CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy and the beautiful game are a passion project for Sergeant First Class Noah Ronquillo.
The LA Galaxy will honor the Palmdale resident on Monday during pregame and at halftime of their annual Independence Day match at StubHub Center. A member of the U.S. Army National Guard, Ronquillo has served for 20 years, completed multiple deployments, and has awarded a variety of honors including the United Nations Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Louisiana War Cross Medal, and Combat Action Badge.
“I don’t like being honored personally which is the way a lot of people in the military feel, but when I was writing the application, I thought that I’ve actually done quite a lot and accomplished a lot so, I’m excited,” Ronquillo said.
A co-founder of Camp Pendleton United, a local youth club designed to help give soccer opportunities to youngsters on base, Ronquillo has remained active in the beautiful game for years. In recent years, Ronquillo has become active in LA Galaxy affiliate LA Galaxy San Diego and coached the team for one season before being transferred to Azusa.
Although he won’t be involved any longer, Ronquillo is committed to using the beautiful game as a way to help his children.
“I’ve always used soccer as a tool for growth,” he said. “It’s a valuable learning experience for kids and something I enjoy.”
