ERBIL, Iraq – Special Forces Medical Staff Sgt. Ronald J. Shurer II served his country with distinction, being awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan. On Oct. 2, 2025, the Role 3 hospital at Erbil Air Base (EAB), Iraq, was named in his honor, with his wife, Miranda, and two sons, Tyler and Cameron, joining over a video call to witness the ceremony.
Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve built the Role 3 hospital during its founding in October 2014 as a medical facility to provide medical care for service members in the pursuit of defeating ISIS. U.S. Army Capt. Peter Padilla, with the 396th Field Hospital, recalls how he chose the name of the Role 3 hospital on EAB.
“I put in Washington Medal of Honor recipients and Staff Sgt. Ronald J Shurer’s name popped up, and I did a bit of research.” Padilla said.
Shurer was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, with both of his parents serving in the U.S. Air Force. He moved around a lot, but most of his childhood was in Washington.
“He ended up going to high school in Puyallup, [Washington], and he ended up getting his bachelor’s degree at Washington State University and did some master’s work there also,” said Padilla, describing Shurer’s life in Washington State.
He would later join the U.S. Army as a medic, then transferred to a Special Forces Medical Sergeant, and served from 2002 to 2009.
“When he got out of the military, first he joined the U.S. Secret Service Counter Assault Team,” Padilla said of Shurer’s post-military career.
Sadly, after three years in the Secret Service, Staff Sgt. Ronald J. Shurer II would pass away from cancer in 2020 at the age of 41. Naming a landmark after a service member is a way to honor the memory and to remember the sacrifices of those who came before.