Fort Bliss, TX (Biggs Airfield) To Rename SFCC In Memory Of Army Medic SPC Hugo V. Mendoza

The Surgeon General has approved the renaming of the Soldier Family Care Center at East Fort Bliss, TX (Biggs Airfield) in memory of SPC Hugo V. Mendoza.

The renaming ceremony will take place on:

Date: 12 April 2012
Time: 13:00 to 15:00 Mountain Time
Where: The Soldier Family Care Center (SPC Hugo V. Medoza Clinic)
11135 SSG Sims Rd.
East Fort Bliss (Biggs Airfield), Texas
79918

Army Medic, SPC Hugo V Mendoza, in Afghanistan during OEF VIII

SPC Hugo Mendoza was killed in action during an ambush on 25 October 2007 in the Korengal Valley of eastern Afghanistan.  At the time of his death he was serving with 2^nd Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment of the 173^rd ABCT.  SPC Mendoza was participating in Operation Rock Avalanche when his platoon was ambushed.  He died as a result of RPGs, machine gun and small arms fire.  He was 29 years old.  SPC Mendoza was laid to rest at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, TX.

SPC Hugo V Mendoza's final resting place

23 March 1978 - 25 October 2007

SPC Mendoza was born in El Paso, TX where he lived until he moved to Glendale, CA where he attended school until his junior year. He then moved to Phoenix, AZ where he finished high school then began to work in construction. He joined the Army 2 years before his death in order to get medical training and to be able to attend college after his service. His ultimate goal was to become a firefighter. He is survived by his parents, Jesus (Sr.) & Sara and two brothers, Jesus (Jr.) and Stevie.

SPC Mendoza is remembered by all who knew him as a kind and loving soul. He died while trying to pull a wounded Soldier from harm’s way. SPC Mendoza's family recalls him as a very giving person; a man who treated everyone the way he wanted to be treated.

During his time in service, SPC Hugo Victor Mendoza completed Basic Infantry Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Medical Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. On 6 March 2006, SPC Mendoza reported to his first duty station at Caserma, Ederle, Vicenza, Italy. He was assigned to the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry – The ROCK. SPC Mendoza was then assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company with duty as a combat medic in Battle Company. He immediately found his home among the combat warriors of 1st Platoon – The Celts. SPC Mendoza trained, deployed and fought side by side with his band of brothers in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII. SPC Mendoza distinguished himself in The ROCK as a heroic medic, charismatic Paratrooper, and an overall altruistic human being.

SPC Mendoza’s awards include: The Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Medical Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge, the Bronze Star Medal for Service in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII.