May 4, 2003 -- Eighteen year old Ruben Estrella-Soto, one of the 507th soldiers killed in

Iraq was honored today.

Ruben Estrella-Soto was the only soldier involved in the ambush who was

raised in El Paso. And that's why local radio stations decided to use the

the Fiesta De Mayo Celebration at the coliseum to present his family with a

plaque.

Cynthia Estrella- Sister

"I feel proud. He died for us, he fought for us. He didn't die here in an

accident cuz he was drunk."

Thirteen year old Cynthia Estrella and her family celebrated Cinco de Mayo

with a ceremony just for them.

Ruben Estrella- Father

"I'm very proud and happy for the honor for my son. I thank you all very

much for what you think of my son, that he's a hero. I feel proud.

The family received this plaque from affiliated radio stations KAMA and

KBNA.

Domingo Lopez- KBNA General Manager, "We wanted to recognize the family that

had the complete loss of losing their son."

With the American and the POW flags blowing in the wind, the family excepted

the plaque. It's another symbol of his bravery and sacrifice. The Estrella

family says It's something they will keep forever because it keeps his

memory alive.

Estrella, "I'm realizing my son is still living among us. I feel him here

in all of you who've been very kind."

But that bitter sweet feeling is something that hasn't faded in this family.

Cynthia "I'm proud of my brother. But I'd rather have my brother receive

that personally, himself not us. He owns it not us."

Sonia Romero- Estrella's girlfriend, "It's good making honors for him

because he's a hero for what he did and we're proud of it. But it's sad not

being able to tell him what a good job he's done."

Private Estrella's girlfriend Sonia Romero dated him for three years. She

still can't get used to the fact his gone.

Romero, "It feels lonely there's something missing, I don't know it feels

sad and lonely."

Despite these feelings of despair, the family knows they have to stay

positive.

Estrella, "We need to keep moving forward, especially for the sake of the

rest of my kids."

Romero "I bet he's real happy. He's looking down on us, no words to

describe."

The Estrella family held a memorial two weeks ago for Ruben's birthday.

Ruben would have been 19 years old.