Locally-based soldier lost in Iraqi conflict

By Robert Rogers

A Fort Irwin soldier was killed Wednesday in a nonviolent vehicle accident while working in Kuwait, the Department of Defense announced Friday.

Sgt. Guadalupe Cervantes Ramirez, 26, of Mohave Valley, Ariz., was killed April 23 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, according to a Department of Defense release.

Ramirez was based in Kuwait and his job entailed driving supplies into Iraq, according to Fort Irwin Army spokesman John Wagstaffe.

Wagstaffe could not provide details of exactly how Ramirez was killed, other than to say it was a motor vehicle accident which occurred during “non-hostile actions” in Kuwait.

The incident is under investigation, Wagstaffe said.

Ramirez’ wife, Amber Ramirez of Mohave Valley, Ariz. was notified Thursday, Wagstaffe said. Ramirez leaves behind two daughters ages 7 and 4, Wagstaffe said.

Ramirez was assigned to the 2nd Transportation Company (Heavy Equipment Transport), Echelons Above Brigade Support Battalion, National Training Center Support Brigade, Fort Irwin, according to the Department of Defense.

Ramirez’ becomes one 4,052 total U.S. deaths in Iraq since March 2003, according to icasualties.org. There have been 40 U.S. deaths in April, with five days remaining tying it with the January for the deadliest month of the year, and 148 killed thus far in 2008.

Ramirez left for Kuwait with the 2nd HET from Fort Irwin on May 7, 2007 for a 15-month tour Wagstaffe said. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released a statement about Ramirez’ death late Friday and said Capitol flags would be flown at half-staff in his honor.

“Sergeant Guadalupe Cervantes Ramirez sacrificed his life to protect the values and freedoms which define our nation and its people. His devotion, loyalty and unfailing courage in the face of danger serve as an inspiration to all Americans. Maria and I extend our deepest condolences to Guadalupe’s family and friends as they mourn the loss of this brave Californian,” Schwarzenegger’s statement read.