Airborne Sappers remember one of their own Published June 6, 2011 By Sgt. Tamika Dillard 3rd MEB PAO JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Service members, family and friends gathered at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Soldiers' Chapel May 24 to honor the memory of Spc. Arturo Martinez. Martinez was born on Sept. 6, 1978, in Escondido, Calif., He enlisted in the Army in August 2008 and attended basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Upon completion of AIT, he was assigned to 23rd Engineer Company (Airborne), 6th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, at Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson. Following his arrival, Martinez distinguished himself by earning his airborne wings at Fort Benning, Ga., in 2009. He deployed to Afghanistan with the 23rd Sappers in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010 where he served as a combat engineer. Martinez was found dead in his Anchorage home, May 9. He is survived by his father Jesus Martinez, mother, Tina Salazar, and daughter, Camie. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and fellow Soldiers who loved Spc. Arturo Martinez," said Capt. Ryan Hintz, 23rd Sapper company commander. "His life brought great impact upon those who knew him. He will be missed."