Sergeant Major Julio C. Ordonez of San Antonio, Texas joined the military on April 29 1982. Before joining the Texas Army National Guard he served with HHC, 6-112th in Arkansas as a helicopter engineer. He was a fixture at the San Antonio Army Aviation Support Facility just east of downtown where he was a mentor to younger soldiers. Quiet, respectful and down to earth. At 5 feet, 6 inches, Julio could keep a low profile. But he was easily spotted at the Texas Guard's air facility at Martindale Army Airfield. There was little doubt about his next move after being promoted to first sergeant recently with the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, referred to as the 2-149 General Aviation Support Battalion. A crew chief in previous years, he had become a leader of the battalion's enlisted men. Staying behind as they pressed on into the war zone simply wasn't in his blood. He was nearing retirement and had completed a tour of Iraq only last year with the Texas Army National Guard's 36th Combat Aviation Brigade. His awards include: Army Achievement Medal, national Defense Service Medal, and Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development ribbon. Julio died at age 54 when the helicopter he was riding in crashed in southern Iraq.
Army
National Guard
2nd Battalion
149th Aviation
36th Combat Aviation Brigade
Grand Prairie, Texas
Army
National Guard
2nd Battalion
149th Aviation
36th Combat Aviation Brigade
Grand Prairie, Texas
Sergeant Major Julio C. Ordonez of San Antonio, Texas joined the military on April 29 1982. Before joining the Texas Army National Guard he served with HHC, 6-112th in Arkansas as a helicopter engineer. He was a fixture at the San Antonio Army Aviation Support Facility just east of downtown where he was a mentor to younger soldiers. Quiet, respectful and down to earth. At 5 feet, 6 inches, Julio could keep a low profile. But he was easily spotted at the Texas Guard's air facility at Martindale Army Airfield. There was little doubt about his next move after being promoted to first sergeant recently with the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, referred to as the 2-149 General Aviation Support Battalion. A crew chief in previous years, he had become a leader of the battalion's enlisted men. Staying behind as they pressed on into the war zone simply wasn't in his blood. He was nearing retirement and had completed a tour of Iraq only last year with the Texas Army National Guard's 36th Combat Aviation Brigade. His awards include: Army Achievement Medal, national Defense Service Medal, and Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development ribbon. Julio died at age 54 when the helicopter he was riding in crashed in southern Iraq.
Army
National Guard
2nd Battalion
149th Aviation
36th Combat Aviation Brigade
Grand Prairie, Texas
Army
National Guard
2nd Battalion
149th Aviation
36th Combat Aviation Brigade
Grand Prairie, Texas
Inscription
Bronze Star
He Loved God
And Country
He Lived
With Honor
Gravesite Details
IRAQ
