Castro died of a non-hostile gunshot wound in Camp Cedar II, Iraq. He was assigned to Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Field Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Died on January 16, 2004.
"01-16-18. Today makes 14 years that you've gone to be with God now you are with somebody it's been a long time and yet still you are missed very much we love you we miss you and you're always in our hearts love you beautiful may you always rest in peace guide us wherever we go"
"12-31-17.well here we are New Year Eve mijo.Happy New Year.Another year Enjoy with your mom now. And I love you and miss you lots of love and kisses"
"12-24-17 well it's Christmas Eve and here I am mijo wishing you a merry Christmas the only thing now is that your mother is with you have a happy one with her and the rest of the family I love you and I miss you and always in my heart in my mind"
"11- 23rd 17 Happy Thanksgiving Mijo may you have a great day and having with the rest of the family eating and listening to Tejano music I love you and I miss you always in my heart and in my mind"
"11-11--17 happy Veterans Day mijo. and the rest of the family have a great day love you and miss you. Always in my heart and my mind love you"
"07-04-17 happy Fourth of July baby hope you will enjoy it with all the family all the family that's there playing volleyball and barbecuing and listening to Little Joe love you like always in my heart and in my mind hug and kisses"
"2017-Happy Easter mijo may you enjoy this day with the rest of the family. Like the ones we use to have here. With lots of food music. Egg hunt n everything. As always lots of love hugs n kisses. Gone But Not Forgotten"
"2017- Happy New Year mijo.Wish you were here.You are always in my heart n mind.You will never be forgotten. Love n kisses n hugs"
"2016-Merry Christmas Mijo.Another year of wishing that you were here with us. But you are with us always if only in spirit.have a great time with everybody there.Hugs n Kisses.Love n miss you.always in my heart n mind.I love you."
"2016 Thanksgiving Day. Hi Rollie it's me again.I hope you have a great Thanksgiving Day with our love ones there. Love n Miss you like always"
"2016. Happy. Veteran Day SSG Roland L Castro.You are deep missed but always in our hearts n minds. Love you Hugs n Kisses"
"2016,Happy 4th of July mijo. Right about now we would be getting ready for the cookout n volleyball. With the family n relatives. Music n lots of food.An all day thing. I sure miss you. But I know you are with most of the family having fun.I miss n love you.until we are together again"
"Happy BIrthday Roland. I know you will have a great day.And as always you are in my heart n mind God Bless You n RIP❤"
"Hi mijo it's ne again.Just want to wish you A Happy Easter(2016)U love n miss you.You are always in my heart n mind. Love Hugs n Kisses"
"Well here we are a other year.without you,but am sure you are happy with the rest of the family, waiting for the rest of us. Miss n thinking of you as always. In my heartt n mind"
"Hope you had A Merry Christmas with the rest of our Love ones.As always Love N Miss you. Sorry I'm late"
"SOrry I'm late. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving d Day,with all our love ones there. Like always gone but not forgotten miss you so much. Always in my heart n mind"
"Want to wish you a Happy Birthday. I love and miss you very much.until we meet again. RIP, GOD BLESS YOU"
"Here we are again another Memorial Day.Getting ready for cookout volleyball and of course LITTLE Joe. And Oldies.Those days will always be treasured in our hearts.
"2015 is here and finally got a beautiful custom painting in your name! US ARMY boots & 17th Brigade and A 1/12 insignias all over! Even 10+ later (we) miss you!!! #hoah4Life #sgtRIV #A112"
"Well,Rollie,a another year. As always in our hearts and minds. But you are in a better place, with all your love ones.Always missed. Lots of Love,Hugs,and Kisses.Until we meet again."
"Well mijo. Here we are agin. Another year,wish you were here.I guess I'll never get used to the fact that you're gone. But you're in a better place. You're always in my heart and mind. Love you and miss you. I know you'll have a Happy New Year. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. LOVE YOU MIJO."
"Hi mijo, here's another year ,sorry I miss Thanksgiving, but I sure you had a great day.Now here we are Christmas, hope you will have agreat day. As always you are always in our hearts n minds and will never be forgotten. We miss you more everyday. Seem like yesterday you were still here. Well baby until meet again. Love,hugs,n kissee. Love Aunt Tooties Roll."
"Happy Birthday Roland may you be resting in peace.I love you and miss you.Always in my heart and mind."
"It's been ten yrs that. God needed another angel ,he pick you. You are gone but not forgotten. I love you n miss , always in my heart n mind.
"I am sending a dove to heaven witha parcel on its wing be careful when you open it. Its full of beautiful things. Inside are million kisses wrappedi in a million hugs.To say how I miss you and to you i send all my love I hold you close within my heart and there you will remain to walk with me throughout my life until we meet again."
"another year without you baby in my heart my mind I love you and I miss you so very much till we meet again love you."
"Happy New Year n a belated Merry Christmas.I love you and miss you.Always on my in my mind and heart I love you Roland. Tootlieroll"
"Enjoyed the times we played tackle football in the street and wrestled as kids on Radiance. At the time you were a little guy with a LOT OF HEART!! Years past and I had the pleasure to run into your brother, working alongside with him at HEB, who was surprised to see that he could no longer throw a football at me, for he was now the "little one". He often spoke very highly about you, and was very proud of you.
To the family- I lost my older brother Feb 10, 2004 to a car accident, I feel your pain. Despite the hurt, we can still find joy and comfort in the wonderful memories we have of them."
"I just came across this site and I have to say that you where a man of men I don't know anyone that would continue doing what you did any one who knew you knows the man you where and are I am truly blessed to have been an nco along side you in a place that demands the best and you where one of the best as you look down on us bro I know you would be proud of your men and they live because of the training you gave they love and miss you as do those who knew you " RIP brother" much love from sgt Phillips c btry"
"Well Rollie, here's another year. People says the pain will go away in time.But for me i don't think so. It's still there if not stronger. When I think of the things you used to say and do to me. When I see the videos we have of you growing up. It still hurts. I try to be strong and cry, but it don't help. You're in my heart and mind always. I MISS SO MUCH."
"Another year has gone by without you ,but not a day has gone by with out you in my heart.I remember us playing football at the apartments down the street from your house or playing basketball at Kruger MS everyday, all day till it was to dark to see during the summers growing up.When we played popwarner football, you and your NE Mustanges beat me and my Holy Family Eagles EVERY year,and all the SMACK you would talk after the game.We even had our first alcoholic beverages together.i dont have any childhood memories with out you in them.As we got to high school we may have drifted apart a little, but you never left my heart.You werent my cousin to me,you were my brother.Hold the court up there.Ill meet you in heaven for a game of 21 tip-out brother.
"I was in charlie btry guarding some radio position when we got the news...we all heard about or knew someone from some other unit that had been hit either with an IED or gunshot, but this one hit home for us, I will never forget the looks on the soldiers face when we heard of the accident. SSGT...you excelled at leading your men, and you did a fine job. its true real soldiers never die, they just take cover until their next mission,your sacrifice and your families sacrifice will always be remembered and honored."
"Roland Castro, "Lil Vato" is how you were introduced to me many years ago when we were young soldiers at B Btry 1/12th FA. We went to Korea and served at the same time then both returned to 1/12th. We came up together brother and I will never forget you. I think of you often and hope to see you again one day. I have never known someone who cared more for his family and for his soldiers than you did. I hope we can one day play spades together again. Rest in peace brother."
Yesterday I posted a comment on Facebook in tribute to Roland Castro. But six and a half years ago after his passing I did carry his casket and helped fold the flag that was given to you Lilliana. I just want you to know that I will never forget that day and never forget Roland Castro and I have never stoped to pray from time to time for you and your daughter. I pray that somehow he comforts your unfathomable pain and brings about something beautiful in the midst of tragedy.
"First of all it has been almost another year and I thought I would stop by and say that you will all be in the hearts and minds of those that knew and loved you. I wish the best to your family and to the Spurs, but you know what " How bout dem Cowboys". Roland we miss you. All gave some, but some gave all God Bless."
First and for most I want to express my deepest heart felt condolences to the Castro family!!! Roland I miss you man and want to thank you for your friendship and all of the laughs. After our talks in Iraq you helped me to become a better soldier n leader. I still have your newspaper clipping in a frame hanging on my wall. You have not and will not EVER be forgotten!!!! Continue to shine up there and keep looking down on us from time to time. Love you bra.......ACE"
I am sorry it has taken so long to write...I am stationed in Korea now and was just told of this memorial.
I was new to 1/12 FA when we deployed to Iraq the first time. SSG Castro was one of the guys I could quietly confide in and he always ALWAYS made time for soldiers no matter how tired he was...and you always came away with a smile from just being around him or a joke he would tell.
His favorite thing to talk to me about was I am sorry for the spelling but a Consenaiea...I again sorry for the spelling didnt understand it all...just knew he had this all planned out and it was for your daughters 16th Birthday. He had it planned to a tee. So please tell her this when you think she is ready. He Loved you very much and he loved his daughter!!
SSG Castro, was a hero to me...and many others...he was and IS a great man. I never got a chance to tell him thank you for everything he shared and told me to help through a difficult time.
So I think it only appropiate that I tell you...THANK YOU...Thank you for being the woman that you are that made him so great for us to learn by and share life with...Thank you for always thinking of us as we have NEVER lost thought of you or SSG Castro.
Thank you so very much and thank you for letting me say my piece. I have carried this for some time and have many nightmares about alot of things from over there. But there is always a smile when I think of someone as great as he was and is that touched my life in a profoundly positive way.
SSG Castro...I miss you...thank you for being a great NCO and being a great example to follow...a great friend (even though you always claimed you never had any friends...HA HA) I will never forget you!"
We love you & miss you soooo much Rok & I both !!! It's krazy Ro our girl is so big she love's to sing & dance & hates math but w/your confidence & our good looks she's a replica of us gettin' all grown too !! I love you "DADDY" !!!
5 year's ago today.....Ro my heart got broken & I never knew what a sad face was till I looked in the mirror & saw my smile turn upside down !! Not a day goes by that I don't miss you , but I know now my Roland as much as it hurts your in a better place now w/God .... I know your by our side watching over Rok & I
Ro you know what truly comforts me, is to know the pact we made to each other , I know your in the sky waitin' for me at our favorite spot...so be patient you know it took me 2hrs to get ready & now a lil'longer for I have our daughter to raise!!! I will love you always....wait for me I'll be there soon as God calls me home....
"SSG CASTRO... You made me a better soldier and man while I was a part of Fort Sill's 1/12 FA! You helped me in my promotion to SGT, passed me in my driving course, and told me great stories throughout my time serving... My biggest memory of you is your return after your accident in Balad, Iraq... Your return showed me how strong a man you are; in the heart and physically! So many close calls out there and you were able to defeat them... I remember that SPC Street saved you in Fallujah after I saved him from an emotional set back that cost him alot... BUT your with GOD! And now... Your safe! I PRAY for your family! I know EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON! oh... and Your Spurs have dominated the NBA ever since! I see your looking down and watching over everyone!
Roland 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."
"What's going on man, you know it just was not the same after you left us but I know you are watching out for all of us just like you did before you moved on. We keep our head up, because give us something to look up to. GO SPURS!!!!!"
My wife has a tradition where every Easter she would go to the cemetary where her grandfather was and remember him and the times they shared. Now that she is here in Fort Sill with me, she can't be at her grandfathers grave site in Chicago every year. So we continued her tradition, and started a new one, in that every Easter, Paula and I travel to San Antonio and honor one of my dearest friends, a outstanding Soldier and leader, a caring husband and father, and a true American Hero.
SSG Rolland Lee Castro, you are truly missed and your life lives on in every Soldier that you have led, every leader you have shared your knowledge with, every family member and every friend.
its alex. gosh this is hard... i just want you to know i love and miss you so very much. you are my hero and im working on putting your picture up on my myspace to let every one know what a great person you are and how you made every ones life happier. i know your in a better place now just know that i love you and i miss you and your always in my heart."
"roland, not a day goes by that i dont think of you without tears in my eyes. i miss you so much. i know we never really got to see eachother much but i am a better person having known you. i am truely honored to be called your cousin. i try to visit you often and i wish i could do it more. i have a little girl and now a son and i wish so badly that they could know you. you were a light in everyones tunnel. and i know i will see you again soon. but until that day, i love you so very much."
"Friend to many people, but loved by everyone is what everyone will always remember or so i think, because it seems that many dont bring it up as often as they should because they dont visit him as much as they should....His wife Lilly and daughter Raquel will always remember him no matter what people say and want to say, but they dont know them the way i do.Just to quote to many is dont forget to stop by the cememtary mabe once every wk.or wk. end because i know maby 5 minutes of your time wont hurt and whose to say you aint a bad person cuz no one is saying or juding that about anyone. Its just dont forget the ones who served and fought to protect our familys...And a Quote that i heard during the election on 11/07/06 was that the man of the U.S who we all know is that he said, that he wont bring back the soldiers till the job is finished but look what happend to the fallen soldiers that wanted to finish the job in Iraq but never came back...So may God Bless the Soldiers of America..We Love you********"
"Lillian Castro, I served with your husband in OIF1 and knew him to be a remarkable man and a true leader of men. SSG. Castro was not my chief but he helped me through many hard times. I never got a chance to thank him and that is why I am writting you now. SSG. Castro always told me that the only reason he was the man he was, was because he had a wife who supported him in everything he did. You were his strength and as such you are mine. The wisdom your husband left behind will be with me always and I will never forget the sacrifice that was made by you and your family. I am currently on my second deployment to Iraq and I will continue to serve my country and honor the memory of all who have died for as long as I am able. Thank you, and to you SSG. Castro "you are not forgotten"."
I don't think that I've had anyone have such a profound effect on me in such a short amount of time. During the time I knew SSG Castro, I knew him to be a soldier's soldier, one who not only executed missions flawlessly, but also led by example in the best ways there are to lead. I arrived at the unit the same time that he came back from his hand injury. What struck me about him then was his sense of calm. While all of us were anxious and nervous, his attitude reflected a quiet confidence. During the time I'd known him in Iraq, he was a leader in the truest of senses, and most importantly his men loved him for he loved them. I was there during that fateful time and will not forget it for the rest of my days. His was a significant loss. He was a great man. Some people are a cut above and it has nothing to do with rank or money or class structure. I think many days of him and draw strength from having known him. I send my deepest condolences to you, while hoping you can take some solace in knowing the lifelong effect he has had on those of us who had the honor of knowing him."
I am deeply saddened by the loss of your loved one and wanted to share a few experiences I had with SSG castro while he was my chief in B 1/12 FA. I remember being in the field and singing through the headset a song by kenny rogers called the gambler, we sang this song until our chief nearly lost his mind and then laughed about it afterwards. I was a brand new private when I met SSG Castro and he showed me the ropes about our job and always told me to "watch this" as he got the NCO's fired up and thats one of the reasons i look up to him still to this day he was a awesome NCO and a spectacular person he will always be remembered and missed and once again to all the family of this fine man I am deeply sorry for your loss."
I can only say that I am very sorry for the pain that you are going through. I wish that I could fix it all, but I know that I can't. I have wanted to contact you for a very long time, but I did not know how. i know that you may or may not read this, but I am very sorry. I know that it is not nearly enough. I'm Sorry."
This is Spc Alexander and there were a few things to say to you that I didn't get to say while you died in my arms in Iraq. First thing you were the best chief a soldier could ask for. Second there wasn't a time that I know of that you were ever scared of anything.Third and finally Since the acciedent on RP4 that day in Iraq I haved cried myself to sleep everynight. Not a day goes bye that I don't think about what culd have been its all about what happened now. And I miss you...And all my heart goes out to Lilly and Roc to make through these hard times even know that you are guideing them through it. I'll see you when I get there chief.
"Lilli, words can not even do justice to my feelings of sorrow I have for you and Roc. You three were my family, and you always treated my as such. When I heard of this loss, I shared the pain and sorrow, weeping for my friends and holding the cross you left on my mirror in my car. Then I realize, he is home now, watching over you and Roc. When ever Rolland and I were in the field, we would talk about everything. The love he had for you and Roc, and the happiness you shared. I once asked him how he knew you were the one. He first jokingly said, you were the only one that would put up with him, after the laugh, he said, he just knew from the start. We never talked much about death, but when ever it was brought up, he always told me, �I am a soldier in the U.S. Army, I am not afraid.� He was really saying, I am a Christian, I am not afraid. For those of us who knew Rolland, we were blessed, and must always remember Rolland has passed from this life to a much better place and is watching down from the heavens waiting till the day the lord rejoins us with him. God Bless and my prayers are with you."
"I have a secret I must tell one that I haven't hidden well you must know you've won my heart and we will never ever part! I got that off of a beanie baby he gave me in January,just before he passed away. I share this with you because I've lost my soulmate and so many of you have shown your out pour of support,THANKYOU! It has taken me this long to come out with this but again THANKYOU!!! Our daughter Raquel Lee is doing as expected under the circumstances she as well as I have our good days and our bad days. We both have suffered a great loss but I as one day she will(hopefully)understand that he is in a better place. My husband is now with God he isn't suffering anymore. After partially losing 2 fingers in a tire explosion he was ready to return after just 2 short months. He said to me "Baby, I have to go back I have my soldiers, I'm ready I'm gonna be ok". When he said that I was kind of upset but as his wife I understood and swallowed it.My Roland felt he needed to finish something, he always said I was the rock of our family,he told me "you have to believe in me because everyone thinks I'm crazy for going back". While I won't tell you that I didn't want him to go back I supported him regardless. My husband was a good person he touched many people with his strong sense of charachter and his belief in other people. I can go on and on about this wonderful man who came into my life and swept me off my feet. I will always LOVE and MISS my suolmate,my bestfriend, my husband SSG. Roland Lee Castro!!!!!!!!!!! I MISS YOU SO SO MUCH! My husband isn't just a name he's a son and a father and a soldier. I am forever greatful to my husband ,the fallen angels as well as all the many who are still serving this country, you are true heroes !!!!! I leave you with this my husbsnd will truly be missed by all who got to know him as well as those who had brief encouters with him!!! I know that Raquel and I will FOREVER MISS him and that there isn't a day that goes by that we don't need or want him. He's with God now and I know for myself I'm glad Roc and I have an angel forever watching over us!!! Thanks to everyone for everything, LILROC-N-RO Castro"
"To the Castro family, Roland was a very good friend of mine while i was stationed in Ft Sill in 99, I remember him as a caring and forward soldier. I am sorry of your loss, God bless you all, and take care"
"Although I did not know Roland as well as I could have, I did know he was a good NCO and leader. He will be missed by all who knew him and knew of him. "RAIDERS""
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Roland, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. 'Thank you Roland for keeping us covered!' Pat & Sandi B from Montana "
"I am Toni M.Chavarria,SSG Roland Lee Castro was my brother in law a great soldier.He was agreat father to my niece ROCKO as he called her and spoiled my sister Lilly his wife terribly.His words always "I GOT IT COVERED." We love him and miss him dearly but we his family know he'll live in our hearts forever.He was dedicated to the army and he loved fighting for his country.I'd also like to say that Rol as my sister lovingly called him always made everything a big joke.It's so hard to beleive he's gone and sometimes I find myself thinking any time soon he'll be coming home and then I remember that he's gone to be with the LORD.He can rest now that he is truly home.Even after losing part of his middle and pinkie finger he wanted to return because he said that he had to be with his guys to finish the job.His life was ended to soon but I'm thankful to the LORD for all the great times we all had with Rol.He will be missed but never forgotten.On behlf of my sister Lilly,Rock,and all of our family we would like to thank everyone for their kind words and sympathy.WE LOVE YOU ROLAND.I GOT IT COVERED(Monica).We will take care of your girls."
Words cannot express how truly sorry I am for this great loss. Ssgt Castro is a true hero and is now in a place of the greatest peace. God Bless you all in this time!"
"To the Castro family... My heart goes out to each of you during this tragic time. I pray that God will give you comfort and strength to get through when you need it most. My son, Pvt. Robert L. Frantz, has also gone to God's Army and I share in the heartache with you. Please know that you'll be in my thoughts and prayers, and should you need to talk at anytime I would be glad to be there for you. Heaven holds some very special angels now...ours. Godspeed SSG Castro, you will never be forgotten."
"To the family of Roland Castro. My son, Ernesto Manuel Blanco-Caldas died too in Iraq on 12/28/2003. I feel your pain and grief deeply. We pray for you during this difficult time. Our boys are with the Lord."
"Thank you Roland Castro,, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Roland for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Roland, who continues to live on in your heart."