Major Ray Mendoza
April 12, 1968 - November 14, 2005

 The Life of Ray Mendoza

Ray J. Mendoza was born April 12, 1968 in Pleasantville, N.J.  During his childhood he moved to Queens, N.Y., where he graduated from John Adams High School in 1986.  Upon graduation, he attended West Point Prep before attending Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J., for a one-year post-graduate study.  At Blair Academy, Mendoza participated on the wrestling team and was captain of the varsity football team.  While wrestling for Blair, Mendoza took second place at the Preps in 1987.  Upon completion of his post-graduate year, he attended Wilkes University. To pursue higher wrestling goals, Mendoza transferred to Ohio State.  He earned recognition as the 1991 USA University Freestyle Champion and went on to letter for the Buckeyes in 1992 and 1993 and was the runner-up at heavyweight at the 1993 Big Ten Championships.  As a student-athlete at OSU, Mendoza earned a Bachelors of Arts in history.

After graduation, Mendoza took a different route than most college graduates and joined the Marines Corps to serve a higher calling.  However his passion for wrestling continued as he competed for the All-Marine Wrestling Team and was the 1996 Central Region Olympic Trial Greco Roman Champion at 100kg.  He also placed second in the nation in the Armed Services National Wrestling Tournament and was an Olympic Alternate at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.  Ray was known by his fellow Marines as a fearless leader and relentless warrior and was asked to assume command of Echo Company and was promoted to the rank of Major in October of 2005.  However a month later, he died of wounds sustained during Operation Steel Curtain, while on his third tour of duty in Iraq.  He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and leaves behind a wife and two children.

Mission

As an athlete, distinguished Marine, husband and father, Ray Mendoza lived his life with honor and taught so many the value of leadership.  And because of that, his friends established the Ray Mendoza Leadership Fund so that we could continue to honor his life and legacy.  The purpose of this fund is threefold: (1) to support Ohio families who have lost a loved one in the Iraq war, (2) support Olympic athletes in training, and (3) help develop tomorrow’s leaders by providing funding for education and leadership programs at the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University.

The Mendoza Family

“We would like to thank the DiSabato family, MMA Authentics, the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University, and all who have unselfishly devoted their time to support the Leadership Fund.  This non-profit charity is determined to continue Ray's legacy of making a difference in the world.  Ray's dedication on the battlefield was to ensure the safety of his family and friends on the home front.  Continuing Ray's warrior spirit in the classroom, in the wrestling room, and in his beloved state of Ohio, gives our family a sense of resolve.  Ray lived life to the fullest reaching out every day to "seek self improvement".  One of his favorite quotes was "What I have, I shall give... for what I save is lost forever".  We salute all who have given their money, time and energy to supporting the Ray Mendoza Leadership Fund.”

Remembering Ray by Former Ohio State Head Coach, Russ Hellickson 

Much like in the Marines, success on the wrestling mat is a consequence of the diligence and discipline that goes into the training.  Ray knew the only way to truly perform was to immerse himself in the preparation.  Do it hard, do it right and do it relentlessly with passionate resolve.  Ray put his heart and soul into every lift, every run and every match he ever wrestled for the Buckeyes. For a man, his teammates are grieving today. To know Ray, was to love him and respect him.  No excuses ever!  He was never absent, never late and always was ready to do his part with a smile and 100 percent commitment.  Ray was a powerful man with a kind and caring heart.  He was the ultimate team player in that he cared as much or more about you, as he did about himself.  Ray loved his family, he loved his fellow Marines and he loved his Wrestling Buckeyes.  Ray showed us all that leadership is not a position, it is an action.  Ray is my hero too.  Goodbye, my friend.

Contact Us

Ray Mendoza Leadership Fund

576 Georgesville Rd.

Columbus, OH 43228

614-274-1141