Gunnery Sergeant Ralph DeQuebec is currently based at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center recovering from his injuries sustained while deployed to Afghanistan as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician.
In 2012, GySgt DeQuebec deployed with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion and was tasked to support an Army Special Forces team. On June 21, 2012 while conducting an operation in Shurakay, Afghanistan, GySgt DeQuebec was disarming an improvised explosive devise (IED) when a member of the Afghanistan National Army triggered the device. As a result of the blast, Ralph lost both legs above the knee.
He has discovered through his rehabilitation that he responds best, both physically and mentally, to recreational therapy. He has tried a variety of sports but has especially excelled at sled hockey. Being able to be get on the ice and play a sport that is full contact has given him a platform that he has been able to thrived in, both physically and mentally. In the past year, Ralph was selected to the U.S. National Developmental Sled Hockey Team.
Ralph was named to the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team in 2017. He competed with Team USA at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, where he won his first gold medal.