Martin Barreras - U.S. Military

Martin Barreras

Command Sgt. Maj. Martin Barreras, age 49, of Tucson, Arizona, died on May 13, 2014, at the San Antonio Military Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. 

He was wounded on May 6, 2014, in Herat Province, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Martin was a graduate of Sunnyside High School in Tucson. He joined the Marine Corps in 1983 and then the Army in 1988. He served in virtually every enlisted duty and leadership position in the Ranger Regiment. He served tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, Panama and Haiti as well as other special operations missions. His current tour in Afghanistan began in December of 2013. He had been wounded in combat several times previously.

His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with V device, Bronze Star with three oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Iraqi Campaign Medal with three stars, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with four stars, Combat Infantryman Badge with one star, Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge with bronze star, Military Freefall Badge and Pathfinder Badge.

Martin's military comrades are in mourning over the death of their brother. He would do absolutely anything and everything to ensure his soldiers came home safely. He will be forever remembered.

Martin's family are devastated over his tragic death. They describe him as a

Light a candle for Martin.
Light his way to Heaven.

humble man who disliked being in the limelight. He will be forever mourned.

Friends describe him as a true American Hero.

Martin is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents; two brothers; his wife and a son and two daughters.

Thank you for serving, Martin.

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for men like Martin.

Pray that Martin is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.