In Memoriam

Marine laid to rest

Hundreds say goodbye to soldier killed in Iraq

Diana Washington Valdez
El Paso Times
Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Nearly 300 friends and relatives paid their respects Tuesday at funeral and burial services for Marine Lance Cpl. Miguel Terrazas, who was killed Nov. 18 during his second tour of duty in Iraq.

After a funeral Mass at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, the 20-year-old graduate of Mountain View High School was buried with military honors at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

"This is where Miguel began his life, and this is where he came to say farewell," the Rev. Jeronimo Melendez told the gathering, which included men in Navy, Air Force and Marine uniforms.

Military officials told the family that Terrazas died after the Humvee he was driving was hit by an improvised explosive device and crashed.

Terrazas, who would have turned 21 on Dec. 10, was baptized as an infant at the South El Paso church.

"He was always smiling, and he was always very nice to people," Margarita Terrazas, his godmother, said while fighting back tears. "The last time I saw him alive was at my niece's wedding in May."

During his first tour of duty, the rifleman received a commendation for bravery. He is the 11th member of the U.S. armed forces with ties to El Paso to die in Iraq since the war began in March 2003.

A large picture of the late Terrazas standing between two of his Marine buddies was displayed at the front entrance of the church. His aunt, Rosario Terrazas, said the picture was taken during his first tour of duty in Iraq.

In keeping with military tradition, his casket was draped with a U.S. flag, except during the Mass, when it was covered with a white cloth with a gold cross.

"He joined the Marines right after graduation," Rosario Terrazas said. "My nephew was very kindhearted. While he was in Iraq, he asked the family to send him care packages so he could give them to the Iraqi children."

Francisca Hernandez, a friend of the family, said, "(Miguel) used to help me with deliveries for my produce business. He was a smiling kid. He was always smiling. And he was intelligent."

Terrazas was a starter at left guard on the Mountain View High football team. Relatives said he also enjoyed fishing with his father and eating at his favorite restaurants.

Before enlisting in the Marines, Terrazas worked part-time at Ben's Tacos, a relative's cafe in South E Paso across the street from St. Ignatius.

"Miguel did what he always wanted to do," said Ray Terrazas, a cousin. "He wanted to continue going to school, but he felt he had to do this. He felt he had to get his duty over with first."