We at Soldiers' Angels mourn the loss of all of our heroes, but the loss is especially keen when it is one close to our hearts.

Marine CPL Joseph Heredia

Local street to bear fallen Marine's nameBy Malia Spencer/STAFF WRITER

http://www.santamariatimes.com/articles/2005/01/04/news/local/news02.txt

Fallen Marine Joseph Heredia's memory will live on in his hometown - and his ultimate sacrifice will be honored - through the renaming of a Santa Maria street in his honor, municipal officials said.

City Council members are expected to pass a resolution changing the name of a street in the Bradley Square subdivision from Leahy Park to Heredia Lane.

"I was surprised," said Heredia's mother, Monica Diaz, when she heard of the city's plans. "But what an honor. It's something permanent, it's something that's always going to be in the community."

Heredia, 22, was a corporal when he died Nov. 20, 2004, from complications related to injuries he received in Iraq 10 days earlier. His funeral Dec. 8 drew hundreds of family, friends and community members to St. John Neuman Church.

The idea to name a street for Heredia originated with Mayor Larry Lavagnino."A city doesn't get many chances to honor and respect and show the love for our fallen heroes," Lavagnino said. "And so I thought it would be a good idea, especially since (he) was a Santa Maria boy, so we are changing a street name."

Heredia Lane is located in the Traditions portion of Bradley Square, said David Beas, senior civil engineer for the city. The street is just on the west side of College Drive and borders what will be Rotary Centennial Park.

Six homes in that development will have a Heredia Lane address and the particular street was selected because of its primary location next to the park said officials with the developer, Bradley Square Partners.

The council's resolution is the final step in the process of changing the street name, Beas explained.

City officials are planning to continue to encourage the naming of streets for Santa Maria residents who are casualties of war, Lavagnino said. Developers will be given a list residents killed in all wars for consideration when naming streets, he said. The idea is being fostered by Lavagnino and Bob Hatch, Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO and a Vietnam veteran.

Heredia's family is planning on being at the council meeting tonight at 6:30 in City Council's Chambers, 110 E. Cook St.

"We want to be able to show our respect for (Heredia's) sacrifice and we thought this will be the best way," Lavagnino said. "His name will go on forever in the City of Santa Maria."

The family of United States Marine Joseph Heredia, who died of injuries received in Iraq, standS at the corner of Leahy Park (which will soon be Heredia Lane) and Hawkins Way in Santa Maria. Left to right are Heredia's brother, Primo; sister, Monika Zendejas; mother, Monica Diaz; wife, Natalia; and brother, Adrian.//Aaron Lambert/Staff

Above, our Angel Wilhelmine Aufmkolk, at the Fisher House with CPL Heredia's mother. Willie recalled meeting CPL Heredia's mother, wife, and brother at the Fisher House. Of CPL Heredia's passing, she said, "We are without words."

Our thoughts and prayers are with CPL Heredia's family, fellow Marines, and friends.