Ralph N. Porras
Sergeant, United States Army
April 20, 1970 – September 2, 2006
Age – 36
Merrill, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC
Died of injuries sustained from mortar fire during dismounted combat operations in Yusifiyah, Iraq
Sgt. Porras was driven to make a difference after 9/11, so he joined the U.S. Army. He was the son of Marilyn (Kowalski) and the late Ralph Porras. He attended Swan Valley Middle School and Hemlock High School.
Ralph was so passionate about our country, our freedoms and our safety that he joined the Army in 2003. He obtained a special waiver to enlist since he was over the age of thirty. Once through boot camp, he became an infantry paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He requested to be deployed and served three tours of duty between Iraq and Afghanistan. He loved being a soldier. He took duty as sergeant seriously and passionate about serving the men he led and those he served with. He was an advocate for all his fellow soldiers.
He was remembered by his brothers-in-arms as follows –
Today is 15 years since we last served together and this morning I was blessed to do PT with the men of 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Red Falcons. We spoke about Bravery, Courage, Leadership, Teamwork, Love, Resilience, Service and the actions that took place 15 years ago. We spoke of the men who gave their lives for our freedom. In doing so we had to look no further than Sergeant Ralph Porras. Your history will live on forever and you will not be forgotten.
Today marks 15 years since we last shared a smile. There is not a day, week or month which goes by that I don´t think about you and the events of September 2, 2006. I have spent numerous hours thinking of what I could have, should have and would have done differently. I have lived with the pain of survivors´ guilt ….and many times the thought of trading places with you has come through my mind. It was a pleasure and an honor to have been your platoon leader, team mate and friend. We had some great times at Bragg and while deployed to Afghanistan. I rarely use the word “Warrior” or “Hero”, yet you are the epitome of both. When I think of you so many images go through my mind. The image that keeps repeating is of your smile. It seems to defy physics how a heart as big as yours could fit inside your body. There is so much more I would love to say but the tears and the words are not passing through my lips and fingers …because the pain in my throat and chest are too immense. You will never be forgotten. Your spirit and your action in battle will be talked about as long as I live. I will ensure that my children and grandchildren know what a great father, husband, team mate and soldier you were. I love you My Brother. I love you. Ivan
Ivan Castro & Red Falcons
I clearly remember meeting Ralph in Baghdad 2003 during the first deployment for both of us. Ralph made a strong impression on me though we only spoke briefly. We bonded because we both had quit our civilian careers at an older age to join up after 9/11. What really impressed me was that after 9/11, Ralph had originally planned to go to Afghanistan on his own dime as a civilian to join up with Afghans opposing those who attacked America. I was told his battle buddies were very upset at the loss of him and his fellow Soldier when they passed away. Ralph was a selfless, dedicated man and his actions, not words, demonstrated he was the finest example of an American Patriot.
J Dow Covey
I remember the first day I showed up to D Co. and had no idea what I was doing as a brand new Soldier. You were the first to friend me and the first to help me. There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t think of you and who you were to me and our brothers. I remember watching you jump out of a truck in Afghanistan and racing into the woods after the man you thought tried blowing our truck up. I remember the long conversations we had in the guard towers at night and the dreams and goals we talked about accomplishing. Ralph, I’m now an Infantry Captain about to take command in the 173rd and to some degree you helped set an example and influence me to follow my dreams. I miss you and honor you and your family for your sacrifices.
With love. Josh
Joshua Keatts