Hillsborough Sheriff Honors 3 Temple Terrace Heroes

owners Patrick Gachau and Rose Waruinge could be considered experts in the subject of sacrifice.

On Aug. 3, 2005, their son, U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Kevin G. Waruinge, died when his amphibious assault vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device during combat operations south of Hadithah, Iraq. Waruinge was assigned to the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve in Gulfport, Miss. He was a 2001 graduate of West Gate Christian High School.

Much like the at Café Kili, which honors Waruinge and the 13 other marines in his troop who lost their lives that day, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has created a page on its website to honor those in the armed forces who have given the ultimate sacrifice since Sept. 11, 2001. Website visitors can see a scrolling list of all those from around the country who have died.

There are 47 entries on a page dedicated solely to Hillsborough County’s fallen. This page includes the names, military branch and photographs of each of the soldiers who have died. Viewers can click on any picture to read a brief biography of the soldier. Waruinge, graduate Aaron M. Griner and graduate Ivan D. Lechowich are among the group.

“Sheriff David Gee created the new web feature as a way to remind everyone of the sacrifices of our troops around the world and to extend our gratitude to each Fallen Hero who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom,” Detective Larry McKinnon wrote in the media release.