thedrifter
02-12-07, 07:00 AM
Corpsmen risk all to help others
February 12,2007
The deaths in Iraq last week of two U.S. Navy corpsmen deployed from Eastern North Carolina does more than simply up the tragic death toll resulting from this war. It also points out the risk medical personnel run when doing their jobs.The medics of the Navy's Hospital Corps remain with Marines in times of conflict, where they're exposed to the same dangers as any other fighting troops. The difference, of course, is that a corpsman's primary duty is to minister to the injured, not to fight.
It takes a very special courage to face enemy fire in order to save the life of another, but it's something battlefield corpsmen do as a matter of routine.
The Hospital Corps has been there for Marines and Navy personnel on ships and installations since its formal establishment in 1898, although its members shared similar duties with an earlier version, known as surgeon's assistants. Corpsmen have seen action in both world wars. Many died alongside their Marine brothers on islands such as Peleliu, Tarawa and Iwo Jima. They were there - in the frozen reaches of Korea, the hot and humid jungles of Vietnam and the dusty villages of the Middle East.
Sometimes their contributions to this country's freedom tend to be overlooked. But not because the job they do isn't appreciated or important - that's far from true. Ask Marines who've seen them under fire. Look at the corpsmen who've suffered wounds or been killed in action while responding to injured Marines or sailors. Check the roll call of corpsmen who've won the Navy Cross or Medal of Honor. The rating of Hospital Corps is the most highly decorated in all of this country's military services. And it's a calling to which only a special few can answer and excel.
No, corpsmen sort of slip below the radar because of their supportive role in times of war. They tend to stay out of sight until they're needed, but they move like guided missiles when a man's down. They are the true, unsung heroes of the military.
Last week, two Navy corpsmen stationed at Cherry Point and Camp Lejeune died when the helicopter in which they were passengers crashed in Iraq. Reported killed in the crash were Manuel "Manny" Ruiz, a 21-year-old Maryland native, and Gilbert Minjares from Texas. Minjares and his wife lived in New Bern with their two small children in a home they were renovating.
Friends, former teachers and neighbors remembered the two young men as helpful, talented, caring and totally dedicated to their profession. And they chose to serve their country by putting their service before all things - even their own lives. It's a lot to ask of young people barely out of high school.
Both their units, hometowns and the communities in which they most recently lived mourn for the loss of these two young men who chose medicine so they could make a difference on the battlefield and off.
February 12,2007
The deaths in Iraq last week of two U.S. Navy corpsmen deployed from Eastern North Carolina does more than simply up the tragic death toll resulting from this war. It also points out the risk medical personnel run when doing their jobs.The medics of the Navy's Hospital Corps remain with Marines in times of conflict, where they're exposed to the same dangers as any other fighting troops. The difference, of course, is that a corpsman's primary duty is to minister to the injured, not to fight.
It takes a very special courage to face enemy fire in order to save the life of another, but it's something battlefield corpsmen do as a matter of routine.
The Hospital Corps has been there for Marines and Navy personnel on ships and installations since its formal establishment in 1898, although its members shared similar duties with an earlier version, known as surgeon's assistants. Corpsmen have seen action in both world wars. Many died alongside their Marine brothers on islands such as Peleliu, Tarawa and Iwo Jima. They were there - in the frozen reaches of Korea, the hot and humid jungles of Vietnam and the dusty villages of the Middle East.
Sometimes their contributions to this country's freedom tend to be overlooked. But not because the job they do isn't appreciated or important - that's far from true. Ask Marines who've seen them under fire. Look at the corpsmen who've suffered wounds or been killed in action while responding to injured Marines or sailors. Check the roll call of corpsmen who've won the Navy Cross or Medal of Honor. The rating of Hospital Corps is the most highly decorated in all of this country's military services. And it's a calling to which only a special few can answer and excel.
No, corpsmen sort of slip below the radar because of their supportive role in times of war. They tend to stay out of sight until they're needed, but they move like guided missiles when a man's down. They are the true, unsung heroes of the military.
Last week, two Navy corpsmen stationed at Cherry Point and Camp Lejeune died when the helicopter in which they were passengers crashed in Iraq. Reported killed in the crash were Manuel "Manny" Ruiz, a 21-year-old Maryland native, and Gilbert Minjares from Texas. Minjares and his wife lived in New Bern with their two small children in a home they were renovating.
Friends, former teachers and neighbors remembered the two young men as helpful, talented, caring and totally dedicated to their profession. And they chose to serve their country by putting their service before all things - even their own lives. It's a lot to ask of young people barely out of high school.
Both their units, hometowns and the communities in which they most recently lived mourn for the loss of these two young men who chose medicine so they could make a difference on the battlefield and off.