Paco,

While waiting to spend the day with friends/family today, I saw an amazing man present to the nation the most heart felt meaning to what this day's purpose is about, remembering those who have give their lives for the security, comfort, life we each live in this great country. I lost my brother, LCPL Trace A. Farrow, USMC, years ago; keeping his flag in the most prominent place in my home.

Out of honor for your son, and with deep respect for a person we can all model part of our lives from, Mr. Francisco Martinez Sr., I have placed that flag which covered my brother proudly as I escorted him home...outside my home...flying for you, your son, and a brother.

Semper Fi!
Randy Farrow
USCMR

This Sgt. Fischer whould have fitted well into the Volkssturm, they were drilled as well to fight until death in a losing war. So he's hardly a role model for the youth.

Hello Mr. Martinez.
I am a Senior Manager for a movie theatre in San Antonio, Tx. I saw your segment on CNN today. You mentioned that you and your son enjoyed movies. I would like to invite you to receive free movies on me. Please contact me via e-mail and I will set it up for you, even if you are in Dallas. We have theatres throughout the US and Canada. I cannot mention the theatre in which I am affiliated due to policy but if you contact me I will fill you in. Thank you for your service. I appreciate our men and women making a difference in the lives of the people in our country and especially abroud. Best to you and your family.

JMM

Paco,

Next week will be a year since we met in Irving(shame on me for not contacting you before). There are no thank you words that can satisfy the gratitude I feel for the time you dedicated to me during that week. I only hope I can payback some day.

The only remember I have of Paquito is of a chubby teenager showing his drawings to my wife
sitting beside him on the sofa of your apartment in Santurce about ten years ago. That image is very different from the young man I saw in the news and the one I'm looking in this blog. From what I've seen and read he was young but confident about his decisions, and their risks. That confidence, so hard to find in adults was a result of the education and the example received from his loved ones.

As a father of two boys (10 and 5) I hope to have the type of relationship you had with yours. That they find in me the friend you were to Paquito. And as me, I'm sure, there are many others that wish the same for their sons or daughters. Be in peace that you were able to do that, and proudly raise a child into a man of excellence. A man that with no interest gave his precious asset. It's sad that his gone at such a young age, but I know that other families are greatful to you because of the spiritual strength that you inspire in such a loss.

I don't need to remind you that I have always admire you for your technical abilities and the way you've master this everchanging environment. Professionally you've been a mentor to me and if it hasn't been for you, today, I would have been sitting in the same chair I was 11 years ago. Personally I feel the need to thank you because you have proven to me that situations happen, is me the one who chooses how to react to them. I can only hope to remember that when the time comes.

As I told you once, When I grow up I want to be like PACO!.

My best regards and blessings to you and Maria.

An old friend,
Angel M. R�os Gonz�lez

Paco,

Thank you for your service. Thank you for the Memorial Day post and the excellent points it contains. I will always remember your son and his sacrifice.

May none of us ever forget.

Paco for President.

Hey, Paco.

I thought about you and Paquito on Memorial Day. My prayers are always with you and your family. Miss seeing your smiling face. God has destined a path for you only a courageous man can walk.

Judy McCann

SSgt Martinez,
I just wanted to say that it was a privilege having you here at the SF Academy. You are the epitome of what an NCO should be. I'll never forget the conversation we had where we discussed why you decided to rejoin the AF. For someone who has already sacrificed so much...to sacrifice even more, to prepare America's Airmen to go to war, made me admire you. Over the last three years I have never run across a student with your skill, determination and desire to succeed. That Distinguished Graduate Award, "Top Graduate", was well deserved. I'm glad you're on our side and am sure we'll run into each other again.

Modesto Saavedra III, TSgt, USAF
TM 12 Element Leader, SF Apprentice Course
343d TRS, Lackland AFB, Texas

"Some of the best USAF fighters operate on the ground."