SSGT Omar Aceves, 30, KIA, returns home on Thursday, at DFW

January 19, 2011 · By Jerry Castillo

UPDATE: Jan. 20, 2011 DFW, a charted flight from Dover, DE, landed at approximately 10:15 with the remains of SSGT. Omar Aceves. The winds were brisk and temperature was in the low 30′s and falling. The light rain and fog just added to the miserable weather.

The plane taxied to the Corp. Aviation terminal and parked in front of a line of 1/2 dozen media videographers including myself. Also a delegation of Patriot Guard Riders of North Texas, a USAF Honor Guard, Ft. Hood Army 1st Cavalry Pall Bearers. Leticia his wife was escorted by SSGT Hawkins, an Army Casualty Assistance Officer, assigned to oversee SSGT. Aceves’ return home. His wife also asked her pastor and his wife to join her for morale support.

As the plane crew lowered the flagged draped casket to the tarmac, the Pall Bearers approached the plane and rendered honors. The casket was then slowly transferred to an awaiting hearse. His wife stood silently as she watched the dignified transfer of her husband returning home from war.

Below is a news video with an interview of SSGT Omar Aceves’ wife.

SSGT Omar Aceves

SSGT Omar Aceves

SSGT Omar Aceves, 30, KIA, Jan. 12, 2011 is returning home to N. Texas’ DFW Airport on Thursday morning.

USFallen.org has been asked to document this hero’s homecoming, funeral and interment services on Friday at DFW National Cemetery. We are humbled and honored to ensure Omar’s sacrifice is never forgotten.

Omar Aceves graduated from Ysleta High School in 1999 and then spent four years in the military. After that, he spent time out of the service until he decided to make it a career and enlisted again in 2005.

He was then assigned to Fort Hood, before he was deployed to Iraq during 2006-2008.

After he returned from Iraq, he was stationed at Fort Drum, until he was deployed to Afghanistan last May.

Aceves was married to Leticia Aceves for six years. He had four children and two stepsons, the youngest 1 year old.

Patricia Enriquez, Aceves’ older sister, was one of the first members of the family to be notified. Aceves, one of five children, had two brothers and two sisters.

“The military did come over to pay their condolences,” Enriquez said. “We were all in denial and kept thinking we were going to get a phone call saying they made a mistake.”

Enriquez said the rest of the family was still coming to terms with the death.

“Omar is a hero. He died fighting for our country and made us proud,” she said as an official statement from the family. “Please keep us and all soldiers in your prayers. The war is not over.”

When Aceves visited El Paso, he cherished time with the family and had an appetite for homemade Mexican food. Enriquez said he requested Mexican candy in his last package.

“The thing I remember the most about him is his big heart and great sense of humor,” Enriquez said. “He had a great big smile that would just light up our lives.”

Aceves’ children range in age from one year to eight years. His sister says he last saw his children in August, when he got a break in rotation. He was supposed to come home after his tour in April.

Aceves’ awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Badge, two Army Commendation Medals, 6 Army Achievement Medals, 3 Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Air Assault Badge and the Marksman Qualification Badge.

Staff Sergeant Omar Aceves is survived by his wife, 6 children, his mother and father, and two brothers and two sisters.

SSGT Omar Aceves Dignified Transfer at Dover, DE

SSGT Omar Aceves Dignified Transfer at Dover, DE


The Department of Defense announced the deaths of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Jan. 12, in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.
Killed were:

Sgt. Omar Aceves, 30, of El Paso, Texas.

Spc. Jarrid L. King, 20, of Erie, Pa.

Pfc. Benjamin G. Moore, 23, of Robbinsville, N.J.

They were assigned to the 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y., Aceves was postumusly promoted to Staf Sargent.


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