R.I.P. Sgt. Ronald A. Kubik

Army Sgt. Ronald A. Kubik
Died April 23, 2010 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom

21, of Brielle, N.J.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.; died April 23 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained while conducting combat operations. Also killed was Sgt. Jason A. Santora.

(The following was taken from www.app.com of May 3, 2010) Army Sgt. Ronald A. Kubik lived life as if already two steps ahead of everybody else.

Kubik also found out early in life his destiny was to be both soldier and leader.

That is how family members and fellow Army Rangers remembered him during a funeral service Monday at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church in Holmdel. Kubik, 21, of Brielle, was killed April 23 during combat operations by Company D, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in Logar Province in eastern Afghanistan.

More than 300 people — who included members of the Holmdel police, State Police and Green Berets — turned out to bid farewell to Kubik. Also in attendence was Kubik's godfather, Alex Kubik III, a deacon who assisted in the celebration of the funeral Mass.

Motorcycle riders from American Legion Post 348 Patriot Guard in Brick provided the motorcade escort to the front steps of the church.

Sixteen Army Rangers served as an honor guard, flanking Kubik's casket as it was wheeled into church for the standing-room-only funeral.

During the services, Kubik's mother, Eileen Daly, described her son as an "achiever" who developed a thirst for life and adventure at an early age.

An avid electric guitarist who was a part of a metal band, Kubik joined his high school football and wrestling teams, wrote a column for the school newspaper, took an acting class and liked whitewater rafting and skydiving.

"In your short life you have shown energy, passion and courage," Eileen Daly said. "'Rest peacefully, my brave Ranger; rest peacefully, my brave son."

Lt. Col. Shawn L. Daniel, executive officer of the 75th Ranger Regiment, described Kubik as a soldier beyond his years.

"Ronny was his own man and lived life like he liked it," Daniel said. "Ron, rest in peace knowing that your Ranger brothers are still pursuing the fight."

Struggling to hold back tears, Kubik's father, Ronald A. Kubik, praised his son's short but eventful 21 year's of life.

"He was my best friend," said Ronald Kubik. "I could not be more proud of him than I am now."

Ronald Kubik recalled that during his son's first leave in three tours of duty, Sgt. Kubik presented him with one his medals.

"Dad, you deserve it more than me," Ronald Kubik, holding the medal up, quoted his son as saying. "You made me what I now am."

Sgt. Kubik's older sister, Amy Kubik, 25, called her brother "my other half, my brother, my friend."

Kubik is also survived by another sister, Mary Kubik, 28, of Farmingdale.

St. Benedict's pastor, the Rev. Daniel F. Swift, said in his eulogy that only those in the military can understand the shared bond between soldiers.

"It is a mystical power of working for something other than yourself," Swift said. "They're a band of brothers that cannot be understood unless you are part of that group."

Swift said Kubik shared that kinship with a special group of men and women who dedicate themselves to the service of others.

"It's duty, honor, courage and commitment to each other — to the one on your right, and the one on your left, even if it means risking your life," Rev. Swift said. "Our world is much safer because there are people like Ron willing to live this life."

Kubik's body was taken to the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery in North Hanover, Burlington County, for burial.

Kubik was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal by Lt. Gen. John Mulholland on Sunday. He had also received the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Kubik, who enlisted in the Army in March 2007 after attending community college for a few months, served for more than two years as an assistant machine gunner and as a rifle team leader with Company D.

Kubik had transferred from Manchester Township High School to Manasquan High School, where he graduated in 2006.

School officials said Kubik also had a knack for adapting very quickly to new people and surroundings.

"He came into school his junior year," said Manasquan High School teacher John Driscoll. "He fit in within a week; it was as if he had gone there his whole life."