Sergeant Raul Moncada was the third oldest of 7 children. Growing up in a large family, he was known to be able to make just about everyone laugh. He loved sports, playing on the wrestling and baseball teams in school. As a pitcher, he once hit three homers in one game. Raul joined the Marine Corps just out of high school in June of 1997. He served for 6 years before taking a year off. In June 2005, he joined the active duty Army completing his training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He transfered to Fort Drum, NY, in August 2005. He previously deployed in support of Operation Iraq Freedom from November 2006 to February 2008. He deployed to Iraq in February 2009, as a team leader assigned to the 563rd Military Police Company, 91st Military Police Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), based at Fort Drum. He died near Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Raul's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with Combat Service, the Global War of Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" device and the Combat Action Badge. He was a graduate of the Warrior Leader Course and the Combat Life Savers Course. Raul loved helping the children of Afghanistan, often giving them books and other items. The Afghan people sometimes thought he was Arab because of his coloring. He looked forward to leaving the military, marrying his girlfriend and becoming a correctional officer. Raul is survived by his father Raul; his mother Obdulia; brothers, Julio, Ruben, and Matthew; sisters, Miriam, Alejandra and Danida; his six year old daughter Priscila; his girlfriend Tina and soon to be born Baby Mia in New York; five nieces and three nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.