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Douglas Jose Marenco-Reyes, 28
Marines, Corporal
Based:
Camp Pendleton
Supporting:
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Died:
May 18, 2003
Samawah (near),
Iraq
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Douglas Jose Marenco-Reyes, a young man from my district, was an immigrant to this country from Nicaragua. Corporal Marenco-Reyes came to this country with his family in search of opportunity and hope. Yet he was willing to serve in the Armed Forces when many others were not even willing to serve. And yet he found that by serving in the military that it was an honor.
— Joe Baca, Congressman (D-Calif.)
Marenco-Reyes' wife got a call from him on Mother's Day 2003, a week before he was killed. "He was so upbeat," she said. "He was more worried about me and the kids than about himself." He was posthumously awarded citizenship for his service to this nation.
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Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org
Help us complete our database. Something missing or wrong? Want to share a photo?
Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org
Help us complete our database. Something missing or wrong? Want to share a photo?
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Two memories of Douglas Jose Marenco-Reyes
I remember seeing him in dog town for those of us who know where that was. We walked pass each other and he had the biggest smile i said to him why so he said dude we in freaken I raq can you believe it and said to can you believe crazy huh. I remember feeling better about being over there and that was the last time I saw him. Breaks my heart he was great man. Live the Corp We miss you miss buddy.
It's been almost 9 years since I was a green Marine straight out of MCRD SD, assigned to 4th LAR. I remember my first day with the Battalion, and I remember having the feeling of anxiety and uncertainty as I walked through the parking lot, heading straight into the motor pool where all my soon-to-be friends and brothers in blood were working.
I knew no one. What to expect? No Idea! I JUST finished checking in. Time to meet my section (platoon). I met Gunny Davis who then proceeded to introduced me to everyone there. Guys came forward, shook my hand, and told me how things operated. As our section was carrying out the plan of the day, I walked out to the 5-ton line like I was told, to help out the Marines over there PM the vehicles.
I had no idea what to expect since I did not go to MOS School yet, (I was a 92-day reservist. Sue me).
Walking over the line on that beautiful sunny day in Camp Pendleton, I approach the man in charge: Corporal Marenco. He knew I was a newjoin, and he gave me the best welcome to the 5-ton line any new Marine can receive; being remembered just after one introduction, a welcome smile, and clear orders for the plan of the day.
My unit returned in September 2003, and I was given a phone call from a buddy informing me that Marenco was killed. I barely got to know him, but remembered him as my first mentor in my unit. I was saddened.
Grief, frustration, sadness, and confusion struck me all at once. Confusion as to why such a good Marine had to be taken away that day by the hands of God. Why his family was to be left behind. He will always be remembered by everyone who knew him. A good Marine who's in a better place right now.
Semper Fi, buddy
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