Carrollton leaders paid tribute to Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, a 19-year-old soldier from the city who was killed while supporting a U.S. mission in the Middle East, during a City Council meeting Tuesday night.
Mayor Steve Babick, council members, friends, and residents gathered to remember Gonzales, who the Defense Department identified on Monday as one of three American service members killed in an Islamic State bombing over the weekend.
Gonzales was defending against incoming Iranian strikes in Jordan when she was killed, the report said. Her mission was separate from the ongoing War in Iran.
The two other service members killed were 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Sgt. Angel Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York.
Gonzales grew up in Carrollton and attended Hebron High School in Lewisville ISD, where she participated in the school’s Jr. ROTC program. She enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating in 2025.
At Tuesday’s meeting, city leaders wore black and purple ribbons, described as Gonzales’ favorite colors. The gathering included a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and the meeting closed with a bugle playing of “Taps.”
“Did she know she was going to be a hero by death when she enlisted and served? No. But she answered the call,” Babick said, per Fox 4 KDFW. “And we thank Isabella for what she has done for us.”
Councilwoman Daisy Palomo, the mother of a deployed active-duty Marine, also addressed the loss, stating, per WFAA, “I offer my sincere prayers and respect and heartfelt sympathy to her mom and all her family.”
John Norsworthy, commander of American Legion Post 597, spoke about why the death resonated so deeply in the community.
“Why does it mean so much? It just does. Everybody that has served knew it could have been them,” Norsworthy said, according to Fox 4.
Norsworthy said Gonzales attended the same high school as his own son, and her family lives a quarter of a mile from his home, making the loss especially personal.
“We just want to be there for her. Because it could have been me, it could have been me that came home, and I’d want somebody to support my family,” he added, WFAA reported.
Childhood friends remembered Gonzales as a “beautiful soul” with a bright future.
Carrollton is planning a permanent memorial for Gonzales in the city. Officials also intend to hold a community vigil at a local church this weekend following her funeral, which is expected to take place in the coming days.
Gonzales’ family is at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware awaiting the return of her body. A dignified transfer of her remains was scheduled for Wednesday morning.
Provided by Dallas Express
