The Story of Abilene Hero Sgt. Reuben Marcus Fernandez III

There was a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as I began remembering one of the finest young men I have ever known.

His full name is Sgt. Reuben Marcus Fernandez III, but to our family, he was simply Marcus.

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Many people know Marcus as one of Abilene's fallen heroes who gave his life while serving our country in Iraq. I knew him as my nephew, and a young man whose contagious laughter, love for his family, and unwavering character left an impression I'll never forget.

An Abilene Young Man Who Chose to Serve

Marcus was born in Abilene on November 6, 1985, to my brother, the late Reuben M. Fernandez Jr., and my sister-in-law, Aurora Flores Fernandez.

He graduated from Cooper High School in 2004 before answering the call to serve in the United States Army. Marcus was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood. He completed one deployment to Iraq and was serving his second tour when he was killed on October 11, 2008, at just 22 years old, when the Hummer he and his fellow soldiers were in struck an improvised explosive device.

Those are the facts of his military service.

But they don't begin to tell you who Marcus really was.

The Marcus I Will Always Remember

Whenever Marcus came home from Fort Hood, he would sometimes stop by our house before seeing the rest of the family.

I'd have him sit down in my favorite recliner while I handed him an ice-cold bottle of Wyatt Earp Sarsaparilla. Then I'd fire up the grill and cook steaks while we talked about life.

One of the first things he'd always ask was, "Papa Rudy, what's the latest cool thing you bought to put in your vault?"

That simple question would lead to conversations about gadgets, inventions, and ideas. Marcus loved figuring out how to make things better. His mind was always working, and I truly believe he could have invented something remarkable.

What I remember most, though, was his laugh.

It was contagious.

His smile could light up a room, and his heart was filled with kindness, humility, integrity, and genuine love for other people. Every time he visited, he left me feeling proud, not because he wore an Army uniform, but because of the kind of man he had become.

A Life of Honor

Marcus loved Abilene because it was home.

As a youth, he played baseball and other sports here on Abilene's northside. He grew up here, and carried the values he learned here wherever the Army sent him.

He loved Texas.

He loved America.

And he believed serving his country was one of the greatest honors a person could have.

Those who served alongside him remember his dedication and commitment. Those of us who knew him as family remember a young man who never sought recognition. He wanted to do his job, protect those around him, help his friends & neighbors, and make his family proud.

A Legacy That Lives On

I don't want Marcus to be remembered only for the day we lost him.

I want him to be remembered for the way he lived.

I remember his laughter.

I remember our conversations.

I remember hearing, "Papa Rudy, what's the latest cool thing you bought and put it in your vault?"

Those memories are treasures that time can never take away.

Abilene has always been a very proud military community. We understand that the freedoms we enjoy have been protected by men and women willing to serve something greater than themselves.

As we remember Sgt. Reuben Marcus Fernandez III, let's also remember every service member serving today and every family waiting for their loved one to come home.

Thank you for your service.

God bless our military.

God bless Texas.

And God bless America.

I love you, Marcus, and I miss you.  I'll see you in heaven, brother.

Read More: What Is Purple Heart Day And Why Is It Observed On August 7?