Ismael Jerry Magallanes

Marine Staff Sargent Jerry Ismael Magallanes, 48, passed away in his home in Westminster, CA on June 9, 2021.

Staff Sergeant Jerry Ismael Magallanes from Santa Ana, CA enlisted in the United States Marine Corps completing Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego on February 1992.

Staff Sergeant Magallanes’s commitment to the Marine Corps was highlighted through his numerous school trained Military Occupational Specialties starting from (2512) Communication Field Wireman, (5811) Military Police Patrolman, (0151) Administration Clerk, (8441) Civil Affairs Noncommissioned Officer, and (0193) Administration Chief.

Staff Sergeant Magallanes served a combat tour in Iraq resulting in injuries sustained from enemy mortar rounds. Staff Sergeant Magallanes’s character of esprit de corps returning to the United States upon recovery from Walter Reed National Military Hospital showed as he continued to serve in an administrative capacity.

Staff Sergeant Magallanes retired from the Marine Corps serving 11 honorable years with multiple decorations; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2^nd Awd), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (2^nd Awd), Army Achievement Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal (2^nd Awd), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal (2^nd Awd), Navy Unit Commendation (2^nd Awd), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (5^th Awd), Rifle Qualification Badge (3^rd Awd), and Pistol Qualification Badge.

Staff Sergeant Magallanes was driven by a desire to make a difference. He got involved with Life Aid/No Vet Alone where he helped, motivated, and supported his fellow vets suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injury to overcome their injuries and keep moving forward. He participated for more than 10 years helping himself and hundreds of others.

He was unrelenting in his pursuit of what was right, and his determination to serve and support his children was no different. Staff Sergeant Magallanes is survived by his two daughters, Gloria and Vanessa, who as a result of his service have been able to pursue higher education. By leveraging Cal Vet and VA benefits, Gloria graduated with B.A. in Global Health from UC San Diego in 2020. She now works with San Diegeans experiencing homelessness at the National Conflict Resolution Center. Vanessa is a 2^nd year student pursuing a B.A. in Entrepreneurship from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and has a passion for equestrian sports.

Staff Sergeant Magallanes’ dedication to serving his country shaped his daughters’ ambitions. He instilled in them a desire to improve our communities and serve those around us. He will be dearly missed.

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