Aberdeen Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

Staff SGT Justin C. Marquez

As of Tuesday, October 9, 2012

BY JOHN CHAPPELL

Staff Writer

A soldier from Moore County was one of two Special Forces warriors killed this weekend while on patrol in the Chak district of Wardak Province, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense announced their loss in a Sunday press release.

Sgt. Justin C. Marquez, 25, of Aberdeen and another soldier were shot while “on dismounted patrol” the Department of Defense said. They died from wounds received from small-arms fire on Saturday, the Army said.

Also killed was Warrant Officer Joseph L. Schiro, 27, of Coral Springs, Fla. Both Marquez and Shiro were assigned to the 1st Special Forces Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), out of Fort Bragg.

On Monday the Marquez family went to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware where the bodies of those who die in Afghanistan, or elsewhere as a result of the war, are repatriated. Embalming, dressing and casketing take place at Dover. According to protocol, armed forces escorts accompany bodies of the fallen from Dover to funeral homes and officers are assigned to assist the families in making necessary arrangements.

Funeral arrangements for Justin Marquez have not been announced, but Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines will handle them for the family. Mark Marquez told WTVD news in a brief Monday afternoon telephone interview that the family wanted their son’s funeral open to the public in honor not only of their son’s service but of all who served.

The Marquez family moved to Moore County from Kinston in 1996. Terry Marquez served on the Aberdeen Town Board and once ran for county commissioner. Both parents worked in areas of human development, she as a school librarian at Elise Middle and he at Sandhills Mental Health Center and now as assistant professor in the Department of Social Work at Fayetteville State University.

Justin Marquez and twin brother Drew grew up in Aberdeen and graduated from Pinecrest High School in 2005. They attended Sandhills Community College, and originally both planned careers in education.. The twins’ passion was skateboarding, and social media sites like Vimeo still post their videos of pals flying through the air. Like the parents, they embarked on lives of service. Drew Marquez became a high school science teacher, his brother a soldier.

The Army said Marquez was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This was his first deployment in support of overseas contingency operations. According to the Army he enlisted in January, 2009 and completed his initial Infantry and Airborne training in June of that year.

Marquez was then stationed at Fort Bragg where he attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection. In February 2011 he graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course – the famed, grueling “Q Course” – and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (A).

In addition to the Q Course, his military education included the U.S. Army Airborne School, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) School, and the Advanced Leaders Course. His military awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terror Medal, the Parachutist Badge and the Special Forces Tab.

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clinteastwood 7 months, 1 week ago

rest in peace justin, thank you for your service. prayers go out to the marquez family.

whatif 7 months, 1 week ago

Thank you to your family and you for your dedication and service. I am sorry for the loss. This saddens me, I know the parents and I can only imagine the pain they are in :( Rest in Peace Justin.

hippiern 7 months, 1 week ago

so sorry for the family

djcalaska 7 months, 1 week ago

My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this great man. Thank you for what you gave for your country. There is no more you can give. It is time to rest now.

teufelhunden 7 months, 1 week ago

Hope the family has peace throughout their sorrow. May God bless you all.

Mythreekids 7 months, 1 week ago

Thank you to this family for your dedication and sacrifice. I pray for your strength at this time.

xxd0nxx 7 months, 1 week ago

Thank you for your sacrafice....De Oppresso Liber

fugitiveguy 7 months, 1 week ago

It saddens me to see yet another dedicated and brave American lose his life in this fashion. I can only imagine the grief of his family. Its time to bring them home. RIP Sgt Marquez.

ladylane 7 months, 1 week ago

Blessing too both families.

emarcus 7 months, 1 week ago

Terri and Mark are amazing loving parents. They put all their energy into raising responsible young sons and they did such an incredible job.

TR 7 months, 1 week ago

RIP Justin.

Thank you for your service, and your sacrifice.

You will not be forgotten, and will always be missed.

Prayers for you, your family, and your friends.

See you on the other side, brother.

De Oppresso Liber- TR

recondo 7 months, 1 week ago

Fair Winds and Following Seas....may the Warriors of the past in Valhalla Escort you to your rightful place at the table. De Oppresso Liber

MikeNC 7 months, 1 week ago

Thanks for your service and ultimate sacrifice. Be with God Justin and God be with your family....Mike & Diane

jahuphs1982 7 months, 1 week ago

Praying for the family!!!!

Naim22 7 months, 1 week ago

Justin was a kind and loving person. He always used to come to Cyber-Ed and play with us kids. He will always be in my mind and heart.

From your friend, Naim

GoldenDreams 7 months, 1 week ago

I am so sorry to hear this awful news. Justin looks like such a nice young man. He gave his all to his country, and for that I am deeply grateful. Rest in peace, Justin. I will be praying for your family and friends.

warbirdlover 7 months, 1 week ago

I have known Mrs. Marquez for over 7 years. She is a wonderful woman. She was my Sons Liberian at Southern Pines Elementary. My heart goes out to the Marquez family for their loss.

warbirdlover 7 months, 1 week ago

Attention Attention. I have heard that the vile Hate Group "Westboro Baptist Church" will be in Reaford, spreading their hate at the Funeral of Sgt. Donna Johnson. www.godhatesfags.com We must not let their blind hatred come to the sandhills and mock the Valor of our Fallen Hero's. If you go to the Patriot Guards website www.patriotguard.org you will see a pending ride for Sgt. Marquez. Do not let the extremist from Westboro, dishonor our Fallen Warriors.

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