Carlos Federico Enriquez's Obituary
Native of Juarez, Mexico, Carlos grew up in El Paso, Texas. Graduated from Austin High class of 1989 (prom king twice). Later that summer in September 1989 Carlos joined the United States Navy. Upon completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL he immediately reported to Hospital Corpsman School in Great Lakes for HM “A” School. Upon graduation, reported to first duty station, Naval Hospital Cherry Point, North Carolina as a Neonatal and Pediatrics Corpsman. In 1991 Carlos reported to Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas to train as Neuropsychiatric Technician “C” School. Upon graduation reported to Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), attached to USNS MERCY T-AH 19 hospital ship. Worked inpatient psychiatry, various mental health clinics and participated in several USNS MERCY exercises.
In 1999 Carlos transferred to Field Medical Service School and following graduation served with the 3rd Marine Division in Japan. During this tour as Division Psychiatry Leading Petty Officer (LPO) he was one of the first 10 Corpsmen in 3rd Marine Division Fleet Marine Forces (FMF), PAC, and the first Psychiatric Technician to earn the Fleet Marine Force Warfare Designator. In 2001 Carlos transferred to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton 1st Marine Division Detachment as LPO for two departments, Psychiatry and Family Medicine Clinic.
In 2003, Carlos deployed in support of 1st Marine Division 5th Marine Regiment during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Regimental Combat Team Five (RCT-5) were among the first units to cross over from Kuwait into Iraq, seizing the Rumaylah Oil Fields. In addition to conducting combat operations, they were also involved in training and advising Iraqi Forces.
Shortly after returning from Iraq, he decided to become a Preventative Medicine Technician (PMT) and in November of 2004 reported to Preventative Medicine Technical School, Naval School of Health Sciences San Diego the following year and while still in school was selected for Chief Petty Officer (CPO). Upon graduation, and, as his first assignment as a CPO, was stationed in Japan to 1st Marine Air Wing MWSS-172 “Firebirds”. Deployed as the LCPO in Operations Ulchi-Focus Lens, Golden Eagle and Talon Vision; a large-scale command post exercise with South Korean military personnel.
Carlos then transferred to Forward Deployed Preventive Medicine Unit Five (NEPMU-5) San Diego where he earned his Master Training Specialist Designator. In 2009 and upon completion of his tour transferred to Naval School Health Sciences as a PMT instructor where he chaired the school’s last and final Hospital Corps Birthday Ball. Soon after reporting and upon NSHSs Command decommissioning, he transferred to Naval Operations Training Command, Surface Warfare Medical School as an Independent Duty Corpsman Instructor.
During his final duty assignment, he deployed in support of Southern Command, 4th Fleet, Southern Partnership Station 2011 on board the High-Speed Vessel-2 SWIFT, where he led Sailor and Marines in humanitarian and security operations and Subject Matter Teaching Exchanges with seven US partner Nations.
Personal military awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (4), Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation (4), Good Conduct Medal (7), National Defense Service (SVC) Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Expeditionary Medal, GWOT SVC Medal, Korean Defense SVC Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Sea SVC Deployment Medal.
Carlos dedicated 24 years of his life to the United States Navy and retired with an honorable discharge. As demonstrated in Carlos' vast military career his drive to learn and evolve never stopped. Carlos immediately completed his Bachelor’s one year after retiring in 2014. Earning his Bachelors of Science in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University. Within two years he earned his Master’s Degree. He graduated from California Baptist University Riverside, CA with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in 2016. Not only
was Carlos the first in his family to serve and retire in the military; he was also the first in his family to attend college and complete a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree.
Carlos took on several civilian roles when he retired. These roles included successful real estate investor and businessman; Military Education Program Site Director at Vincennes University serving as a school advisor specializing in assisting enlisted military personnel access higher education; and Business Development Manager with SoCal Lifestyle Realty. Carlos is a lifetime member of Don Diego Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7420 San Diego, CA. at one point served as a trustee. Red, white, and blue thru and thru.
Most important to Carlos was always his family. Carlos was committed to his wife, Esther of 32 years; Miguel, son; Aleyna, daughter; Selena, granddaughter; Jose, son-in-law; mother-in-law; siblings; brothers/sister-in-laws; nieces and nephews.
Carlos made many sacrifices throughout his journey as evidenced by his 24-year military service to his country. His sacrifices will long live in our heart and in our memories. Carlos taught us all so much and will never be forgotten
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