Staff Sergeant Ramel Turic, United States Army Section Chief, 2nd Platoon, C Battery 3-17 FA Fort Lewis, WA

Staff Sergeant (SSG) Ramel Turic came to the United States in early 1998, leaving his home in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He enrolled at an American high school, Central High in New Hampshire. Knowing that he would not receive credits for the remainder of the year, he stayed at the school to improve his English. Once proficient in English, SSG Turic completed his high school education and received his diploma.

SSG Turic’s commitment to the United States was marked by his entry into the military service. He has been deployed several times; twice to Iraq in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and twice to the Korean peninsula. SSG Turic has received numerous military awards and decorations and is also a recipient of the prestigious Saint Barbara’s Award. In February 2006, after serving the people of the United States for nearly six years, SSG Turic became a United States citizen. SSG Turic recognizes the opportunities that America provides having experienced the turmoil in the former Yugoslavia, and has spent his career fighting so that others might enjoy freedom.