Remembering Ray

November 18, 2008

Columbus, Ohio, United States


Description
Only once has my reaction been of disbelief: No, not him. It can’t be. Not Ray Mendoza.
Mine was a common reaction. A condolence website for his family is filled with expressions of incredulity.
“He was a man we all thought to be bullet-proof,” Capt. John Griffin said in his eulogy at Mendoza’s funeral at a Catholic church in Oceanside.

At 6 feet 2 and 225 pounds, Mendoza had been a star wrestler at Ohio State in the 1990s and, as a Marine, an alternate on the 1996 Olympic team. His overtime victory over a reigning champ in the 1993 Big Ten tournament remains one of the Buckeye program’s most thrilling moments.

The wrestling program is putting together an inspirational video featuring Mendoza’s win that day. The school’s football team wore his initials on their helmets during the Nov. 19 Michigan game as a show of respect.

“I’m just not ready to say goodbye to Ray Mendoza yet,” said Buckeyes’ wrestling coach Russ Hellickson, his voice quavering.
During the fight for Fallouja in April 2004, Mendoza’s very presence seemed to provide a sense of safety to those around him.

It was a widely held belief among the 1,100 Marines of the 2nd battalion, 1st regiment, 1st Marine Division that Mendoza, then a captain, was the strongest, toughest Marine of them all.
His shoulders were Herculean. His wrists were the size of an average man’s biceps. When he wore running shorts, his legs looked like pillars. And he moved with an athlete’s grace, as if he could unleash speed and power at any time; no swagger, just confidence.

But it was not just his buffed-out body or his bone-crushing handshake that gave us all assurance, even as insurgent mortars rained down on the forward outpost of the battalion’s headquarters and service company, which he commanded.
It was also his constant smile, his modest demeanor and his rock-solid belief that everything would work out fine. He believed absolutely in the rightness of the U.S. mission in Iraq and the Marine Corps’ ability to carry out that mission.

Once — foolishly — I started to venture outside a protected area without my helmet and flak-vest. An enormous hand seized my shoulder from behind. I was immobilized and chastened.

Under Mendoza, the H&S company was responsible for communications, supply, medical triage and myriad other tasks that must be done perfectly if frontline infantry companies are to be effective. Mendoza was good at his job, the same one he’d done at the Marine base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Still, as an infantry officer, Mendoza wanted to command a rifle company, to be at “the tip of the spear.”

The last time I saw him was a year ago at the battalion’s Marine Corps birthday celebration in the ballroom of an Indian casino in Temecula. He was in his dress blues and his smile was even broader than usual. “I’ve been given command of Echo Company,” he said, referring to one of the battalion’s most combat-hardened units. He would be returning to Iraq within a few months.

Mendoza had been selected to succeed Capt. Douglas Zembiec, a former Naval Academy wrestler. Zembiec was awarded a Bronze Star for bravery during Fallouja and is now in Afghanistan. As wrestlers, the two shared a bond. I once saw them, playfully, start to throw headlocks and other holds on each other. There was an immediate tension in the air in anticipation of what could have spiraled into a true battle of heavyweights.

Two weeks ago, while attending a memorial service at Camp Pendleton for two Marines whose helicopter was shot down by insurgents, I was taken aside by the wife of a sergeant-major and told that Mendoza had been killed. I sat in the church that morning listening to eulogies for two Marines and thinking about the death of a third.

On Nov. 14, on the 10th day of Operation Steel Curtain, a joint U.S.-Iraqi mission to break up insurgent strongholds along the Syrian border, Mendoza had led his troops to the village of Ubaydi. As he stepped from his Humvee, he was struck full force by a hidden roadside bomb.

“He trained his Marines so well that when he died,” Oltman e-mailed, “his Marines did not hesitate or lose composure. They just simply performed flawlessly.” Pushing forward, despite obstacles, was Mendoza’s way of dealing with life. Growing up in New York City, Mendoza earned a chance to attend Blair Academy, an elite prep school in Blairstown, N.J.

At Ohio State, he lettered for two years and was a constant presence in the training room, where the sound of free weights clanging to the floor became his trademark. He graduated in 1993 with a degree in history.

“Wrestling is one of those sports were you have to bare your soul, show what you’ve got when you’re tired and exhausted,” Hellickson said. “Ray never quit.” In his senior year, Mendoza had a rare lapse in concentration and was beaten on points by conference champ John Oostendorp from the University of Iowa, which had the best wrestling team in the nation.

Two weeks later, at the Big Ten championship in a packed St. John Arena on the Ohio State campus, Mendoza and Oostendorp met a second time. Mendoza had vowed not to be beaten again, that he would not let the team down. The match, with neither big man able to gain an advantage, went into overtime. “I’ll never forget when Ray threw Oostendorp to the mat and there was an enormous thump,” said Michael DiSabato, one of Mendoza’s teammates. “Ray got up and circled the arena pumping his fist in the air and the crowd went crazy.”

Oostendorp, now a coach at Iowa’s Coe College, remembers the match as one of his toughest: “Ray was always on the attack.”
Last week, in a memorial to Mendoza, Marines at Camp Pendleton organized a three-mile “motivational hump” up a steep hill. It was a Mendoza thing to do; he had been among a group of Marines who had taken a flag up the same hill.

Mendoza is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Kiana, 12, and Aleksandr, 8; and brothers Niola and Jermaine Mendoza.
At his funeral, attended by hundreds of Marines, wrestlers and other civilians, one of the readings, done by Aleksandr, was from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through He who gives me strength.”

To those of us privileged to know Ray Mendoza, the passage had more than one meaning.
Contact Info
location
Columbus, Ohio, United States

Photos
0 of 1 Photos
See All
No photos yet. 
Videos
5 of 9 Videos
See All

23 comments to "Remembering Ray"

ewrwe says:
June 27, 2010

Buying jewelry can often be confusing. But you can't afford to go wrong,Fashion Tiffany Silvery since Buying jewelry can often be confusing. Fashion Tiffany SilveryBut you can't afford to go wrong, since apart from the money involved, there is also an emotional side to buying jewelry. Browse through our buying Tiffany Jewelry tips Tiffany Pendentto get an insight into buying the right jewelry.Among the most important jewelry buyingTiffany necklaces tips are - always buy jewelry only from a reputedTiffany rings store Tiffany Pendentand read thoroughly through the warranty policy. If it's an online store, read the company policies,Tiffany bracelets shipping, Discount Tiffany butterfly rings jewelry Knock off Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Open Teardrop hook earringson saleproduct return and warranty policies before buying.
Article Source:Discount Tiffany butterfly rings jewelry on sale


dfgdg says:
June 27, 2010

Buying jewelry can often be confusing. But you can't afford to go wrong,Fashion Tiffany Silvery since Buying jewelry can often be confusing. Fashion Tiffany SilveryBut you can't afford to go wrong, since apart from the money involved, there is also an emotional side to buying jewelry. Browse through our buying Tiffany Jewelry tips Tiffany Pendentto get an insight into buying the right jewelry.Among the most important jewelry buyingTiffany necklaces tips are - always buy jewelry only from a reputedTiffany rings store Tiffany Pendentand read thoroughly through the warranty policy. If it's an online store, read the company policies,Tiffany bracelets shipping, Discount Tiffany butterfly rings jewelry Knock off Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Open Teardrop hook earringson saleproduct return and warranty policies before buying.
Article Source:Discount Tiffany butterfly rings jewelry on sale


Free multiplayer games says:
July 13, 2010

Dragon's Call Expansion is coming out browser mmorpg !Cool and fun to feast your eyes!We're giving you the chance to choose the name for the upcoming Expansion and win prizes.
How to enter:
No ripping or plagarism.
Please leave your in Free multiplayer games name and server namealong with your entry.
One entry should not be more than three words.
You may come up with several names,but no double posting,no multiple entries.


replica watches says:
July 18, 2010

Shopping for your house can be fun, but replica watches choosing living room furniture can fake Dior Watches Replica Cartier be a little tricky. It is commonly the first room in your house that guests will see, so the colors must match the motifand everything has to Replica Juicy Couture be just right for that Replica Fendi handbags one-time first impression. The designer handbags selection fake Chanel Watches of chairs and couches are vital. They will also be the most used and fake Ebel Watches the most noticed furniture in the room.
Table sets are only replica Oris watches additional furniture. They are functioning pieces of art right in the middle of your everyday life. You can have a table set custom-made or Replica Giverchy handbags get replica Raymond Weil watches it sent right replica louis vuitton off replica Vacheron Constantin watches the sales floor. Replica Marc Jacobs Furniture have replica omega to within the Replica Loewe budget. replica Breitling They replica louis vuitton can be carved of exotic wood, like mahogany or teak or from replica Longines watches replica watches the more accepted American replica watches oak or Replica Concord maple. Pine and fake watches these woods can last lifelong. The TV show Antiques Road Show has Replica Ulysse Nardin Watches displayed many living room replica watches tables from replica Rolex watches two hundred to five hundred years old that are still practical and fake Dior Watches useful pieces of furniture. />
If fake watch wood does not fit into a particular motif, Replica Jimmy Choo handbags then replica louis vuitton handbags replica handbags there are tables made from many types of metal. It all depends on the customer and the general design of the living area and the house. replica tag heuer Aluminum and stainless steel are replica Piaget watches always Replica IWC Watches po


quality breitling watch says:
July 19, 2010

wholesale Breitling replica watches ,we supply the high quality products with better price . Best service you will receive from us. We patiently settle all problems that clients come up with. Replica watches are popular in markets all over the world. We guarantee high quality, and favorable wholesale price may we offer.
Once you order our Rolex replica watch, Breitling Superocean Heritage Chrono SS/RU Black Asia 7750 you will receive these watches very soon,because we won't delay to deliver for you.


car dvd nav says:
August 6, 2010

cool electronic gadgets　 cool usb gadgets　cool computer gadgets　spy kids gadgets　cell phone signal jammer　Wireless Spy Gadgets　Wireless Handheld Baby Monitor　Walkie Talkie　cool computer keyboard　usb fans for laptops　water glow led faucet light 　car air purifier ionizer　Humanoid Light Control Lamp　wooden alarm clock　Portable Watch MP3 Player　MP4 Digital Watch player　wireless digital picture frame　LED Digital Wrist Watch　Portable Digital E-book Reader　antique cigarette lighters　LED Light Laser Pointer　Digital Video Glasses　Vertu Ascent Replica　wrist watch mobile phone　Cool Bluetooth Bracelet 　china electronics wholesale 　chinese electronics iphone copy 　electronics cheap from china 　best spy mobile watch in china　 china best electronic dropship 　cheap wholesale mobile phones 　funny office electronics　electronic wholesale dropshippers 　 cool electronics buy 　cheap wifi hiphone, credit card accepted 　buy wholesale products china dropship 　 the best sites to buy chinese mp4 players　chinese iphone copy hiphone 　china wholesale cool gadget 　 top cool electronics　the grassy lawn charging station replika 　chinese home security gadgets　 china wholesale electronics　top cool electronics 　discount china electronics　the best china wholesale electronics 　 gadget distributor china　china electronics spy 　funny mobile speaker chinese 　the best distributor electronic 　 cool electronics wholesale　　cool electronics website 　lowest price china wholesale 　 consumer electronics distributors　wholesale china mobile phone 　 baby monitors china wholesale　wholesale china phones 　 buy direct from distributor cell phones　best electronic gadgets china 　 phone gadgets manufacturer china　buy phones from the factory manufacturer 　 usb gadgets wholesale　chineese car mobile phones for kids 　 cute chinese mobile phones　discount on electronics product 　funny chinese electronics　electronic wholesale china iphone 　car dvd player gps 　gps systems for cars　car gps units 　car dvd nav　car gps navigation system 　 dual screen car dvd 　cars navigation systems 　gps car navigation system 　car gps navigation systems 　gps systems for cars 　double din car dvd 　 2 din car dvd 　 indash car dvd 　 car overhead dvd players 　car stereo dvd gps 　car navigation units 　car navigation devices 　car gps navigators 　gps satellite navigation 　7 inch car dvd 　car navigation unit 　in car gps systems 　bmw e46 autoradio mit touch 　bmw aftermarket navigation x5 e53 　auto cinema dvd player for toyota sienna 　navigatie e46 voor 3-serie e46 touchscreen dvd navigatie tv 　toyota camry 2007-2010 navigation system, dvd,bluetooth 　toyota corolla ex dvb-t pip orange backlit 　bmw touch screen navigation 　2007 2008 2009 2010 toyota camry gps radio nav ipod dvd 　2 din dvd player for 2007 - 2010 toyota corolla


replica watches says:
August 17, 2010

Synths are like replica samantha thavas handbags highly Replica Movado Watches customizable sound replica bottega veneta handbags modules fake Paris Watches designer replica handbags with keys (not replica bags all fake Tissot Watches the time replica loewe handbags included however). Unlike midi keyboards, replica Thomas Wylde handbags Replica Seiko they do include a fake prada handbags sound creation replica watch system Replica IWC inside, but they are replica jimmy choo handbags both similar replica handbags in that they do not replica hermes replica valentino handbags generally have built fake Dolce Gabbana handbags Replica Audemars Piguet Watches in speaker systems fake A Lange Sohne Watches built replica alexander wang handbags into them. You replica jimmy choo handbags will china stainless steel need to buy replica Hermes external studio monitors replica mulberry or fake watch headphones fake Piaget Watches in order to hear the replica samantha thavas handbags sounds clothing store you Replica Rolex make. Synths fake handbags allow Replica Corum Watches you to make Replica Ferrari Watches designer handbags your own customizable sounds Replica Glashutte Watches by tweaking them by fake marc jacobs handbags Replica Longines Watches way of different Replica Dior knobs that generate various mathematical fake fendi handbags wavs such Replica Burberry Watches as sawtooth and sine Replica Louis Vuitton Watches waves. By using fake Cartier Watches multiple waves layers on replica Marc Jacobs handbags Replica Ulysse Nardin top of each replica bottega veneta handbags other affecting replica watches your sound, replica valentino you Replica Tudor fake louis vuitton handbags can make very replica valentino distinct, Replica Gucci unique or unusual rings jewelry new fake Tag Heuer Watches sounds.


jeanslydcc says:
August 20, 2010

Stylish and lavish bags are not meant only for women. Rather they can be an ideal carrying case for men too. discount mac cosmetics, coach purse, The conservative design of this bag would look perfect against a slim spring suit for a work event or an anniversary party. louis vuitton handbag,mac cosmetics outlet,ghd iron,If you do not want to carry your laptop with you, then you must choose a soft leather briefcase.ugg bailey, ghd styler, womens ugg boots, Always select a spacious briefcase so that you can keep other essential belongings other than your laptop.jeans calvin klein,hugo boss jeans, ugg short,In beautiful woven fabric with an abstract interweaving detail that creates an optical illusion, this bag is beautiful yet basic.coach handbag,jimmy shoe, true religion outlet, The Suede Mini Flap bag is another great choice in an elegant evening bag. In beautiful deep wine European suede with tonal leather trim, this bag is luscious.gucci bag, burberry outlets,cheap designer bags, Moreover a perfect leather briefcase will set you higher from your colleagues and hence create a professional impression on them. ed hardy outlet, giuseppe zanotti shoes, For a great bag that works for work and for evening, the Village soft bag is a great option to look into.cheap nike,christian louboutin boots,nike air max 2009,Got Briefcases has a distinctive range of briefcases, a wide variety of leather bags, and more importantly, the products are made from genuine Italian leather, which allows carrying your belongings comfortably.adidas shoes men,gucci sneaker, shoes timberland,Well, keeping these considerations in mind will surely help you make the best briefcase purchase. ed hardy men's shoes, mbt womens shoes,Well seeing the success of the company it will not be wrong to say that Got Briefcases collection reflects sophistication. p90x cheap,chanel handbagSo hot, and so effortlessly classic. A beautiful look for a stylish woman. Pick this bag up today!


FFXIV GIL says:
August 25, 2010

If you are archers, this is an easy and good way for you to hunt and get some FFXIV GIL. There have huge Buy FFXIV Gil in our stock. Make order when you need please. And always, always, ALWAYS! Pick up what the monsters drop; this gets you a nice sum of cheap ffxiv gil to use on skills and potions and all other necessities needed. So it is very important for you to own much FFXIV Power leveling. Remember you can Final Fantasy XIV Gil in good price from our company.


joy says:
September 3, 2010

KeroseneNHL Jerseys wasnhl jerseys sale usednhl jerseys cheap tonhl hockey jerseys lightdiscount nhl jerseys lampsauthentic nhl jerseys. ItDesigner Coats wasDesigner Clothes a cheapRalph Lauren substitutecheap Ralph Lauren forBuy Ralph Lauren whaleralph lauren T-shirts oilRalph Lauren online, whichRalph Lauren Polo Shirts wasRalph Lauren Jumpers becominghugo boss t shirt harderBoss T-Shirts toHugo Boss Online getHugo Boss Shirt. Soonboss shoes thereboss shoes for men wasPolo Shirt a largePolo T-Shirts demandPolo Mens Shirt forherve leger dress keroseneHerve Leger. PeopleCheap herve leger beganDiscount herve leger toherve leger bandage dress searchJimmy Shoes forJimmy Choo Shoes newJimmy Choo Sale suppliesDiscount Jimmy Choo ofWholesale Jewelry petroleumWholesale Clothing.TheWholesale Shoes firstWholesale Bags oilWholesale SunglasseswellCoach BagswasPrada Bags drilledJuicy Couture Clothes byJuicy Couture Clothing E.Ljuicy couture swimsuit. Drakejuicy couture dress, a retiredjuicy couture tracksuits railroadEd Hardy Clothes conductorEd Hardy Clothing. InAbercrombie Fitch 1859Abercrombie Fitch UK heAbercrombie Fitch clothing beganDesigner Bags drillingDesigner Shoes incoach bags Titusvillegucci bags, Pennsylvanialouis vuitton bags. Thechanel bags wholejuicy couture bags ventureed hardy bags seemedjimmy choo bags sogucci shoes impracticaljimmy choo shoes andtory burch shoes foolishchanel shoes thatdior shoes onlookersfendi shoes called it " Drake＇s Folly".


joy says:
September 3, 2010

Ourchristian shoes governmentlouboutin shoes ischristian louboutin sale goingcheap christian louboutin tochristian louboutin heels builddiscount christian louboutin achristian pumps "harmoniouslouboutin pumps societychristian louboutin pumps". I thinkchristian shoes itlouboutin shoes ischristian louboutin sale everyonecheap christian louboutin's dutychristian louboutin heels todiscount christian louboutin workchristian sandals hardlouboutin sandals tochristian louboutin sandals achieveLouboutin Shoes thisBuy Louboutin Shoes goalCheap Louboutin Shoes.Asdiscount louboutin shoes highchristian louboutin shoes schoollouboutin pumps studentschristian louboutin pumps, whatchristian shoes shouldlouboutin shoes wechristian louboutin sale do?Firstcheap christian louboutin ofchristian louboutin heels alldiscount christian louboutin, welouboutin pumps shouldchristian louboutin pumps lovelouboutin sale ourchristian shoes motherlandchristian louboutin sale . Let'scheap christian louboutin takechristian louboutin heels a greatdiscount christian louboutin interestlouboutin pumps in thechristian louboutin pumps development oflouboutin shoes ourchristian shoes hometownschristian louboutin sale andcheap christian louboutin takechristian louboutin heels andiscount christian louboutin activelouboutin pumps partchristian louboutin pumpsin ourchristian shoes school'sLouboutin shoes activitieschristian louboutin sale.Secondlycheap christian louboutin, let'schristian louboutin heels filldiscount christian louboutin thelouboutin pumps worldchristian louboutin pumps with love.


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

Please enter the letters as they are shown in the image above.
Letters are not case-sensitive.

Coverage Videos
Mendoza 5k- Start
Mendoza 5k- Start
May 26, 2009
Mendoza 5k- Captain Rosenthal
Mendoza 5k- Captain Rosenthal
May 26, 2009
Mendoza 5k- Mark Niemann
Mendoza 5k- Mark Niemann
May 26, 2009
Mendoza 5k- J Jaggers
Mendoza 5k- J Jaggers
May 26, 2009
Mendoza 5k- Before the run
Mendoza 5k- Before the run
May 26, 2009
Mendoza 5k- Jesse Leng
Mendoza 5k- Jesse Leng
May 26, 2009
Mendoza 5k- Tom Ryan
Mendoza 5k- Tom Ryan
May 26, 2009
Mendoza 5k- Holman/Stout
Mendoza 5k- Holman/Stout
May 26, 2009
Mendoza 5k- Finishers
Mendoza 5k- Finishers
May 26, 2009