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Abilene soldier, Cooper grad, dies in Iraq War
More Local News A 2004 Cooper High School graduate has been killed while serving in Iraq.
Cpl. Reuben M. Fernandez III died Saturday of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Majar Al Kabir, Iraq, the Department of Defense announced Tuesday.
Fernandez, 22, is the 22nd soldier with Big Country ties to be killed in the fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.
His grandfather, Ruben Fernandez Sr., said his grandson was a kind-hearted man who wanted to make the military his life.
“He just about loved everybody,” Fernandez Sr. said.
The elder Fernandez said he last saw his grandson about five months ago before he was deployed to Iraq in June.
Among the awards and decorations Fernandez has received are the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Fernandez has been assigned since February 2005 to the 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood.
Cpl. Fernandez’s father, Ruben Fernandez Jr., was struck by a train and killed Aug. 27, 2006, according to Reporter-News files.
Fernandez is the fourth soldier from the Big Country killed this year in Iraq.
The most recent soldier, 24-year-old Spc. Donald A. “Wesley” Burkett, of Comanche, was killed March 10.
Sgt. Conrad Alvarez, who had ties in Big Spring and Roscoe, died Feb. 20, and Staff Sgt. Gary W. Jeffries, 37, of Roscoe, was killed Jan. 28.
The first Big Country soldier to be killed in Iraq was Maj. Jay T. Aubin of Bangs.
Posted by donny on October 14, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OH s--- THAT IS BAD. I hate hearing that this family needs no more disasters.
Posted by mstiah on October 14, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As the mother of a soldier, my heart breaks for this family. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Rest in peace young hero.
Posted by Nikki on October 14, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Marcus I miss you so much. My prayers go out to him mother, sisters and the rest of his family. Love you always Crook.
Posted by texasblackhawk84 on October 14, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to this mans family.
Posted by mamad on October 14, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My heart goes out to the family. Just know your son was doing an important work and we are proud of him. God Bless You.
Posted by donny on October 14, 2008 at 8:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He loved it and lived by it but i can't believe it.
Posted by bronbo on October 14, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My deepest sympathy for the family. There is a special place in Heaven for heroes such as Cpl. Reuben M. Fernandez III.
Posted by huckster on October 14, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
God bless this family.
Posted by peter_north on October 14, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is that Rudy "Fearless" Fernandez son??
Either way. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family on the ultimate sacrifice.
God Bless You.
Posted by Colt on October 14, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Our deepest sympathies to the family, he is truly an American hero. Mere words can not express the feeling of sorrow as another brother has made the ultimate sacrifice...rest in peace little brother
Posted by HoursAway on October 14, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Marcus was Rudy's nephew. His father (who passed away a couple of years ago) was Rudy's brother.
I'll miss him a lot. His emails kept me going, and always encouraged me. He was a great guy from an extremely close, wonderful family. Our prayers are with them.
I hope the community will step up in anyway they can to honor this hero. Prayers will especially be needed.
Posted by ksb3 on October 15, 2008 at 12:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How can one send condolences to this
Hero's family? I wonder if I just
sent it to his family with Abilene,
Texas on the envelope if they would get it? I don't
live in Abilene.
Posted by afdroncb5 on October 15, 2008 at 1:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We as this young man's family appreciate all your truly thoughtful loving comments, yes please please keep praying for Reuben Marcus Fernandez' III family his mother is Aurora Fernandez and his father the belated Reuben Fernandez II. For the person that wanted to mail condolences can send them to 1560 N. Willis Abilene Tx 79603
Posted by johnboy on October 15, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Cpl, Fernandez for protecting the freedoms I and everyone of this great country enjoy. My deepest sympathies to the family, he is truly an American Hero! Mission Accomplished Soldier! God Bless
Posted by blahblah on October 15, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So sad! My heart and prayers go out to the family.
God Bless!
Posted by rdahl85 on October 15, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RIP God Bless the Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all... He was doing our great nation a service with honor and respect. He will always be a hero.
Posted by rampbrat on October 15, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of Cpl Fernandez. May God comfort you is this terrible time.
Posted by MelLaneHerweck on October 15, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this brave young man. He will never be forgotten.
Posted by wildturkey on October 15, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My thoughts go to the family and I'm proud that Cpl. Ruben M. Fernandez III was defending me.
Posted by abileneres on October 15, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To Cpl Fernandez's family & friends~ I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Although I don't personally know the family- please know that your family is in my family's prayers.
Posted by mizthang on October 15, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To the Fernandez Family, just a line or two to extend my deepest sympathy to you. My family and I are praying for you. God Bless You, God Bless America.
Posted by shastanelson on October 15, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cousin Marcus, you paid the ultimate price for making sure our country stays safe and words can not express how proud of you I am and how much I love you. You will be missed greatly..I love you Aunt Aurora, Stephanie, and Candice you are in my prayers every night.
Posted by Festus on October 15, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't have the words for what I feel. Cpl Fernandez is a true American hero. My thoughts and prayers go out for his family.
Posted by RikkiSantibanez on October 15, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just can't believe it. I'm miss you so much already. Your so young and had so many things you wanted to do. Its just doesn't seem fair. You always knew how to make me laugh and I'll always remember those times. You will be in my heart forever. RIP Marcus.
....your yellow pair of running shoes.
Posted by alphatexanomega on October 15, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To the Fernandez Family,
My deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to all of you. Your son gave the ultimate sacrafice for his country and I am forever grateful. He is and will always be a hero.
Posted by ihaveanopinion on October 15, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
May God comfort you during this time.
Posted by unsub on October 15, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There is no greater sacrifice, Cpl Fernandez is a hero forever to his country.
God Bless the Fernandez family.
Posted by tubratty4u on October 15, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Marcus, you are missed dearly and we love you...you and your loved ones are in our prayers..anything you need baby sis, you know I'm here for you and your family...I would take all your pain if I could..you have two guardian angels watching out for you...he is a great hero and will be in our hearts forever...
Posted by 70Chevelle on October 15, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not know this family, but I pray blessings on each and every one of them. Thank you for the sacrifice this young soldier made so that my family can sleep in peace each night. God Bless.
Posted by wagamama on October 15, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ksb3, you can post condolences to the family online on the obituaries page.
My prayers and thoughts go out to the entire family and extended family.
Posted by chica1976 on October 15, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Our thoughts and prayers go out the Hernandez and Flores families. Aurora, you raised a very brave, courageous and fine young Man. He sacrificed his life for us to live in this country. He is now in Heaven as one of God's Angels watching over you and his brothers. God bless you and your entire family.
Posted by jimmypickens on October 15, 2008 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You served with honor and bravery, my brother at arms! God bless your family.
Posted by rekjdd1230 on October 15, 2008 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Flores and Fernandez family. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Posted by ros on October 15, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rubin is like a son to me I love him so much he is family to me and my children all of us send our prayers to his mother and the sisters. Thanks Rubin for protecting me and being my hero. I love you son
Ms. Breggitta Evans, Rosalind E. Reginald E. Larry P. Montez B. Shaunte' B. God Bless The Fernandez family.
Posted by ros on October 15, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lord I pray that you just watch over and just bless his family. They loved and cared for him so much. Steph I know you and your family are hurting terribly. I just want you to know your family is in our heart minds and we will be praying for you. We will truly miss him. He was a very special part of our family, which he very well knew. God bless you all.
Posted by ros on October 15, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If there is anyway we can get information on the services that would be great. We live in Oklahoma so we want to be able to get there to pay our respects and give our condolences.
Posted by AHeroesSister on October 16, 2008 at 12:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For Those Of You Interested In Funeral Arrangements At This Moment We Are Unable To Inform You Because They Are Pending. We Do Believe That Most Likely We Are Looking At Monday October 20th. As Soon As We Have Definite Dates The Abilene Reporter News Will Post All Of The Information On The Obituary. On Behalf Of The Fernandez/Flores Family, We Want To Thank You So Much For Your Concerns, Prayers, And Loving Comments.
My Brother Was A GREAT Person. RIP BRO I LOVE YOU!
Posted by LCpl_Booker_USMC on October 16, 2008 at 12:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I cant tell you enough of how proud I am for you. Your bravery and continuous courage has shown our country and others that we are not afraid. From high school we were friends, to my brother your were a best friend a brother, to my sister you showed love. I cant say that I wish you were home because you already are. What I can tell you from me is that Im proud of you for not sticking you life out here in Abilene, but risking it everyday for your country as well as I. You of all people that knew my mother she favored you the most becasue you were just like me in certain areas of the mind and heart. We will never forget you, we will never forget what you did for us and for me. I can promise you that what ever this country ask me to do I will go as you did. I will leave with the sense of caution, I will leave scared, but I will show no fear, I will lead and follow those who are with me, I will serve my country for the same purpose you did. You are always my friend, since the day we meet in choir with Mike Pachardo, you will always have a place in my heart and mind. I love you and so does my family. You have my permission to rest now SG. Fernandez. Thank you for your commitment.
Rest In Peace Soldier
Semper Fidelis
LCpl Booker US Marine Corps.
Posted by maggiedog on October 16, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My prayers and sympathies are with the Fernandez family. I know what its like to have a child in harm's way. It's most unsettling to say the least. Thank God my boy came home safe and sound. War is indeed the sum of all evils.
Posted by bropro on October 16, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
God Bless this young man and his loved ones. Prayers and condolences to the family.
Posted by shonipower on October 16, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
God bless you and your family. Thank you for raising such a strong and brave man. May God comfort you in your time of need.
Posted by CandiceFernandez on October 16, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW, how amazing...so many tributes! As I think about what happened many things run thru my mind...like....how come it had to be you why not another?
I have heard the good die young.....That’s the proof....that he had done his job here.
There will be many times in our lives that WILL NOT be the same without you there. I promise to say a prayer in my heart thanking you for your courage every time this occurs.
I wish we had spent every day together and I’m so sorry we didn’t. I love you brother. I love you
Posted by pawlawalsh on October 16, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Norma & Mario I am so very sorry for the loss of you cousin. I can not imagine the agony you both and his mom must feel right now. I did not know him but I thank him for what he has done for me and my country. It is such a sad time but hopefully in the coming years though you'll miss him, you'll begin to remember all the funny things he did with all those baby cousins that made you laugh so hard. God Bless you all and God speed your healing. lbw
Posted by johnboy on October 16, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Abilene- Please show your support for this Soldier. Fly your American flags. If you own a business, say a few words on your marque. Tie a yellow ribbon on your car anntenna... Do what you can to show him we love and will always remember him! Show this native Abilene Soldier that his sacrifice is greatly apperciated and that as Americans we love our military. He after all is a product of Abilene, our neighbor, our friend, our Son...
Posted by HoursAway on October 17, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you johnboy, great suggestion. I'll be coming into town this weekend to see the family and attend his service. I'm sure every friend and family member would appreciate the extra support.
Posted by MelLaneHerweck on October 17, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For more tributes to this young hero-go to the patriotguard.org site and see how people all across the country feel about our Military heroes.
Posted by tellerai on October 18, 2008 at 5:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Aurora, Stephanie and the family:
My heart goes out to all of you. You are in my prayers. In honor of Marcus the flag at my house is at half-staff and will remain so until he is put to rest here. He was my hero too.
Lynette
Posted by Joyous on October 18, 2008 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
May God bless the Fernandez family and friends during this difficult time, and in all the days ahead. I pray that your memories of Reuben will live large in your hearts. Thank you for sharing your hero with us and may we all honor his sacrifice.
Joyce (aunt of Spc. Donald Wesley Burkett, KIA in Iraq, 3-10-08)
Posted by mommakelly_64 on October 20, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
God Bless you and your family. I thank you for raising a wonderful person and soldier. I thank you for your son keeping my family safe. He will never be forgotten. You are in my prayers and thoughts every day. You have my deepest appreciation. Thank you for your sacrifice. Much love from our family.
Posted by West_Texas_Fella on October 20, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To my friend Aurora:
My heart breaks for you.
To my fellow Americans:
Thanks to everyone that has shown such amazing support in this difficult time. However, Aurora and Stephanie are going to need everyones prayers, support and understanding.
I ask everyone to say a prayer for these two beautiful ladies every day, just as they will pray and cry for Marcus everyday.
TO MARCUS:
I know you are up above looking down on each and everyone of us right now, THANK YOU for allowing me to live safely in this great country.
Remember fellow Americans "Freedom is not FREE".
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