US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,357

As of Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at least 4,357 members of the U.S. military had died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.

[HILDA P LERMA]

Favorite memory: Going home on the same plane to California, sitting next to Hopper. He was so excited! He was high speed and all he spoke about was being good to his momma and spending some time with his dad, on leave. He spoke about his sister and the boys that should not come around them, lol. He wanted to volunteer to go to Afghanistan because he felt that he could do more as an infantryman there. He is truly missed. Rest in peace brother.

ARMY Staff Sergeant Hilda P. Lerma