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CAPT Benjamin J. RonkFebruary, 16,1973 – December 26, 2015 Benjamin Joseph Ronk, known as ‘BJ’, attended Ceredo-Kenova schools in West Virginia, and graduated from Seaside High School in California. Over a period of nearly 25 years Captain Ronk served his country in varying capacities in uniform. He served eight years in Active Duty earning the rank of Sergeant, from 1991 to 1999, serving as a Satellite Communications Systems Operator-Maintainer in various assignments, including a tour with the White House Office. Captain Ronk commissioned as a warrant officer in 1999 after being selected to attend the Rotary Wing Aviator Course at Fort Rucker, Al, serving another 12 plus years Active Duty from 1999 to 2012 as a UH-60 Pilot and instructor. He then attended Physician Assistant Course and Army Flight Surgeon Primary Course. He completed his career as the 501st Area Support Medical Company Treatment Platoon Physician Assistant with the 886th Combat Support Hospital. Over his career Captain Ronk served in Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Liberia. His current term of service was to expire in March 2016. Benjamin’s mother Belinda Jividen of Kenova, West Virginia stated on the request form, “He was my baby and I’ve always been proud of him but even more so when his best friend who flew with him in Afghanistan said Benjamin would land his helicopter in places no one else would go ‘cause he wasn’t leaving anyone behind.” Besides his mother, this gallant soldier is missed by his father Joseph Ronk, his son Dylan james Ronk, and many other relatives and friends who loved him. Portrait sponsored by: |