AR RAMADI, Iraq -- Each day, Cpl. Eduardo Munoz, a team leader with 1st Squad, 4th Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, patrols the city’s streets and alleyways hunting for insurgents with his fellow Marine warriors.
Grime collects in the tiny cracks on his face and under his neck as his sweat mixes with wind-blown sand. Munoz’s 5-foot-5-inch, 150-pound frame is dirty, smelly and tired from being on his feet for three hours carrying approximately 30 extra pounds of protective gear.
Though few visualize this life of a Marine infantryman as being the ideal profession, this 24-year-old Mission, Texas, native, finds satisfaction in his chosen line of work.
“My job is rewarding,” said Munoz, who’s serving his second tour in Iraq fighting in the Global War on Terrorism. “Leading my Marines and helping the future of Iraq by fighting insurgents and ridding the city of explosives and weapons makes my job worthwhile. I like the fact that what we are doing is helping the Iraqi people. They need it.”
Determined to serve his country and make a difference in the lives of others, Munoz headed straight for the closest Marine recruiter, which was in McAllen, Texas, after graduating from La Joya High School in 1998.
“I grew up wanting to be in the military,” he said. “I was in the Army JROTC all through high school.”
Munoz had planed to be all he could be but decided to become one of The Few, The Proud instead.
Munoz stated, “I wanted something more challenging. That’s why I joined the Marines.”
According to Munoz, the Corps has given him the challenge he was looking for.
Aside from his desire to help others, the Marine works hard to put food on the table for his loved ones.
“It’s a way for me to support my family,” he said. “They depend on me.”
Munoz and his wife, Sonia, were blessed with a new addition to their family March 5.
“I have a newborn son,” he said with a smile. “His name is Eduardo Jr.”
Marines in Munoz’s squad consider him to be a little Marine with a big heart.
“He takes care of his Marines,” said Lance Cpl. Kevin B. Freiley, a rifleman with 1st Squad. “We were on a foot patrol not long ago and started taking fire. Right away, he made sure we all sought cover and were safe. He handled the situation well.
Freiley also said, “He performs well under pressure.”
According to the 24-year-old from Houston, Munoz and will have a successful future in the Marines because his love for the Corps shows in his every action and decision.
“I’m definitely in the Marines for the long haul. I like it,” Munoz said. “I made my mind up to be a careerist.
“I would eventually like to end up working in San Antonio as a recruiter so that my son can grow up in Texas.”