Army Spc.* Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias, Air Force Staff Sgt. Marshal D. Roberts, 28, Killed in Action in Iraq
Army Spc.* Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias, 27, of Hanford, California.
Governor and First Partner Honor Army Specialist Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias
Published: Mar 13, 2020
SACRAMENTO – On behalf of all Californians, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom honor Army Specialist Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias, who bravely gave his life in service to our state and nation. The Governor and First Partner extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
In memorial, Governor Newsom ordered that flags be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol. Spc. Mendez Covarrubias’ family will receive a letter of condolence from the Governor.
Army Spc. Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias, 27, of Hanford, CA, died March 11, 2020, when his unit was engaged by enemy indirect fire at Camp Taji, Iraq. Spc. Mendez Covarrubias was assigned to 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX. Spc. Mendez Covarrubias was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Gov Gavin Mewsom
— Air Force Staff Sgt. Marshal D. Roberts, 28, of Owasso, Oklahoma.
Mendez Covarrubias was assigned to 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Roberts was assigned to the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, Oklahoma Air National Guard.
Oklahoma Air National Guardsman killed in Iraq
Story by Leanna Maschino
The Department of Defense has released the name of an Oklahoma Air National Guardsman who was killed in a rocket attack in Iraq on Wednesday, March 11.
Staff Sgt. Marshal D. Roberts, 28, of Owasso, Oklahoma, was killed while deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Roberts was a member of the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, 138th Fighter Wing, headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He served as the 219th’s senior personnel noncommissioned officer while deployed.
“Oklahomans all across the state mourn the loss of Staff Sgt. Roberts,” said Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma and commander in chief of the Oklahoma National Guard. “Today serves as a reminder of the many brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to defend our state and country. Our prayers are with Staff Sgt. Roberts’ friends and family during this time, and the state is prepared to offer any support possible.”
“We are devastated by the loss of Staff Sgt. Roberts who served selflessly and with honor,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Thompson, adjutant general for Oklahoma. “I ask that every Oklahoman pray for the family of this fallen patriot and keep them in your thoughts in the days and weeks ahead.
“Our casualty assistance team is working with the family to help them through this terrible time,” Thompson added. “We also have teams available for service members in need of assistance.”
“With the passing of Staff Sgt. Roberts, the 138th family has lost a dedicated Airman, mentor and leader,” said Col. Michael Meason, commander of the 138th Fighter Wing. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Staff Sgt. Roberts’ family and friends as we stand with them through this difficult time. They are and always will be part of the 138th family.”
Roberts, who enlisted in May 2014, is the first Oklahoma Air National Guardsman killed in action and the 20th Oklahoma National Guardsman who has died while deployed overseas since Sept. 11, 2001.
The 219th Engineering Installation Squadron deploys worldwide to establish communications systems and ensure they remain functional. They deployed in late 2019.