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Family releases balloons to honor their two fallen soldiers

Two brothers dedicated their lives to our country. Today a family still remembers them after their passing.
Red, white, and blue balloons are released in the sky for Robert. (Source: KWES)
Family and friends gather to support the fallen soldiers. (Source: KWES)

MIDLAND, TX (KWES) - Two brothers dedicated their lives to our country. A family remembers them after their passing. Family members say the pain of losing these two brothers still linger, but they continue to honor them and keep their memory alive.

"When it's your baby brother, it especially stings," said Angel Munoz. She and her family members and friends met at Fairview Cemetery to honor the brothers' lives. Each brother had a special song played for them following several balloons that were released into the sky in their honor.

Robert Arsiaga was in the U.S. Army when he passed away in combat in 2004. Angel's younger brother, Jeremy Arsiaga, was in the Marine Corps but lost his battle to PTSD and depression. The scar of losing two of their soldiers still remains, but Angel and the family has since been trying to stay strong.

"I know I struggled," said Munoz. "I've since been diagnosed with my own form of post traumatic stress because of the losses."

She says there is a lot more her brothers and current veterans suffering with PTSD can overcome.
The passing of the two brothers opened her family to the military community and those who have also lost a soldier.

"Take the stigma away from PTSD and the effects of war and then try," said Munoz. "If we just help one more person. If we save one person, one guy, then that's worth it to me." She hopes soldiers who suffer from these mental disorders will speak out and get help. "Death isn't the only answer. It causes a lot of hurt and there is help out there."

Angel says she and her family are trying to help their family but still try to make a difference in the community for military families who have experienced loss.

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