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Camp dedicated to fallen 2nd ACR scout

ARCENT Release

Release Date: 4/6/2004

Story by Sgt. Dan Purcell and Pfc. Erik LeDrew

BAGHDAD, Iraq (April 6, 2004) - Camp Muleskinner, home of the 2nd Armored Cavalry's Regiment's support squadron was renamed in honor a fallen trooper April 1.

The forward operating base was renamed "Camp Cuervo" in memory of Pfc. Ray D. Cuervo, Apache Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd ACR, who was killed-in-action during a combat reconnaissance patrol in Baghdad, on Dec. 28, 2003.

"Today we are here to pay tribute in honor of Pfc. Ray D. Cuervo, a fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving here," said Lt. Col. John P. Curran, Regimental Support Squadron commander.

Lt. Col. Mark E. Calvert, 1st Squadron commander and Col. Brad May, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment commander, also paid tribute to Cuervo's memory.

"It's fitting today that we pay tribute to Pfc. Ray D. Cuervo - a soldier, a hero - by renaming this camp after him and his actions here in Baghdad," Calvert said "This is a tribute that will serve as a reminder to all, of his service and of his sacrifice for the security of our nation - and our world."

Calvert said Cuervo developed a sense of responsibility for passing along his knowledge and experience. He shared his cavalry scout skills with Iraqi Civil Defense Corps soldiers.

"Cuervo was one of many soldiers serving a cause greater than one's self," Calvert said. "A cause that often demands great personal sacrifice and, in Ray's case, the ultimate sacrifice."

During the ceremony, a marble pyramid was unveiled in Cuervo's honor, officially declaring the camp "Camp Cuervo" in memory of the fallen cavalry scout.

Cuervo, assigned to 4th Platoon, Apache Troop, was born in Tempico, Mexico, Aug. 29, 1979. He lived in Laguna, Texas, before enlisting in the Army Sept. 1999.

He attended Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Ky. After serving at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, as a cavalry driver and gunner, he reported to Apache Troop Aug. 20, 2003.

Cuervo was posthumously awarded Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Army Achievement Medals.

Cuervo was killed while guarding a Baghdad gas station, said Sgt. 1st Class Miles Agee, Cuervo's former platoon sergeant.

"They were out on a mission, protecting the gas station when they were attacked with artillery rounds," Agee said.

Cuervo's platoon mates recalled the trooper's spirit and enthusiasm.

"Cuervo always smiled and was always ready to do his job," said 1st Lt. Michael C. Watson, 4th Platoon leader. "He always knew what he and this place were about. He was always ready to go out there and fight for his country and do what had to be done for the Iraqi people."

"Right up until the time before he died, he was smiling," said Spc. Angel E. Sanabria, Cuervo's former roommate. "I remember looking in the rearview mirror when we went out that day. He was just sitting back there smiling."

"He always respected everyone, regardless of how they treated him," added Sgt. Jason P. Bingell. "He used to always watch out for us and, as my driver, he would always watch out for me."

"I would say that if you were to go back and tell Cuervo that he might die on Dec. 28, he'd still go out that gate with a smile because he knew what his job was, and what he was over here to do," Watson said.