Richard Hector Cabrera

Richard was born on November 19,1946 to parents John A. Cabrera and Carmen B. Cabrera at St. John’s Hospital in Oxnard, CA.

Growing up in Camarillo and Oxnard, he would go on to spend most of his time in the newly developed Larsen neighborhood of Oxnard, where he attended Larsen Elementary, Bard JHS and then graduated from Hueneme HS in1964. In High School, Richard was quite popular and known for his good looks, a very mischievous sense of humor and as an outstanding baseball player. He loved cruising “A” street in Oxnard, listening to music, working on cars, and spending time with family and friends. He was a proud lifelong Hueneme High School Viking!

After graduation and one year of junior college he realized his country was going to need him. Richard enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1966. He was sent to Fort Bliss for basic training. After graduating he was sent to Fort Dix for “Advanced Infantry Training.” He spent a year and a half in Germany assigned to the 24th Infantry Division, where he completed the noncommissioned officer academy. Then in March of 1968, Richard received his orders for Vietnam.

He arrived in Qui Nhon, South Vietnam and was assigned as a Sergeant to the 1st logistical, 27th battalion, 8th group of the 597th Trans Company in Phu Tai.

It was there that his new job was to be on gun trucks pulling security for convoys, where they transported small arms, ammunition, napalm and artillery shells.

In January 1969, he was promoted to staff sergeant; proudly the youngest staff sergeant in his company. With 14 days left of his year tour, Richard was severely injured on April 19, 1969. His gun truck hit a landmine. After being extracted he was medevaced to An Khe hospital to be examined. After evaluation Richard was flown again to Qui Nhon. While en route, his chopper was shot down. Thankfully all members survived and another chopper was called to safely extract all injured to the 71st Evac Field Hospital in Pleiku. As a result of his injuries, Richard suffered the loss of sight in his right eye, a depressed skull fracture, which resulted in the loss of his sense of taste and smell, fractured ribs, a dislocated shoulder, and 3rd degree burns to his right arm.

It was then Richard would begin his long road to recovery, from Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, San Francisco and finally San Diego for his 8 1/2 months of medical care, physical therapy and rehabilitation.

For his actions he was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam service medal, army presidential citation, army meritorious unit citation, and the good conduct medal.

In 1971 his first son, Richard Kelly Cabrera was born and in 1977 Derrick Hector Cabrera was born.

Life had its challenges for Richard, as they did for many Vietnam veterans at that time. But with his sense of humor, witty attitude, camping trips, countless nights of BBQing, listening to and watching Dodger baseball and his loving family and friends, all helped him during this transition.

In 1984 Richard met Carol Healey and an instant lifelong family was created with Carol's children Jason and Vera Marquez. Richard and Carol moved to Perris in 1985 and were married in 1986 and both eventually retired and moved to Hemet. His family grew with the addition of his grandchildren Kaleb, Kaelyn, McKenzie, Christian, Justin, and Brandon. Richard developed such a special bond with grandson Brandon that he later adopted him and raise him as his own son.

Richard suffered from what we know now as “PTSD” for many years. His mental health took a turn for the better once he became involved in veterans affairs by becoming a member of Riverside National Cemetery Honor Guard Team 47 and a VFW service officer for Perris Post 888 and Hemet/San Jacinto Post 2266. He also served as an American Legion Post 848 in Hemet as a service officer. These activities were the therapy he needed and brought peace to him.

He would go on to help hundreds of veterans locally from all branches with their disability paperwork. He wanted to make sure they received the proper percentage and compensation benefits for the sacrifices that these men and women made for their country regarding: PTSD, Agent Orange exposure, exposure to contaminated water, those who suffered wounds received in combat, as well as assisting Blue Water Navy members. Richard was always there to help any veteran at a moment's notice.

He will always be remembered as a fun, loving, charismatic, and a BBQ aficionado, who lived a full and vibrant life, who could light up any room with his presence, and was a true friend to all, leaving a lasting legacy of love, laughter, and many cherished memories.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents John A. Cabrera, Carmen B. Cabrera, and his youngest son Derrick Hector Cabrera.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years Carol Sue Cabrera of Hemet, his oldest son Richard Kelly Cabrera of Carlsbad, adopted son (and grandson) Brandon Marquez Cabrera of Hemet, stepson Jason Marquez of Hemet, stepdaughter Vera Hammar and son in law Morgan Hammar of Beaumont, sister Yolanda Rae of Madison, Alabama, his niece Denise Abbott, his daughter in law Crisy Arenson Cabrera, Tia Elodia Cabrera, dear cousins; Linda Cabrera Valles, Johnny Cabrera, Andy Cabrera, Anthony Cabrera, Mary Large Robert Cabrera, Sonya Gorena, David Balades Jr., Daniel Balades, Nancy Corona, and Bobby Valles, and grandchildren; Kaleb and Kaelyn Cabrera, Justin Marquez, McKenzie Torres, and Christian Hammar.

The Cabrera family would also like to thank Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Dept. Engine Co. 54, AMR, and the professional and compassionate ICU staff at Inland Valley Medical Center.

A graveside service will be held on November 15, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.

Reception will also be held the same day directly after funeral, from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Menifee.

30140 Town Center Drive.

Menifee, Ca 92584

If you plan to attend the reception please RSVP by November 8, 2024 at

Add email to rsvp [email protected]

Or text 714 402-9624 or 310 874-3988

[email protected]