FORT HOOD, Texas -- A memorial was held for Spc. Joshua Martin, a cavalry scout assigned to 3rd Squadron "Thunder", 3rd Cavalry Regiment, during a ceremony May 9 at the Spirit of Fort Hood Chapel on post.
The ceremony allowed friends and Family members the opportunity to pay their respects and a place to lean on one other in a time of grievance.
Martin joined the Army in October 2009 as a cavalry scout, and received one station unit training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Follow his training, Martin reported to Thunder, where he served as a scout during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
Lt. Col. Jonathan Bryom, the squadron's commander, said that Martin's mother, Sheryle Martin, told him that Martin was a true gift from God and even at an early age was drawn to those in need.
"He cared about every Soldier he served with to a degree that I have never seen before," said Sgt. 1st Class Jesus Gonzalez, Marin's platoon sergeant. "When the squadron was deployed, Martin could often be seen kicking a soccer ball or handing out candy and school supplies from his own care packages form home to the local children," he added.
"Our mission was to win the hearts and minds [of the locals], and no one completed that mission better than Martin," said Gonzalez.
It seemed as though Martin's generosity left its mark on all who knew him.
"Martin spent his entire life giving to others, friends, Family members, his church, strangers and his brothers," said Sgt. Jeremy Armstrong, a squad leader for C troop, 4th Squadron, 3rd CR, who was a close friend of Martin. Armstrong also spoke of Martin's personality and qualities as traits that fellow Soldiers could learn from.
"Martin was the manifestation of everything the American Soldier should represent," said Armstrong, who added that Martin's unwavering loyalty to his brothers in arms, great sense of humor and level of concern for others was unparallel.
In groups of two or four, Soldiers and leaders expressed their loyalty to Martin as they stepped up to a rifle mounted over a pair of boots adorning an Advanced Combat Helmet, delivered a slow and deliberate salute, and then paid respect to Martin in their own way.
Martin is survived by his mother Sheryle Martin, his father Keith Martin, and his sisters Ashley and Shianne Martin, who held one another close as they mourned the untimely passing of their son.
Shortly after the memorial, items left by the Soldiers as symbols of their love and respect for Martin, were collected and then presented to Martin's Family.
"Life is short and we all can make a difference with small acts of kindness as we look to serve those around us," said Bryom.
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