Luis J. Castillo
Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves
February 22, 1986 – January 20, 2007
Age – 20
Lawton, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Marine Forces Reserve’s 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Lansing, MI
Killed while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar, Iraq.
The second Gulf War lasted a little more than eight and a half years. In that time more than 4,400 service members lost their lives in combat.
But during a particularly brutal stretch between October of 2006 and February of 2007, 22 Marines from Selfridge Air National Guard Base were killed in action.
These Marines went there with the purest of intentions to serve in the cause of freedom and that’s what they did. And I just think it’s something that we have to do. I don’t want them to be forgotten.
Luis Jose Castillo was an icon of courage, determination, and vigor. He was a reliable worker, an excellent Marine and a loving son, brother and uncle. When Luis was with his family, he would tell jokes, tease his family, play the guitar, and enjoyed spending time with his nieces.
Luis was born in Mexico and when he was three years old, his family emigrated to the United States. Luis enjoyed a pleasant childhood. He spent a lot of time hanging out with his friends, and played defense for AYSO Soccer, where he earned a name for himself as a promising young athlete. He soon became interested in wrestling at the title weight of 140, he won several medals and trophies for his school. He received many honors, including the title of team captain. At the end of his senior wrestling season, he was named “best athlete” by his coach.
Throughout high school, he remained committed to his academics and athletic training. He was driven by his goals, and in 2004 he graduated with honors from Mattawan High School. When he wasn’t working, studying, or wrestling, he enjoyed learning how to play the guitar and dancing.
After his graduation, Luis joined the Marine Corps Reserves, where he was assigned to Charlie Company. He knew that he would be deployed in the near future, and he courageously awaited the opportunity to serve his country. Meanwhile, he worked at Moreland International where he formed many friendships. His boss spoke very highly of him. Luis knew that when he returned to his civilian life, he would have a job waiting for him.
In June of 2006, the Charlie Company was activated. For the rest of the summer, Luis trained at Camp Pendleton and Twenty Nine Palms, located in California. He remained positive and motivated, and continued to practice his faith by attending the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hartford. In September he was deployed to Iraq as a squad automatic rifleman in the General Infantry. Luis was a poster Marine. He was courageous and energetic, with a commanding presence that you felt as soon as he entered a room.
Nothing was more valuable to Luis than his family. He deeply loved his parents and siblings, they kept in touch after his deployment to Iraq. Whenever things were tough, Luis could count on his nieces to brighten the day. They mailed drawings and letters, and emailed frequently. He looked forward to returning home. Luis was more than just an uncle: he was also a role model and an inspiration.
As his mother remembers, “Luis was a good son from the moment he was born.” He loved to joke, but he was also very professional. He was outgoing, with a free spirit and a charismatic personality. He loved to say, “What happenin?” Whether he was wrestling, dancing, or playing his guitar, he was always doing something. Luis was full of life, and he made the most out of each moment.