By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

THE islands’ latest Iraq war hero was laid to rest at the CNMI Veterans Cemetery yesterday afternoon.
Hundreds showed up to pay their last respects to Army Spc. Lee Roy A. Camacho, 28, who was killed in action in Iraq’s Baqubah province on Feb. 9.
Camacho received a posthumous promotion to the rank of corporal.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, in his remarks at Mt. Carmel Cathedral, recognized Camacho’s valor and courageous deeds.
“What can I say as governor to ease the pain and enormous sense of loss? This is a tragedy for the grieving family of Corporal Camacho. It is also a tragic loss for our commonwealth community. Lee Roy is our sixth serviceman to lose his life in Iraq. He joins Eddie Chen, Wilgene Lieto, Derence Jack, Jesse Castro and Adam Quitugua Emul — on our list of fallen soldiers.”
“We are a very small U.S. community and we have lost far too many men to the war in Iraq,” he added. “Today, we honor Corporal Lee Roy Apatang Camacho’s legacy. As difficult as this time may be for the family, please know that Lee Roy is respected and honored in our community. He is a hero to many. His life is highly valued, and his memory will always be honored and respected.”
Maj. Gen. Donald Goldhorn, adjutant general of Guam’s National Guard, was here to join the community in paying last respects to Camacho.
“I think today is the day that we need to remember Cpl. Lee Roy Camacho, his spouse, (their children) and the sacrifices that he made for our nation,” Goldhorn told Variety.
Members of the Guam National Guard carried the soldier’s casket to its final resting place.
Camacho’s immediate family members wore maroon, the fallen soldier’s favorite color, according to CNMI Military and Veterans Affairs Director Ruth Coleman.
A 21-gun salute was fired to honor Camacho who left behind his wife, Velma, and three young sons. He is also survived by his parents and nine siblings.
“When the events of Sept. 11, 2001 took place,” the governor said, “we knew things would never be the same, but we had no idea it would affect our small island community so directly. With the loss of six of our local servicemen, we now know the high price of liberty.”
Fitial added, “Cpl. Lee Roy Camacho fought for those rights and responsibilities. He fought for America and for the CNMI.”
Goldhorn presented Camacho’s family members with the U.S. flag while the governor presented them the commonwealth flag.
Camacho’s dog tags recovered from his body were given to his mother and his spouse.
His sister, Juanette Camacho, said they were grateful for the community’s sympathy.
“The family really appreciates their support,” she said.