Back to work: hand amputee deploys to set example for wounded warriors [Image 4 of 6]

PATROL BASE FIRES, HELMAND PROVINCE,, AFGHANISTAN

08.06.2011

Photo by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

Sgt. Ricardo Ramirez observes a tree line, from which enemy fighters have been known to engage Marine patrols, with his rifle optics in Sangin, Afghanistan, Aug. 7. In February of 2006, Ramirez was wounded in action while serving in Iraq with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and two years later became the first hand-amputee to re-enlist in the Marine Corps. Ramirez answered 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment's call for combat replacements and volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan. "If you were to ask me if I can lead Marines in combat: I will absolutely be able to despite the loss of my hand," said Ramirez.

• Date Taken: 08.06.2011
• Date Posted: 09.08.2011 08:46
• Photo ID: 453015
• VIRIN: 110806-M-VI905-092
• Resolution: 2802x1868
• Size: 3.18 MB
• Location: PATROL BASE FIRES, HELMAND PROVINCE,, AF