A south valley community is in mourning after the death of another local soldier in Afghanistan.
Porterville native AJ Pardo lost his life while serving in Afghanistan.
He is the seventh service member from the area to die while fighting the war on terror.
Family and friends of fallen soldier AJ Pardo gathered tonight to remember happier times. It was at this same church, St. Annes in Porterville, that Pardo spent much of his time before leaving to serve his country.
Maurice Tenorio was Pardo's godfather and one of his biggest supporters. He says the 21-year-old taught him how to live life to the fullest.
Pardo died during a nine month tour in Afghanistan. He and five other soldiers lost their lives in Maidan Shahr, Wardak province, Afghanistan when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.
Hannah Risvold and Pardo knew each other well. They went to Granite Hills High School together and shortly after graduation in 2009, he enlisted, ready to face new challenges head on.
Pardo's body is expected to arrive back in Porterville sometime late this week. Plans for memorial services have yet to be announced.
TXT 24
Twitter
Facebook