Just a few days after learning her husband had been killed overseas Pamela Altamirano sheds tears of anguish saying her husband army staff sergeant Estevan Altamirano loved the military and his fellow servicemen.
And he paid the ultimate price in service to his country.
“His war brothers were his everything. I asked him not to go this time because he had some injuries from other deployments. He said he couldn't leave his brothers behind,” said Pamela Altamirano.
Sgt. Estevan Altamirano, an Edcouch native was killed Sunday while on active duty in Iraq.
Edcouch Mayor Robert Schmalzried issued a proclamation at the start of the city commissioners meeting.
The proclamation states that flags in the city should be flown at half-staff from now until two weeks after the soldier's burial in memory of the valiant young man.
"Soldiers often go unannounced and they don’t get the respect that they deserve. They do so much for our country and they do so much for their families and their friends. They need to have all the respect that they can get,” said Edcouch Mayor Robert Schmalzried.
The graduate of Edcouch-Elsa High School deployed four times and served in the military for 11 and a half years.
His family is asking for support from the community during these difficult times to help with flight expenses for fellow soldiers who want to serve as pallbearers at the funeral.
“I need them by my side. They knew my husband so well. So any contributions would go to bringing them down here and feeding them,” said Pamela.
The 30 year old known as speedy by his loved ones didn't only leave behind his wife but three daughters and two sons, as well as a number of family and friends here in the valley, who will cherish his memory.
Pamela Altamirano tells Action 4 News her husband Estevan accidentally shot himself while cleaning his gun.
She expects her husband’s body to arrive at McAllen Miller International airport in the coming week.
A date is still pending as well as funeral arrangements.
An account will be set up at first national bank in the following days for donations.
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