This picture was shown with a story concerning the homecoming of another soldier.  It was not right to discuss about one soldier and show another soldier’s family when both were hero’s.  The real story of this family is Erik and Jeannette Gaston and their children, Andrew and Gabriella. They are the parents and siblings of SPC Jonathan Batista.

Spc. Jonathan Batista who was killed in combat in Afghanistan July 8th, 2012. He joined the United States Army in 2010 and was assigned to Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 321st Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and was an honorable and courageous young man who loved his country and the military; and tragically lost his life while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Jonathan was a dedicated soldier as well as a loving husband and son, whose memory lives in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow soldiers; and Specialist Batista’s heroism, patriotism, and service to his country and his fellow soldiers make it appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey to remember him and his family, to mark his passing, and to honor his memory.

Jonathan Batista is a Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Parachutist Badge.

This soldier may be gone from here, but his legacy should live on forever. He gave all to help everyone, we owe him the respect due for his courageous and heartfelt adoration that he gave to everyone he came into contact with.

http://www.njrunforthefallen.org/spc-jonathan-batista.html

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Namaste!

Donna

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