Amy Pacheco & Miguel Hernandez
Amy Pacheco, 18, and Miguel Hernandez, 18, both freshman students in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, died when the SUV they were traveling in collided with a sports car that crossed the center lane of the highway. The other driver was alleged to have been under the influence at the time of the accident.
Amy Pacheco was born in Houston, Texas on May 16, 1994 to Juan Jesus and Rosa Maria Pacheco. Amy was a 2012 graduate from Cesar E. Chavez High School, Houston, Texas. Amy pursued her dream of higher education as well as joining the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University, Bryan College Station, Texas. She received multiple scholarships from various institutions highlighting her stellar attributes and great potential to achieve higher learning. She was pursuing a degree in Construction Science Engineering. She had a smile that was ever-present, contagious and a heart that was filled with giving, always seeking to make a difference. She was loved by everyone who crossed her path.
Amy Pacheco was born in Houston, Texas on May 16, 1994 to Juan Jesus and Rosa Maria Pacheco. Amy was a 2012 graduate from Cesar E. Chavez High School, Houston, Texas. Amy pursued her dream of higher education as well as joining the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University, Bryan College Station, Texas. She received multiple scholarships from various institutions highlighting her stellar attributes and great potential to achieve higher learning. She was pursuing a degree in Construction Science Engineering. She had a smile that was ever-present, contagious and a heart that was filled with giving, always seeking to make a difference. She was loved by everyone who crossed her path.
Haymond Joseph Butler-James III
Haymond Joseph Butler-James III was born in Houston, Texas, on November 7, 1992 to Haymond Joseph James, Jr. and Mia Dione Butler. A shining light to all who met him, Haymond completed his formal education in the Houston Independent School District. At Wheatley, Haymond was an outgoing student and a member of the Honor Society. He was enrolled in college at the University of Houston-Downtown.
Haymond’s passion was the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program in which he served during his four years at Wheatley. He loved the Drill Team and the Honor Guard. JROTC shaped Haymond’s character. For it was there that he developed teamwork, citizenship, leadership, physical fitness, and self-esteem. Haymond earned the rank of Cadet 2nd Lieutenant and received numerous awards for his community service. Haymond also completed a summer internship with the Buffalo Soldier’s National Museum in Houston. Haymond loved God and the Church. Haymond accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was an active member of the Impact Houston Church of Christ since he was a young child. At Impact, he was baptized in 2010. Haymond touched so many hearts there. He was a dedicated member of the Youth Ministry. He attended the Vacation Bible School and was an intern with the Children’s Ministry. Haymond truly had a servant’s heart. At church, he served often to help the disadvantaged people seeking refuge there. Haymond leaves cherished memories with the many people who loved him. He has claimed his victory and is safe with the Lord.
Haymond’s passion was the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program in which he served during his four years at Wheatley. He loved the Drill Team and the Honor Guard. JROTC shaped Haymond’s character. For it was there that he developed teamwork, citizenship, leadership, physical fitness, and self-esteem. Haymond earned the rank of Cadet 2nd Lieutenant and received numerous awards for his community service. Haymond also completed a summer internship with the Buffalo Soldier’s National Museum in Houston. Haymond loved God and the Church. Haymond accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was an active member of the Impact Houston Church of Christ since he was a young child. At Impact, he was baptized in 2010. Haymond touched so many hearts there. He was a dedicated member of the Youth Ministry. He attended the Vacation Bible School and was an intern with the Children’s Ministry. Haymond truly had a servant’s heart. At church, he served often to help the disadvantaged people seeking refuge there. Haymond leaves cherished memories with the many people who loved him. He has claimed his victory and is safe with the Lord.
First Sergeant Leon Benjamin Young, III
Leon Benjamin Young, III was born on September 10, 1944 at Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. He was the eldest of four brothers: Tom, Bill, and Richard (deceased). He is survived by his mother, Ruther Evelyn Millard, wife Carmen Cuprill Young, six children: Aida Cuprill Young, Gloria Cuprill Young, Ivonne Young Robinson, Victor Leon Young, Wilfred Benjamin Young, Nevelyn Marcette Young Williams (Rudolph), six grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
As an Army Brat, Leon was fortunate to live around the world with his parents, including 6 ½ years in Japan. He met his best friend, wife, lover, and mother of his children, Carmen Cuprill at her Quinceanera 51 years ago. After graduating from high school, Leon enlisted in the Army and served 23 years as a Army Bandsman; his instrument was the trombone. He retired at the age of 40 and at the rank of 1st Sergeant. After retirement, Leon served as a JROTC Instructor at Furr High School. Leon loved to travel, play trombone in numerous local bands and orchestras, and dote on his wife, children, and grandchildren. His influence on all those he touched was significant and his presence will be missed by all who knew him.
As an Army Brat, Leon was fortunate to live around the world with his parents, including 6 ½ years in Japan. He met his best friend, wife, lover, and mother of his children, Carmen Cuprill at her Quinceanera 51 years ago. After graduating from high school, Leon enlisted in the Army and served 23 years as a Army Bandsman; his instrument was the trombone. He retired at the age of 40 and at the rank of 1st Sergeant. After retirement, Leon served as a JROTC Instructor at Furr High School. Leon loved to travel, play trombone in numerous local bands and orchestras, and dote on his wife, children, and grandchildren. His influence on all those he touched was significant and his presence will be missed by all who knew him.
Lieutenant Colonel David E. Cabrera
Army Lieutenant Colonel David E. Cabrera from Houston was among those killed on October 29, 2011, when a suicide bomber rammed an armored bus in the Afghan capital of Kabul. Cabrera was born in Florida but grew up in Houston, where he graduated from Sam Houston High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University and joined the U.S. Army as a medical service corps officer in Jan. 1996. Lieutenant Colonel Cabrera was a clinical social worker with the Army’s Medical Service Corps. He leaves behind his wife, August, and four children.
“Lt. Col. Cabrera was a soldier’s soldier,” said Navy Captain (Dr.) Mark Stephens, who was David’s boss as chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. “He was professionally happiest when in the field with his troops. His sense of service, love of God, family and country are an inspiration to us all.”
Cabrera was the director of social work at USU. As an assistant professor in the university’s Department of Family Medicine, he saw patients, taught military medical students, conducted research on post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic growth, and participated in university field training exercises. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel at a small ceremony on September 1, surrounded by his family, friends, and close colleagues.
Rest in Peace and may God bless his family.
“Lt. Col. Cabrera was a soldier’s soldier,” said Navy Captain (Dr.) Mark Stephens, who was David’s boss as chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. “He was professionally happiest when in the field with his troops. His sense of service, love of God, family and country are an inspiration to us all.”
Cabrera was the director of social work at USU. As an assistant professor in the university’s Department of Family Medicine, he saw patients, taught military medical students, conducted research on post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic growth, and participated in university field training exercises. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel at a small ceremony on September 1, surrounded by his family, friends, and close colleagues.
Rest in Peace and may God bless his family.
Sergeant Jacob Molina
Army Sergeant Molina was a dedicated JROTC cadet throughout his years at Austin High School. Sergeant Molina, 27, was killed in Afghanistan on July 19 when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was buried at Houston National Cemetery in Houston.
Specialist Pedro Maldonado
Specialist Maldonado was a dedicated cadet throughout his years at Furr High School. He was killed in action in service with the United States Army while deployed in Afghanistan.
Major (Retired) James C. Yarborough
Major (Retired) James C. Yarbrough , passed away March 16, 2011. Jim served two tours of duty in Vietnam and trained soldiers as an Army Battalion Executive Officer. He later served as a JROTC instructor at Furr, Austin, and Houston High Schools. He also served as the HISD JROTC Department Operations’ Officer. Jim was instrumental in teaching curriculum and educational technology enhancements to HISD JROTC instructors. Jim will be missed by all who served with him and knew him. Major Yarborough’s final resting place is located at the Houston National Cemetery.