Glen Martinez is a Hero
A Hero to his family
A Hero to his wife
A Hero to his town
A Hero to his country
I had the privilege of being the second photographer with Jared Wilson for Glen and Melissa Martinez’ wedding in December. Both Marines. Both beautiful people.
I got a call from Jared telling of Glen’s death in Iraq on May 2. Melissa had called Jared to photograph the funeral. She wanted to document and remember every honor that was due to Glen. Jared then asked me to join him, since we were both there for them on their wedding day. I was honored to do so. I flew to Colorado the next week for the funeral in Glen’s hometown, Monte Vista.
It was the most amazing and beautiful thing to see a whole town come to honor their Hero. Glen was an incredible athlete, son, friend, husband, and Marine. Someone shared about him in everyone of those areas. And when we drove to the Memorial Center, the rest of the town lined the streets with flags, and signs thanking Glen. It must have been every policeman, every fire fighter all there to honor him, with firetrucks on either side of the road, ladders touching over the road with a flag hanging. It was by far the most touching thing I have ever witnessed.
Writing this blog is difficult for me. But it is something I want to share because Glen and Melissa are extraordinary. And everyone should hear.
Before Glen and Melissa left for Fallujah, they wrote,
“…As you all know, Glen and I are leaving this week for Iraq! We are excited to go and do our part once again to help out those less fortunate than ourselves! Our last deployment to Fallujah was a fantastic experience. We really felt very appreciated and that we were making a difference out there. Despite what the news shows, most Iraqis are happy that we are there helping them. We are building schools, a new government and ensuring the safety of their families for hopefully many years to come. It is an indescribable feeling to have Iraqi women hand you their babies because they want you to take your picture with them; or to give you candy and other gifts as they come through your checkpoint…”
Sometimes… to hear an individual story brings to light a situation you may think you have opinions about…from afar. I know that stepping into Glen and Melissa’s world has opened my eyes to the beauty of what it means to truly serve people. I am touched by them. I am so grateful for Glen and Melissa’s servant hearts.
Today, do more than enjoy your day off.
Call
Write
Hug
Thank
Remember
Pray
Glen and Melissa, thank you for your service and thank you for being a shining example of what it means to be a Hero.
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Jared Wilson’s tribute to Glen.
The local paper’s tribute to Glen.
A slide show of Glen and Melissa’s
wedding photos is on my myspace.
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