Florencio Ramirez
Florencio Ramirez
Florencio “Frank” Ramirez, was born January 8,1948 in San Antonio, Texas. He was raised primarily by his beloved grandmother, Manuela Garcia. Frank proudly enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam. On November 23,1967 (Thanksgiving Day) he was shot 23 times in the stomach. He would undergo surgery where he would receive 19 units of blood. It’s a miracle he survived! In an article that was published in a local newspaper in March of 1968, he stated he was most upset about missing his first hot meal in weeks. Frank was honorably retired from the Army in 1969 due to physical disability. During his time in the Army, Frank earned the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert Badges (M-60MG) Marksmanship Badges (Rifle M-16) & (Rifle M-14). Frank wore a long leg brace, with locking knee and spring hinge ankle, as his leg was numb from nerve damage due to his injuries, but that didn’t slow him down much. In years to come, his children and grandchildren would lovingly mimic his iconic walk. He also suffered from severe PTSD which made him isolate often, and push people away. He was troubled for many years, but in the late 90s when PTSD became recognized he was able to get the mental health he needed and we saw some great improvements in his quality of life. Frank enjoyed riding Harley’s and loved the brotherhood he found in that community. More than anything in the whole world, he loved his children and grandchildren. He was also blessed to hold his first great-grandchild just a few months before he passed away. Frank taught his children and grandchildren to always thank a veteran and if they saw a Vietnam Veteran he also taught his children to welcome the home, since they didn’t get the homecoming they deserved. Even though he didn’t get the treatment he deserved and was angry with the government over the treatment of Vietnam Veterans, when anyone would thank him for his service, he most often responded that “it was a privilege and an honor to serve this great nation.” Frank joined the Vietnam Veterans of American and was the State Council President for New Mexico. During his time, he impacted many veterans by helping set up a van system to get veterans to their appointments along with helping make modifications to their homes to make them handicap accessible. Frank also had a heart giving and often you could find him serving hot meals to those less fortunate on Thanksgiving. Frank passed away on August 24, 2020 due to illnesses caused by exposure to Agent Orange. He will forever be missed and loved by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, and friends that became family. Not a day goes by that Frank is not thought of, talked about and loved. He will live on in our hearts forever!