Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Smith, 26, of Arlington, Texas, died April 6 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, based out of Houston, Texas. Jeremy was assigned as platoon sergeant for 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division, the "Lone Star Battalion," Houston. Jeremy was a proud Marine. He completed initial basic training Sept. 11, 2003. While on active duty, Jeremy valiantly completed three combat tours in Iraq. Jeremy voluntarily extended his initial enlistment to complete the third. Upon leaving active duty, Jeremy enlisted in the Texas Marine Reserves because he wanted to continue training future Marines. He obtained the rank of staff sergeant Aug. 1, 2010. Among his awards were two Navy Achievement Medals, one with valor, as well the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Ribbon, which were awarded posthumously. Survivors: Wife, Rachel Whipp Smith; parents, Jerry and Sandra Smith; sister, Shayda Heath and husband, Nathan; brother, Tyler Smith; niece, Lilly; nephew, Greyson; grandmothers, Mema Smith and Mema Allen; aunts, Susan, Linda, Brenda and Nancy; uncles, Danny and Charlie, Dot and Ira, Lee Harris; a large and loving extended family; and friends.
Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Smith, 26, of Arlington, Texas, died April 6 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, based out of Houston, Texas. Jeremy was assigned as platoon sergeant for 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division, the "Lone Star Battalion," Houston. Jeremy was a proud Marine. He completed initial basic training Sept. 11, 2003. While on active duty, Jeremy valiantly completed three combat tours in Iraq. Jeremy voluntarily extended his initial enlistment to complete the third. Upon leaving active duty, Jeremy enlisted in the Texas Marine Reserves because he wanted to continue training future Marines. He obtained the rank of staff sergeant Aug. 1, 2010. Among his awards were two Navy Achievement Medals, one with valor, as well the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Ribbon, which were awarded posthumously. Survivors: Wife, Rachel Whipp Smith; parents, Jerry and Sandra Smith; sister, Shayda Heath and husband, Nathan; brother, Tyler Smith; niece, Lilly; nephew, Greyson; grandmothers, Mema Smith and Mema Allen; aunts, Susan, Linda, Brenda and Nancy; uncles, Danny and Charlie, Dot and Ira, Lee Harris; a large and loving extended family; and friends.
