Longtime Texas guardsman dies saving children at beach

2015-06-01T10:51:26-04:00

From: Army Times

A 26-year member of the Texas Army National Guard died after rescuing his children from a riptide on Memorial Day.

Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Ros, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 386th Engineer Battalion, began his career in uniform in 1989 and served with several engineering units, according to a Thursday news release from Texas' 176th Engineer Brigade.

Three of Ros' children and another child were being pulled under by the current at Matagorda Beach on Monday when Ros and another rescuer leaped into the water to save them, Matagorda County Sheriff's Department Sgt. James Orr said Friday. The children were brought back to shore safely, but Ros didn't make it out of the water under his own power.

Three other rescuers, including a police officer, pulled an unconscious Ros ashore, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. Despite receiving CPR on the scene until emergency medical services arrived, Ros didn't survive.

Ros deployed to Iraq in late 2004 and had volunteered to return to full-time duty in recent days to support flood-relief missions in his home state.

"For many of us, he was more than a mentor," Warrant Officer Joey Rodriguez, with the 386th, said in the release. "He was more like a brother to me. He pushed me to do better for myself. He is the main reason I became a warrant officer."

Ros held multiple jobs in education, including as a special-needs teacher, a middle school principal and, most recently, as director of maintenance and transportation for Van Vleck Independent School District.

He is survived by his wife and four children. A memorial service was scheduled for Friday afternoon.

"He loved his wife, three boys and little girl so much; nothing was going to come between his love for them," Staff Sgt. Nelson Zepeda, with the 386th, said in the release.

The Joe Ros Memorial Fund has been established through Prosperity Bank; for donation information, call [login to see] or email [login to see] .

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/guard-reserve/2015/05/31/joseph-ros-dies-saving-children-memorial-day/28089349/

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 1 at 2015 10:53 AM

2015-06-01T10:53:30-04:00

Rest in peace SFC Ros
As a parent I would lay down my own life for my family.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jun 1 at 2015 10:59 AM

2015-06-01T10:59:53-04:00

True definition of hero. RIP Brother you earned it. His family is in my prayers.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jun 1 at 2015 11:06 AM

2015-06-01T11:06:26-04:00

Rest in Peace, brother.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jun 1 at 2015 11:13 AM

2015-06-01T11:13:36-04:00

Godspeed and God bless, SFC Ros.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 11:32 AM

2015-06-01T11:32:34-04:00

Im from Bay City tx, like 2 mins from Van Vleck, they put together a very amazing service for SFC Ros, there were about 90% of 3 towns there lining the steets with flags and supporters, my hometown loves it troops and supports like no other, god bless his famliy.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 11:56 AM

2015-06-01T11:56:11-04:00

That's what dads do. Go with honor, Sgt. 1st Class Ros.

Response by SGT Steve Oakes made Jun 1 at 2015 12:02 PM

2015-06-01T12:02:11-04:00

RIP SFC Ros.

Response by SFC(P) Aaron Fore made Jun 1 at 2015 12:25 PM

2015-06-01T12:25:42-04:00

No finer act of love can exist above this, it is a shame the price is so high. God bless brother.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 12:55 PM

2015-06-01T12:55:19-04:00

God bless you SFC Ros, and your family and friends. RIP my brother. You're a remarkable man, father, soldier.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 1:05 PM

2015-06-01T13:05:18-04:00

RIP Brother we will see you again in Valhala...

Essayons

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 1 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-06-01T13:42:47-04:00

RIP SFC Ros.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Jun 1 at 2015 4:27 PM

2015-06-01T16:27:38-04:00

A hero may he rest in peace knowing he saved his children

Response by SGT Edward Perez made Jun 1 at 2015 6:22 PM

2015-06-01T18:22:57-04:00

So sad, i am glad the kids are good. REST EASY SFC ROS

Response by SGT Racie Hutchens made Jun 2 at 2015 8:52 AM

2015-06-02T08:52:40-04:00

May the Lord, Bless you and keep you always in his arms, RIP SFC Ros.

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made Jun 2 at 2015 8:56 AM

2015-06-02T08:56:56-04:00

RIP SFC. Ros. You and yours are in my prayers.