In Memoriam

South Gate sailor dies in Iraq
By Karen Robes, Staff writer

A 20-year-old sailor from South Gate died April 2 "as a result of enemy action" in the Iraqi province of Al Anbar, the U.S. Department of Defense released Tuesday.

Hospitalman Geovani Padillaaleman and three Marines assigned to the 2/28 Brigade Combat Team serving with Multi-National Force West were killed while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to the defense department.

Officials did not provide any details about how Padillaaleman, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, had died. His family could not be reached for comment.

Padillaaleman enlisted on Jan. 22, 2004. Three months later, he headed to Hospital Corpsman School in Great Lakes, Ill., then Naval Hospital Camp in Lejeune, N.C.

On Nov. 16, 2004, Padillaaleman was promoted to hospitalman a medical technician trained to assist doctors and provide medical assistance on the battlefield.

He was permanently assigned Sept. 12, 2005, to Bethesda Naval Hospital, USNS Comfort Detachment, and operationally assigned to the Third Battalion, Eighth Marine Regiment, 2/28 Brigade Combat Team.

Padillaaleman was awarded a National Defense Service Medal.