Ssg Jack Mayfield Martin Iii

Staff Sergeant Jack Mayfield Martin III, 26, of Bethany, Oklahoma died after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device September 29, 2009 on Jolo Island, Philippines. SSG Martin was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Lewis, Washington and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines. This was SSG Martin's first deployment in support of OEF-P; he was a veteran of Operation Iraq Freedom. SSG Martin, the youngest of five children was born in Maquoketa, Iowa and spent his childhood and teen years growing up in Iowa and Bethany, Oklahoma. SSG Martin entered military service in 2001 and was selected to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2004. Upon completion, he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Lewis, Washington. SSG Martin's military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Warrior Leader Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Course and the Special Forces Qualification Course. His awards and decorations include two Army Achievement Medals, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Metal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 2 device and the Army Service Ribbon, the Special Forces tab, the Parachutist Badge and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal. SSG Martin is survived by his wife Ashley of Tacoma, Washington. He is also survived by his father and mother Jack and Cheryl Martin of Bethany, Oklahoma; and his brother, Abe, and three sisters Mandi, Amber and Abi.