RJ Jimenez Recognized With The Plaque

Jason Steerman, Alesia Swartz (RJ Jimenez’s mother), Michael Rexroad.

By Marija Ilic

On Veterans Day, exactly 20 years ago, mother of RJ Jimenez from Belington received the news that her son was killed in action during Battle of Fallujah in Iraq. Last week, she got to see his name be put on the doughboy statue alongside all other Barbour County residents who have lost lives in various wars since World War II.

Originally, the plaque was supposed to be placed last year, but due to some technical difficulties, it was delayed, and finally was unveiled last week, almost to the date of the 20th anniversary of his death.

RJ was born and raised in West Virginia, and just like many West Virginians, he was avid hunter and fisherman. He was also a great mechanic and owned a Mustang that he very much loved. His mother said that he wanted to be a Marine from a young age, and was begging her to sign early enlistment forms when he was just 17.

On September 11, 2001, he was in the middle of boot camp session at Paris Island, SC. Shortly after, he graduated in the top of his recruit troop and was honored by leading them onto the parade deck.

In January of 2002, Jimenez was assigned to the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Bravo Company, and a year later, his unit deployed to Iraq. During his second deployment that started in June of 2004, his unit was involved in the second battle to secure city of Fallujah.

On November 10, 2004, which also happens to be the Marine Corps birthday, RJ was shot by a sniper while leading his squad across an intersection, and died on the battlefield in the arms of his buddies. Another 12 members of his Bravo Company were also killed in action during the battle.

He was laid to rest at the Fraternal Cemetery in Belington with full military rights. Later, he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained.

Heroism of RJ Jimenez was recognized locally by having the section of Rt 250 that runs through Belington to the county line be named RJ Jimenez Memorial Highway.

His mother, Alesia Swartz, said, “Although we are heartbroken from losing RJ at the young age of 21, we are extremely proud of him. He was living his dream of being Marine and serving his country.”