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Major Ernest Urquieta and his family
Major Ernest M. Urquieta, of Superior, is retiring after 26 years of active federal service to our country, having faithfully and honorably discharged his professional duties as a soldier, culminating at the rank of Major.
He is the son of Inez “Neto” Urquieta and Lydia Gonzalez, grandson of the late Dolores “Lola” and Santiago Urquieta, Belen and Elizardo Gonzalez. Major Urquieta attributes his success to his father Neto, grandmother Lola, Coach Ben Arendondo, leaders, peers and soldiers who he has served with throughout his career.
After enlisting in 1988 and attaining the rank of Master Sergeant, Urquieta was selected to attend Officer Candidate School in 2001 and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in February, 2002. The son of a miner, Urquieta states the work ethic, not only of his father, but of his community set him apart throughout his military service. Being from a tight knit community such as Superior, positive influences were not hard to find growing up, “I’m competitive, forthright, and loyal, everything a miner is. “ said Major Urquieta.
Major Urquieta’s career accomplishments are many, a graduate of Ranger, Sapper, Pathfinder, Mountain Warfare, Air Assault, Drill Sergeant schools and a Master Parachutist. However, most memorable are the opportunities to lead men in combat, both in Iraq and Afghanistan. Awarded two Bronze Stars and being inducted into the prestigious Audie Murphy Club for leadership, are, according to Major Urquieta, humbling achievements, which could not have been accomplished without the support of his leaders and soldiers.
His career was shaped by his late grandmother Lola Urquieta, who more often than not, kept him on the right path to success.
“My nana was angelic, she made sure my mistakes were minimal and supported me throughout my life; she’s the reason for my success! “ said Major Urquieta.
The Urquieta family has given over 60 years of service to our nation from the Korean War to Afghanistan. Neto, Tio’s Mickey, Jose, Meno, Cuco and cousins Mario and Ray have all served honorably. Major Urquieta and his cousin Ray together served 46 years within the Army and Marine Corp.
Major Urquieta will retire to Arizona with his wife Fredericka, son Ernest Jr., and daughter Sonny Rose. His immediate intention is to be a father and husband. Later, he plans to author a book and pursue a head football coaching position within the state.
“ Many thanks to the community of Superior, my dad Neto, Nana Lola, and my beautiful wife and children for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my life and career! Essayons, that which means “Let us Try”!” Major Urquieta concluded.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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