Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remembered Ricky, while living in Madrid, Spain; our fathers were both stationed together at Torrejon AFB. Although I was a few years older, I remembered admiring Ricky because he was in Martial Arts. And when I joined the Army he continued to excel eventually reaching the level of black belt and graduating from college. Through the years I continued to admire him and now he's my inspiration to continue my military career.

LATERS RICKY

ROBERTO VELA JR

SSG, USA

SSG Roberta Vela Jr
US Army

Like a shooting star, you were with us for a short while, but what a brilliant shooting star you were! In your short journey, you accomplished so much, and left us with so many pleasant memories. I will always treasure the memory of holding you minutes after you were born and how proud I felt when you graduated from college and the US Border Patrol Academy. Memories of your T-ball games, karate tournaments, and your last words to me on July 5, 1998, as we saw each other for the last time, "Dad, I love you" echo in my mind each and every day. I will also remember your warm smile, and your love for your family, country, and the US Border Patrol. You are with us each and every day and will live on in our family’s legacy for eternity. You are now and forever, part of our country’s and the US Border Patrol legend!

Love, Dad

A. Salinas, USAF Retired
Father

You are a true hero. May God comfort you loved ones/friends and may you know that you will not be forgotten. We will continue for you.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)