RIP Garret Dandini, Navy recruiter identified as victim of Pico Rivera attack

My name is Yolanda Ehlers and I am shocked. My heart goes out to Gerrett's mom and dad and his girlfriend and family. The pain and heartbreak of losing your only child must be overwhelming. My son David Ehlers went to school with Gerrett from kindergarten to 12th grade at Whittier High. David and Garrett were buddies in school and they did many things together, like boy scouts,little league baseball, etc.
Garrett was a go-getter and an extremely likable guy. He was destined to become an asset to society and the motorcycle club he was in, did wonderful things for others, unselfishly and truly with love in his heart. That's who Garrett was, from boyhood to manhood. My sympathies to his family for he will not be forgotten.
With Love, Yolanda

Garret was a great person who always had a smile on his face. I am thankful that I had the privilege to know him and serve alongside him, if only for a few years. It is a true tragedy for such a great light to be extinguised so young. Too early. My heart and prayers go out to G and his family and friends. God bless and may you rest in peace my friend.

I couldn't believe that the two family memebers that had passed were Garret and Tony. I met Garret and his cousin Tony a few years back (but unfortuantely lost contact with him as time went by. They were both such nice guys. Garret would send me pictures of him while in the Navy and email me about how his day was going. He was such a beautiful person both inside and out.He even offered to help me research on a good deal on a laptop..He was such an Angel. He invited me several times to their meetings at Starubks in West Covina when I believe he was part of "Bikers for Christ" A Christian MC.

When I saw his picture I couldn't believe it. How can someone take someone elses life when this person was fighting for his/her freedom!!!!!

My heart goes out to his parents being he is the only child and his girlfriend. I am so deeply sorry for your lost. Please if anyone knows how I can get in contact with his parents or if they have an email address..please let me know.I would love to share some words with them.My email is jenni.mendoza11@yahoo.com.

I couldn't believe that the two family memebers that had passed were Garret and Tony. I met Garret and his cousin Tony a few years back (but unfortuantely lost contact with him as time went by. They were both such nice guys. Garret would send me pictures of him while in the Navy and email me about how his day was going. He was such a beautiful person both inside and out.He even offered to help me research on a good deal on a laptop..He was such an Angel. He invited me several times to their meetings at Starubks in West Covina when I believe he was part of "Bikers for Christ" A Christian MC.

When I saw his picture I couldn't believe it. How can someone take someone elses life when this person was fighting for his/her freedom!!!!!

My heart goes out to his parents being he is the only child and his girlfriend. I am so deeply sorry for your lost. Please if anyone knows how I can get in contact with his parents or if they have an email address..please let me know.I would love to share some words with them.My email is jenni.mendoza11@yahoo.com.

we will never ever forget you garrett for everything you have done for us and for our country.our prayers go out to the whole dandini family.

Just as you have been for us, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

i remember the day you checked on board as a part of my work center. we had a lot of good times, and a lot of miserable ones together. this is crazy, last time we talked everything was going so great. damn man, like everyone that ever met you knows, you were a wonderful and caring person. thanks for all the help and support through out these years. and i hope that the wanna be coward gets a slow and painful death. we went over seas to combat terrorism, and that guy gets to live here by our sacrifices, just to take these lives? people in the neighborhood need to stand up and tell the police of these creeps, put them behind bars, and make them pay for these crimes. Garret was what you would hope your kids grow up to be like, not a drive by shooter, now hiding under someones bed if there is a knock on the door.

My heart goes out to Garret Dandini's family and girlfriend, Sk2 Dandini was working on getting me transfered into the Navy from the Army National Guard, he was always smiling and a great person to see at the Hollywood recruiting station he is going to be deeply missed I hope Justice is Quick and painful for those who did this,

I never met his cousin Tony, I am sadden two great young men were killed in this terrorist type act. A guy can serve overseas and get killed at home, where is the logic in this.

Chris

This is such a tragedy! Garret was a wonderful person and he will be missed greatly. We served together for years and I never imagined this is how he would be repaid for his selfless commitment to our country. May justice be swift.

My heart goes out to all the others involved in this horrific shooting. God Bless you...

Hank, Helen, My heart aches for you and the entire family. When Laura called I just couldn't believe it. I immediately thought of Sal because I knew they were very close in age. My prayers are for peace in your hearts. It all just makes no sense. Victor, Miguel, Mando, Roger & Ruben are all praying for your entire family and those that have been affected by this senseless tragedy. You know Mom & Dad are there for you all for whatever you need. God Bless!
**** Garret & Tony - R.I.P ****

I have a hard time looking at any of Garret's pictures without crying. We were all so proud of him while he was in the Navy, praying for his safe return from his three tours in Iraq, and so thankful when he came back safe. It was wonderful seeing Helen, Hank, Garret, his girlfriend and his little girl last year across the street soon after his return. Please Helen, Hank, let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do. Know that our whole family and friends who have never met you are praying for you. You had a treasure for over 25 years, now he is an Angel looking down on you. We love you. God Bless You.

I have a hard time looking at any of Garret's pictures without crying. We were all so proud of him while he was in the Navy, praying for his safe return from his three tours in Iraq, and so thankful when he came back safe. It was wonderful seeing Helen, Hank, Garret, his girlfriend and his little girl last year across the street soon after his return. Please Helen, Hank, let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do. Know that our whole family and friends who have never met you are praying for you. You had a treasure for over 25 years, now he is an Angel looking down on you. We love you. God Bless You.

When I heard the news I could not believe it. Till this day I still can't believe his gone. He was such a great, loveable, caring, wonderful person there's not enough words to describe him. I served with him in the NAVY 2 years he was that family underway that I was missing always there for me when I needed someone. Is so hard to look at all our pictures from foreign ports having fun and not cry. I can't believe his gone. My heart and prayers go out to his family, to his mom & dad two great persons I got to meet and to his lil girl that he adored so much. All I keep in mind is that heaven gain a ~GREAT ANGEL.... REST IN PEACE DANDINI~.

Helen (and Hank), No words can express how tragic your loss is. Garret was an amazing man who made his country and family proud. I always prayed for his safe return from each tour of duty which makes his death at home tragically ironic. My heart aches as I write this. Garret's life has been cut short unfairly and I will continue to pray that justice is served.

Helen (and Hank), No words can express how tragic your loss is. Garret was an amazing man who made his country and family proud. I always prayed for his safe return from each tour of duty which makes his death at home tragically ironic. My heart aches as I write this. Garret's life has been cut short unfairly and I will continue to pray that justice is served.

Helen, I'm very sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved Garret and how much he meant to you and your family. I can hear how proud you were of him whenever you spoke of him. I never had the privilege of meeting him but seeing how well everyone speaks of him, I can bet he was an excellent human being. May God hold him in his arms now. Just know that everyone at work is holding your family in their prayers.

Johanna

Hank and Helen, I am very sorry for your loss. If you remember me I was one of Garrett's Baseball coaches at Whittier. I was truly sadden when I heard of this from Nick. I remember Garrett well, he was one of the finest kids I coached at WHS. He will missed by all he knew.
May God bless you both and help you to get through this sad time in your lives.

Larry

Hank and Helen, my deepest sympathy for your loss. I did not know Garret well but, I know he was a wonderful caring person with a large heart. He served his country and protected our families asking very little in return. Now he is with God and I am sure he will continue to watch over his family and friends. I hope you find comfort and peace in the coming days. Rest in Peace Garret.

I just heard about this tragedy today and must say that I am shocked. Garrett was a great guy! Very proud person. My heart goes out to his family and friends. The world lost a good man.

i remember the 1st time i met garret we were in k-grade at orange grove. we were friends all the way up to jan 1999 when i moved away i remember this birthday party in his drive ways... i still have video of times from school and events that we all went to! he will b miss tons i know that i writing this late but i just found out today!
this is a very sad thing that has happy and has hit me very hard!

I can't belive that Garret is gone! I've known Garret since 1st grade along with Kelly & David. The last time I saw him was freshman year just before I moved. My parents were shocked as well when I told them the news last week when I found out. We ALL send our prayers to Hank & Helen and their family. Garret, you were a great friend to have in my life during our school years. I know that we will all see each other again, eventually. You will be missed, but NEVER forgotten. See you later, my childhood friend.

I just got the news from DAVID VASQUEZ here it is a month later I called Garret a few weeks ago but recieved no response, now I know why. Garret and I we're buddies from the ship, we hung out at his house and ate MONGOLIAN BBQ with his parents when he got back from deployment back in 07. My prayers go out to his parents and daughter. RIP FC2(SW)Garret Dandini