Photo By Sgt. 1st Class David Benamati | Soldiers sadly salute to the memory of their fallen friends and comrades, Sgt....... read more read more
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Steve Petibone
138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MOSUL, Iraq, (14 Feb. 2006) - The 1st Sgt. of the 14th Combat Engineer Battalion made the roll call and a Soldier was missing. U.S. Army Spc. Roberto Salazar Martinez, combat engineer, Company A, 14th Combat Engineer Battalion, serving on a second tour of duty, made the ultimate sacrifice.
His comrades and commander eulogized Spc. Martinez in a memorial service held for him and two other combat engineer Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Marez's Morale, Welfare and Recreation Theater.
Spc. Martinez died after an improvised explosive device exploded near the combat engineer's armored Humvee.
Spc. Martinez was born 26 October 1984 in Mexico City, Mexico. His family moved to the United States to seek a better life. They settled in Long Beach, Calif.
He enlisted in March 2003 as a combat engineer and after completing basic and advanced individual training, was assigned to the 555th Engineer Group, Fort Lewis, Washington.
Shortly, after arriving at Fort Lewis, his unit deployed to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. His assignment then, was vehicle gunner for his brigade commander's personnel security detachment.
After redeploying to Fort Lewis in 2004, he was assigned to Co. A, 14th Cbt. Eng. Bn. "Rugged" in February 2005. He found a new family with the "Wolf Pack" platoon and a home with the Army, re-enlisting for six more years.
In the Fall of 2005, Spc. Martinez once more answered America's call to serve overseas when the 14th received orders to deploy to Iraq. In Mosul, once again, his steadfast bravery as a vehicle gunner provided safety and security for the Soldiers that patrolled with him.
He enjoyed using the 14th Combat Engineer Battalion motto, "Rugged" as an all-purpose answer. "I don't think I ever had a single conversation with him that didn't include him looking at me and saying Rugged sir! Most of the time that's all he would say." said Capt. Regan Campbell, commander, Co. A, 14th Cbt. Eng. Bn.
Campbell followed with an example of how Spc. Martinez would respond. "How are things in the second, Spc. Martinez? Rugged, sir! Are you planning on getting married over R&R? Rugged, sir! What do you think of the chow here in Rawah? Extra rugged, sir!...I would give anything just to hear him give me one more "Rugged, sir!"
"He was always willing and able," said Spc. Martin Teregeyo, one of his comrades he had known since basic training. "And he was damn sure rugged to the bone."
On Feb. 4, 2006, Spc. Martinez made the greatest sacrifice while proudly serving his country and comrades. He was a highly respected Soldier with great potential and a promising future.
He is survived by his mother, Manuela Salazar, and sister Angela Martinez.
| Date Taken: | 02.22.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2006 10:50 |
| Story ID: | 5461 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 736 |
| Downloads: | 138 |
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