thedrifter
02-12-07, 04:32 PM
Monday, February 12, 2007
Iraqi war claims sixth native son
By Nick Georgandis
Managing Editor
Monday, February 12, 2007 12:30 PM CST
The ongoing war in Iraq claimed the life of a sixth native of Katy last Saturday when United States Marine James Rodney (J.R) Tijerina was killed in action.
The 27-year-old Tijerina grew up in Katy and graduated from Katy High School in 1998. He was a member of Katy's 1997 state championship football team, playing tight end.
He attended Epiphany Catholic Church and was confirmed by Father Jack M. Dinkins, who will be conducting Tijerina's funeral next week.
According to his cousin Kathryn Tijerina, James Tijerina enlisted in the Marines in 2002 and when his term ended, he re-enlisted, telling family he did so to better serve his country.
According to Kathryn Tijerina, he was planning on coming home this summer to marry his fiance', with plans of moving to Hawaii after his second term ended.
Although the department of defense has not released an official statement, it appears Tijerina and six other Marines were all killed when their plane was shot down by a missile.
His body was expected back home this weekend. The funeral will be a closed-casket affair given the burns to his body.
Tijerina is the sixth Katy native to have his life claimed by the war in Iraq, which will reach its fourth year of United States' involvement this March 20.
According to the Department of Defense, as of Feb. 7, 3,115 United States military personnel have now lost their life in Iraq since the beginning of the conflict.
Ellie
Iraqi war claims sixth native son
By Nick Georgandis
Managing Editor
Monday, February 12, 2007 12:30 PM CST
The ongoing war in Iraq claimed the life of a sixth native of Katy last Saturday when United States Marine James Rodney (J.R) Tijerina was killed in action.
The 27-year-old Tijerina grew up in Katy and graduated from Katy High School in 1998. He was a member of Katy's 1997 state championship football team, playing tight end.
He attended Epiphany Catholic Church and was confirmed by Father Jack M. Dinkins, who will be conducting Tijerina's funeral next week.
According to his cousin Kathryn Tijerina, James Tijerina enlisted in the Marines in 2002 and when his term ended, he re-enlisted, telling family he did so to better serve his country.
According to Kathryn Tijerina, he was planning on coming home this summer to marry his fiance', with plans of moving to Hawaii after his second term ended.
Although the department of defense has not released an official statement, it appears Tijerina and six other Marines were all killed when their plane was shot down by a missile.
His body was expected back home this weekend. The funeral will be a closed-casket affair given the burns to his body.
Tijerina is the sixth Katy native to have his life claimed by the war in Iraq, which will reach its fourth year of United States' involvement this March 20.
According to the Department of Defense, as of Feb. 7, 3,115 United States military personnel have now lost their life in Iraq since the beginning of the conflict.
Ellie