CPL Richard Gomez USMC
July 29, 1998 – February 22, 2022
Active Duty: Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Born on, July 29th, 1998 in Long Beach, California, Richard was a happy baby. He reached all his milestones beforehand because he had a bigger brother Elijah to show him everything. Richard loved monster trucks, big rigs, and tractors. He had an amazing imagination and engineering skills from a young age.
We moved to Perris, California when the boys were 1 and 3. We had many trees and a huge backyard, so Richard built himself a human web in the large pine tree by stringing rope across branches on many levels. The boys built a monster truck track in the yard then as they got old a bike track then a motor cross track. Richard loved his quad, I had to weld the frame 3 times because he would jump it so much.
Richard also developed a love for fishing, he would always out fish everyone. We did a lot of camping mostly the Colorado river in Blythe. As he got into his teenage years, he became a gamer and the only books he would read were anime. He was an introvert for the most part but when it came to family and family vacations, he was all about it.
In Richard’s senior year of high school, he enrolled in the early recruit program for the Marines. I admit I was terrified that my sweet compassionate introvert was going into the toughest branch of the military. I was not sure if it was because my husband was an active duty Marine 18 years in already.
We all supported him and watched him become a confident young man. He would go out for runs when he got bored, he would recruit his classmates to enlist. One of the proudest moments I have of him is when he stood in front of his family and friends at his high school graduation party and thanked everyone for all the love and support. He went on to thank his big brother for being his best friend and the love he had for him. Everyone was in tears.
Richard first duty station was Yuma, Arizona. It wasn’t too far so we would drive out and visit. Richard got married and has two small children. He was a great dad and loved his kids so much. While stationed in Yuma, Richard showed his gift – he saved a fellow Marine that was suicidal. He stayed with him all night got him a medical evaluation, and when he got out Richard was with him every day. I later learned this was not Richard’s only lifesaving moment. He was known as “the counselor.”
Richard’s second duty station was Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. At this time, he was separated and fighting through a divorce and custody. Sadly, Richard was suffering quietly and when he finally reached out the help wasn’t there, and he lost his battle.
Richard called California home.
Resting place: Riverside National Cemetery
