Sgt. Matthew E. Mendoza

Sgt. Matthew E. Mendoza, 24, of San Antonio, Texas, died June 20 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Councilwoman Jennifer V. Ramos announces new District 3 Park -

Sgt. Matthew E. Mendoza, USMC Park On December 9, City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance naming a new District 3 park space in honor of fallen U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew E. Mendoza. The park which is located at 5206 Hillje Street will be a tribute to Sgt. Mendoza who was a lifelong resident of District 3 and a 2003 Highlands High School graduate. "It is only befitting that we honor our brave soldiers, and in this case, Sgt. Mendoza. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our liberties and freedom," said Councilwoman Jennifer V. Ramos. "This open space was where he spent his youth and now it's a new park that allows his community the ability to create memories in a special place that bears his name." Sgt. Mendoza, 24, was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, California. He died June 20, 2008, while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Sgt. Mendoza joined the Marines in 2004, becoming a pistol and rifle instructor at Twentynine Palms and training fellow soldiers in anti-terrorism tactics.

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Marine Saluting Courtesy Sgt Michal S. Williams

"He was good at slowing them down, making them relax and helping them qualify on the shooting range," said his father Raul Mendoza. "He was proud that he helped some of the females qualify. He got one shooting at expert level with the rifle," he continued. "He had a wonderful 24 years of life here that was cut short way too early. As a sergeant his goal was to get all the men from his platoon back home, that was his No. 1 goal; he was going to do everything it took to make sure that happened. It took everything he had."