Estevan Altamirano

Staff Sgt. Estevan Altamirano, age 30, of Edcouch, Texas, died on September 18, 2011, in Tikrit, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. 

He was removing the ammunition from a machine gun, after a mission, when the weapon malfunctioned, shooting him. 

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Estevan entered active-duty service in January 2001 as an armor crewman.   He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2004 through February 2005, October 2006 through January 2008, January 2009 through December 2009 and May 2011 through September 2011.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award, three Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with four campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons and a Combat Action Badge.

Mary, pray for Estevan

Estevan graduated from Edcouch-Elsa High School 12 years ago. High school officials describe him as bright and well-behaved. 

Family members stated that he was there for everyone. 

To his military comrades, Estevan was known as "Speedy" because he was always zipping around the base. 

Estevan is survived by numerous friends and family members including his wife, Pamela; his parents; two sons and three daughters.

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Estevan Altamirano is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.