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(This article appeared in the August
27, 1999 issue of the Observation Post, the base newspaper
for Twentynine Palms, California.)
1stLt Jason D. Grose
1st Tank Bn Adjutant
First Tank Battalion rendered a military memorial service
on behalf of its fallen Marines, Corporal Ricardo Ramirez and
Corporal Michael Suarez, August 19th as both Marines were involved
in an automobile accident August 15, in Southern California.
In response to this accident, 1st Tanks implemented an intensive
two-day safety standown. Supported by MCAGCC safety and provost
marshal’s offices, the standown aimed to further educate 1st
Tank Marines and Sailors so they may be better informed and,
more importantly, prevent a similar tragedy.
“There is no doubt in my mind that curbing and preventing
alcohol-related incidents is challenging,” stated LTCOL Richard
V. Mancini, 1st Tank Battalion Commanding Officer. “I believe
a commander has to be aggressive and attack on multiple fronts
that range from a meaningful and imaginative educational program
tailored to its target audience, continued command emphasis,
and strong discipline. I believe our safety stand own achieved
many of our objectives. Yet, there is one significant area where
our continual emphasis and leadership is necessary. Expecting,
and more importantly demanding, our Marines and Sailors exercise
sound judgment when they drink.”
Corporal Ricardo Ramirez was born in Great Neck, New York
on July 8th, 1976. He graduated from Great Neck South
High School in 1994 and enlisted in the United States Marine
Corps on September 6th, 1996. Upon graduation from recruit
training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island,
South Carolina, he attended the School of Infantry at Camp LeJeune,
North Carolina. Following completion of Small Arms Repair School
at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, Ricardo joined 1st Tank
Battalion in June of 1997. He was an Infantry Weapons
Repairman working in the Battalion Armory. Corporal Ramirez
was deployed to Operation Southern Watch in Kuwait for 160 days
and his personal awards include a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon,
an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and a Certificate of Achievement.
Corporal Ramirez is survived by his parents, Julio Ramirez and
Maria Rodriguez.
Corporal Michael Suarez was born in Lufkin, Texas on March
31, 1977. He graduated from Dibold High School, Dibold,
Texas in 1995 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps
on April 23, 1996. Upon graduation from recruit training
at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California,
he attended the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton.
Suarez then attended M1A1 tank training at the U.S. Army Armor
School in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He joined 1st Tank Battalion,
serving with 3rd Platoon, Company A. His performance as
a tank driver, loader, and gunner was noteworthy. He was
then assigned the position of Company A Supply Non-Commissioned
Officer. Corporal Suarez’ awards include the Meritorious
Unit Citation and a Meritorious Mast. He is survived by his
wife, Amber Leigh Suarez, his daughter, Avery Suarez, and his
parents, Paulino and Beatrice Suarez.
The memorial took place at the Base Catholic chapel and
was led by the Chaplain of 1st Tanks, Lt Patrick Riley. The
service paid tribute to the fallen Marines by sharing personal
reflections from those who knew them best. Unable to read
the poem he had written after the accident, MSGT John M. Mikolajczyk,
NCOIC of the Battalion armory where Corporal Ramirez worked,
asked GYSGT Kevin Halcrow to render the honor. Members
of Company A including MSGT Ernest Henderson and SSGT Timothy
Tompkins, and Sgt Jose Ventura also joined in to share their
friendship and respect for their fellow Marines.
The ceremony concluded with the Commanding Officer ordering
the Battalion Sergeant Major, SGTMAJ Duane R. Hawkins, to take
the report. Marching in front of the congregated Tankers,
the Sergeant Major called off the names of various members of
the Battalion who in turn, answered the call with a loud, “Here,
Sergeant Major.” Then, the Sergeant Major called, “Corporal
Ramirez,” to which only silence was returned. “Corporal Suarez.”
Again, total silence.
Turning about face, the Sergeant Major reported, “Sir, I
regret to inform you, Corporal Ramirez and Corporal Suarez,
missing.” As the last word was spoken, the haunting sound
of Taps played as the Sergeant Major marched away.
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