Ronald was inducted into the U.S.M.C. on August 23, 1982, spending three months in basic training. He then trained as a Combat Engineer, attaining the rank of Pfc. on February 1, 1983. Ron was awarded Honor Graduate and promoted to Lance Corporal on February 2, 1984. He was assigned to Camp Pendleton, California, for one year and transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he was stationed for one year (seven months of that time was in Korea on two operations). He finished his four-year duty at Camp Pendleton, California, attaining the rank of Corporal. Ron received the Good Conduct Medal, including several ribbons and was honorably discharged on August 23, 1986.