Raul Ries

Known, now, as a compassionate pastor with a tender mission, Raul Ries was once known as a violent, dangerous combatant. In High School, after a brutal fight, Ries was given the “option” to go to jail or join the U.S. Marine Corps, so at the age of 19, Ries headed towards Vietnam in the 1st Marine Division for a special combat role in a highly trained and aggressive Marine battalion. As he witnessed the deaths of his fellow Marines, Ries’ anger towards the world grew into fury. His Tour of Duty in Vietnam was from December 8, 1966 to September 15, 1967. After spending six months in Oakland Naval Hospital, he was honorably discharged, receiving two Purple Hearts from the Marine Corps.