Sergeant Carlo Francisco Eugenio

Tribute to a fallen soldier and a beloved son To America, Sergeant Carlo F. Eugenio is a hero. To the family and friends he left behind, he was simply known as Kix. He was a ray of sunshine, a man of nature, a daredevil, an adventurer and world traveler, whose kind heart, gentleness, humor and selflessness touched everyone he met. While born in the Philippines, Kix grew up a true Californian in heart and soul. He loved the outdoors—the sun, the beach, rivers, lakes and mountains. Yosemite was his second home. He was happiest when he could ride his dirt bike and fly up in the air in the style of Evil Knievel. He looked forward to conquering all of the trails at Mountain High Resort, and the regular family camping trips on the Moabi River. Just before he left for Afghanistan, his brother introduced him to another passion: flying. Kix had a ready smile and a helping hand held out for everyone. While accompanying his mom on a European trip, he stole everyone’s heart on the tour by simply being himself. He was just a joy to have around. Kix was devoted to his parents and until his first deployment to Iraq, he always lived with them. He was his father’s right-hand man and his mother’s baby. His best friend and guardian was and always will be his big brother, Tuy. A close second is his cousin Allan. The three boys were affectionately known as the Three Amigos. They were inseparable. His sisters Nor, Cyn and Leng doted on him and in return he made them laugh hysterically. Emily, Kea, Saw saw and Chachie each had special places in his heart. He never turned down a chance to babysit and spoil them. His brothers-in-law, Dave Coplan, Frankie Valdez and Bryan Johnson were kindred spirits, too, sharing the same hobbies, video games and music. Jessica Lee was the woman of his dreams. We know that Kix has found the perfect spot in heaven and we’re sure it has a ski lift, snowboarding trails and endless dirt bike paths. He probably is hanging out with angels, teaching them how to pop wheelies, snowboard and shoot. But that doesn’t lessen the pain we feel as we surrender him to his Maker. We grieve for a young man who was so full of life and promise. We grieve for the wife and children he will never have. We grieve most of all because our lives are diminished by his absence. Our hearts ache and our spirits are low. We carry on only because we know Kix would prefer that we celebrate his life rather than mourn his passing. He left us many wonderful and precious memories, the most enduring of which is that big, bright smile and those lively, mischievous eyes. Sergeant Eugenio is survived by his father, Cesar Eugenio Sr.; mother, Noemi Eugenio; sisters, Eleanore Coplan, Cynthia Valdez and Allenlee Johnson; brothers, Cesar Eugenio Jr. and Allan Adrineda; brothers in law; David Coplan, Frank Valdez Jr. and Bryan Johnson; nieces, Emily Coplan and Haukea Valdez; nephews, Kekolu Valdez and Kaleo Valdez, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Sergeant Eugenio was born in Manila, Philippines on 20 September 1982. He enlisted in the 1112th Quartermaster Company, California Army National Guard on 28 April 2006 as a Private First Class and was attached to Detachment 1 RSP, 223rd Infantry Regiment. Private First Class Eugenio attended Basic and Advanced Individual Training from 14 November 2006 until 13 April at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and was awarded Military Occupational Specialty 21E10, Heavy Construction Equipment Operator. On 24 April 2007, Private First Class Eugenio was released from attachment to Detachment 1 RSP, 223rd Infantry Regiment, and on 21 September 2007 he was transferred to the 1498th Transportation Company. In February of 2008, Private First Class Specialist Eugenio was awarded Military Occupational Specialty 88M10, Motor Transport Operator, and on 15 April 2008 he was advanced to Specialist. In July of 2008, Specialist Eugenio was ordered to active duty for an OCONUS Deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and on 2 August 2009 he was honorably released from active duty. On 10 June 2010, Specialist Eugenio was promoted to Sergeant. In June of 2011 Sergeant Eugenio was transferred to the 756th Transportation Company as a Heavy Vehicle Driver and on 5 August 2011 he was ordered to active duty for an OCONUS Deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. At the time of his death, Sergeant Eugenio had accrued over five years of creditable service for retired pay. Sergeant Eugenio’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (w/Bronze Service Star), Iraq Campaign Medal ((w/Bronze Service Star), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (w/M and 2 Device), Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Bar, Driver-W (for wheeled vehicles) California Good Conduct Medal, and California Drill Attendance Ribbon (w/Silver Star). A Visitation will be held from 1200 to 1500 on 12 November 2011 at the St. Peter and St. Paul Parish, 9135 Banyan Street, Ranch Cucamonga, California, 91737, (909) 987-9312. A second Visitation will be held from 1900 to 2100 with a Rosary at 1930, on 13 November 2011, also at the St. Peter and St. Paul Parish. A Church Service/Mass will be held at 1000 on 14 November 2011 at the St. Peter and St.Paul Parish, and a Graveside Service at 1230 at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, California, 92518, (951) 653-8417. A Reception will be held at the 1498th Transportation Company, 14941 Riverside Drive, Riverside, California, 92518, (951) 656-2011, immediately following the Graveside Service. The family wishes that any donations be given to organizations that benefit Wounded Warriors and their families.