Steven A Valdez

Full Name: Steven Armando Valdez

Hometown: McRae, Arkansas

Rank/Branch: Lance Corporal (LCpl), United States Marine Corps

Key Unit(s):

• Echo Company, Weapons Platoon, 2nd Bn, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division

Death: September 26, 2005 — killed by enemy mortar fire at Camp Blessing, Afghanistan

Summary: Lance Corporal Steven A. Valdez answered the call to serve in the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school, leaving behind his hometown of McRae, Arkansas. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines out of Kaneohe Bay, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On September 26, 2005 — just 20 years old — Steven was killed by enemy mortar fire while defending Camp Blessing, giving his young life in service of his country.

Though his time in uniform was short, Steven’s sacrifice remains a powerful reminder of the cost of liberty and the courage of those who volunteer. By sharing his story on the Hero Tree, we ensure that even a young Marine from Arkansas — far from home — is remembered among our community’s honored heroes.

Submitted by: his friend, Rich Brown