People attend a memorial service for U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Plano. Gonzales was killed during an Iranian attack in Jordan on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Police offers escort vehicles before a memorial service for U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Plano. Gonzales was killed during an Iranian attack in Jordan on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
People attend a memorial service for U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Plano. Gonzales was killed during an Iranian attack in Jordan on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Members of a Color Guard present the colors during a memorial service for U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Plano. Gonzales was killed during an Iranian attack in Jordan on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Members of a Color Guard present the colors during a memorial service for U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Plano. Gonzales was killed during an Iranian attack in Jordan on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Members of a Color Guard pass by a portrait of U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas during her memorial service at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Plano. Gonzales was killed during an Iranian attack in Jordan on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
An attendee holds a program during a memorial service for U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Plano. Gonzales was killed during an Iranian attack in Jordan on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Keith Craft, lead pastor of Elevate life Church prays during a memorial service for U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Plano. Gonzales was killed during an Iranian attack in Jordan on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Stephanie Valderrama sings during a memorial service for U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Plano. Gonzales was killed during an Iranian attack in Jordan on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Hundreds of community members gathered at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano on Saturday to honor the life of Private First Class Isabella Gonzales, a 19-year-old Carrollton native who died in an Iranian attack in Jordan.
Dozens of American flags lined the church’s campus, matching the red, white, and blue attire of attendees. Young service members attended in full dress uniforms, walking alongside elderly veterans in their military service caps. Community members lined up outside the sanctuary, waiting for up to an hour to pay their respects.
Police officers line up in front of Prestonwood Baptist Church, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Plano, before a memorial service for U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
In the sanctuary, attendees were greeted by dozens of smiling photos of Gonzales — perched as a baby in her mother’s arms, dancing at her Quincinera, walking the halls of Hebron High School, and clad in her military uniform.
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Gonzales’ boots, rifle, and helmet were placed on stage, next to dozens of flowers and a smiling portrait. Her remains were transferred to the area today, according to a church official, but were not present at the service.
A portrait of U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton is seen during her memorial service at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Plano. Gonzales was killed during an Iranian attack in Jordan on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Related: Hundreds ride through Carrollton to honor fallen soldier Isabella Gonzales
Alfredo Muñez, Gonzales’ uncle, delivered remarks on behalf of his family — all of whom wore customs shirts emblazoned with Gonzales’ face
“This is Isabella — a fierce, protector, a devoted servant of the Lord,” Muñez said. “She left behind a legacy of bravery that far exceeded her 19 years.”
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Gonzales was killed in action on July 17 during an Iranian attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. She enlisted in the Army at 17 years old, completing basic and advanced training before taking a post in Germany, then in Jordan.
Muñez described his niece as a courageous soldier, devoted daughter, and adventurous spirit, who joined the army to see the world and to serve those in need of help.
“She was ready to live life to the fullest,” Muñez said. “She always had a smile on her face, a joyful heart, and a deep desire to help those around her.”
Alfredo Muñiz, uncle of U.S. Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, shows his emotions during her memorial service as Carrollton Mayor Steve Babick comforts him at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Plano.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Gonzales’ legacy of joy and courage was also celebrated by those who knew her during her time in service. Brigadier General Glen Henke, who helped lead the Fort where Gonzales completed her training, said the soldiers on Gonzales’ team unilaterally praised her sparkling sense of humor and devoted friendship.
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Related: ‘Freedom is not free’: Carrollton veteran displays banner honoring Isabella Gonzales
“Although Isabella had only been with the unit for a short time, she made a tremendous impact, and quickly became a critical member of the team,” he said.
Henke shared that Gonzales was a part of the unit deploying a brand new weapons system, and had to learn the ins-and-outs of the novel tool without any manuals or specialized schools. But Gonzales rose to the challenge — “always focused on the task, open to listen, and learn,” according to Henke.
“In a very short time, a once-nervous soldier was confident in briefing colonels and generals on the capabilities of this weapons system,” Henke said.
The memorial service also brought political leaders to remember Gonzales’ sacrifice. U.S. Congressman Brandon Gill, Texas State Senator Tan Parker, and Texas State Representative Mitch Little all delivered remarks, thanking Gonzales for her service and her family for their sacrifice.
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Prestonwood church senior pastor Jack Graham also delivered a message on behalf of President Donald Trump.
“To those who knew her the best, this young 19-year-old from Carrollton, Texas lived a life full of purpose and determination and will be forever remembered for her unending kindness and compassion,” Graham read on behalf of the president.
Gonzales is survived by her mother, sister, fiancé, and many other family members. Her funeral service is scheduled for Sunday, August 2.
Related: North Texas soldier’s name among those removed from official Iran war death toll on Pentagon website