As the troops leave the Middle East, there are many who lost their lives serving our country in the war.

Israel Hernandez's son Derek lost his life in June while serving in Afghanistan.

"You say goodbye to your son and he comes back in a coffin," said Israel. "That's really hard."

Lance Corporal Derek Hernandez died in an accident when his convoy flipped over.

"Really, really, honestly, I don't think it was worth it, but he was fighting for all of us for freedom," said Israel.

Another Valley resident who died for his country is Dustin Michael Sekula of Edinburg.

A library holds his name in Edinburg.

Matias Rodriguez said he knows of the Valley residents who have died for their country, but nonetheless, he plans to join the Marines.

"You're doing it for America," said Rodriguez. "For our President, for everybody, so I'm pretty sure they were all worth it."

He said he's prepared for what lies ahead.

"I want that commitment of doing that for my country," he said.

Rodriguez will leave behind a wife and son, but he said his life would be worth it if he can keep America free.

"They have a lot of love," said Israel. "They want to fight for their country. They want to protect us. That's what Derek had."

Even though troops are leaving the Middle East, troops face the risk of going to combat everyday, but Israel said it's important for parents to always be supportive of children.