35 AM

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  3. SFC Kevin J. Brew

    November 4th, 2010 at 12:00 PM

    3

    I would personally like to thank the staff at USFallen.org for the Memorial Tribute that they placed on their website. This remarkable video will be cherished by the family members and friends forever. I would also like to thank the Patriot Riders, Chapel of Roses Funeral Home, Irving Police and Fire Department for the tremendous support they provided to all of us during this difficult time. Special thanks to Larry “RevCT” Key for his udying support, dedication, and professionalism. You are a true American Hero!

    SFC Kevin J. Brew
    Casualty Assistance Officer
    Fort Carson, Colorado

  4. SFC Jason Vigier

    November 6th, 2010 at 12:41 PM

    4

    A wonderful memorial video. Job well done on putting together, and thank you greatly USFallen.Org for posting. I too would like to express my deepest thanks, gratitude, and respect to the hard working individuals that makeup the Patriot Riders. Your contribution to SSG Benetiz’s Honors will never be forgotten. It was a beautiful and humbling thing to see how the city of Dallas/irving came out to honor one of it’s fallen.

    Thank you to the Police/Fire Dept., Chapel of Roses, DFW National Cemetary staff. A special thanks to those who stood with salutes or hands on hearts or just simply stood. Although you didn’t know him, you honored and respect him nontheless…Thank you.

    SFC Jason Vigier
    Casualty assistance Officer
    Fort Hood, Texas

  5. music0515

    November 8th, 2010 at 9:54 PM

    5

    How nice and he deserves it. RIP

  6. neige

    November 9th, 2010 at 2:01 AM

    6

    Thank you Carlos and all who serve our great country.

  7. cash

    November 9th, 2010 at 12:38 PM

    7

    RIP

  8. Freddy Smelser

    November 24th, 2010 at 7:56 PM

    8

    Very nice tribute. Thank You

  9. Orphelan

    November 25th, 2010 at 4:29 AM

    9

    RIP young warrior.


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