Honor your hero with thoughts, memories, images and stories.
Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza
July 10, 2001- August 26, 2021
“From the Halls of Montezuma To the Shores of Tripoli; We fight our country's battles In the air, on land and sea; First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine." Excerpt from the US Marine Corps Hymn
Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza gave his life for the protection and betterment of his country, his servicemen and women, as well as those he was sworn to protect and defend on August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The tremendous sacrifice will forever be remembered not only by his beloved family but the nation as a whole.
In the word’s of the late President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” Lance Corporal Espinoza embodied this treasured moment in history and carried it with him throughout his life’s journey. As a toddler, he always wanted to play with his plastic soldiers, envisioning different scenarios. No matter how many years have passed since then, he always told everyone that knew him that he was going to become a US Marine. A dream he pursued into reality when he joined the ranks of the United States Marine Corps in August of 2019, two years ago. David was born in Laredo, Texas, and raised in Rio Bravo, Texas, his hometown. Never the outspoken type, he was shy at first, but when you got to know him, you got to know the beautiful, caring, honest, and loyal person he truly was. He was educated in the United Independent School District, having attended Lyndon B. Johnson High School, graduating in the summer of 2019. Immediately after graduating, he went off to MCRD in San Diego, California for basic training. Lance Corporal Espinoza then went to the school of Infantry at Camp Pendleton and most recently, received his orders to Afghanistan for the withdrawal of the US forces after a 20 year-long conflict. David never once complained about his assignment, rather, took it to heart to give back to those whom he was sent to protect. He, alongside 12 other servicemen and women, was killed in action, doing what they were trained to do: protect and defend. Although that fateful day will forever be remembered and forged in our hearts and minds, comfort is taken in the amount of love, support, and encouragement the community, the nation has given to us, his beloved family.
David’s memory will carry on in each and every one of us and we also hope that as the days, weeks, months, and years go by, we too might be of service to our brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends, near and far. In the words of the late President Ronald Reagan: “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in this world. Marines don’t have that problem.” David, you have made a difference in this world. Until we meet again, may you rest in peace, Semper Fi, Ooh-Rah !!!.
