MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines and sailors serving with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion gathered to honor three of their fallen brothers here at Camp San Mateo, Dec. 6.
The service was held for Cpl. Alex Martinez and Lance Cpls. Steven P. Stevens and Alec R. Terwiske, who were killed during combat operations in Afghanistan.
The battalion’s mission in Afghanistan was to detect land mines and improvised explosive devices along patrol routes and aircraft landing zones, said Cpl. Colten Clubine, a team leader serving Charlie Co., 1st CEB.
“These are Marines that we can all look up to. They made the ultimate sacrifice and are heroes,” said Sgt. Lloyd Crabtree, a squad leader serving with Charlie Co.
Stevens was a Tallahassee, Fla. native and had left college to fulfill his dream of being an engineer.
“He was just an all around happy guy, talked about his family a lot, and was always smiling and ready to go on patrols,” Clubine said.
Corporal Jonathon Merit, a fire team leader in 1st CEB, described Martinez, a native of Elgin, Ill., as a great Marine, but a better friend to everyone.
Lieutenant Col. Andrew Niebel, the commander of 1st CEB, said Terwiske, a native of Dubois, Ind, was committed to his fellow Marines and his family.
“Taps” played, a 21-gun-salute sounded, and heads were bowed.
“Everyone of these men died doing what they loved: being a Marine,” said Niebel, “It was a honor to serve with these men, they will not be forgotten.”