Community Treasure Chest by Heather Kehrli-Krug - 11/10/18
Ricardo Bañuelos, Marines "Family First"
Ricardo Bañuelos entered the Marines for a better life in 1989 and became a member of The Seventh Marine Expeditionary Brigade, the first American combat unit to set foot on Desert Storm soil. He served with pride through 1993. Bañuelos trained to be a tank operator, and while the Marines delivered on their promise in training and educating him, he also delivered on his promise in serving to protect, by firing the big bombs during Desert Storm. He was an artillery piece operator for four years, lobbying artillery shells at the enemy.His job was known as the “tip of the spear” during his wartime efforts. “War brings men together,” said Bañuelos. Pictured below are some of the members of the Seventh Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
The movie “An Officer and a Gentleman” inspired Bañuelos to join the Marines. When Richard Gere said, “I got nothing else,” an emotional spark occurred within Bañuelos, motivating him to transcend beyond dreaming into action. Upon leaving the Marines in 1993, "nothing" became a hard-working attitude coupled with a follow-the-rules work ethic. He secured a job with the railroad, beginning as a brakeman, then becoming a conductor, and finally landing his dream job of Engineer. Bañuelos has spent 23 years working with the railroad and also spends his free-time singing and acting. His vocals will be featured in a 2018 music video teaser, “Thank You Soldier." The patriotic song focuses on thanking veterans and those serving in the military every day of the year.
"There are two big moments in a human being's life: the moment you are born, and when you discover the reason why you were born."
Bañuelos says his most important job and lifetime mission is being a father, grandfather, and devoted husband of 30 years to his wife Raquel. Over the years, Bañuelos says he has learned there are two big moments in a human being's life: The moment you are born, and when you discover the reason why you were born. “I was born to raise my children and to show them life's ways,” says Bañuelos. Currently, his daughter and son-in-law serve in the Army Reserve, carrying on the legacy of his family's commitment to the American military. Bañuelos also served in the Army from 1984 to 1986; his main reason for entering the Marines was to acquire the skills and education he needed to get a good job and support his family after his military service. While being in the military has become a family affair, no priority is greater to Bañuelos than his family. He represents the pinnacle of excellence, and is a true example of a dedicated soldier, giving more than six years of his life to protecting America in the states and across the world. From California, to Japan, to the Middle East, Ricardo Bañuelos has served our country as an American Hero.

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© copyright Heather Evonne Kehrli Krug, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2012, 2017, 2019
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