| From WLS TV 7 News abclocal.go.com
11/14/05:
Area family mourns soldier killed in Iraq
Monday, November 14, 2005
By Evelyn Holmes
November 14, 2005 (WLS) -- An Army soldier from Illinois has been killed in Iraq. Sergeant Joshua Terando of Morris was killed last Thursday while on patrol with his unit. Terando had just over a year left to serve in the Army Reserves.
He completed six years of active duty in 2001 but was called back in June. Monday, Terando's family and friends called him a hero who loved his country.
It is clear Joshua Terando had a love of his country few have. Even though he had fulfilled his obligation to the Army, he put his life on hold and went willing when called back. Little did his family know that decision would cost him his life.
"He was always quickwitted andf easy going and loving. He was the best son anybody could ever ask for," said Genevieve Terando, Joshua's stepmom.
A kind remembrance from the stepmother of Sergeant Joshua Terando. Monday, she was comforted by his brother in the home Josh recently purchased as they struggle with the sudden loss.
"He just excelled through every aspect of his life, from being a teenager to a protector of dignitaries in Iraq, and to being a protector of his sister and nephew," said Terando.
There are few details about the death of the Morris native except that he was killed Thursday night while on patrol in Iraq. The 27 year old was serving in the First 110th Infantry at Camp Habbaniyah.
Josh was out of active service as of 2001, but was called back in June. He had just 18 months left in the Reserves.
"I never did expect that the last time I saw him was going to be the last time I saw him," said Allen Borchert, Joshua's brother.
The growing community of Morris is now mourning his loss after abruptly being informed of his death at the city's Veterans Day ceremony by his father Gerald, who himself served in the military. While relatives say Joshua didn't plan a career in the military, he found his calling there after graduating from high school.
"The military became an avenue for him to look at both career direction, so he could gain some training, as well as just a pattern for him to do something for his country," said Kelly Hussey, Morris Community High School assistant principal.
After finishing basic training, Terando went to ranger school and eventually was promoted to head of his platoon, accomplishments his family is proud of as Joshua Terando's life takes on a new meaning with is death.
"Just love your child. Tomorrow never comes you can't look back on tomorrow or yesterday, you can't look back on it and change it," said Genevieve Terando, Joshua stepmom.
Joshua Terando also leaves behind a mother, sister and stepbrother. The family expects to learn more about his death in the upcoming days. |
| From The Times mywebtimes.com
11/17/05:
Sgt. Joshua A. Terando 1978-2005
MORRIS - Army Sgt. Joshua A. Terando, 27, of Morris, died Thursday, Nov. 10, from injuries received on active duty in Iraq.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Standing in the Word Ministries in Morris. Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, with full military honors. Visitation and a video tribute will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Reeves Funeral Home in Morris.
Mr. Terando was born July 3, 1978, in Spring Valley, to Gerald R. "Jerry" and Linda S. (Smith) Terando.
He was raised in Spring Valley and moved to Morris in 1990. He was a 1996 graduate of Morris Community High School and a member of the American Legion Post 294.
He was employed as a welder from 1996 to 1998 and enlisted in the Army from 1998 to 2001. From 2001 to 2005, he was a member of the Boilermaker Union Local One in Chicago and worked as a boilmaker apprentice.
He returned to the Army in June of 2005, being deployed to Iraq in August. He served as sergeant, 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division (MECH).
His service duty included HHC 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, HHC 3rd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, HHC 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division.
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