California’s War Dead

    Mark A. Stets

    Mark A. Stets, 39

    Army, Staff Sergeant
    Timagara, Pakistan
    Gender: Male
    Hometown: El Cajon
    He had found a job that he liked and he knew what he could accomplish. He was very enthusiastic.
    — Mark Stets, father

    Stets was one of three soldiers who died Feb. 3 in Timagara, Pakistan. They died from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device according to military officials. Stets was one of several soldiers who appeared in a recent Lockheed Martin Corp. advertising campaign, and sitting atop a rocket launcher in combat gear and camouflage, he is the portrait of determination.
    Times obituary
    San Diego Union-Tribune story on Stets' death
    Virginian-Pilot article about Stets' death
    « David Hartman, 02/03/2010
    Scott G. Barnett, 01/28/2010 »
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    16 memories of Mark A. Stets

    I am truly sorry for the loss of your beloved Mark. My heart goes out to family and friends of Mark. The bible teaches,most people who have died will be resurrected on earth under perfect conditions. Psalm 37:29. May God bless you all.

    — V. Thomas
    February 6, 2010 at 12:41 p.m.
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    I knew S.S.G. Stets from C-3-27/FAR(HIMARS)He was a model soilder.May god bless your soul and rest in peace....

    — Anthony Maldonado
    February 6, 2010 at 11:15 p.m.
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    Mark was a an excellent Soldier and Friend. He will be missed by all!

    — CSM John Condroski
    February 8, 2010 at 3:14 p.m.
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    Ride the solar winds m
    y brother as I don't think the harley is fast enough. Nena our hearts are with you abd the girls.

    — j Daniels ( Impact)
    February 9, 2010 at 4:29 p.m.
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    mark was my father... but more than anything he was and will always be my HERO!! I remeber the last time i saw my dad.. it was the day before he left and he had on his mafia shirt as i called it cuz it looked like something a mafia guy would wear... and his shades i gave him a big hug and said "i love you daddy please be safe" and he said too me what he always said whenever i would say be safe "always do babygirl" and i know he tried his hardest too stay safe. I will always love you dad i miss you and keep the angels laughing with ur uniqe humor in heaven ill see u soon!!!

    — Jessica
    March 2, 2010 at 5:26 p.m.
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    Jessica, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like an awesome guy. He is a hero and will be with you forever, watching out for you. RIP Mark.

    — Serena
    March 12, 2010 at 3:31 p.m.
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    I am SSG Mark A. Stets Jr's wife. Mark was a wonderful husband, father and friend. Those of us who knew him were blessed he could be in our lives. Mark is a true hero. I miss him each and everyday. I am so proud of him. I know he is with the Lord now and I take comfort in that. I will see you again Babe. Until then remember I will Love you always and forever.

    — Nina
    March 13, 2010 at 12:12 p.m.
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    To all who knew him,

    He is my brother now and forever, he is an inspiring guy to be around. I remember the drive from Bakersfield to El Cajon in that old Ford Fairlane 500. The theme for the old Batman t.v. show came on the radio and we floored the gas and was bouncing on every little bump in the road because all of the shocks were bad. I wish that I could have seen you in person one more time but I will have to wait for the spirit world.
    Your brother forever,
    Timothy J. Atwell

    — Timothy J. Atwell
    March 15, 2010 at 9:48 p.m.
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    God bless you family, Nina...they are all heroes and may he rest in peace...keep your chin up...it will get better....
    Beckie Johnson

    — Beckie Johnson
    March 22, 2010 at 8:11 p.m.
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    I miss you very much, brother... even though you're probably taking a humorous pop-shot at me right now!

    I especially want to thank your children, wife, and partents for their sacrifice, as they survive you most of all --while myself and so many others enjoy one more blessed weekend with our own loved ones. I am grateful to them and you for that and will never forget it.

    I remember, Mark!

    — SFC TR Peters
    May 28, 2010 at 6:42 a.m.
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    I had the pleasure of being on Mark's Team, he was truly a great man and an inspiration to us. God Bless you Mark, may i see you again someday.

    — Phillip Craven
    June 1, 2010 at 2:24 a.m.
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    I would like for SSG Stets' Daughter to contact my Daughter to let her know that everything will be OK when we deploy...

    Jessica, please let Tatiana (tatid11@yahoo.com)know that everything will be OK...

    Much Love and Respect-

    — Anthony Randle
    June 18, 2010 at 4 p.m.
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    I don't know this soldiers as I'm just visiting the LA Times website. I thank him and his family for his dedication to our county. Thank you for keeping America free and protecting our beliefs. It's because heroes like you my very young daughter will be able to live freely in this wonderful country. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! RIP

    — Kevin Gregory
    December 16, 2010 at 9:28 p.m.
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    to the family of Mark
    i was at Illinois motorcycle freedoom run this week end and i purchased a dog tag and i receved mark's i would love to get you to you if you wanted it. if not i will be honored to wear it myself. your family will be in my prayers. i also lost my brother in the war.

    — patricia parciak
    June 19, 2011 at 8:34 p.m.
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    This was my nephew's unit for two tours in Iraq.....God Bless you Mark, and Thoughts and Prayers with your Family

    — Victor
    July 26, 2011 at 11:23 p.m.
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    Its been over a year and I still feel like the chaplain was here yesterday telling us the horrific news. I miss my father sooo much my heart physicaly aches. I wish he could come home but I know he cant. I just pray that one day we can all be a family in heaven again. I love you daddy ill always be ur babygirl!!!

    — Jessica
    August 19, 2011 at 11:58 a.m.
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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 700 California servicemembers and 474 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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