Ochoa, Alfonso Jr

Alfonso Ochoa Jr. was born in Armona, California, a small community in Kings County. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, based out of Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He held the rank of lance corporal.

On October 10, 2009, Ochoa was killed during combat operations in the Bakwa district of Afghanistan's Farah province. According to U.S. military reports, his unit was engaged in a firefight with insurgent forces. He was one of two Marines from his battalion killed that day.

Ochoa's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led international military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In late 2009, U.S. forces were engaged in a significant troop surge, with Marines heavily involved in operations in Helmand and Farah provinces to clear Taliban strongholds.

His body was returned to the United States. A memorial service was held in his hometown of Armona, and he was buried with military honors. The Department of Defense officially announced his death on October 12, 2009.

Lance Cpl. Ochoa was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. He is remembered on memorials in his home county and by veterans' organizations. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Kings County Government Center.

Lance Cpl. Ochoa was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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