Q. What was SSG FRANK GASPER's family life like?
A. They were simple people. Hard working and Welfare was not in their vocabulary! They were pentecostal. Frank grew up in the Apostolic Tabernacle Church where he was baptized at the age of 18. He enjoyed being with family. He loved visiting family, having a BBQ. He looked forward to going to Grandma Maria's house for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I remember one year he laughed so hard because they had 5 turkeys and they ate all 5. He had 23 counsins on his mother's side of the family. Frank was loved by everyone, he cared about all of his cousins, sister and looked forward to spending time with them.
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
A. Frank considered all of his close friends his family. He loved spending time with friends and being a husband. His family was important to him. We liked to go on date nights and just having a relaxing night at home just to reconnect.
BreannaGasper (Jun 30, 2008)
Q. Did SSG FRANK GASPER have siblings? Were they close?
A. He has a sister Victoria. He also has twostep -sisters, Jamie and Jolene. He grew up with his sister Victoria and later she moved to Colorado and they became even closer. He always watched out for Victoria.
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. Did SSG FRANK GASPER have a favorite or memorable family story?
A. Yup the time he entered in the Rodeo just to prove that eight seconds was not very long! the the time he came back from his second tour from Iraq and the whole Segura gang got together out at the Lake in Merced to celebrate his homecoming. He loved being with friends and family. To be family, is not just by blood but he had his family in town come and join us. Like Jeremy, Spring, Diane Swenson, and we had such a good time. Frank loved a good time with his family and friends!
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. Who was SSG FRANK GASPER's childhood best friend?
A. His childhood bestfriends were Rusty Price, Little Tony Nush, he had many cousins.
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. What SSG FRANK GASPER's favorite book or TV show?
A. He loved me to read him the Lone Ranger, which I still have today.
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. Did SSG FRANK GASPER compete with any groups or sports teams?
A. From the time Frank was little he played with the Snelling Community Tee -ball, baseball, and he always played in school sports, he played basketball, both at Snelling and Merced River District Washington School.Then he played football for Atwater School. He loved playing sports.
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. What did SSG FRANK GASPER want to be when he/she grew up?
A. When he was a kid he wanted to be a Fireman.
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
A. A Green Beret, then after he retired he wanted to be in the DEA
BreannaGasper (Jun 30, 2008)
Q. What scared SSG FRANK GASPER as a child?
A. NOTHING! He was a dare devil.... he made his mother so nervous. He skate boarded off building, railings, he drove tractor by the time he was six. He drove a truck by the time he was 10 yrs old. He just never was afraid. ALthough, He was afraid of his MOMMA. LOL!!! He used to tell his friends, my mom might be short but she is a mighty little thing, Don't mess with her!
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. How did people see SSG FRANK GASPER – class clown, bookworm, social butterfly?
A. At a younger age, he was quiet, all of his teachers told me that he was so polite and that he was so respectful toward others. He was the kind of kid you could depend on if you needed something done. Then as he was older he was still respectful but at about age 13 he became like the class clown.He always made friends easily. He made sounds like he was farting, with his arm pits and he made everybody laugh. He was quite a jokester.
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
A. Clown and the social butterfly.... Frank would make friends no matter where he went.. we would be at a restaurant and he would just start talking to random people. thats one of the things I loved about frank, frnak could make me laugh so hard the way he would imitate Tourettes guy
BreannaGasper (Jun 30, 2008)
Q. What is a funny childhood memory you have of SSG FRANK GASPER?
A. The time he was hiding from me and he fell asleep in the cupboard where I put the pots and pans. He would hide from me often from the time he was a little boy. Then as he got older he would hide from me and one time I hid from him and when he finally found me he said, "mom, I got scared I thought the rapture took place" LOL!! I use to pay him back every once in a while. LOL!!
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. What was SSG FRANK GASPER's favorite subject? Least favorite?
A. He liked SPORTS< RECESS!
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. Describe SSG FRANK GASPER's high school experience?
A. Frank was not much for homework! But he was very socialable. He had alot of friends. He did not like doing his homework but not to say he couldn't. He many times did his homework but did not hand it in LOL! It was quite a struggle trying to get him to do homework! But, he was a polite student. I used to go to teacher conference. The teachers all told me what a nice polite student he was. They sometimes even forgot he was there, he was so good!
Frank's MOM (Jul 24, 2008)
Q. What was SSG FRANK GASPER's social group like?
A. He had many friends but he had a best friend Tony Nush. Which he spent alot of summers with> tony came over right after school was over and spent weeks at a time with Frank. He made friends easily. His parents were foster parents and he had a foster brother named Tony that he was very close to also.
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. Who was SSG FRANK GASPER's favorite teacher?
A. He really talked alot about Mrs.Maxwell from snelling school. He had a lot of fun in her class. this was his straight A and B and perfect attendance days in school. He loved all the Art work that she did with them. He loved the outdoor activities. SHe really did a good job with that class.
He also liked his freshmen year at Atwater high, he played Football and he liked the Coaches. I remember they would sit the kids down and do homework with them, they would do pizza and he really liked that alot!
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. What did SSG FRANK GASPER do after high school – college, start his/her career?
A. He worked at Parkers Ace Hardware Store in Merced, then he worked with Joel at Winton Hardware Store. Then in Oct 2002 he entered the Army, graduated in Dec 2002. He completed his Boot Camp at Fort Benning, GA, his AIT (advanced individual Training) at Fort Gordon, GA. He excelled in the Military and became a Staff Seargent. He was a radio operator Expert. According to the Army, Frank was an examplementary soldier, leader and took junior soliders under his wing . He was such a leader he had it honed to perfection. They state that Frank could and would do jobs that required higher ranking. Frank had a passion for setting the oppressed free! At any cost! he many times volunteered to go out on missions that frequently put his life at danger ultimately costing him his life! Frank may have not liked school growing up but he was definitley fit for the ARMY and he was a Soldier, Warrior and Hero. Prior to his fourth tour to Iraq, Frank took over his unit. He was an E-5 , working in the ranking of a E-7. He excelled by passing MANY test! Probably more test than he ever imagined. He loved what he did and in many writings home from Iraq, he would mention that "I would not be doing anything else or be anywhere else than where he was today!" Frank was a true Soldier, Warrior and Hero. He will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!
Frank's MOM (Jul 24, 2008)
Q. How did SSG FRANK GASPER change through his/her school years?
A. He was basically the same in pesonality. He did not like school very much. But, he loved the socail part of it. He met this real cute girl, named Teresa in High school, then all of a sudden he liked going to school. He was very funny, had alot of friends over all the time.
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. Where did SSG FRANK GASPER go to school?
A. He attended Snelling School, Washington Merced River and Weaver Elementary School. He went to High School at Atwater, Landmark, Sierra High and Golden Valley High School. He earned his GED after he entered the Army.
Frank's MOM (Aug 30, 2008)
Q. What was SSG FRANK GASPER's first job? Did he/she like it?
A. Official first payroll job Parker's Hardware in Merced, CA
Then Winton Hardware in Winton, CA
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. What did SSG FRANK GASPER dream of doing with his/her life?
A. Well, I know he wanted to be a Green Beret someday but he was a awesome Soldier and Warrior read his Army Portfolio.
He completed his basic training from October 2002- Dec of 2002 from Fort Benning, GA. He completed his (AIT) Advanced individual training and earning the Military Occupational Speciality of 25C,Radio Operator/Maintainer, and assigned to the unit in Fort Carson, Co.
SSG Gasper was first assigned as a Radio Operator and shortly after being assigned to the Headquarters Support Company (HSC), SSG Gasper deployed with the unit of OPEARATION Iraqi Freedom I, III, V, VI.
During his time with HSC, 3rd Battilion, 10th SF(A), SSG Gasper served with valor and distinction. He selflessly gave to those in need;training and mentoring junior soldiers adn striving to bring freedom to the oppressed. His duties placed him in key locations ranging across the Continental United States and hte Iraqi Theater of Operations. SSG Gasper volunteered to take the lead on countless resupply operations in some of the most dangerous areas and times in the war; knowing that his mission was critical to the units ability to keep our Soldiers in the fightl
His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritourious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Army Good Conduct Medal; second award. HIs decorations include the Combat Action Badge and the Parachutist Badge
Frank's MOM (Aug 24, 2008)
Q. If SSG FRANK GASPER could have any job, what do you think he/she could have done?
A. He probably would of seeked employement for DEA, police officer, or Park Ranger. He could do any of those perfectly well. It was just his nature.
Frank's MOM (Aug 30, 2008)
Q. What do you think would have been a good/alternative job for SSG FRANK GASPER?
A. nothing.. He loved what he did, and he would of not been doing nothing else! We are proud of his accomplishments!
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. Did SSG FRANK GASPER have a philosophy on life? Something he/she always said?
A. "Only the strong can call themselves warriors"
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. What were SSG FRANK GASPER's religious or spiritual beliefs?
A. Pentecostal
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. Was SSG FRANK GASPER athletic? Attend sports games?
A. Yes, he loved football. He also loved NASCAR Racing - Dale Jr was his favorite.
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. Did SSG FRANK GASPER enjoy the arts – painting, writing, or music?
A. He loved to write songs and loved kareokee
BreannaGasper (Jun 30, 2008)
A. Just Regular Men
He left home leaving behind those things that meant most to him
He was headed to a place where his undying dedication, loyalty and duty was needed most
Not knowing what good he would bring to a land starving for freedom and compassion
The men he traveled with (most experienced) joined his thoughts of home and loved ones
Most of these men he traveled with had experienced his suffering and fears
The rest of them were fresh from a relaxed standard of his breed and the remaining rested in the dirt
They fought like heroes they bragged like kings but all were just regular men
Regular men like those traveling the streets or helping you find an item at the store
But they all had the courage to stand for what they all believed would come to pass
They wished for the freedom of the people they were sent to protect
They wished for justice of those who oppressed the innocent
But they came for those who killed their brothers in arms and fellow countrymen
The night was their time of operation as if they were ghosts floating through the air
They came through with the force and speed of a rushing hurricane
No mistakes they made as they captured their thieves in the night
All around heard the sounds of their villages being disturbed but only for a moment
Because in a moment’s notice they were gone again
Some asked why would these men do something so great?
All this you say for the riches of the earth? No, I tell you
Then for the freedom of their own? Again, I tell you no
This they do for the freedom of you and the security you feel as you lay to rest every night
Why would someone do this you ask?
Because the warrior inside them all will not lay to rest until their mission is complete
And their mission will not be complete until freedom reigns on the country lands they protect
- Frank
This was a poem Frank Wrote.....He was a true Hero, Warrior and wil Never be forgotten!
Frank's MOM (Jul 24, 2008)
Q. Was SSG FRANK GASPER an avid collector? Any quirky hobbies?
A. Dale Jr collector
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. Describe the perfect day for SSG FRANK GASPER?
A. I think a perfect day was just things going right! Having company of his friends and family.
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
Q. Was SSG FRANK GASPER a romantic?
A. He sure was, he knew how to make me feel special and he loved suprising me and we went out on dates at least 2 times a month just to reconnect again
BreannaGasper (Jun 30, 2008)
Q. What were some of SSG FRANK GASPER's favorite foods?
A. He loved home made tortillas, carne asada, enchiladas, and he loved guacamole!!!
Frank's MOM (Jun 29, 2008)
A. HOT WINGS HOT WINGS AND HOT WINGS!
BreannaGasper (Jun 30, 2008)
Q. What were SSG FRANK GASPER's favorite travel destinations?
A. he loved it when they would stop in Rhoda Spain
BreannaGasper (Jun 30, 2008)
Q. Did SSG FRANK GASPER visit museums when traveling? Try the cuisine?
A. no there wasnt enough time. just sampled the beers
BreannaGasper (Jun 30, 2008)
Q. Where did SSG FRANK GASPER dream of traveling?
A. we were trying to get stationed in Germany
BreannaGasper (Jun 30, 2008)
Q. Did SSG FRANK GASPER feel at home in another country?
A. He tried to make the best of where ever he was but theres nothing like the real thing.... Our home!
BreannaGasper (Jun 30, 2008)
Q. In what other country could you imagine SSG FRANK GASPER living?
A. I could imagine Frank in any country he made friends easily and was liked by everyone. If he could serve 4 tours to Iraq and do just fine surviving there he could make it anywhere! he was respected and looked upon highly by his peers.
Frank's MOM (Aug 23, 2008)
