SPC Ricardo Cerros Statue Dedication

UPDATE STATUE DEDICATION MEMORIAL DAY 2025 IN SALINAS, CA FOR ARMY RANGER SPC RICARDO CERROS. 5 W’S AS REQUESTED. PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL. 

 

WHO : All Americans, veterans, active duty personnel who want to pay tribute to all those who came before us, that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom .

WHAT : Dedicate an amazing statue to Army Ranger SPC Ricardo Cerros Jr who was killed in action on October 8th, 2011 in Logar Province, Afghanistan. Honor his life, his sacrifice, and celebrate the amazing legacy he left behind

WHEN : Monday, May 26th, 2025 at 1200 hours or 12:00 PM PST.

WHERE : Central Park, 420 Central Ave, Salinas, CA 93901

WHY : Army Ranger SPC. Ricardo Cerros Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice on October 8th, 2011 in Afghanistan, shielding his wounded Platoon Sergeant from an enemy grenade. At this point there were already multiple casualties near a vulnerable enemy compound and Ricardo’s selfless actions changed the tide of the battle. Ricardo’s actions directly saved the life of his fellow Ranger and lived out the Ranger Creed stanza:

"Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy”

 

Would love to see as many of you as possible! His father is old school Army and has a love for Rangers. If you do attend wear all the necessary Ranger gear you can

 

I have attached his bio below of what will be engraved beneath his statue:

 

This statue before you is dedicated to one of Salinas' own heroes, SPC Ricardo Cerros Jr. who made the ultimate sacrifice on October 8th, 2011 in Logar Province, Afghanistan.

 

Ricardo was born November 2nd, 1986 in Fort Ord, California. After graduating from Everett Alvarez High School, he earned a degree in Chemistry from the University of California-Irvine. While in college, Ricardo was known for his high energy and passion for Taekwondo. He joined the University’s Taekwondo club and eventually helped found the team that went on to participate in league competitions. He was such a hard worker that he became the team’s first black belt and upon graduation from the school, the team began giving out the Rick Cerros scholarship.

 

Instead of pursuing a job with his degree he enlisted in the U.S Army in July of 2010. SPC Cerros desired to be a part of the elite Army Rangers, during a time of frequent combat deployments, to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, GA as an infantryman. After graduating from the Basic Airborne Course he successfully completed the strenuous Ranger Assessment and Selection Program earning the coveted "Tan Beret" of the 75th Ranger Regiment.

 

Rick went on to serve as a Ranger Squad Automatic Rifleman and was deployed to Afghanistan in the summer of 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During a combat mission on October 8th, 2011, SPC Cerros' squad came under effective enemy fire from within the target building. Immediately his Platoon Sergeant received multiple gunshots and was wounded in an alleyway outside the breach. Without hesitating, SPC Cerros exposed himself to enemy fire and pulled his wounded Platoon Sergeant behind cover. While providing cover, an enemy grenade came from within the breach and rolled by Ricardo's feet.

 

With total disregard for his own personal safety, SPC Cerros shielded his wounded Platoon Sergeant using his own body and was mortally wounded when the grenade exploded. With his last breath SPC Cerros sacrificed himself and saved the life of his fellow Ranger. SPC Cerros' courageous actions directly saved the lives of fellow Rangers, allowed the assault force to evacuate the wounded, and regain the initiative against a determined enemy. For his bravery he was awarded the U.S Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

SPC Ricardo Cerros Jr is remembered by his family and friends for his passion for life, his vibrant and contagious smile, his infectious and relentless work ethic, and his unwavering ability to bring a smile or laugh to all who had the honor of calling him son, brother, or friend.

 

He is survived by his parents, Ricardo Cerros Sr and Deborah Cerros, brothers Marco (US Airforce Retired) and Nicolas, and sister Theresa, all of Salinas, CA.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13