A 20-year-old soldier from Rancho Cucamonga died while deployed to northeastern Syria, Department of Defense officials announced on Friday, Feb. 4.
Spc. Alex J. Ram, a cavalry scout, was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, part of the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. His unit deployed to Iraq and Syria in September and was there as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, a U.S. military campaign against ISIS fighters in the region that is supporting Kurdish forces.
Ram died Tuesday near the Syria-Turkey border, officials said.
No information was released on how Ram died. An investigation is underway, said Brandy Gill, an Army spokeswoman from Fort Carson in Colorado.
“The passing of Spc. Alex Ram is an unfortunate loss for the entire Raider team,” Col. Andrew Steadman, of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, said in a statement. “We want to convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this time of mourning.
“Every soldier fills an important role in the Raider Brigade, and losing Alex is particularly tough,” Steadman said. “He brought honor to the uniform, and was not only an outstanding soldier, but a loyal friend. Alex will be deeply missed.”
Ram joined the Army on Jan. 13, 2020, and arrived at Fort Carson on July 11, 2020, according to information from the Army. His decorations include two Army Commendation Medals – one that was received in combat and one that’s a Army Achievement Medal. He also earned the National Defense Service Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Ribbon and the Army Service Ribbon.
Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered flags be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol in Ram’s honor.
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