He was severely wounded from enemy small-arms fire in Logar province, Afghanistan—a mountainous region known for Taliban resistance.
His last days were spent at the military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany.
Vaquerano was to be married in August to his fiancé, Katie Madden, who rushed overseas to be with him in his final days.
"He needed to rest. They took him off ventilator. We were there for him for his last breath and when his heart stopped beating," Madden said.
After his death, she shared a thought for all to hear:
"I hope this reminds everyone to reach out to the ones they love in LIFE because it's too late to tell him all the things we're telling him now," she wrote. "Actively love the people here with you now with all your heart. Everyone is so busy with their own lives, but the most important thing is each other."
Vaquerano was assigned to 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.
Jalfred gave his life for this country, and for that we say thank you, Hero. Rest In Peace, Pvt. Jalfred Vaquerano.
Just found this, lovely tribute. We would have been married in April, not August. I miss him so much. =[ Thanks for doing this.
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely tribute. Thank you so much for remembering my son. Yolanda Mercado Gold Star Mother of PFC Jalfred D. Vaquerano
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