Marine Corps Veteran Antonio Ruiz De La Torre is today's Veteran of the Day.

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!


Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

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/.


Contributors

Editor: Ashley Levi

Fact checker: Kat Blanchard

Graphic artist: Nikki Lumbre

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One Comment

  1. Senior Veterans Care Network March 19, 2020 at 20:09

    Thank you for your service Antonio Ruiz De La Torre.

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