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Fallen soldier remembered
by Staff
(Photo caption) Capt. Mark Garner, a State Road native, was a company commander serving in Afghanistan.
Army Capt. Mark A. Garner, 30, of Elkin, who was killed Monday while on duty in Afghanistan, is being remembered this week by his family and friends for his positive attitude, friendly smile and dedication to his job.
Garner's wife, Nickayla, is the daughter of Dwayne and Barbara S. Myers of Bethel Road near Clingman in eastern Wilkes. Garner's parents are Donnie Ray and Elizabeth Garner of Elkin.
Garner was the commander of Company B, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment (1-4 Inf.) of the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany. He died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near a military convoy of Navy explosive ordnance disposal specialists, striking his M-1151 Humvee during combat operations in the Arghandab District of Afghanistan.
According to the Army, Garner was on his third deployment, and served two tours in Baghdad, prior to his most recent deployment to Afghanistan.
"There is a sense of loss today. We've lost a friend, comrade, and brother-in-arms," said Col. Michael S. Higginbottom, chief of staff and acting commander of the Joint Multinational Training Command in Grafenwoehr. "We are saddened by the loss, but also proud and humbled by the demonstration of this soldier's commitment to peace, cooperation, and camaraderie as displayed by his selfless service."
The 1-4 Inf. has supported the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) since 2004. The unit deploys a company-size element, during each ISAF rotation to Afghanistan. While in country, the soldiers are attached to the Romanian Land Forces.
The incident also claimed the life of Petty Officer Second Class Tony Michael Randolph, 22, of Henryetta, Okla., of the Navy Mobile Unit 822. Two other Navy personnel were injured in the attack.
"We will keep the other service members and their families in our prayers as they recover from their wounds," said Higginbottom.
A native of State Road and a graduate of Elkin High School, Garner entered the Army in 2002, after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. with a bachelor of science degree in engineering.
Statement from family
This week, Garner's family released a statement on the incident, expressing concern for others who were injured and telling of Garner's love for the military.
The statement is included below.
"We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families of Mark's fallen comrades and the families of the sailors who were injured in the attack. Know that we will pray for their speedy recovery.
"Please be praying for the safety of the nearly 200 soldiers in Mark's company currently fighting this difficult fight as well as dealing with the loss of their company commander. We pray that they will all return safely to Hohenfels to be with their families.
"As difficult as this is to accept, it is made easier by the thought that Mark was happy and content as a soldier. Mark died doing the job he loved, and we will cherish fond memories of him forever. He was a dedicated Soldier, and we are very proud of him."
The statement continued, "There are no words to express how much Mark will be missed by his family and friends and the others who had the privilege to know him. His memory will forever remain in our hearts as people share fond stories of Mark, many of which include comments about his larger-than-life smile and depth of character.
"Mark loved his family beyond words, especially his parents, Beth and Don, and his sisters, Jo and Rachel, and often spoke very fondly of his time growing up in the Elkin area. He loved his family, loved his country, loved the Army lifestyle and loved exploring new and exciting places.
"He enjoyed running and spending time with his fellow soldiers, but the two main things he was wild about were his wife and traveling. When questioned he would say he loved traveling and his wife, and nothing could be better than traveling with his wife, Nickayla.
"He visited 52 countries in the last 12 years, places where most people never go, such as Indonesia, China, Bulgaria, Transdiniestria and Albania. Mark loved to drive and explore, so most of his travels were by car. He had his free-time travel planned out for three years in advance, but there just was never enough time for all of his ambitious and exciting travel plans. Although we don't know anything about his last few minutes, he was probably talking to the sailors in his convoy about his travels.
"In Elkin and at all his military assignments, including Ranger training, Mark was remembered for his positive attitude and friendly smile. Everyone enjoyed being around Mark, because he was always happy and was the ultimate optimist. Although full of confidence, he blushed easily, especially from Nickayla's antics, which he loved."
According to the Army, the soldiers in Garner's company not only patrolled their area of operations for enemy activity, but also did development work. This included training and mentoring Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, establishing schools and health clinics, distributing food and farm equipment and helping health care providers treat diseases in adults and children.
The date and time of Garner's memorial service has not been announced but the memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Elkin.
Funeral arrangements, to be handled by Hodges Funeral Home, have not been completed.
The JMRC plans to host a service for the community, family and friends later this month at the First Baptist Church of Elkin. |
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