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School honors soldier's bravery

BY JOSEPH MALLIA | STAFF WRITER

November 8, 2005

Just past the front door of Brentwood High School are three wood-framed photographs on a cement block wall.

One says "In memory of Michael J. Esposito Jr., 1981-2004 ... class of 1999."

Another, "In memory of Ramon Mateo, 1984-2004 ... class of 2002."

A third, "In memory of Raheen Tyson Heighter, (1980-2003) ... class of 2000."

Now comes the name and image of a fourth fallen soldier - U.S. Army Pfc. Jose Ruiz - to take its place on what Brentwood High calls its wall of honor.

In a memorial held at the school auditorium last night, about 700 students and visitors honored Ruiz, 28, class of 1994, the fourth Brentwood graduate to die since 2003 while serving in the U.S. military in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Ruiz's family sat on folding chairs onstage, along with school officials and politicians. A color guard squad of four boys and girls in red berets and blue uniforms carried the American flag onstage as a choir soloist sang the national anthem. Ruiz was killed Aug. 15 when he was hit by small-arms fire from a civilian vehicle while conducting a security operation in Mosul, Iraq.

Not all those attending the memorial session are in favor of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, where more than 2,000 American soldiers, and many thousands of Iraqi civilians, have died so far.

"I think this is a very honorable service," said Evalisse Duran, 18, of Brentwood, who graduated from the school last spring. "I think it's very sad because he tried to protect our country," she said, pausing, "but I really don't think there's a reason for this war to continue."

A large number of those attending were required to do so, said Ramon Bones, 16, of Brentwood, who did not know Ruiz or his family. "My night school class is meeting in here. My English class. So far it's really respectful."

Schools Superintendent Les Black said the four slain Brentwood graduates "made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The whole Brentwood community mourns their loss."

Those who entered the auditorium last night passed by a large framed collage with scenes from Ruiz's life in high school, college, work and home. The caption read: "Nurturing father. Loving husband. Honorable person. National hero."