Posted by ThinkAboutIt on October 19, 2007 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We lost another one of our fine young men. God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten!

Posted by RC on October 19, 2007 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a hero this man is. Although I do not know this young man my heart is aching.

Posted by GitRdone on October 19, 2007 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF "SPC. VINCENT A. MADERO". MAY GOD COMFORT HIS FAMILY DURING THEIR DIFFICULT TIMES. THANK YOU VINCENT FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY !

Posted by jprieto on October 19, 2007 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you for helping in protecting our country. God Bless you and your family.

Posted by 805grl on October 19, 2007 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

God Bless this man and his family...

Posted by imbetnonit on October 19, 2007 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm so sorry to hear this. George Bush owes this family and thousands of others, a huge debt for putting their son in harms way for the sake of lining his cronies pockets. I can't understand why he hasn't been impeached for his crimes and his arrogance/ignorance.

My heart goes out to this young man's family for their loss. I am humbled by his sacrifice for this nation and preserving our way of life.

Posted by bluefairy on October 19, 2007 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To the family of SPC. Madero, my condolences during this time of sorrow. I hope that you can find peace in the knowledge that SPC. Madero died proudly as an American fighting for America's freedom. What a brave young man, to go stand up and volunteer his time and, sadly, his life. The Madero family should be proud of their fallen soldier.

God bless America and the men and women that sacrifice their lives for HER!

Posted by cmnelson7890 on October 19, 2007 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

May God Bless the Young Man's Family and Friends. I know he walks with God in Heaven. Thanks to this very Brave Man. My Thoughts and Prayers are will you all.

Posted by britney on October 19, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My condolences to the family.....!
And we lose another young man in Iraq=\

Posted by christafrankmiller on October 19, 2007 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This breaks my heart!! RIP God bless him and his family! Thank you for your service and sacrifices!! My heart and prayers are with you!! God bless the rest of our brave men and women all over the world!! We love you and appreciate you all!!

I am a military spouse and would appreciate it if we don't turn this into a Bush bashing commentary. Lets focus on what this is.. a loss of a brave young man who deserves respect. We are all entitled to our own opinions but this isn't the place to debate them, and I personally get offended when people bash my husbands boss- whether we agree with him or not. My husband has been over there and will be returning again soon and it's a very sore subject for me. Thank you.

Posted by whatever on October 19, 2007 at 2:24 p.m.

(This thread was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by BeaHappi on October 19, 2007 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RIP Spc. Vincent A. Madero and thank you for your service to our country.

My most sincere condolences to your family and friends. I too am humbled by those who serve and sacrifice for our country.

Posted by whatever on October 19, 2007 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

christafrankmiller you are so right. it disgust me what is allowed to be said about our president but yet we are shut up about the real things and people hurting our country. I want post that are like that to be removed. If you can remove comments about other things on here, then these should be removed also. If you believe that a Dem as president is better, you need to wake up.

Posted by maryemapa on October 19, 2007 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I lived in Ventura County most of my life and am now in PA. I'm so sorry to hear of another Ventura County soldier dying in service to his country. Your sacrifice will not be in vain. Thank you to all military families. I think this young man's family deserves respect and honor on this board.

Posted by bmclean , Moderator, on October 19, 2007 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by whatever on October 19, 2007 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That is wonderful moderator. You are letting names be called of the President of the US. This country really is going down the drain. I am ashamed that you are allowing this. The wives of these soldiers get to hear untrue and rude names be called about our President. It just makes my point. What makes you think that name calling to the President is OK. No wonder the school systems are failing, this is what they are taught. I think more explaining is in order of why it is OK? God help this country.

Posted by christafrankmiller on October 19, 2007 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree whatever!!! People get the very freedoms to call and bash people from these brave men and women and yet don't have to respect them!? People always say- I support our troops but not the war.... well, what do you think you are doing to the troops when you protest the war!? HELLO!? They do not choose to go over there, but do it willingly. People think we should pull out now, but it would be the biggest mistake ever... but people don't know that because unless you've been over there or know someone that has- you have no clue what really happens over there!! When people attack Pres. Bush or our troops, it is absolutely disrespectful to the troops and their families!! I take great pride in my husband the work he does and you have nooo idea the sacrifices we make as a family and as a couple! This Christmas will be only the 3rd year he's been home with his family (5 kids under 9) out of the 8 1/2 he's been in, but people don't see that so people don't care. He has missed more births and holidays and events than I can list!! Every day we have people say hateful things to us for him being miitary and very few say thank you or anything remotely nice... thats pretty sad! I don't necessarily agree with everything Pres. Bush does or has done, but I sure as heck respect him 'cause I couldn't do a better job! He asks for suggestions, but noone has a better idea!! This country has some major problems and it all started when we took God out!!! There is a verse that says " Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!"... enough said. We reap what we sow!

Posted by gramagracie on October 19, 2007 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My condolences to the Madera Family. Your lose is greatly felt in our household. Only the good die young, but what an honor to have died so brave!! May God bless you at this time of loss.

To all the military families, thank you for your sacrafice of being without your loved ones, you are also a special people. I came from a military family and it is a hard life, I salute all of you.

God Bless Our Country, Our President and his Advisors, they also have a tough job!!

Posted by DoctorDude on October 19, 2007 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

endless death in an endless war for what again?

Posted by carvergrid on October 19, 2007 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

whatever and christafrankmiller: If you are true patriots than you must admit, even when we do not like what other people say, one of the best things about our country is our freedom to express our opinions. This includes, most importantly, our freedom to criticize our government - regardless of whether we do it rationally or childishly (by name calling). THAT is what your family members are fighting for. If you don't understand that, then please look at the case of countries like Myanmar/Burma...where there is absolutely no freedom of expression.

Once you start saying that we can't criticize our government, or that it's "un-American"...you are truly threatening to undermine what it really, historically and throughout the world, means to be an American.

Posted by christafrankmiller on October 19, 2007 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i agree carver, but i think there is a tactful way to do it and a disrespectful way to do it. you dont have to like the president or the war, but by attacking him, you are attacking my life and me and my family and i have a big problem with that. i dont know you so i cant be specific, but how would you feel if i attacked your lifestyle or something important to you and your family!? i just think people should keep the hatefulness to themselves a little bit more.

one of my issues is- how is it that we can protest war and that kind of stuff, but we cant pray or talk about God or have the 10 Commandments in public!? I mean it's like we have every right but what this country was founded on and started for... religious freedom! I'm at a loss of how everyone demands these rights and freedoms but don't respect those who give them to us!?

Posted by bluefairy on October 19, 2007 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have to say that I agree, to a certain point. One of the greatest parts of being an American, living in America is our FREEDOM - to think, act, speak. We are all entitled to our opinions, whether or not they are spoken tactfully, respectfully, childishly - they are opinions. As you wish to be respected, you need to respect others. There is a reason we have Democrat, Republican, Liberal, Conservative ... - we have CHOICE. Not everyone has the same beliefs in politics, religion, life and others beliefs should not be forced on us. If we do not agree with the current situation, we have the privilege to let that be voiced.

I wholeheartedly agree that protesting what our troops are doing does not help feed their morale. However, as a previous poster stated, they are fighting for our freedom, our rights.

Maybe we all should read the American's Creed:
I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the People, by the People, for the People; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; A democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many Sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of Freedom, Equality, Justice, and Humanity for which American Patriots sacrificed their Lives and Fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to Love it; to Support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to Respect its Flag; and to defend it against all enemies.

United we stand, united we fall.

Posted by whatever on October 19, 2007 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is not the conservatives that are wanting to take God out of everything. It is not them that do not want the 10 commandments posted. Our morals are shot down every time by the left. Once that all was removed, our country started its down hill slide. Look at who is destroying it. If you were honest with yourselves, you would see who it really is. At one time the ACLU was a respectful group, now it is like a cult. No one can do anything or say anything because they step in and sue. It baffles the mind what sort of people are out there now. I want my freedoms back! I want the right to speak my mind without being told I am a racist for loving my country or that someones feelings are going to be hurt. Ya know what I grew up and handled my own battles, I didn't need the ACLU to step in and sue. I said the Pledge every day at school. I got to speak of God in school and have prayer. I got to say Mom and Dad without having to make sure the other group was included. Those rights have been taken away from me. Our founding fathers are probably rolling over if they could see what the people of this country has done to destroy it. I am an American born and raised and I am tired of watching it go to pot! Shame on the ACLU, the far left and those lacking morals. What are you really leaving to your children.

Posted by lthrnek on October 19, 2007 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Political comments or personal opinions related to the war have no place when commenting on an article reporting the death of a warrior. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all here. Go off in a corner and write to the editor but then. . . you'd have to post your name. . .

Posted by cherche on October 19, 2007 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I never wanted to have to say this, but I now know a casualty from this horrible horrible war. I worked with his sister. What a close and loving family they are. It has saddened me and everyone that knows her. I am sick, and Bush should be too. I hope that the family finds peace and comfort from those of us that care and love them.

Posted by Nosmo_King on October 19, 2007 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This Soldier fought against those at war with America, I thank him for his service. My respect and condolences to his Family.

Posted by jamaro099 on October 19, 2007 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a veteran, I deeply respect and mourn this fine young man. He willingly placed himself in harm's way so that we can enjoy our rights and freedoms.

As an American, I am deeply ashamed that I did not do more to stop George Bush from abusing his power and sending this fine young man into an unjust war.

You're right christianfrankmiller, we are disrespecting your husband. Except it isn't our critisicm of GWB that is disrespectful, it is that we Americans didn't do more to prevent your husband from being sent into harm's way simply to appease the ego-maniac sitting in the White House. I'll pray for his safe return. We shouldn've been paying more attention, we should've demanded more answers, we should never have gone into Iraq.

I pray the Lord comforts Vincent's family after this terrible loss.

Posted by gramagracie on October 19, 2007 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People get ready their is a storm acoming....George W. Bush is a warrior...a PRAYER WARRIOR...he is probably kneeling in the Oval Office every day praying for the souls of those who have died and those who will have to die. Young men die and somebody has to take point. If you don't think it pains him to have had to react to the attack of 9/11 than you are wrong. He is a child of God, a human being like all of us. When you bash the war you are bashing the warriors who so bravely volunteered to keep us free.

Instead of being so negative towards this war I suggest you take your Bible out and read it...especially the Book of Revelation. You will be surprised and possibly enlightened as to where we stand right now. Where will you be when the lights go out?

God Bless the Madera Family...continued prayers for you.

Posted by christafrankmiller on October 19, 2007 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thank you gramagracie!!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES!!

Posted by floydspinky71 on October 19, 2007 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I actually went to high school with Vincent. He wasn't particularly interested in school, and unfortunately, the military was his only option out of high school. We used to chat in class a lot and now he's gone. Such a tragedy. And it hurts more because I actually knew him.

Posted by clebron on October 19, 2007 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sybil and Blas: We're just soooooooo sorry about Vincent. A parent's worst nightmare. Vincent was such the peaceful, calm soul. We now pray for you and that the Lord will strenghten your souls. We'll all miss Vincent. He's now our local hero. God bless! Carmen and Voltaire

Posted by Archangel7 on October 23, 2007 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ellen, Sybil and Blas Madero

Vincent was assigned to my Battery in Alaska. I had the distinct privilege of serving with your son during his previous 16-month tour in Iraq. He served bravely, with dignity and the utmost professionalism, looking death in the eye every single one of those 479 days and never flinched. We endured hardships most cannot fathom. Through it all he constantly reminded me of all that was good and true in America, by his diligent and hard work ethic, calm demeanor and willingness to take the fight to the enemy. I for one was damn proud to have served next to him, for he was a true Warrior. I am positive he continued that valorous legacy with his current unit. Words cannot express our emotions as we learned of his passing. He will never be forgotten. Please know you have our most sincere respect and sorrow for your loss.

I am reminded of this quote:

" Dear Madam, ...........I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours, to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,
-Abraham Lincoln"