Our walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Marine SGT George M. Ulloa Jr., Age 23 of Austin, TX.
KIA Aug. 3, 2006 Operation Iraqi Freedom
SGT Ulloa was assigned to 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Died from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations in Taqaddum, Iraq.
Marine Sgt. Ulloa was assigned to the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Ulloa was a tank commander who was killed by shrapnel from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations. George attended Crockett High School and gave up his social life, at 16 years old, to devote himself to being a father to his newborn son. While in high school, he was a boxer and football player but never took up smoking, drinking or partying. He and his wife, Maria, went on to have two more children and everything revolved around the family as far as George was concerned. George worked numerous jobs following high school before joining the Marines in 2003; he wanted to provide a better life for his family. He was on his second tour in Iraq and enjoyed the presents from home – especially sour candy and military movies. He was planning to become a Marine criminal investigator or a civilian detective if he decided to leave the military. On one of George’s last visits home, he tried to make up for lost time with his children by learning how to play soccer so he could coach his son’s team. He loved being a Marine but more than that he loved being a father. At night, when putting his children to bed, George would sing his kids cadences instead of lullabies.
We had a great 6.77 Mile walk this morning. We headed out before sun up and walked to the War Memorial Park down town and then before heading home we stopped in at the 9/11 Memorial. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero. We had 170 honks. It was amazing. Thank You !
Marine SGT George M. Ulloa Jr will not be forgotten !
