03/13/2020 – On Friday, the United States Department of Defense released the name of an Owasso Air National Guardsman who was killed in a rocket attack in Iraq Wednesday.
Staff Sgt. Marshal D. Roberts, 28, of Owasso was killed while working in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, according to defense officials. Army Spc.* Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias, 27, of Hanford, California was also killed in the attack.
Roberts was a member of the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, 138th Fighter Wing, out of Tulsa. He served as the 219th’s senior personnel non-commissioned officer while deployed.
“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 said. “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.
