Marine Sergeant Jesse Michael Martin, a Marine who served his country with distinction, honor and commitment, a beloved husband, son, brother, hero and friend.
Jesse grew up in Florence and graduated from Bradshaw High School in 2005. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2008 and received Boot Camp training at Parris Island, SC. He served one tour in Afghanistan in the 2nd Anglico Unit. He returned home and married Morgan Strong. He was called for a second tour in Afghanistan where he was a forward observer working with the Nepalese Gurkhas, known as the fiercest fighters in the world. He taught them to read maps and call in artillery strikes and the handbook he wrote is still used by them. As a show of respect, the Gurkhas ceremoniously presented Jesse a Kukri, a forward curving knife used in combat.
Following his second tour he and Morgan lived in Camp Lejune, NC and they moved to Florence where he attended UNA. Jesse was an avid Jet Ski rider and had entered amateur competitions. He loved the outdoors, was a hunter, and a collector of guns.
Jesse was a great storyteller and was animated as he shared his tales. Friends and family knew not to interrupt until the story was told.
Jesse is survived by his wife Morgan Strong Martin; parents Jeff and Tammy Martin of Florence; parents-in-law Bill and Rachel Strong of Florence; grandparents Linda Bond, Sheffield, Geraldine Martin and Barbara Elliott of Muscle Shoals; aunts and uncles; sister-in-law Rita Strong, Harvest, Alabama.
Sgt Jesse Michael Martin lost his battle with PTS on November 3, 2013. He was 26 years old.