"SOME PEOPLE SPEND AN ENTIRE LIFETIME WONDERING IF THEY MADE A DIFFERENCE. THE MARINES DON'T HAVE THAT PROBLEM."
PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
Alberto Gutierrez was born to the proud parents of Alberto and Amparo Gutierrez, on December 22,1961, in Miami, Florida. He grew up surrounded by a loving family and an adoring sister, Lourdes. He received his elementary education here in Miami, before his family moved to Costa Rica; he graduated from St. Francis Catholic High School in Costa Rica.
Upon returning to the United States in 1980, Alberto joined The United States Marine Corps Reserve so that he could further his education. In August of 1984 he graduated from Florida International University, Miami, Florida where he received his BA in International Relations and Minor in Criminal Justice and Psychology. He turned his eyes toward an active service in the United States Marine Corps. He felt that serving THIS country, HIS country, was a way to make a difference in his life and the lives of others. He took an Oath to protect and defend this country against all enemies foreign and domestic. He carried out duties and responsibilities as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Looking towards the heavens, he decided he wanted to be a pilot to soar the skies, to so see the beauty of this world miles high in the air, not just the ugliest of the war or its destructive aftermath. He was trained to fly CH-46 Knight helicopters. He was also trained to fly small aircrafts. He recognized that sometimes war is all part of being a soldier, and with that knowledge he became just that: a MARINE! He flew many missions during the Gulf Wars and Somalia, and it was during these missions he would transport soldiers to the front lines and bring back soldiers wounded in battle. His valor and courage under fire rose him in rank from a 2 Lieutenant, to Captain, then Major.
Major Alberto Gutierrez served this country with honor, courage, and distinction. He was the BEST in exemplifying what a Marine is. Whether it was on the battlefield, or in civilian life, Major Gutierrez took pride in being a Marine first, and a soldier second!
Major Gutierrez was a highly decorated officer having served in the Gulf Wars, and in Somalia. He was awarded the following medals: Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment w/1*, Air Medal (Strike/Flight) w/2*, Meritorious Unit Commendation w/1*, Southwest Asia Service Medal w/3*, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Rifle Expert Badge (6th award), Pistol Expert Badge Y(3rd Award), Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon.
He lived his life to the fullest and he held no regrets. He fought his hardest and bravest battle, but God knew best. There are no more battles to be fought, no more missions to fly. On October 14, 2008, this Soldier of soldiers, a pilot who flew many missions, achieved his greatest flight...he touched the face of God. He was welcomed home. Well done, God's good and faithful servant. This good soldier, this brave soldier, this honorable soul, THIS MARINE received his Eternal Honorable Discharge and closed his eyes forever. As Paul wrote in II TIMOTHY 3:4 "HE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT, HE FINISHED THE COURSE AND HE KEPT THE FAITH." He shall be remembered and honored for his service to this country. For his courage under fire on the battlefields of Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Kuwait, Somalia, Mogadishu; and, for the many lives he saved and touched during his lifetime. His family will not mourn his passing, but they will celebrate his life. For as he reminded them..."Do not weep, for I have gone beyond the rim, and I shall see you all one day in a place where no shadows fall."
Services for Major Gutierrez, will be Monday, October 20, 2008 at 7pm. Burial will take place Tuesday, October 21,2008 at the South Florida VA National Cemetery at 11am with full military honors given to this honored veteran.
FERDINAND FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY
2546 SW 8th STREET
MIAMI, FLORIDA 33135
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