Honoring Fallen Hero SGT Marcus C. Mathes

Sergeant Marcus Mathes, of Zephyrhills, Florida. He grew up in Highlands County, attending school in Sebring before moving to live with his father and graduating from Zephyrhills High School. He joined the United States Army in March 2005 after thinking about the 911 terrorist attacks and hearing a song by singer Toby Keith. Marcus left for boot camp on his 23rd birthday, completed basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and advanced individual training at Fort Bliss, Texas, before being assigned to Fort Polk in July 2005. He served in Afghanistan from October 2006 until March 2007, and in November 2007, he left for Iraq as a member of the 94th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), located at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Proud of his military work, he appreciated the total strangers who would walk up to him and thank him. He enjoyed things in life that were thrilling and exciting, enjoying and living life to its fullest. He was a dedicated soldier, respected by all that worked with him, who planned to make the army his lifelong career. A multi-faceted personality, Marcus was the 'life of the party' who loved hanging out with his wife, vacationing with his parents, riding dirt bikes with his friends, playing with his niece and nephew and making others laugh. Sergeant Mathes was killed in action while working in the Green Zone in Iraq when it came under attack. Marcus' awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge.