Photo By Jared Hirschkorn | U.S. Army Cpl. Raphael Rodrigues Arruda, a team leader with the 744th Mobility...... read more read more
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Cpl. Raphael Rodrigues Arruda was honored in a memorial service at Forward Operating Base Fenty, July 25. Arruda, from Ogden, Utah, served as a team leader with the 744th Mobility Augmentation Company, Task Force Dolch, Task Force Sword.
He was killed when an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle July 16.
Arruda was born in Brazil and immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 12. At the memorial ceremony, fellow soldiers recounted their time together.
U.S. Army Spc. Jonathon Hansen from North Pole, Alaska, recounted how Arruda had taken action to save his relationship with a girlfriend back home without him knowing. Hansen mentioned to Arruda he was thinking about ending the relationship, and Arruda tried to talk him out of it. Arruda then contacted Hansen’s girlfriend to see how she really felt about Hansen. Arruda persuaded Hansen to stick with her, and they ended up getting married.
Hansen said this was “just one example of how he was always looking out for other people’s best interests.”
By all accounts, Arruda was a superb leader, a brave soldier and a valued friend. He earned a Purple Heart in April 2011, from a prior IED blast and took part in numerous enemy engagements.
Fellow soldiers said even after receiving the Purple Heart he was eager to go on missions, lead soldiers, and get the job done.
They added: he was well acquainted with the route clearance equipment having served as a vehicle operator, gunner and truck commander.
| Date Taken: | 07.25.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.26.2011 01:05 |
| Story ID: | 77572 |
| Location: | NANGARHAR PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 423 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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