Pastor: Soldier’s death only temporary separation from loved ones

Pastor: Soldier’s death only temporary separation from loved ones

Memorial for Pfc. Gil Isai Morales Del Valle packed
Posted: August 12, 2011

By Jeff Brumley
The combat death of Army Pfc. Gil Isai Morales Del Valle may have been violent and it may have been jolting and unexpected, but it was not tragic and it was not sad, his pastor told mourners Friday.

If anything, the 21-year-old Jacksonville soldier’s Aug. 3 death in Afghanistan should bring joy because it means Morales Del Valle is with Christ in heaven, Pastor Jose Bonfante said during a memorial service at Rock of Salvation Church on Cortez Road. And that, he added, means his biological and church families will see him again.

“For Isai today is not a goodbye, it’s ‘see you later — we’ll see you later, Isai,’ ” Bonfante told more than 500 in attendance.

Morales Del Valle was one of two soldiers in 10th Mountain Division killed when their vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb, the Army said.

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