California's War Dead

Two memories of Angel R. Ramirez

“

My heart is in shock right now after finding out about Angel. We joined together and trained together for a year in Brooklyn so we can be ready for boot camp. We went to the same MOS school together and we were stationed together for almost 4 years. Sadly, we lost contact after I was discharged. Angel, I will remember you for ever buddy, all the times you welcomed me at your house and all the times you stood by me. Angel was a great person, he helped many people, anyone who met him can attest to that. Ill forever miss our long drives from North Carolina to NY to go home. You helped shape me, as you were always the more mature of us and I looked up to you. Rest in peace buddy...

” — Billy Astudillo, September 14, 2011 at 10:54 a.m.

“

Angel was a good person and he tried hard to be what the Marine Corps demanded of him. He was over seas when his wife gave birth to his gorgeous daughter, and he was still happy, though he missed her birth, and was a stranger to her when he met her for the first time. His wife, she is an amazing and strong person, and she endured many hardships being married to a Marine. They loved each other deeply. In some ways the Corps made Angel better ... It gave him purpose, direction, and structure. But sadly, in many more ways, it harmed him. The Demands on the USMC had to come before family, before personal happiness and before comfort, for him and his family. I knew him before he enlisted, and after. There was always a fire in his eyes when he smiled. A deep burning drive that shined from the depths of his soul. There was something special about him. We lost touch the year before he died. His wife was also my friend, and I always admired her loyalty to Angel, and her strength to carry on, despite her husband being deployed for some of the times she needed him most. I have tried through mutual friends and the military to get back in touch with her, but no luck. She may have changed her name back to her maiden name... Which I no longer remember. If you ever read this Albania, please contact me. I think of you and often and pray for you and your family.

Angel had a wonderful Mother too. "Mother of Angel." She was his biggest fan. She was proud of him when he became a Marine, and she took care of his pregnant wife when he deployed, and his daughter after he deployed again. Angel deployed at least three times in five years. It was crazy to send a person back for so long, so often, with such little break in between. But that is the military and Angel went where he was told, either overseas or the middle of no where state side... I hope his family was treated well and given all the benefits he set up for them. His younger brother loved him and looked up to him. I don't want to mention too many names here, but I remember each and everyone of you in my prayers. My heart goes out to you now. I tried calling right after his death was announced, but your number was changed. I pray you are well.

May God have mercy on Angel, and all humanity, forgive us our shortcomings and sins, as You are the source of all forgiveness, and without your mercy, we are all lost, ameen.

” — Francesca, July 31, 2012 at 6:35 a.m.

Angel R. Ramirez, 28

Two memories of Angel R. Ramirez