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Carlos Arredondo of Roslindale, MA, learned that his son Lcpl. Alexander Arredondo, USMC was killed in action on August 25, 2004, his 44th birthday. When advised of his son's death and due to anguish, grief and questionable protocol by the Casualty Assistance Team, he set fire to a US Marine van and himself in the process. These images were broadcast worldwide and resonated for many as the ultimate anguish of a father having lost his son in war. Carlos attended Alexander’s wake and funeral on a stretcher despite his injuries. With the help of his wife and family, he recuperated from burns on 26% of his body and engaged in active counseling to recuperate from PTSD. As a part of his treatment, he reaches out to other families who have lost their family members. He currently is focusing on public speaking and preparing a media campaign to inform particularly Spanish speaking parents of the unethical recruitment methods used to target troops who come from divorced and low income backgrounds.
“I was the last one to know Alex had signed up. He was 17. He was very proud to serve the country, and I was proud of him too. Alex was offered $10,000 to sign up early enlistment, money to go to college and other bonuses. He served two tours on the front lines and did not live long enough to enjoy the rewards promised to him.” Carlos Arredondo
Melida Arredondo of Roslindale, MA, drove home as quickly as she could when she found out that her stepson Alexander had been killed in action. When she turned onto her street, she witnessed a fire. She realized that there was something burning in front of her home. She saw Carlos writhing in pain as a US Marine sat on his back holding his arms. In the midst of the confusion, she remembers helicopters overhead, the sirens wailing, speaking to Brian (Alex's younger brother) on a cell phone and witnessed a van on fire just a few feet away from her. Mélida, a lifelong peace and justice activist, was active in protesting the Gulf War while George H. Bush’s was in office. Out of respect and love for her stepson, she told him that she was scared for him and did not believe in war. Yet, she told him she would not protest since she did not want him to believe she did not love and support him. Since Alex’ death, Mélida has written opinion pieces about the war in local Boston papers, is aiding Carlos in writing about his experiences and works at a community health center in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
“Alex believed in what he was doing. He wanted the best for the Iraqi people especially the children. He was learning Arabic and had deep respect for the Iraqi culture.” Melida Arredondo
