Juan M. Serrano

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Manati, PR

Branch of Service: U.S. Army

Rank: Sergeant

Sergeant Juan Serrano decided to join the Army as soon as he got married. He wanted to start a family. He was a 77F back then and really enjoyed his work. Juan’s studies and hard work led to his promotion to Sergeant in only five years. While stationed in Germany, he was attached to the 1st Armored Division and deployed to Iraq where he lost his life.

“Manolo,” as he was known, always had a smile on his face. He was a happy man, a good husband, and a dedicated father. He loved to serve, first as a paramedic then as a soldier. He was proud of what he did because he did it with his whole heart.

“I want people to remember the kind of man he was. He was one in a million and I would marry him all over again if I could. I want people to remember his sacrifice and that families stay behind heartbroken having lost an important part of their lives. His essence still lives in his children and his memories will always be with me. We will never forget,” recalled his wife, Evelyn Rodriguez.

Age: 32

Date of Death: July 24, 2003