Michael D. Martino, 32

Marines, Major

Marine Light-Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force

Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Died: November 2, 2005

Ramadi, Iraq

Single

Gender: Male

Hometown: Oceanside

High School: Woodbridge High (Irvine)

Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

Martino's mother said he consulted a chaplain about "the anguish he felt for killing people." The chaplain told him he was a peacekeeper, as described in the Bible. Martino was posthumously promoted to Major.

James F. "Fred" Hayes, 11/06/2005

Allan M. Cundanga Espiritu, 11/01/2005

11 memories of Michael D. Martino

“

I remember Mike from my former Youth Track Club the Time Machine and also high school at Woodbridge HIgh. It had been years since I saw Mike, but remember when we had our high school reunion (10 Year), I saw this picture of him in the memory book, it was October 2001, only a month after 9/11. My heart sank, seeing a kid I use to know laying down his life for our country. From time to time, especially as news progressed about the war in Iraq/Afganistan, I would think of Mike, he was the only person I ever knew who was there and I would pray for his safety. The day I found out he died serving his country I was so sad, but think that he died a noble cause and will remember him always. Rest in peace Mike! May the Lord be with your family.

” — Becky Brown, May 26, 2008 at 12:52 p.m.

“

I am Mike's Dad, not a day goes by that our family does not feel the overwelming loss of our son and brother. My only consolation is in the knowledge that our son died doing what he believed was the correct course of action to preserve our security and freedom here at home. He expressed those very sentiments to me before his last deployment, when I asked him about it. What hurts is that many would have us withdraw immediately for political expediancy. This would trivalize his sacrifice and the sacrifices of so many others that went into this with the resolve to win the peace and bring stability to Iraq. That hurt is the worse hurt to endure.

Robert A. Martino
Gunshot 66 We Will Never Forget
Father to Major Michael D. Martino USMC Promoted Posthumously

” — Robert A. Martino, May 28, 2008 at 1:54 p.m.

“

I didn't know Michael, but I've known his mom Sybil for about eight years now. She is a very dedicated volunteer at the same animal shelter I volunteer for (the Nelson County Humane Society/SPCA Almost Home Pet Adoption Center near Lovingston, VA) and, as our webmaster, she is a key factor in getting hundreds of our animals adopted each year. Michael would be very proud of her if he knew all of the good she does as she works hard to attempt to fill the large void he left in her heart when he was killed. Her love for Michael lives on in magnificent ways, as she makes a positive difference in so many lives. Everyone who enjoys sharing love with their dogs or cats KNOWS how important this kind of love is too. Sybil's broken heart will always miss her precious son Michael, but she spends most of her time these days creating new and loving connections between animals and people. She has lost so much and yet she gives...and she gives...and she gives. Like Michael, Sybil is doing what she loves to do and what she believes in. Like Michael, she is making a positive difference in this world. Clearly, the Martino's are a wonderful family!

” — Flower Vankan, March 27, 2016 at 4:34 a.m.

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Michael D. Martino, 32

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11 memories of Michael D. Martino

Share a memory of Michael