TACOMA, WA, US
U.S. Marine Corps
LCPL, 1ST LAR, (I MEF FWD) 1ST MAR DIV, CAMP PENDLETON, CA
04/11/2012, HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
Govenor Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Govenor Eloy S. Inos of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands paid tribute to LCPL Kaipat:
“In choosing this noble path in his life, LCPL Kaipat exemplified his undeniable strength of character and his patriotic courage and fortitude to carry through. From his humble beginnings as an island boy, to his service on the international war front, Lance Corporal Kaipat lived his life on the principles of duty, honor, and country. Rest assured that his life of service to defend our freedom, our Commonwealth, and our country, will not be forgotten.”
LCPL Kaipat’s fellow Marines shared their personal encounters painting a clear picture of an exemplary Marine, caring friend, and righteous brother. “He came from Saipan in his freshman year of high school, graduated, and joined the Marine Corps to serve his country.
He would run through a wall, if that was what it took to accomplish the mission. He would go out on a limb to protect a fellow Marine. He was a Marine you knew you could count on. He was firm but fair, and he was the only Marine that can put a smile across the whole platoon’s face. “He” was LCPL. Ramon T. Kaipat, an infantryman.”
LCPL Kaipat “touched the lives of the Marines in his platoon, and Afghans half a world away from his home,” explained his Commanding Officer LT COL George Schreffler. CPL Wilson described LPCL Kaipat as “ my mentor, my example, my brother, my hero and most of all, my friend…it was an honor to have served with him, and to have walked next to a great man.”
Let us never forget and say: Si Yu’us ma’åse’ (Thank you, God have mercy) Chamorro, native language of the Northern Mariana Islands