A memorial service honoring Lance Cpl. Juana "Chica" Navarro-Arellano was held at Camp Hansen's West Chapel April 13. Navarro-Arellano, a bulk fuel specialist with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, died April 8 from wounds received while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.

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CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa (Apr 21, 2006) -- More than 250 family and service members gathered at Camp Hansen's West Chapel April 13 to honor the life of Lance Cpl. Juana "Chica" Navarro-Arellano.

Navarro-Arellano, a bulk fuel specialist with Bulk Fuel Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, died April 8 from wounds received while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.

The Ceres, Calif., native, was given the nickname Chica at her military occupational specialty school because some had trouble pronouncing her name during roll call.

When fellow Marines talked about Navarro-Arellano, words like compassionate, warrior, awesome personality and sacrifice resounded in the minds of those fortunate enough to have heard about her.

"She had the type of personality anyone could fall in love with," said Lance Cpl. David Alston, a bulk fuel specialist with 9th ESB. "Nothing could ever get her down."

Navarro-Arellano's personality was something that grew from her life experiences, according to Lance Cpl. Lorenzo Navarro, one of her younger brothers who is an embarkation clerk with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

"Her great personality came from everywhere," Lorenzo said. "She took a little bit from everyone she met."

During the memorial service, both Lt. Col. Edmund Bowen, the commander of 9th ESB, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Phinney, the Bulk Fuel Company commander, paid tribute to the fearless Marine who, without hesitation, volunteered to fight beside her fellow Marines in the security platoon.

"Today we honor a warrior who died helping others and saving lives," Bowen said. "(Navarro-Arellano) is the true depiction of Marines today. She had a compassionate heart and a warrior spirit."

Marines who worked with Navarro-Arellano on a daily basis shared memories during the service.

"She was the toughest girl I've ever met," said Pfc. Gustavo Navarro Cristales, a bulk fuel specialist with 9th ESB and close friend of Navarro-Arellano. "She demanded to be treated equal."

Her incredible strength and tenacity was something learned from their mother, Navarro-Arellano's brother explained.

"Juana saw our mother raise six kids by herself," Lorenzo said. "That made her tough. She saw the entire struggle."

Because of her upbringing, Navarro-Arellano never took anything for granted and displayed the best attitude at all times, her brother said.

"I've never seen her upset," Cristales said. "She had the ability to make everyone smile. She looked out for everyone and always put her fellow Marines first."

When asked what Navarro-Arellano would say to them now, the Marines replied, "(She) would want us to be happy and have a good time. She hated seeing people down. She was always up."

Though she is no longer with 9th ESB, her sacrifice and memory will live forever in everyone that knew her, according to Phinney.

"She was an inspiration to all of us," Phinney said. "Her sacrifice is the true definition of honor, courage, commitment."