Raymond P. Jacquez

Raymond Pedro Jacquez was born on September 28, 1928 in Blanco, New Mexico. After graduating from Durango High School in Colorado, he first joined the National Guard and then the United States Army initially requesting training in the Engineers. However, he was accepted in the Intelligence field and went on to receive specialized training and assignments in the United States as well as Korea and Japan. Having attained the rank of Sergeant, in 1953 he was transferred to Fort Devens in Massachusetts where he met and married his wife of 58 years, Shirley. After promotion to Warrant Officer and assignment to NSA at Fort Meade, Maryland, he spent four years at the 12th Field Station in Chitose, Japan with his wife and two children. He subsequently headed a Mobile Training team working with the Turkish General Staff and an additional assignment to Attachment 4 TUSLOG in Turkey. He returned to NSA to complete the final years of his military service, obtaining the rank of CWO 4 prior to retiring after 22 years on September 30, 1969. Prior to retirement, he had also obtained a Bachelor's of Science degree from the University of Maryland.

His military honors include the Joint Service Commendation Medal from the Department of Defense for meritorious service, the Army Commendation Medal Second Oak-Leaf Cluster for meritorious service, a Certificate of Recognition from the Secretary of Defense for service in the Cold War, a Certificate of Achievement from the Army Security Agency for senior NCO in charge of operations for outstanding accomplishments, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Army at retirement.

He followed military service with a second career serving the state of Maryland as a Parole and Probation officer with the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation, serving twenty years before retiring in 1988 and receiving the Governor's Recognition of Distinguished Service.

Upon retiring from the state, he began his third career of service as an active member of the American Legion. He had joined Post 60 in Laurel, Maryland in1965 and became a much-respected fixture at the local, state and national levels over the next 40 years. Post 60 offices held included 23years as Post Adjutant, scholarship committee until 2008, and Commander of the Color Guard for 10 years. He served on the Department of Maryland Executive Committee for 18 years, chaired the Budget and Finance Committee for 14 years, and initiated the Legion License Tag program and ran it
for 23 years. He was Judge Advocate for the Southern Maryland District for 16 years, chaired the State Constitution and By-Laws Committee and served as announcer for the State Convention parade for 6 years. On a national level, he served as National Sergeant- at-Arms from 2002-2003 and on the National Constitution and By-Laws Committee for 14 years. He attended numerous State and National Conventions and was a major contributor to several committee reports. In recognition of his service, he was awarded a Lifetime membership at Post 60, received Post 60 Veteran of the Year Award for 2005, and received the Legion Distinguished Service Award from Post 60 for 1961 to 1981.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley (nee Soucie) Jacquez, and his two children; Alan Jacquez and his wife Barbara of Ellicott City, MD and Carole Zack and her husband David of Woodstock, GA. Raymond was the grandfather of Jared Jacquez, Clint Zack, Tyler Zack, Casey Zack and Shelby Zack. He was the brother of Esther Smith of Concord, CA and Ruth Carrell of Centennial, CO. Also survived by his cousin Mary Hergert. Raymond was preceded in death by his brother Thomas Jacques and his sister Evelyn Pearson.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM and from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the DONALDSON FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 313 Talbott Avenue, Laurel, Maryland 20707. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 beginning at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church, 114 St, Mary's Place, Laurel, Maryland 20707. Interment will follow at Ivy Hill Cemetery, Laurel, MD.

If desired memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post 60, 2 Main Street, Laurel, Maryland 20707.