VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The silence filled the room each time Oscar Temores' name was read aloud during a roll call.
That silence is a painful reminder the Sailor is no longer here. Temores died on base at Fort Story in November. On Thursday, the Naval community remembered him during a memorial service.
"He was a brother to all of us and we loved him so much," said Master-at-Arms Derek Lopez.
Temores made the ultimate sacrifice when he stopped an intruder on base. The unauthorized civilian drove a pickup truck through Gate 8 and crashed into Temores' patrol car, killing the Master-at-Arms, according to investigators.
"MA3 Temores have the ultimate sacrifice when we needed it most. To that, I say, 'thank you.' Rest in peace," said Master-at-Arms Luke Mathias.
It's still unclear what led the civilian to drive onto the base, but the base commander believes Temores saved lives. "I believe had he not stopped that maniac, he would've taken other innocent lives," said Capt. Joey Frantzen, the Commander of JEB Little Creek-Fort Story.
Temores was just 23 years old. He left behind a young son and wife. His family made the trip to memorial. The Navy presented them with a law enforcement medal of honor. "He bravely ran towards the fight with courage and honor so we could continue to enjoy each and every day of our own lives," said Frantzen.
Frantzen vowed the Navy would continue to say Temores' name aloud and honor him on base to make sure his sacrifice is never forgotten.
Click here for our full coverage on the death of Oscar Temores.
