Raymond Arthur Rockensock was born on September 21, 1948, in Bemidji, MN, to parents Arthur and Ruby Rockensock.

Raymond grew up in the Bemidji area and attended JW Smith Elementary School; and attended and graduated from Bemidji High School in 1966.

On June 27, 1967, Raymond entered the United States Marine Corps, and was sent to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA.

After completion of his Recruit Training, Raymond was sent to Camp Lejune, North Carolina for specialty training as a Combat Engineer (Welding).

After completion of his specialty training in March of 1968, Raymond was sent to Viet Nam and attached to the 3rd Tank Battalion, FMF, 3rd Marine Division.

Raymond returned to the United States in November 1969 and was discharged from the Marine Corps on February 20, 1970.