Salvador Ramirez

What the Marine Corps' 250th Anniversary Means to Me

The 250th birthday of the Marine Corps represents a profound milestone in our nation’s history, a legacy defined by courage, sacrifice, and resilience. To me, it symbolizes not just the institution itself but the curiosity and boldness that sparked its inception. It required immense courage to establish something so different, so unyielding in its mission, and even greater courage to carry that mission forward over two and a half centuries.

This milestone means to me generations of shared experiences, pride, confidence, insecurities, fears, and doubts that Marines and their families have endured together. I feel the legacy of unity, growth, and resilience, forged through success, good times, and hardships. This anniversary makes me reflect on the weight of this shared experience, the lives and families shaped and altered by the Marine Corps across many generations and communities.

My journey as a Marine taught me the immeasurable importance of leadership, not just in the field but in life. I’ve had a diverse life journey: from being the son of immigrant farm workers to becoming a Marine Corps tanker, later pursuing a career in engineering, education, elected public office, and now leading a corporate team. The Marine Corps instilled in me a sense of responsibility and a belief that leadership always matters, regardless of one’s role. It’s a lesson that has shaped me both professionally and personally, reminding me that we leave our mark not only on the Corps but on the community around us. I am proud to reflect on its impact on my life and countless others.

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About the Author

Salvador Ramirez, was born in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, son to proud farm workers in Central and Northern California. His Family moved to El Monte, CA, to be closer to grandparents. There He attended local public schools and upon high school graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he stepped on to the Yellow Footprints on August 12, 1990. Sal was a Marine Corps Tanker and is a Desert Shield/Desert Storm Marine Corps Veteran, serving with 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton and 29 Palms, California. He was responsible for a one 4-man crew of Marines and commanded a M1A1 Battle-Tank. Later in his military career, Sal detached from Tanks and assigned to a high performing Joint Task Force (JTF), performing heliborne operations and reconnaissance as part of a joint counter narcotics task force. He served 2 terms Honorably and ended his enlisted as a Sergeant of Marines.

Sal has an Associates of Science Degree from Rio Hondo Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from California State University, Long Beach, and is a National Institute of Health Fellow at the University of California, Davis.

Sal has had a diverse professional career. As an engineer, he has provided environmental engineering best management practices (BMPs) and designed pollution prevention control technologies for 22 local municipal governments in Los Angeles County. In 2007, he ran for a political office. He was elected to the El Monte Union High School Board of Education, and served two 4-year terms. Over the last several years, he has led, planned and executed public affairs, advocacy and awareness campaigns. Often around complex, challenging and high-profile issues, including regulatory policy, corporate affairs, procurement and government funding programs for a diverse portfolio of clients. He has provided strategic guidance and fundraised for political campaigns at all levels: local, state and federal government.

In 2020, during the initial stages of the pandemic, Sal was able to bring together a group of leaders to organize community food and resource distributions. He built his volunteer operation to distribute as much as 27 pounds worth of food per families in need. Taking that model to other cities in the San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire. Sal was recognized as the 2021-2022 National Hunger Hero of the Year, awarded by No Kid Hungry, a non-profit with the mission to end hunger and poverty in the U.S. and abroad.

Sal now leads a corporate affairs team for The Kroger Family of Companies. Kroger operates 2,719 grocery retail stores under its various banners and divisions in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger has a mission towards Zero Hunger/Zero Waste. He is responsible for all government/public affairs, community engagement and the Kroger media studios. A territory covering California to Illinois.

Sal has had an impressive and diverse life journey, from his humble beginnings born in Mexico as the son of farm workers, to serving as a Marine and later pursuing a successful career in engineering, education, and public service. His dedication to community service and leadership is evident, and his role as the 2021-2022 National Hunger Hero reflects his commitment to making a positive impact on society. His current role at The Kroger Family of Companies, working on Zero Hunger/Zero Waste, aligns with his values and experiences. Sal’s family are an important part of his life, and he continues to demonstrate a strong work ethic and a sense of commitment to both his community and career.