Operation Iraqi Freedom, Fallen Heroes, Iraq War 03/19/03

Reuben M Fernandez III

Abilene, Texas

October 11, 2008

Age Military Rank Unit/Location
22 Army Cpl

2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

Fort Hood, Texas

 Killed when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Majar Al Kabir, Iraq.

Reuben Marcus Fernandez III
November 6, 1985 - October 11, 2008

Our beloved Soldier and Son... Our Hero.

SGT. Reuben Marcus Fernandez III

Our soldier, son, brother, and dear loved one to many, was called Home on October 11, 2008, to be at peace and forever safe.

United States Army Sgt. Reuben Marcus Fernandez, III was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. He was born November 6, 1985, in Abilene, to the late Reuben M. Fernandez, Jr. and Aurora Flores Fernandez. He was a 2004 graduate of Cooper High School. After graduating, he joined the United States Army, and had planned to make a career serving his country. Marcus was a brave young soul. He believed in his duty to our country and embraced the duty of a soldier. He served a complete tour in Iraq in 2006 and was serving a second tour that began in June 2008. He recently reached the rank of United States Army Sergeant.

Marcus was all smiles and all heart. His eyes spoke to everyone; there was no need for words. Those same eyes were happy as a child, laughing as a growing young man, and deep when he became a soldier. His laughter was infectious. Marcus was a friend to everyone. He was a happy and spirited soul. Marcus touched many lives.

Our brave soldier is survived by his mother, Aurora Flores Fernandez; his youngest sister, Stephanie Fernandez, of Lubbock and Candice Fernandez, of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his grandparents Mr. Mrs. Reuben Fernandez, Sr.; his seven aunts, Lupe Loza, Carmela Nieto, Alicia Flores, Sandy Martinez, all of Abilene, Olivia Flores, of Arlington, Tx, Martha Flores, Mary Nieto, both of Mesquite: his uncles, Albert Flores, Joe Flores, Sr., Salome Flores, Rudy Fernandez, Robert Fernandez all of Abilene; and several cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, Reuben M. Fernandez, Jr.; his uncle,

Miguel Flores, Jr. and his grandparents, Miguel Flores, Sr. and Julia Leyva Flores.

He was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin. Marcus, our Hero, we miss you already, you will be loved always and forever.
Sgt. described as being ‘a man of stength’

The Associated Press

On leave and staying in Abilene, Texas, Reuben M. Fernandez III called his mother at work in San Angelo and asked if she had lunch plans.

“I said ‘I don’t know,’ and I look up, and there he is walking in the door,” said Aurora Fernandez. “He was funny like that. He drove all the way to San Angelo, and we had lunch.”

Fernandez, 22, of Abilene, died Oct. 11 after his vehicle struck a bomb in Majar Al Kabir. He was a 2004 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Hood.

“Marcus was all smiles and all heart. His eyes spoke to everyone. His laughter was infectious,” said cousin Ruben De La Garza.

Fernandez was well known for stealing the ball while playing basketball at Clack Middle School, so his friends took to calling him “Crook.”

He was deployed to Iraq in December 2005 and returned the following December.

At his funeral, pastor Brian Daniels said Fernandez was loving and respectful, “the most respectful man I have ever known.”

“Marcus was such a man of strength,” Daniels said. “Marcus worried more about us over here than we worried about him over there.”

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