“Benjamin was getting ready to retire in three months after serving 25 years when he died. He lived in Clarksville, TN. He loved playing the guitar and anything to do with music. He could hear a tune and pick it out by ear. He also loved camping and kayaking with his son, Dylan. He was also a very good cook (I have his recipes but can’t bring myself to use them yet).
Benjamin liked to surprise me, coming home to visit without telling me, buying me a beautiful necklace he picked out himself for my 60th. He would look at me with a look of love when I called him my baby (never got upset when I did.) He loved to see Dylan & me playing or just being together. He called Tennessee home.” Shared by his mother, Belinda
Over a period marking nearly 25 years, Captain Ronk served his country in varying capacities in uniform. He served eight years in Active Duty as an enlisted soldier, earning the rank of Sergeant, from 1991 to 1999. Through his enlistment he served as a Satellite Communications System Operator-Maintainer in various assignments, including a tour with the White House Office. Captain Ronk commissioned as a warrant officer in 1999 after being selected to attend the Rotary Wing Aviator Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, serving another 12 years and seven months Active Duty from 1999 to 2012 as a UH-60 Pilot. During this time he successfully completed the UH-60 Instructor Pilot Course (2004) to become an instructor pilot at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence. Captain Ronk attended the Physician Assistant Course and Army Flight Surgeon Primary Course in 2012 before commissioning as a First Lieutenant to serve his first assignment as a medical provider at 6th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He completed his career as the 501st Area Support Medical Company Treatment Platoon Physician Assistant with the 86th Combat Support Hospital. His current term of service was to expire in March 2016. During these periods of service, overseas and temporary duty locations included: Korea (1993-1994 and 2001-2002); Afghanistan, “Operation Enduring Freedom” (2002-2003); Iraq, “Operation Iraqi Freedom” (2004-2005 and 2005-2006); and Liberia, “Operation United Assistance” (2015).
Remembrances:
I served with Joe while assigned to 50th Medical Company “Eagle Dustoff” at Fort Campbell, KY and in Iraq in 2003-2004. He was a pure soul, played his guitar and has a smile that was contagious. He is one of the few pilots that inspired me to want to become a pilot myself. He will be greatly missed. CHRISTOPHER P. MILLER CW2, U.S.ARMY RETIRED
Peace and prayers to his family and friends. He was a good friend and a great man. He will be missed by many. RIP my old friend. – Buck Evans & Family
I remember working with him when I was stationed here the first time. He was an awesome person and a great teacher. I learned a lot from him and he was a good friend and listener. You will be missed my friend. My thoughts will be with your family in this sad time.. R.I.P.
Final rest: Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast, Grayson, KY
#22toomany #OurHeroes are #NeverForgotten
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