Lawrence says goodbye to native Marine sergeant killed in Afghanistan

LAWRENCE, Mass. — A few hundred people gathered in song and prayer and lit candles in a vigil to remember the life and say the name of Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo.

“I’ve known her for a long time, took her apple picking for the first time,” said family friend Felix Alvarado. “I found out on Friday, it broke my heart, she was an amazing person, I miss her a lot.”

Both friends and family in attendance were honored with love and appreciation and even warm embraces from the governor.

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“She helped 30,000 people to safety before she was killed by a suicide bomber,” MA Gov. Charlie Baker said.

Sgt. Rosario was one of 13 U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan last Thursday. The suicide bombing happened outside of the Kabul airport. Other veterans in attendance know the sacrifice all too well.

“When you’re on the ground, you’re thinking about your Marines, they’re what matters most,” said Marine Sgt. Kristopher Hernandez. “She gave her life protecting them and those coming home.”

“I’m very proud of all 13 soldiers, they’re all heroes,” Alvarado said.

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