MAJ Agustin M. Gonzalez received his commission through the ROTC program at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in August of 2006, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology.
MAJ Gonzalez’s first assignment was as a Rifle Platoon Leader in 2nd of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), then as an Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Commanding General – United States Army Recruiting Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Upon completion of the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, he took command of Charlie and then Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Following those commands, he served as the Battalion Adjutant, Training Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, and Delta Company Commander at 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He deployed four times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support, and once to the Republic of Korea as the commander of a Special Operations Task Force.
His military education includes the Basic Officer Leader Course and Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Pathfinder School, the U.S. Army Jumpmaster School, and the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. MAJ Gonzalez also attended the Strategic Studies Fellowship Program at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He earned a master’s degree from Duke University as a Downing Scholar in 2019.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), the Meritorious Service Medal (1OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement medal, Army Commendation Medal (1OLC), Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Citation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with 4 combat stars), Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Air Assault Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab.
Tragically, on May 25, 2019, Major Agustin Gonzalez and his two young daughters, Noelle and Gwendolyn, lost their lives in a car accident while en route to their next duty station. Major Gonzalez is survived by his wife, Melissa, and sons Nicholas and Gabriel. We will never forget Augie, and the CTC remains forever grateful for the Gonzalez family’s service to the nation.
