A man who fought for his ideals

To the editor, I would like to extend my deep appreciation to the Warwick Rotary Club for their donation to the “Cpl. Justin R. Garcia Memorial Fund” (an education fund to benefit his unborn son, due in February). My nephew, Cpl. Garcia, died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq, on Nov. 14, 2006. Cpl. Garcia was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Division, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Lewis, Washington. Justin’s death and subsequent funeral were covered extensively by local media for a variety of reasons. Certainly, the tragic death of young man who died defending ideals and principles he fervently believed in seems reason enough to gather wide attention and admiration. However, Justin’s story, prior to his military service, is a profile in courage, endurance, and perseverance. It’s a story of a family of many different backgrounds (racial, religious, and ethnic) - all working together to provide a loving and supportive home. Justin lost his parents at an early age but he immediately gained an even bigger family that spanned from New York City, to Warwick and finally, Valley Cottage. That family surrounded him with love and compassion. Justin is a story of triumph over adversity. Justin grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His life was filled by family, friends, school, sailing and fishing adventures. He was a talented swimmer with the Fort Lauderdale International Hall of Fame Swim Team and he had boyhood aspirations to go to the Olympics one day. After his parent’s deaths, Justin found himself suddenly transplanted to a new world, while coping with tragic loss. His upbringing was continued by his devoted grand-parents, Mr. And Mrs. Sam Lim, in New York City. Justin graduated from St. Anthony’s School in New York and he attended St. Agnes High School, also in New York. Although he lived primarily in New York City during this period of time, he spent weekends, summers and many holidays in Warwick with my husband, Peter, and I. In New York and Warwick, Justin made new friends, within and outside the family. Justin thrived at St. Agnes High School, joining the Drama Club and Soccer team. He also thrived in Warwick, where he quickly assimilated to a more rural setting. He worked at Applewood Orchards during summer vacations. He became part of the cadre of teenagers that work week-ends during the apple picking season. Justin found an extended family and enriched it. He was admired by teachers, classmates, co-workers and employers. He inspired deep and nurturing friendships wherever he went. Over time, the roles reversed and Justin became the nurturer. He had become a young man that embodied a quiet nobility and grace that most people recognized and admired. He also developed a incredible gift for making those around him laugh. Following his graduation from St. Agnes, Justin attended St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill. He declared his major, Criminal Justice, early in his academic career, citing a desire to serve the country he loved. While in college, Justin continued to gain strength, direction, and passion. In time, he met his future wife, Michelle Narciso of Valley Cottage. Once again, Justin was embraced by another extended family and their community. After Sept. 11th, Justin indicated a strong desire to enlist in the military but our family urged him to continue his education. He agreed but it was clear that he felt a calling to serve. Immediately after his graduation in 2004, Justin joined the U.S. Army. In July 2005, he married Michelle. In June 2006, Justin’s military unit was deployed to Iraq. He was remembered by Brigadier Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr. for demonstrating leadership and inspiring fellow soldiers. At the time of his death, Justin had been assigned to work with Special Forces, providing security to high ranking American and Iraqi officials. Empathy is perhaps one of the most essential qualities in life and Justin taught us to empathize. We, his extended family, gave him strength but he made us stronger as well. Justin gave us a sense of mission. As for me, he gave me a sense of purpose. One of my greatest joys has been to nurture and guide his journey in life. He showed me the strength of devotion and conviction … of great personal sacrifice. Justin loved this country and what it represented to him - a promise of hope and peace. The great Spanish writer Cervantes said: “The man who fights for his ideals is the man who is alive.” Justin may have passed from us in body, but in spirit, he will surely live on in the hearts and minds of those he so tenderly touched. Alixis Mendez Hull Warwick CPL Justin R. Garcia Memorial Fund c/o Key Bank, P.O. Box 581, Chester, New York 10918 Attn: Heather Foley