Specialist Rafael Ramirez was born October 4, 1984 in San Antonio, Texas. He grew up in El Paso, Texas where he graduated from Irvin High School in June 2003. He joined the Army three years later completing Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in August 2006 and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Bliss in November 2006 where he was awarded MOS 14T. SPC Ramirez was then assigned to 2-1 ADA and sent to Camp Carroll, Korea in February 2007, later returning with the unit in November 2007 to Fort Hood, Texas.
At the time of his passing SPC Ramirez served in the 2-1 ADA Battalion Readiness Center. His favorite activities included spending time with family and friends, and going to the movies. He was also a Green Bay Packers fan.
His military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.
Specialist Ramirez is survived by his spouse, Anna Ramirez, his mother, Maria Victoria, his father, Rafael Ramirez Jr., his sister, Anita Vega, his brother-in-law, Rodrigo Vega, and his nephew, Ezra Uriel Vega.
