Submitted photos Sgt. R.J. Jimenez’s mother, Alesia Swartz, second from right, and sculptor Cliff Leonard, right, are joined by members of Elkins Marine Corps League Detachment 956 during the bust presentation in memory of Swartz’ son, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Romulo J. ‘R.J.’ Jimenez. From left are Detachment Paymaster Greg Irwin, Jr. Vice Commandant Jack Marteney and Commandant Roger Ware, who served as master of ceremonies for the bust presentation ceremony. Swartz and her husband, Lee, are associate members of the MCL detachment.
BELINGTON — Barely in his 20s, a young U.S. Marine lost his life in combat in Iraq not quite two decades ago. But the legacy of his protective gaze, military bearing and confident demeanor are captured forever in a sculpture newly dedicated to the fallen serviceman.
A hand-carved clay bust, created free of charge by a Florida sculptor in memory of the late U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Romulo J. “R.J.” Jimenez, was presented in a recent ceremony at the home of Jimenez’s family on Fraternal Cemetery Road near
Belington.
Jimenez, 21, was a member of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Lejeune, N.C., when he was killed Nov. 10, 2004, during the offensive in the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah, Iraq, in Anbar province during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cliff Leonard, a resident of Jacksonville, Fla., served with the Marines’2nd Squad, 3 Platoon, Delta Company, 3rd Recon Battalion in Vietnam from 1966-68. Inspired 13 years ago by the Semper Fidelis Society chapter in Jacksonville to create a memorial for a fallen serviceman, Leonard began creating more than 50 carved clay bust sculptures of fellow Marines and Navy corpsmen — the Marines’ medics — from Florida killed in action in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Belington resident Alesia Swartz, mother of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Romulo J. ‘R.J.’ Jimenez killed in Iraq in 2004 during the battle of Fallujah, tearfully embraces Jacksonville, Fla., sculptor Cliff Leonard who presented to Jimenez’s family a clay bust of the fallen Marine. For more than 13 years, Leonard has memorialized Marines and Navy corpsmen who died in service to their country by making sculptures and presenting them to the servicemen’s families at no cost.
Although Jimenez’s family members reside in West Virginia, Jimenez lived in Florida at the time he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Using his home as his art studio, Leonard pored over photographs of Jimenez — particularly favoring the official formal image in “dress blues” uniform taken right after boot camp graduation. With his keen eye, steady hand and depth of understanding, he carved clay from the earth to capture not only the physical characteristics but also the essence of Jimenez — the confidence and pride of being a Marine.
He rendered Jimenez’ visage with the steely, steady gaze known as “eyes right,” presented by Marines to acknowledge higher-ranking officers when saluting is not possible, such as when marching in formation during a parade pass-in-review.
Each bust takes an average of two months to complete as Leonard carefully carves about 40 pounds of water-based clay into the desired image, fires it in a kiln to a particular hardness and applies finishes to seal the clay and give it a bronze tone.
Leonard not only offers sculptures to servicemen’s families at no cost, he also travels to present the sculpture to each family in person – a symbolic returning of the loved one in a lasting tribute for the supreme sacrifice a Marine or Navy corpsman can give.
Jimenez
Some families contacted by Leonard declined to have their loved one’s sculpture crafted, finding it too emotionally painful.
But those choosing to receive one are astonished at Leonard’s attention to detail and the care executed in capturing the spirit of what he calls “my little brothers, my platoon.”
Seeing Jimenez’ statue unveiled “took my breath away,” said his mother, Alesia Swartz of Belington during the presentation ceremony. “There’s just something about the eyes and the way they look at you.
“He (Leonard) cares enough to try and take so much time to remember people killed in wars. It’s amazing.”
The bust dedication ceremony “will serve as a lasting symbol of remembrance,” according to Roger Ware, commandant for Elkins Marine Corps League Detachment 956, who served as master of ceremonies for the bust presentation.
American Legion Post 96 of Belington rendered military honors including a rifle salute and playing of ‘Taps’ during a ceremony to dedicate a clay bust crafted in memory of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Romulo J. ‘R.J.’ Jimenez. Member Lee Swartz, right, is the stepfather of Jimenez.
“R.J. Jimenez is buried a short distance from our location. It is with respect and dignity that we are here today to remember him, honor him and pledge never to forget him as this bust will forever serve as a silent sentinel of his service,” Ware said. “Now, on this occasion, we re-kindle the fires of patriotism, freedom and liberty, and again renew the vows of loyalty that this native son is not forgotten.
“It is right and appropriate that Sgt. R.J. Jimenez should be remembered and honored for his invaluable service rendered to his country and humanity. As members of R.J.’s family reflect on this bust, they know that his legacy is forever forged in history.”
In addition to his mother, members of Jimenez’s family participating in the presentation ceremony included Jimenez’s stepfather, Lee Swartz; his sisters, Christina Harris and Alexandra Robbins; his brother-in-law, Bobby Robbins; and niece and nephew, Rylee and Daniel Robbins.
Members of American Legion Post 96 of Belington, including Lee Swartz, rendered military honors following the bust presentation ceremony, including a rifle salute and playing of “Taps.”
Celebrating the dedication of a clay bust memorializing U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Romulo J. ‘R.J.’ Jimenez are, from left, sculptor Cliff Leonard; Jimenez’ stepfather, Lee Swartz; his mother, Alesia Swartz; his sisters, Christina Harris, seated, and Alexandra Robbins; his brother-in-law Bobby Robbins; and his niece and nephew, Rylee and Daniel Robbins, in front.
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