MSgt Greg K. Ramos Obituary, Hawaii Air National Guard Death – Airman Known as Hoku Remembered After Guam Tragedy
HAWAII — The Hawaii Air National Guard continues to remember Master Sgt. Greg K. Ramos, also known as Hoku, whose death followed a tragic incident while he was deployed to Guam in November 2016. Ramos was a member of the 154th Logistics Readiness Squadron and was serving in support of a Hawaii Air National Guard deployment when he went missing at Tarague Beach.
Remembering MSgt Greg K. Ramos
Greg Ramos was remembered within the Hawaii Air National Guard as a dedicated Airman, friend, mentor and colleague. His military career included years of service with the Hawaii Air National Guard, where he built strong relationships with fellow service members.
Earlier National Guard reporting also documented Ramos’ service with the 154th Force Support Squadron and described him as a career services Airman. During a 2010 deployment to Southwest Asia, he served as a fitness-center superintendent and worked alongside his younger brother, Staff Sgt. Gavin Ramos.
His colleagues described him as a hardworking Airman and a mentor who helped guide others, including members of his own family.
Greg Ramos’ Military Service and Mentorship
Ramos had spent many years serving in the Air National Guard. In earlier reporting, he said that his Guard service had helped put him on a successful path and that he valued the opportunity to support fellow service members.
His relationship with his brother Gavin was also highlighted in National Guard coverage. Gavin credited Greg with being an important mentor and influence in his decision to join the Guard.
These accounts provide a glimpse into the service and relationships that became part of Greg Ramos’ legacy.
Greg Ramos Guam Incident
In November 2016, Ramos was temporarily assigned to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, supporting a Hawaii Air National Guard KC-135 tanker rotation. He went missing while swimming at Tarague Beach on November 21.
The U.S. Coast Guard, Air Force, Guam and Andersen fire departments participated in search and recovery efforts. After several days without finding Ramos, search operations were suspended. The Hawaii Department of Defense subsequently announced that memorial services had been arranged for the missing Airman.
Hoku Conference Room Dedicated in His Memory
A lasting tribute to Greg Ramos has also been planned through the dedication of a conference room in his name. A current fundraiser organized by Lori Jean Lopez identifies the planned space as the HOKU CONFERENCE ROOM, intended to recognize Ramos’ service and continuing impact on fellow Airmen.
The fundraiser also says Ramos left behind four children and three grandchildren living on the mainland and seeks to help bring them to Hawaii for the dedication.
Greg K. Ramos’ Legacy
Greg K. Ramos is remembered not simply for the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death, but for the years he devoted to the Hawaii Air National Guard and the relationships he formed during his military career.
His service, mentorship and commitment to fellow Airmen remain important parts of the memories shared by those who knew him. The planned HOKU conference room provides another lasting way for his name and contribution to remain connected with the Hawaii Air National Guard community.
MSgt Greg K. Ramos will be remembered as an Airman, mentor, brother, father, grandfather, friend and colleague whose years of service left a lasting impression on the people around him.