Team Pope Airman passes after long illness Published Aug. 28, 2008 By 2nd Airlift Squadron POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Staff Sgt. Ryan Gonzalez was born April 2, 1979 in Baguio City, Philippines, to Sebastian Gonzales and Nelia Limiac. He was raised in Baguio City until age 6 when his family relocated to Brentwood, N.Y. He resided in Brentwood until he enlisted in the Air Force. While growing up, he is described as a quiet child who enjoyed skiing and snowboarding during the winter. He also enjoyed working with his hands and taking things apart so his mother recommended he "Aim High" and join the Air Force. Sergeant Gonzales entered the Air Force on April 19, 2000. He graduated basic military training from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and attended technical training school at Sheppard AFB, Texas. Upon successful completion of his technical training, he was assigned to the 5th Maintenance Squadron at Minot AFB, N.D. He excelled as an Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Journeyman and Craftsman, working on both the B-52H aircraft and UH-1N helicopter. He was a member of the Minot Elite Honor Guard and was recognized as Section Performer of the Month and promoted to Senior Airman below-the-zone. During his tour at Minot, he also deployed to Diego Garcia supporting B-52 operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Also while stationed at Minot, he met the love of his life, Michelle Angeles. They were married Jan. 7, 2004, and were blessed by the birth of their daughter Rachel on Sept. 9, 2006. In August 2004, he was reassigned to Pope's 43rd Maintenance Squadron. He deployed twice in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. While deployed Sergeant Gonzales was the lead electrical and environmental technician for a team of 42 personnel. He led two separate maintenance repair teams into the Iraq and repaired critical aircraft components while being exposed to hostile enemy fire. His heroic efforts resulted in him being honored as the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group Noncommissioned Officer Maintenance Professional of the Month. His outstanding leadership on his second deployment also resulted in him being awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal, First Oak Leaf cluster. He returned from his deployment and continued to lead, supervise and mentor Airmen and was extremely active in the base and local community supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Salvation Army, Operation Toy Drop and Herks Against Drunk Driving. He is survived by his wife Michelle, daughter Rachel, brothers Alexander and Neil, sister Kimberly, mother Nelia Limiac and his father Sebastiano Gonzales. Sergeant Gonzales will always be remembered as a true patriot, warrior, husband, father, son, brother, nephew and friend.