Family and friends mourn the loss of a Valley Marine killed overseas. 20-year-old Lance Corporal Alfonso Ochoa, Jr. was killed in action in Afghanistan over the weekend.
Ochoa was killed Saturday while supporting combat operations in Farah Province in the southwest portion of Afghanistan.
During his senior year, Ochoa transferred from Hanford West to Hanford Adult School, so that he could graduate early and enter the U.S. Marine Corps in January 2008.
Current Hanford West Principal Bobby Peters says Ochoa started developing an interest in joining the military during his junior year. He says the military was a vehicle to better his life, continue his education and serve his country.
Peters describes Ochoa as a good student who worked hard everyday and rarely used excuses. Peters said, “His is one of those stories that I tell other kids, when they maybe facing some adversity in your life, here's what you do."
Peters says he was very disappointed and upset to hear about Ochoa's death.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued this statement on Tuesday: “Lance Corporal Alfonso Ochoa was a brave young man whose commitment to serving his country will always be remembered… We send our condolences to all of Alfonso’s loved ones who are mourning this terrible loss.”
Flags will be lowered to half staff at the State Capitol in Sacramento in honor of Lance Corporal Alfonso Ochoa, Jr.
