Remembering Spc. Jessica Sarandrea
Posted On: Friday, Apr. 17 2009 06:02 AM
By Amanda Kim Stairrett
Killeen Daily HeraldFORT HOOD – Spc. Jessica Sarandrea had the ability to reach out and lift the spirits of those in need.
She was remembered Thursday as an energetic, wonderful woman who brought joy and hope to many.
"Her heart and personality were larger than life and she had a smile that could warm anyone's heart," said Staff Sgt. Donald Carlisle, Sarandrea's section sergeant.
Family and friends gathered at the 1st Cavalry Division's Ironhorse Chapel to remember Sarandrea, who died March 3 in Mosul, Iraq, when enemy forces attacked her forward operating base with mortar fire, according to information from Fort Hood.
Sarandrea was a unit supply specialist in the division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. She joined the company in March 2008 and deployed to Iraq for a second time in December 2008, according to information from the division.
Sarandrea took joy in comforting others and making people feel good even in the worst situations, said Capt. Santos Arroyo, the battalion's rear detachment commander and Sarandrea's former company commander.
"You will hear of how she will share a hug even when she didn't know you," he said. "All it took was for her to know you were in need."
She was also known as a hard-working soldier who accomplished every task with the utmost professionalism and pride, Carlisle said.
Sarandrea was selected in September to serve as her battalion's supply specialist, a position reserved for a staff sergeant. She was a private first class at the time.
When she was first assigned to the battalion, Carlisle recognized her natural leadership abilities.
"With little guidance, she often took the initiative to accomplish difficult tasks – tasks that had a huge impact in the battalion," he said.
There was no difficult task for her, he went on to say.
"On numerous occasions, she was the one who coordinated for much of the logistics support that kept the battalion operational," Carlisle said.
Sarandrea was 22 at the time of her death. She is survived by her husband, Spc. Alejandro Sarandrea; father, Carlos A. Castillo; mother, Xiomara Mansilla; stepfather, Antonio Mansilla; and brother, Brandon Mansilla.
Her awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.
Contact Amanda Kim Stairrett at
astair@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7547.