LINGAYEN – A Filipino-American who joined the United States Army and died while on a military operation in Iraq was given a hero’s burial here.

U.S. military personnel came over to give full military honors to their fallen comrade, Sgt. Richard V. Correa, 25, who was interred at the Lingayen municipal cemetery.

His casket, draped in American flag, arrived at his parents’ home in Lingayen on Monday and was originally scheduled for a three-day wake.

His father, Ricardo Primicias, 71, however said the wake was extended for another day at the request of the U.S. Embassy.
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The dead soldier’s father, Ricardo Primicias, a businessman, was a member of the 1971 Constitutional Convention. His mother is Ma. Minda Correa.

Sgt. Correa died when an improvised explosive device exploded near his position while on foot patrol in Ilbu Falris, Iraq on May 29.
Correa was a squad leader assigned to A Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division on a one-year tour in Iraq.

He enlisted in the Army in January 2000 after his contract with the U.S. Air Force expired.

Correa was a highly decorated soldier having received multiple awards and decorations like the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and several Air Force awards. (PNA)