Omar Torres Obituary

I knew Omar from when he was a cadet in the Army ROTC program at Ohio State. I remember him as an all around nice guy. Although I didn’t know him for very long, it speaks to his character and positivity that I remember him so well all these years later. Thinking about him and the loved ones he left behind.

I had the privilege to be one of the first individuals that PFC Torres worked with in Iraq, he and I spent many days together before he was assigned to A Co 2-5 Cav. The time we shared together will always stay with me. It is difficult to convey my sympathies and I am saddened that my words may seem so trivial. Omar was a tremendous young man, and his memory lives on in us.

Very Respectfully,
Adam Henderson

Omar served attached to D Company 2-5 CAV for most of his time in Iraq before transitioning to A Company 2-5 CAV. I was his Executive Officer and remember him well and he served with honor dignity and pride. I miss his positive presence and smile. He lifted our spirits and will remain forever a special and wonderful man who I am honored to have served beside.

Omar,

This Memorial Day weekend I take a moment to let you know that you are truly missed, but not forgotten. and to thank you for being a brave soldier who dedicated his life, just like so many other military men and women, to the pursuit of peace and freedom for everyone.

miriam

To Oscar, Doris and family,

Think of Omar often - what a brave soldier!

Love,

Caption should state " Oscar Jr. "Gordi" holding honorary street sign.

DORIS AND OSCAR GAVE ME THE HONOR TO STATE THE FAMILIES CLOSING REMARKS TODAY, APRIL 2ND, 2013 FOR HONARARY NAMING OF 47th AND KEELER, CHICAGO ILL BY THE CITY OF CHICAGO. BELOW ARE MY CLOSING REMARKS.

Good morning. My name is Emilio Ortega, uncle of Omar.
First, I want to state on behalf of Doris, Oscar, Oscar Jr., Oralia and the Ortega and Torres families, a profound appreciation to the representatives of the State of Illinois, City of Chicago, and all other organizations who have made this event possible.
I remember when the Army brought Omar home at Midway Airport. Family and friends waited in one of the airport hangers. The Fire department stationed fire trucks outside the hanger and we waited for Omar's arrival. Many minutes later, the hoses turned on and created a giant waterfall. We waited a few more minutes and you could see a shadow of a jet forming then slowly you could see the nose of the jet piercing through the curtain of water. The jet would be slowly washed by the waterfall and it felt as if Omar was being bathed and washed of all of what he went through and now was coming home as clean as he had left. Next, Omar was being escorted by the Freedom Riders, an organization of fellow veterans and supporters on their motorcycles through the streets of Chicago to the funeral home. What a great patriotic organization!
Father Tom of St Richards opened his church and provided all of his services, comfort, and guidance to Doris and Oscar in their time of mourning and grief. It was amazing how so many organizations such as the Police department, Fire department, City officials, St Richards, and other organizations came together in a short time and provided a funeral with so much grace and dignity deserving for a fallen soldier. I know that all of this outpouring of support to our families gave so much comfort to all of us.
Each year since 2008, Doris and Oscar have organized a memorial picnic to raise funds for a De La Salle High School scholarship in honor of Omar. I want to thank those who each year provide their time and resources to make this event a successful one. It seems that each year the participation increases. Thank you to all who have attended. June 2nd is the next picnic and I invite all to come and support this great event and have some fun at the same time.
When I stop being busy with work, my sons baseball and basketball events, I think about Omar. These are the times I feel the loss of Omar and I think about a movie that you all probably know. The movie is called “It's a Wonderful Life”. It is about a man called George Bailey who is granted a wish from an angel on what would it be like if he was never been borne. Throughout the movie, we see examples of his life if he was not born. One example is the impact for saving his brother's life. The brother would grow up and join the Army in World War 2. He becomes a great war hero for saving the lives of many soldiers but since George Bailey is not there to save his brother's life, the brother is not there to save all of those soldiers. There are many more examples in this movie and it reminds me of how one life can make a difference. Omar had a dream of what he wanted to do with his life just as this character in this movie. I am amazed that in the few years before his death how he was maturing and how it was becoming clearer and clearer on what he wanted to do with his life. I regret that I did not have more conversations with him so I can share them with you now but what he did share with me was to come back to Chicago and be in be in some role and profession to make the City of Chicago a better place. He loved having discussions on history and politics and he was training himself to be a leader. Some of his role models were of men who served in the military and later served in government. Omar wanted to follow in those footsteps. In the movie, we can clearly see the difference the life of George Bailey but Omar will not have the opportunity to complete his destiny and Omar will never look back on his life to see how much of a difference he could have made.
So we all have to do our part to continue what Omar would have done which is to make a difference so that our lives, homes, neighborhoods, city, state, and nation are better today than yesterday. That is what Omar would want of us. I also know that Omar would be somewhat uncomfortable to have a street named after him and not for every fallen soldier. I don't think it would be that much to have every fallen soldier have a street in their name since these fallen soldiers have given all of us the ultimate sacrifice. It is good to know when children are given assignments to write about a great hero such as George Washington or Martin Luther King, there will be one student who passes by 47th and Keeler and wonders who is Omar E. Torres and takes it upon him or herself to write about Omar. As we do not forget our national heroes, we should not forget our local heroes too. Thank you for letting me indulge you with my thoughts. God Bless City of Chicago, State of Illinois, the United States of America, Omar and all of his fellow fallen soldiers.

Oscar and Doris,
I'm still remembering you, your family and friends that were so warm and welcomed my wife and I into your home. I still remember our very emotional time together and still honor Omar daily. I don't think there's been a day that goes by that I don't think of him and you. God bless.

August 22, 2012
To the family and friends of Pfc. Omar E. Torres:
Always remembering Omar. "Some gave all."

Friday, November 11, 2011

Service
With admiration, I honor those who serve others.
To those who have answered the call to serve, I say, "Thank you." I appreciate your sacrifice and accomplishments. I am grateful for your strength, courage and perseverance in the face of great challenge. I respect your dedication. I honor you today and offer this prayer: May the light of God surround all who are serving or have served this country. May Divine Love enfold them; Divine Power protect them; and may the presence of God watch over them now and always. Amen.

In silent tribute, I pause and remember those who, in service to humankind, have sacrificed their lives. I pray for goodwill among people and peace on earth as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice.

Pay to all what is due them, ... respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.--Romans 13:7

Remembering P.F.C. Omar E. Torres

Dear Family of PFC. Omar E. Torres:
I am the school director of PFC. Omar E. Torres. As the new director of the school, I have done some research about your son and wanted to let you know how inspiring he is to all of us here. We would like to invite you to come and speak to our staff and students about your son on September 9, 2011. Please contact me if you are interested and able to attend. We would be so grateful!

Best,

Jill Bousson
School Director
PFC. Omar E. Torres Charter School
312-636-3091
[email protected]

To the family and friends of Pfc. Omar E. Torres:
Please accept my remembrance of Omar on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Doris, Oscar, Oralia & Oscar
In today's Chicago Sun Times (online) there is a link to Iraq War Casualties From Illinois section which includes a snapshot of Omar in military uniform. Omar is included with several other soldiers whose life was cut short while at war in Iraq. Will try to add snapshot to Omar's photo album attached to this site.
Miriam

To the family and friends of Pfc. Omar E. Torres:
Remembering Omar on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

On this Memorial Day I remember Omar in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Omar,

This past weekend we joined your parents, brother, sister, family, friends and the CFD to celebrate your second anniversary since you entered into eternal life. Each time we see your photos or talk with your parents, the memories of your smiling face and happy spirit enlighten us through flashbacks.

When your mom and I worked together we carpooled, so many a time I would drive up to your home and your mom would bring along your brother Oscar, sister Oralia and you so we can drop you off at St. Richard's school. You were about 4 or 5 years old and the routine was the same in which you were last one to hop in with your backpack and you would stretch every muscle in your right arm to try and close the heavy car door before mom. As always Doris was quick as a bee and would lock the home's front door in nano seconds and rush up to the car and close the door for you.

This one morning your mom brought along a tray of specially made cookies for your snack day at school as a special treat for you classmates and teacher. Your mom pulled out a treat for me since she knew I loved chocolate and handed me a cookie that looked like a hamburger. A chocolate chip cookie was the hamburger and two mint patties were the burger's buns. I popped the creation into my mouth and started to chew slowly. All I can think at the moment is thank goodness your mom did not abandon her bank career.

As we arrived at St. Richard's school you jumped out of the car in excitement of your special homemade snack that your mom helped carry into the classroom. Halfway down the sidewalk you stopped and turned around and smiled at me and waved in such delight and then you turned around and ran to catch up with your mother and took her hand as you entered the school.

The next morning as I pulled up to your home Oscar, Oralia and you jumped into the car. As your mom sat down in the front seat I turned around and asked you if your classmates and teacher enjoyed the special treats. Both Oscar and Oralia swayed their heads side to side in silence and you jumped up in the car and hit your head in excitement. As you rubbed your head from the pain you stated so proudly that the class loved your mom's cookies. You leaned forward in the car and placed your left hand on your mom's shoulder and said out loud that they were the best cookies the class had eaten and it was because your mom was the best as you slowly rubbed her arm.

Your brother Oscar, sister Oralia and you talked excitedly about school as we drove along the streets as your mom whispered to me that the teacher had informed her that the class truly appreciated the special creation, but next time would she send a normal cookie.

This event has remained embedded in my heart and soul for close to 20 years, because it was a humble display of your love for your mother and the pride you placed on friendship. Each time I think about you I can see your smiling face in the car that morning beaming with so much pride and overflowing with love that it brings me pleasure in having had the opportunity to know you Omar. Thank you for your kindness and friendship throughout the years.

God bless and rest in peace.

Miriam Romo

To the family of Pfc. Omar E. Torres:
Omar gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Even though two years have gone by since Omar's passing, you have continued to be in my thoughts and prayers. Tomorrow I will light a candle and say a prayer for Omar. I will also pray for God's blessings on your family this day as you remember your son with love and pride.

There will be a Mass in Omars Honor on August 22, 2009 at 6:30pm at St Richards Church @ 50th & kostner Chicago. Concelebrated by Father Bernas, Pastor of St Richard Church & Father Novak O.S.M. President of the DeLaSalle Institute
contact info:
Oralia Torres 773 600-2411
Maryola Ward 708 403 1696

my sincere condolescences for the Torres Family! I know what you are going through, this is your son's second anniversary I hope I can join you and your family for another anniversary. (He's one of my favorite ones)
I'm hopping you let us know the schedule of the mass through here so all of us will be by your side
Thank you

To all of the Torres Family

Even though I don't see you all very often, I think of you all the time. I come back to this page all the time in memory of Omar - he is alive in all of our hearts. And you can be sure he is taking care of all of you.

Take care of yourselves.

I heard of you from your Aunt, Ozzie, who dearly misses you & is thinking of you always. I'm always deeply saddened by the loss of our bravest soldiers or anyone so young & full of life....God took you because he wanted one of his angels closer to Him...that's all...Bless your family.

On June 3rd 2009 the United Neighborhood Organiztion, UNO Charter School will be naming one of their grammer school after Omar, this is a great Honor for our family, A fitting tribute for these young childern to learn from and excel in their endevors. Here is the article from the Suntimes on our son Omar.
Its a wonderful article I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. httpp://www.suntimes.com/news/brown/1588459,CST-NWS-brown24.article#
God Bless "NEVER FORGOTTEN"
Adelante con la Cruz 87/07

God Bless the Torres family. You are always in our hearts and prayers. Thinking of beloved Omar on this Memorial Day. We love you.

Happy 22nd Birthday Omar, you are deeply missed mijo we didnt get to complete our tasks at several levels I didnt get to show you different & important things about life, I truely hope that being next to the holy father he has guided you as well as my father in understanding Life goodspeed mijo God Bless NEVER FORGOTTEN Adelante con la Cruz 87/07

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Dear Family of Pfc. Omar E. Torres,

We want to say thank you. We understand that no words can be adequate for your sorrow. We certainly do not want to intrude upon your privacy. As Americans we want you to know that we deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice your loved one has made for all of us. We also would like for you to be aware that with this letter comes our special concern and prayers for you. We are all safer because young men and women who love their country, and know the value of a free nation, are willing to put themselves in harms way, and lay down their lives to keep this nation free and safe for all of us.
Your sacrifice is also very great. We know that we can give little comfort; however, the knowledge that your loved one did not die in vain, but died in the service of our country, gives each of us a noble example of the value of life, and the responsibility of freedom. We hope this will bring pride and comfort to you.
We at Gethsemane Church believe that there is purpose to life. We send this letter with our deepest appreciation for the greatest of sacrifices, you and your loved one have given to this country. We know it is not enough, but please allow us to assure you that your loved one is not forgotten.


Very Sincerely

Frank G. Noyes
Frank G. Noyes (Pastor)


Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(Jn. 15:13)

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Omar, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

In remembrance of Beloved Omar~~
May your family find peace and comfort in the kindness you showed, and the love and joy you brought into everyone's lives.

My brother. . .
We miss you torres.
I'll never forget you.
Every day I'm over here in this damn place, I remember you. I wish you could read this, and know how much you are missed.

My man. you are a hero.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Pfc Torres!

Dear Friends, Doris & Oscar,
I am saddened to hear of the loss of your son Omar, I just recently found out. I pray that you and your family find the strength in each other to overcome your loss. Please know that I will be thinking of you all.

torres was a good friend and a great man we all miss him a great deal

Robert Ehrenhaft
A Co 2/5 CAV

I am still shaken about the loss of Omar. Words cannot express the sorrow felt by everyone that knew him and your lovely family. So many memories came back to me the night of Omar's services. I think about you and your family often and keep you in my prayers. Everyone who ever met Omar will carry a part of him in their heart.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

You are cordially invited to attend the “Celebration of Life” Event as we honor and recognize the lives of Our Community Members and Fallen Soldiers we have lost during 2006-2007.
The program includes, a DVD Pictorial Memorial Tribute, Music, Candle lighting, Balloon Release, and Refreshments. Each family receives a personalized ornament to place on a Christmas tree as a remembrance of their loved one.
Families who have experienced loss find this event a wonderful time of remembrance and healing. We would love your family to be apart of this event as our Community joins together to recognize and honor your loved one during this Holiday Season.
We will be honoring all the Fallen Soldiers that were assigned to Fort Hood Texas. If you are not able to attend and would like to send a favorite photo, please feel free to do so.
RSVP By Website www.col2007.com
Call Celebration of Life Staff at 254-245-7061

My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to the family of Omar Torres. Thanks for your Soldier's Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and Freedom.
The price he and his family have paid, will never be forgotten.
In the days to come if you find yourself feeling like you can‘t go on , recall the years and days you were blessed by his presence, this is the one thing that cannot be taken away from you are your memories, may you find comfort there and may God’s Peace strengthen you through the difficult days ahead and the emptiness in your hearts!
I am the Sister of a hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in 2005 in Taji, Iraq and time does make it hurt less.

"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have passed away."
Revelations 21:4

NOW SERVING IN GOD’S ARMY
In His Memory,
Master Sgt James F. Hayes
1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division Fort Campbell KY

Please accept our deepest sympathies. We have some understanding of your grief as we also lost our son in Iraq on March 2nd of this year. You and your son will be in our prayers. We take comfort in knowing that God has not and will never abandon us or our sons.
Maria Teresa & Paul D Latourney
Parents of SSG Paul M Latourney

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. We respect and admire the ultimate sacrifice your son has made for being so passionate in his love for our country.
Sincerely,
The Kandziorski Family

To The TorresFamily,

I send out my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. The prayers of my family will be with you in this time of hurt and anguish. May God watch over you and your family.

The Proud Father of SGT. Eric A. Lill.
KIA 7/6/07
Hometown of Chicago,Il

To the Torres Family,

I had the pleasure of being Omar's acting platoon sergeant at his unit in the Ohio Army Guard. I remember Omar's determination to succeed in everything he did and his constant drive to learn and do more to better himself as a Soldier and a man.

Omar will never be forgotten by those of us who served with him. We will keep his memory alive by doing our duty with honor and courage as he did.

God Bless.

I did not know Pfc. Torres, but I do know the pain of losing one of these fine heroes. My nephew was KIA on August 4th. They will live on in our hearts forever. Thank you, his family, for your sacrifice.

Sincerely,
Heidi Perry-Hipp
Proud Aunt
Spc. Matthew M. Murchison
KIA August 4, 2007
Baghdad

The outpouring of kindness from all of you who wrote in the guestbook for our son Omar E Torres has touched us deeply. We would like to extend our thanks to all family members of fallen servicemen who expressed their Sympathy. Your sincere words and support were much appreciated. As we are now united in grief,our family too will remember you and your loved ones in our prayers. Our sons and daughters will not be forgotten. For those of you knew or were friends of our unique and remarkable son,I know that he will live on in your memories. Thank you for sharing your stories about Omar so that others might know him too. those heartfelt caring messages will always be remembered. And finally for those kind strangers who do not know us or our family thank you for taking the time to write some comforting words.Words can not express our gratitude. Please continue to pray us God Bless you all. Mr Torres Proud Army Father

Dear Torres Family,
I remember Omar from when he was just a little kid at St. Richard. I am currently student teaching at De La Salle and was shocked when I heard the news. I tried to come say hello at the all-school mass dedicated to Omar, but you all had left the service by the time I could get over to you. I know that you are a strong, loving family, and I pray that you will get through this difficult time. My love and condolences,
Kristen Okrzesik, St. Richard Class of 1998.

QUERIDA FAMILIA: OSCAR, DORIS, YAYITA Y OSCAR JR.
LAMENTAMOS PROFUNDAMENTE ESTA GRAN PERDIDA. TUVIMOS OPORTUNIDAD DE CONOCERLO Y CONVIVIR CON EL, EL FUE UNA EXCELENTE PERSONA. ESTAMOS ORANDO POR USTEDES PARA QUE PRONTO PUEDAN ENCONTRAR RESIGNACION. LOS QUEREMOS.

My heartfelt sympathy to the Torres family in the loss of Omar. I did not know Omar, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Omar you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

Dear Loved Ones of PFC Omar E. Torres,
I did not learn of Mr. Torres' passing until I saw it on the news the day of his funeral. Had I known earlier, I would have paid my respects at his wake. Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved son and brother. He is in my prayers daily. Reading the wonderful things that others had to say about this fine young man brought tears to my eyes. May God bless and comfort you.

To the Torres Family,

I am extremely sorry to hear of the loss of Omar. I have memories of him when Oralia and I would have our sleep overs and he would come and bug us endlessly, with his jokes, and his mischievous ways, but always making us laugh. He is in my thoughts and prayers.

To the Torres family I offer my deepest sympathies. I never had the pleasure of meeting your son but my boyfriend went to school with him and remembers him fondly. May God guide in this time of inmesurable pain and know that millions are praying for your son. May God bless all our troops.

I only knew u for a few months but u r my brother at arms RIP

To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

To The Family of Omar E. Torres,

My heart goes out to all of you at this time of unbearable heartache and sorrow. I wish I had some magical words that would ease your pain and bring you some measure of comfort and solace for your tremendous loss. Although I never met Omar, through what I have read and heard about him, I have been inspired by this special young man. I know that Omar was a remarkable person and in his short life, he left a lasting and indelible mark on all those whose lives he touched. These brief pages and photographs echo a sentiment of love, pride, and respect which will long be remembered. I pray for God's blessings of strength and courage for each of you. Omar will truly live on in the memories which you hold so dear and your continued devotion. I am certain his example of living life to the fullest as well as following his true convictions are qualities worthy of admiration and emulation. This brave young hero, Omar Torres, will always be remembered in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathies to you all.

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Pfc Torres and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

To the family of PFC Torres:
I met Omar at RSP shortly after joining the National Guard. He stood out as a lighthearted guy with a true love of life, and we immediately became friends. I ran into him once at the PX at Ft. Benning while we were both still in training. He was almost finished and I was only 3 weeks in. I was so excited to see a familiar face that i almost jumped out of line at the barber. He definently encouraged me to stick through the hard times that he knew i was going through. The next time i saw him was at my first day of drill with the Guard. I stayed at his apartment almost every drill weekend and we had all kinds of fun times. He was one of my closest friends.
I'm going to miss that man. He is a true HERO. Mentally Strong, Phisically Tough, and Morally Straight. I am honored to have had a chance to be his friend.

To the Family of Pfc. Omar Torres,
I am a parishioner at St. Richard and we were saddened when Fr. Tom announced the heartbreaking news last week. We don't know Omar personally but we do know that he was brave and he was a peace loving young man for he paid the ultimate price for freedom of this country. We are deeply sorry for your loss. God Bless you on this difficult time. We are with you in praying for his soul...

Dear Oscar & Family,
Please except my condolences. I was very sadden when Lt.Frank gave me the news of your son. I didn't know Omar but after reading all the entries, I know he was a wonderful guy. God Bless You & your family!
Kim Beck

Dear Oscar and Doris,
One of the first things i made sure i did on Thursday was walk up to Mayor Daley's Security Detail which was at the Harold Washington Library and spoke to them about Omar I wanted the Mayor to know that he should make it to pay his respects to Omar. I was told by his people he would come and found out when i came that evening to usher at the wake The Mayor did show up. For the last few years I have been "Principal for the day" at St Richard School This is usually a fun day and after speaking with Fr Tom and Sister Francine i decided The most important thing i want to do in Omar's memory is to establish a perpetual Scholarship for a student or students who wants to attend St Richard in his memory at St Richard School. As president of the St Richard Parish Council I will MAKE this a priorty and I will do EVERYTHING i can to make this happen. I have formed a committee and will be meeting in the next week or so to get the ball rolling on this. I am praying for your family and knowing Omar is looking down and smiling at us. As the marquee outside of St Richard says Omar was a TRUE AMERICAN HERO !!!!!!

To the Family of Omar Torres:

My deepest condolences go out to you and all the family. This is a terrible loss for the St. Richard community. I did not know Omar personally, but I did know his sister, Oralia Torres. We went to St. Richard as the class of '97. Oralia, may your memories keep you together.

I feel so honored to have known Omar for so long. I have countless stories of all the silly things we did as kids growing up. More than anything, I'm so proud of him. I tell everyone how brave, smart, and clever he was. He wasn't afraid of anyone or anything. Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you, Mr and Mrs. Torres, Oralia, and Oscar. He will never be forgotten.

Dear Torres Family, from one military family to the other, from one CFD family to another, we express our deepest condolences and only wish you know that what Oscar did, he did with Honor, Dignity and Pride. We know that and are so ever grateful to his service and dedication. May the Lord grant you peace but realize that we as American Citizens honor Oscar for what he did, for who is is and how valiently he served his country. We will never forget and will always have a place in our hearts for you. Sincerely, Ernie (CDF), Katherine, Jan, Bob (CFD) and John (CFD) Pentek

As a Tia of a deployed Marine, I pray that God brings you comfort during this sorrowful time. Omar was and always will be a Hero.

God Bless you.

Omar, so many good memories with you. All those days in school together, all those basketball games we played together, and all the other time we spent together throughout the years. You always made me laugh, smile, feel proud of my achievements and goals. I am so proud of you. You will always be in my heart, and I will always have your words of encouragement on my mind. May you rest in peace now. Love you!

Mr. and Mrs. Torres, Oralia, and Oscar, be strong. Keep your head up high for my teammate, classmate, friend, and most important my hero. Omar is looking down on us, and as strong minded as he always was, I know he does not want us sad and unhappy. I love you all and I am here for you.

Dear Oscar an Doris, I am deeply saddend by your loss, an my heart an prayers go out to you an the Family. What a sad day, but take comfort in knowing your Son is in Heaven, there is no waiting in line for our American Heroes. Respectivley, Dave an Mary McClain

To the family of Omar Torres - a Hero - I attended the service for your brave son and was touched by such love and devotion to this young man. He was truly a Hero in every sense and he has done more in his short life than people who have lived much longer. Keep his memories alive and know that he loved all of you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. You son is a true HERO and the whole country owes a debt of gratitude. My son was killed in Afghaniston in June 07 and only God can get us through this time of sorrow. May God bless you son and you

Mr. and Mrs. Torres, Oralia and Oscar
I met Omar my sophomore year in high school (2002) in Archer Park at the St. Richards Carnival, though some mutual friends. Immediately after, I considered him a friend . We ended up dating for about 3-4 month after thats. However, we certainly kept in touch throughout the years. When he came back to Chicago for the last time, him and I even went to dinner. Omar and I were talking online only a week before his death, and I was completely devastated when informed of his death. I just wanted let you know that I loved Omar very much, and assure you that you had a wonderful man in your family. He was always a complete gentleman with me, and he was never without a smile on his face. He always told me that I made him smile, and that when we were together he could just sit back and laugh with me, no matter what we were doing. I intend on keeping that smile on his face when he is looking down on all of us. I am deeply sorry for your loss, and I have the best wishes in my heart for you and your family and friends.

Oscar and Doris I am so sorry for the loss of your son, Oscar and Oralia I am so sorry for the loss of your brother, your best friend.

When I heard of what happened to Omar, I was heartbroken, and speechless. I did not know how to respond. It is really sad that he could not fulfill his dreams. He was so young, its not right.

Omar and I have been friends for 15 years. We went to grade school, and high school together. We shared many memories, and became better men. I never thought this would happen to such a good guy as Omar.

Dear Family of Omar, My thoughts and prayers are with you. It very deeply saddened me to hear the news of Omars passing as it seems it wasnt very long ago I was playing grammar school football alongside this brave young man. Words fail to express my gratitide for Omars sacrifice. God Bless You and may you rest in peace my friend.

To Marie Ortega and Family,

While I had never known of you or your family until we inadvertently met in a parking lot last Wednesday, I was a part of your devastating pain and grief over the loss of your nephew Omar. I have since and will continue to think of you and pray for you and your family at this time.