Barreras, Martin Ray

Martin Ray Barreras was a career U.S. Army soldier who served for over 22 years. A Command Sergeant Major, he was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, based at Fort Bliss, Texas. His service included multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Philippines, as well as a deployment to the Horn of Africa.

On May 6, 2014, Barreras was on a dismounted patrol near Herat, Afghanistan, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces with small arms fire. He was struck and seriously wounded. He was evacuated from Afghanistan and received treatment at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, where he succumbed to his wounds on May 13, 2014.

Barreras was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. His death occurred in the final year of the operation, a period marked by a drawdown of U.S. forces and continued insurgent attacks as the mission shifted from combat to a train-and-advise role for the Afghan National Security Forces.

According to an Army statement, Barreras was remembered by his brigade commander as a 'loving husband, father, and brother' and a 'talented and committed soldier.' His death was reported by several major news outlets, including the Associated Press and the Army Times.

Barreras was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. He is survived by his wife and three children. In 2015, a fitness center at Fort Bliss was dedicated in his honor.

Command Sgt. Maj. Martin Barreras was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001?2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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