UNION CITY AND BEYOND – Union City resident and Staff Sgt. Raul M. Guerra, 37, died July 4 in Spin Boldak, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned to the 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash, according to the Department of Defense.
Guerra entered the army in March 1999 and was stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C. after which he was deployed to Afghanistan three times between 2002 and 2006.
In 2007, he was stationed at Fort Stewart, G.A. He was then deployed to Iraq from October 2007 through December 2008.
Guerra was stationed in Germany from May 2009 through July 2011 after which he arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and was assigned to the 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade. He deployed to Afghanistan with his battalion in May. This was his fifth deployment.
Guerra’s civilian and military education includes a high school diploma (1992), Military Occupational Specialty 63B: Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic (1999), Combat Life Savers Course (2012), Unit Safety Officer Course (2010), EO Leaders (2009), Advance Leader Course (2009), Military Occupational Specialty 35M: Human Intelligence Collector (2007), Warrior Leader Course (2005), and Airborne (1999).
His awards and decorations include Joint Service Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Good Conduct Medal (four awards), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star (two awards), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Ribbon (five awards), NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge.
On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, the Department of Defense extends their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Guerra.
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