Photo By Master Sgt. Craig Michael | Members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard’s 138th Fighter Wing line the streets to...... read more read more
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TULSA, Okla. - The Tulsa community joined members of the 138th Fighter Wing, headquartered at the Tulsa Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma, to line the streets in honor of Tech. Sgt. Marshal D. Roberts, the Oklahoma Air National Guard's first fallen Airman during a dignified transfer ceremony to finally welcome the Airman home.
While deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Roberts, a member of the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, 138th FW, was killed when his base was struck by multiple rockets on March 11, 2020.
Roberts joined the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 138th FW as a civil engineer operations manager in May 2014. Several years later, he accepted an opportunity to become a command support staff member with the 219th EIS, which deploys worldwide to establish communications systems for U.S. and allied forces and ensure they remain functional.
"Roberts served as the noncommissioned officer in charge focal point for the entire 219th EIS and modeled impeccable qualities of mentoring Airmen and ensuring the Squadron was always at the highest level of readiness to execute the mission," said Maj. TJ Love, 219th EIS commander. "He will be greatly missed."
"Roberts was proud to serve in the Air Force, and the members of the 138th FW and 219th EIS are all better for having the privilege of serving with him," said Tech. Sgt. Roxane Mock, 138th Force Support services craftsman. "He will always be remembered for the love and sacrifice that he made on behalf of his country and fellow wingmen."
After serving for two months in Iraq, Roberts became the first Oklahoma Air National Guardsman killed in action and the 20th Oklahoma National Guardsman who has died while deployed overseas since Sept. 11, 2001.
Roberts is survived by his wife, Kristie, who is also a member of the 138th FW and his daughter, Paityn.
| Date Taken: | 03.25.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 03.25.2020 15:11 |
| Story ID: | 365863 |
| Location: | TULSA, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Hometown: | OWASSO, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 233 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, First fallen Oklahoma Air National Guardsman returns to Oklahoma, by MSgt Craig Michael, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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