Army Sergeant Louie Ramos Velazquez

Army Sergeant Louie A. Ramos Velazquez, 38, of Camuy, Puerto Rico, was assigned to Fox Company (Pathfinder), 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was killed on May 26, 2011, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device (IED). Five fellow soldiers were also killed in the attack.

Born in New York, SGT Ramos moved with his family to Camuy, Puerto Rico, at age three, where he grew up and attended school. He later joined the Army and served as a combat medic. During his two deployments to Afghanistan, he accompanied soldiers on dangerous patrols and provided medical support. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.

SGT Ramos was remembered as a caring father, devoted husband, and trusted friend. Fellow soldiers respected his dedication as a combat medic, and his leadership recognized his potential for greater responsibilities.

SGT Ramos was survived by his wife and three children.