Tuberville recognizes Harvest veteran on Senate floor

WASHINGTON – A Harvest man was among three Alabama veterans honored Tuesday in a speech on the U.S. Senate floor by Sen. Tommy Tuberville.

Tuberville (R-Auburn) spoke to commemorate Veterans Day and honor veterans for their bravery and sacrifice.

Retired Marine Corps Sgt. Ricardo Jaramillo of Harvest was recognized by Tuberville, along with Senior Chief Petty Officer Wayne Weeks of Geneva and Petty Officer Second Class Alex Vogt of Hoover as among 400,000 veterans who live in Alabama.

“We are thankful for these brave Alabamians and the more than 19 million United States veterans living across the world,” Tuberville said. We thank you for your dedication, the sacrifices you’ve made and the courage you displayed to ensure that America remains as […] Abraham Lincoln said the, ‘Last best hope on earth.’

“Sergeant Ricardo Jaramillo is one of these great veterans from Harvest, Alabama.”

Jaramillo joined the Marines in 1976 at the age of 18, Tuberville said. He deployed around the world where he helped maintain American drones and service the air missiles. He became an instructor at Redstone Arsenal before retiring from the military in 1999 after 23 years of service.

“But his commitment to what America stands for doesn’t end there,” Tuberville said. “Ricardo wanted to continue serving his fellow man. After committing his life to Christ, Ricardo became a missionary so that he could spread hope to those in need all around the world.

“Now Ricardo takes multiple trips a year to mountain villages in Guatemala with his two granddaughters, Gloria and Judiana. He credits the training he received as a Marine for preparing him to withstand the tough conditions that he experiences on his mission trips. Ricardo’s lifelong dedication to serving others is the example to all of us.”