North Texas came together Saturday to say a final farewell to U.S. Army Private Isabella Gonzales, a 19-year-old Carrollton resident killed during Iranian strikes on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, where she was supporting the American military mission against the Islamic State.
The day began at Maverick Harley Davidson in Carrollton, where hundreds of motorcycle riders gathered for a memorial ride in her honor. The procession departed at 11 a.m. and served as a moving tribute to the young soldier who gave her life in service to her country.
“This is somebody that went out and dedicated their life and put their life on the line so that we can have the freedoms that we have to be out on the road and ride” said Maverick HOG Director Charles Wickersham. Donations collected during the event will benefit a family support fund established by American Legion Post 597.
The evening memorial service was held at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano at 6 p.m. and was open to the public. Doors opened at 5 p.m. to accommodate the large crowd expected to attend.
In the days leading up to the service more than 400 volunteers gathered to hand-craft over 5,000 memorial ribbons in purple and black, the favorite colors of the 2025 Hebron High School graduate. Classmates, teachers, military members and community volunteers all took part in the effort.
“Today we are here to celebrate one of my classmates and our good friend Isabella who tragically passed away serving our country” said Hebron High School student Harmonie Lane. She described the ribbon-making effort as a way for the community to show love and honor Gonzales’s bravery.
Gonzales was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command, based in Ansbach, Germany. She was killed alongside 1st Lt. Tyler Feehan of Hawaii during the Iranian attack on the Jordan air base.
President Donald Trump attended the dignified transfer ceremony for both fallen service members at Dover Air Force Base on July 22.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement mourning the loss of Gonzales shortly after her death was confirmed. “Her courage and sacrifice represent the very best of Texas” Abbott said, adding that the nation remains forever indebted to her and her fellow fallen soldier.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also released a statement expressing condolences to the Gonzales family. “This is such a tragic loss. Thank you for your service, Pvt. Gonzales, from a grateful Nation” Paxton said.
