In memory of SPC Irving E. Medina.

SPC Irving E. Medina, Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle." General Norman H. Schwarkopf, Retired.

Irving Medina was born in Mexico City, Mexico on July 14,1981, a few minutes before his twin brother Ivan. Irving Medina, an army specialist, died in Iraq on November 14, 2003, at the age of 22. When the boys were four years old, their father left for the United States in the hope of improving opportunities for his family. At the age six, the family reunited and the boys came to live in the United States, in Goshen, New York. At Goshen High School in Goshen, New York. Irving was a Star Soccer Player. He helped to send the Goshen High School team to the Final Four Finals in Batavia, NY. He played soccer for many leagues around Orange County, NY. After graduation Irving helped taught local children Soccer through a program at Orange County Community College, where he was studying. All three Children joined the military. Ivan has said that they wanted to give something back to the country that had given so much. The twins older sister is a sergeant in the Army Reserves. Irving Medina joined the Army in August 2001 and was sent to basic training and AIT at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Irving then was station at Ft Riley, Kansas. On April of 2003 Irving unit was sent to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Irvings twin brother, Ivan, was already in Iraq. Irving was station in Baghdad, Iraq after March 2003. Irving Medina died when an explosive device struck his convoy in Baghdad on November 14, 2003. Shrapnel went into his head and he died ten hours later. On November 22, 2003 Irving was laid to rest in Orange County Veterans Cemetery. Irvings family will always miss him but will remember his smile, his laughter, and his positive attitude for the rest of their lives. He will always be a hero who answers his nation calling when needed.

from Ivan E. Med