Ernesto M. Capt. Blanco-Caldas

Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas of San Antonio, TX age 28 was killed in action on December 28th 2003. He died in Iraq while performing a support mission with the 1-504 HHC scouts of the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

An improvised explosive device hit his vehicle. Three of his fellow soldiers were wounded. Ernie had been in Iraq since September of the current year. He had also served in Afghanistan with the 82ndAirborne Division as a platoon leader, earning a Bronze Star. Ernie was a graduate of the Army's Jumpmaster, Ranger and Airborne courses. He attended Infantry Officer training in Fort Benning, Georgia and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the year 2000. Ernie was a graduate of Texas A & M, Class of '98, where he had been a member of the Corps of Cadets and was a Ross Volunteer.

He was a member of the 1993 graduating class of Churchill High School in San Antonio, Texas, his home of record since 1975. Ernie was a classically trained guitarist who loved Rock and Country music. He was a gifted singer and an excellent dancer. Ernie had a contagious smile, and whatever Ernie did, he did with great enthusiasm, humor, and total dedication. He was the finest son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and companion a person could have and was looking forward to being the same as a husband.

Ernie was dedicated to his faith, his country, his family and his profession. A truly natural born leader, Ernie lived his life courageously, always looking out for others. Ernie was born in Hartford, Connecticut on the 10th of August of 1975.

He was raised in Puerto Rico, his parent's birthplace. He is survived by his mother Gloria Caldas-Levine, his father, José M. Blanco; his sister, Carmen Pendergraff; his grandparents Joe and Lee Caldas; his nephew Trystan Pendergraff, and his fiancée, Michelle Sorrel. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Blaine Pendergraff; his step-father, Barry Levine; his step-mother, Taimi Blanco, and his aunts and uncles, Joanie and Dr. Jerry Maymi, Patricia and Dr. Rafael Santiago, José and Tamara Caldas.

He will be sorely missed by all including his eleven cousins; Natalie, Carlos, Mariel, Erika, Alec, Nicole, Christian, Jessica, Rachel, Javier, and two-month old Shoshana. Ernie, their eldest cousin, was a source of fun and inspiration. This is truly the passing of a great soul and spirit.

In lieu of flowers, please make donation to the Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Sterling Bank, Box 200010, San Antonio, TX, 78220.