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HM1 Gilber Minjares, Jr.

(reprinted from KFoxTv.com, February 9, 2007)

Local Corpsman Killed In Helicopter Crash

The United States military is still investigating what caused a Marine helicopter to go down 20 miles northwest of Baghdad, Iraq this Wednesday.

Marines who said they witnessed it said there was no sign of enemy fire. Military officials believe it could have been mechanical failure. However, Sunni insurgents linked to Al-Qaida claimed to have brought down the marine helicopter.

All seven passengers on board the Marine CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter died in the crash.

One of the casualties was Petty Officer First Class Gilbert Minjares, Jr.

Minjares, 31, was a Hanks High 1994 graduate. He had only been in the battle torn region for one week.

Minjares leaves behind his wife Jeanie, 2-year old son Gilbert Minjares III, 4-week old daughter Miranda Adison Minjares, parents Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert Minjares Sr., siblings Sonya Minjares, Aber Minjares, Laura Minjares and Jose Minjares, all of El Paso.

The family will release a statement after arrangements have been finalized. For now, the family asks for privacy during this time.

Minjares was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Cherry Point, N.C., and Ruiz was assigned to 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Also killed in the crash was Petty Officer 3rd Class Manuel A. Ruiz, 21, of Federalsburg, Md.