Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Antonio Ruiz De La Torre, who built forward refueling stations during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
With his parents’ permission, Antonio Ruiz De La Torre enlisted with the Marine Corps in 2000 at the age of 17. After completing basic training, he attended additional training in supply administration and went to Camp Pendleton, California. He then spent a year at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, with the Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. After serving in Okinawa, he returned to Camp Pendleton, assigned to the 39th Marine Aircraft Group.
In 2003, de la Torre and his division deployed to Kuwait in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Immediately following the invasion of Iraq, de la Torre and his unit built forward refueling stations and forward operating bases. While establishing these forward points, de la Torre and his fellow Marines faced opposition from the enemy, which resulted in several casualties over their deployment.
For actions during his service, Antonio received a Presidential Unit Citation and several certificates of commendation.
The Marine Corps discharged de la Torre in 2004 at the rank of corporal.
More on his story can be found at: https://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.31834/
Thank you for your service!
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Veterans History Project
This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.
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Thank you for your service Antonio Ruiz De La Torre.