I was google-ing for 'Lingayen Educational Center' when I came upon a link that features the death of Valiant, a very dear friend and classmate of mine from high school. Then it brought back so many fond memories of us in high school -- mostly I would imagine him beaming and could not stop himself from smiling or giggling. The memories are so Valiant-like.
His name was Richard Valiant Correa [Primicias].
U.S. TO GIVE FULL MILITARY HONORS TO FIL-AM SOLDIER KILLED IN IRAQMANILA, JUNE 14, 2007 (STAR) - The US government will provide full military honors to Filipino-American Army Sgt. Richard Valiant Correa, who was killed in Iraq, during his burial in his hometown of Lingayen in Pangasinan tomorrow. Correa, 25, was killed by an improvised explosive device during a dismounted patrol near Ilbu Falris in Iraq last May 29. Correa served in Iraq under the 10th Mountain Division of the US Army’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, based in Fort Drum, New York. “In recognition of his valor and dedication, Sergeant Correa will receive posthumously the Bronze Star Medal, which is the fourth highest US military award for gallantry in action, as well as the Purple Heart Medal,” the US Embassy said in a statement. US Brig. Gen. Harvey Landwermeyer, assistant division commander (support) of the 2nd Infantry Division, Korea, and a funeral honor guard from the 8th Army Korea, together with military representatives from the US Embassy, will attend Correa’s burial. Correa was born in the Philippines on May 20, 1982. He spent two years of his early childhood in the US, then returned to Lingayen and in 1999, graduated from the Lingayen Educational Center. At 17, he moved back to the US and starting in 1999, served in the US Air Force for four years. In July 2004, he re-enlisted in the US Army. – Pia Lee-Brago
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