On November 3, 2023, another of the Greatest Generation passed. Albert Ramirez served with distinction in the United States Army and United States Navy beginning at the age of 17 when he enlisted in the Navy. He served aboard the USS DuPage where he saw combat in the Pacific. Three years later he left the Navy and enlisted in the US Army.
After becoming Airborne qualified, SFC Ramirez was initially stationed in Okinawa, Japan where he lived for several years before returning to the States in 1962 where he was stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado, and Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.
After 21+ years serving our country in the Military SFC Ramirez retired from the 101st Airborne. He and his family moved back to California where they settled in Lompoc. Albert and his brother Rick Diaz help establish a military color guard called “Boots N’ Chutes” and were prominent fixtures at many Military funerals.
For his 90th birthday, Albert completed his 105th jump at the Lompoc Skydiving club. His son, Donald, jumped with him to honor his dad.
Albert was the oldest of 13 children and was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Gloria, his oldest son Ronald, grandson Scotty, brothers Leonard, Rick Diaz, Frank Diaz Jr., Johnny Diaz and Lalo Diaz, sisters Angelina, Maria, and Frances. He is survived by his four sisters, one younger brother, Daniel, daughter Teresa Ann Brickner, grandson Christopher Brickner and three great-grandsons: son Donald Ramirez, grandson Ramon Ramirez, and two great-grandsons, along with several other great grandchildren living in Florida and several nephews and nieces in Santa Maria and Nipomo.
The burial Mass will be held on Friday, 17 November AT 1000HRS AT La Purisima Concepcion Catholic Church in Lompoc. Interment with Military Honors to follow at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Friday, 17 November 2023:
1030 – Stage at La Purisima Concepcion Catholic Church 213 W Olive Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ui2ZTkH9DZ38HhKk91045 – Mission Briefing
1100 – Flag Line for dignified transfer to the coach and KSU to the cemetery
1115 – Flag Line as our hero is moved from the coach to the shelter for Military Honors at Lompoc Cemetery 600 S C St, Lompoc, CA 93436
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sbhEPuF9uMtyAaYE7Ride Captain
Terry Tatroettatroe@roadrunner.com
805-896-7764
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission, go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
