In Memory of a Fallen Sister -SPC Marisol Heredia

01/01/2026

As the year draws to a close, we want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who continues to honor our sister Marisol’s memory.

This month has been particularly moving. Marisol was remembered at Port Hudson National Cemetery and commemorated during Wreaths Across America. To whoever sponsored a wreath in her honor: thank you for that beautiful tribute. I also want to send a special thanks to Tim at the USS Kidd in Baton Rouge for taking the time to send us a photo; it truly meant a lot.

Finally, we are incredibly touched by a new book published by Larry Teakell. Larry was the combat medic who made it possible for Marisol to return to the U.S., allowing us to spend her final days together. Seeing her face on the cover and reading her story shared with the world is a powerful tribute.

Thank you all for keeping Marisol in your hearts this year. ♥️

09/17/2025

🎂 Happy heavenly birthday, Marisol!

We're thinking of you today, wishing we could celebrate with you. Though you're not here with us, we feel your spirit just the same and will honor you by celebrating your life and the beautiful person you were. We hope you and Abuelita are dancing in the celestial skies. We miss you.

P.S. Angie made a reel for you. We imagine you would have been the first one on the dance floor.

Feliz cumpleaños, lovely sister. ♥️

05/26/2025

With hearts heavy with remembrance, we pause to honor our loved ones who have departed this world—bright lights extinguished too soon.

Though they have departed this world, they have left a lasting mark on everyone they met and every heart their story touched. On this Memorial Day, we commit to keeping their legacy alive.

We say their name. We honor their ultimate sacrifice. We miss them. We love them forever. ♥️

I was given the opportunity to share Marisol’s story at Texas State University through the Texas Veteran Legacy Project. Her story will be digitized and uploaded to the Veteran Legacy Memorial (VLM) website in D.C. and Texas State University website, ensuring her story is memorialized forever.

For the families and friends of the fallen, I encourage you to keep sharing their stories. That’s how they live forever. ♾️

There is an opportunity to do that today throughout the In n Out campaign —Salute their sacrifice and share their stories:

https://inosalutes.com/?utm_source=freshnews&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=memorialday2025

Hugs and much love to you all on this Memorial Day. ♥️

09/16/2024

Happy birthday, Marisol! 🎂

We missed you so much!
Wish you were to celebrate your birthday.

♥️

09/07/2024

Seventeen years later, it’s always & forever ♥️ ♾️ 🕯️

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option.” Bob Marley

I never saw myself as strong, but my sister Marisol made me strong. There was no compromising. Thank you for your realness and accountability.

I miss you, hermana. I'm going to make you proud. 🥹

You are never forgotten.

♥️

07/19/2024

Even when you want to forget the day of that awful day when you got the call that would change our lives.

There is someone or something to remind you of July 18th.

This year was the rain, clouds & your enjoyment of country music.

I sit here, writing to you, Marisol, that there is no day when I don't think about you. I have many memories of us as kids and as young adults. They all flash in my mind like a Viewmaster.

I wish I were a child again, but the reality is your older sister is getting older. The best thing I can do to honor your life is to continue to persevere. Live life to the fullest for both of us.

You will always be remembered. ♥️

"But what is grief if not love persevering?" -Vision

05/27/2024

This Memorial Day, we are grateful for Marisol’s comrades & our friends who make the trip to visit with her when we can't.

We missed her dearly.

Thank you to all who continue to honor her every Memorial Day. It does bring comfort that she is being remembered.

Siempre en nuestros corazones, Marisol. ♥️

12/16/2023

We are grateful for our friends in Louisiana as they have always been there for my sister, Marisol. Today wreaths are being placed across the United States. Our friends were there in our places since we could not make it. Wreaths Across America honors our fallen and veterans while educating the public about service and remembrance.

Over the years, Marisol has made new friends who come to visit her, share their thoughts and struggles, sometimes have a drink with her, keep us updated when we can't be there, bring her hot Cheetos, flowers for her birthday and wreath during Christmastime. ✨

Today, we appreciate Alex and Chad for visiting Marisol and being there for our family. We missed her dearly. ♥️

To my Gold Star families and friends, I understand how difficult holidays can be regardless of how long your loved one has been gone. Grief is not a linear process. It's important to be gentle with yourself and cry if you need to. Hugs release "feel-good hormones" that help with sadness, so hug your loved ones or your fur babies.

Speak the names of our loved ones and share their stories with others. Find comfort in memories made with them, and may their legacy continue. 💕

One love,
Her big sis, C.

11/11/2023

Happy Veterans Day! ♥️

Here is a highlight of Louisiana Women Veterans & the service they continue to do after the military.

This beautiful & thoughtful group has honored Marisol since they became a group. Every year they provide a holiday wreath for her & they share her story with schools.

Our family is grateful for their efforts in honoring Marisol and other veterans.

Thank you, for your service. 🇺🇸

Anna Sanders proudly recalls her role as an Air Force medic and hopes that when she dies, someone takes the time to honor that service. Now, as the president of Louisiana Women Veterans, she’…

10/30/2023

Over the weekend our friend, Alex went to go visit Marisol.

She wasn’t alone, a little fawn came to visit too.

What a sweet moment. 🦌 ♥️ 🪽

Thank you, Alejandra Juan for visiting her.

09/16/2023

Feliz Cumpleaños, Marisol! 🎂

Happy 36th Birthday, baby girl! 💜

We wish we could have celebrated together your birthday in this Earthly world but you are in the celestial world.

Today we honor and celebrate your life regardless of where we are.

We love and miss you! ♥️

09/07/2023

When people try to comfort us, they say, “She is looking down on you”.

Yes, but in reality, we are looking up at her. We are inspired by her smile, kindness, & strength.

We missed you, Marisol!

We wish you were here with your nephews & nieces.

But alas, it is not possible.

We will continue to share your stories & memories with them. They know & will know who their T**i Sol is.

Today & always, we remember you. 💜

🌹 ♾️