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The Life of Ray Mendoza
Mendoza entered the Marine Corps in February 1995 and after successfully completing Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Va., he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in August 1995. He then reported to The Basic School and was assigned as an infantry officer. Continuing with his pursuit of excellence in wrestling, he competed for the All-Marine Wrestling Team and was the 1996 Central Region Olympic Trial Greco Roman Champion at 100kg. He then went on to pursue his dream to be an Olympian, becoming an Olympic Alternate at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

After graduating from the Infantry Officer Course in October 1996, Mendoza checked into Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment before being promoted to First Lieutenant in August 1997.
In June 1999, Mendoza received orders to the Marine Barracks, Ground Defense Security Force, in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In October of the same year, Mendoza was promoted to the rank of Captain and selected for augmentation, earning a regular commission into the United States Marine Corps.

Following Mendoza’s augmentation, he received orders to the Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Va. During his time in Quantico, Mendoza competed in the Armed Services National Wrestling Tournament and placed second in the nation.

In June 2003, he was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following combat, Mendoza assumed command of Echo Company before being re-deployed to Iraq. Mendoza was promoted to the rank of Major Oct. 1, 2005 in the operational theatre.

Mendoza died of wounds sustained during Operation Steel Curtain Nov. 14, 2005 in New Ubaydi, Iraq.

Mendoza, 37, is survived by his wife, Karen, his daughter, Kiana, and son, Aleksander, as well as his brothers, Niola and Jermaine Mendoza.

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