TEHACHAPI LOSES ONE OF ITS OWN
Posted May 12, 2004, by Joy Gray Mazzola, The Tehachapi News
The family, friends and community of 24-year-old Sgt. Marvin Sprayberry III, killed in a military vehicle accident in the line of duty on May 3 in Balad, Iraq, mourn the loss of their son, brother, husband and friend.
According to a news release from the U.S. Department of Defense, the accident that killed the 1997 Tehachapi High School graduate and three other soldiers is currently under investigation. A spokesperson for the family said Sprayberry's vehicle had stopped to give aid to the vehicle behind them when the road collapsed and the Humvee carrying the young soldiers tumbled into a canal.
The outpouring of condolences has taken the family by surprise.
"You just don't know how many people care," said stepmom Lynn Sprayberry. "It's just been overwhelming."
Despite the media attention, the low-key Sprayberry family have come to realize that the extended community feels the loss of their heroic son, as well.
Three days after his death, Sprayberry was remembered during a number of National Day of Prayer events including one in Bakersfield attended by his sister Johnna, a Bakersfield police officer. A moment of silence was held in his honor at the National Day of Prayer breakfast in Tehachapi.
On the other side of the world, Sprayberry is remembered by his wife, Nadja, and her family of Vilseck, Germany.
To his family, his love of life and good humor will remain.
"He was a kid with an attitude," Lynn said, adding that his name was well known around Tehachapi High School. "He never met a person who didn't like him."
Long-time neighbor Margy Young remembered Sprayberry during his childhood as an "awesome individual" who was always looking out for the other kids.
"He always had a huge smile on his face and a great sense of humor. All the kids in the neighborhood looked up to him," she said. "He will be missed by many, many, many people."
After his high school graduation, Sprayberry enlisted in the Army, graduating from basic training at Ft. Sill, Okla., in August of 1997. He was stationed next in at Ft. Knox, Ky., in the 1-81st Armor Division before heading to Vilseck, Germany. It was there that he met and married his wife of about three years.
In December of 1999 and again in June of 2000, Sprayberry spent two six-month tours in Kosovo before serving as a Bradley tank mechanic for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Task Force 2-2 INF, Camp FOB War Horse.
Recently, he had arranged to be the contact point to receive shipments of items from home to share with his fellow soldiers, including toothbrushes and toothpaste, candy and writing paper. His family and friends immediately set up a collection point at the Red Caboose Saloon and invited the community to donate what they could to provide a small taste of home to the troops in Iraq. According to family friends, the response was more than successful.
The packages, due for mailing this week, will now be sent to Sprayberry's best friend in the unit for dispersal. According to family friend Orion Sanders, the packages will also include original bandannas created in memory of Sprayberry for each member of his unit.
"Marvin had many friends who loved him and are very proud of his sacrifice," Sanders said.
A memorial fund has been set up, in lieu of flowers, at the Bank of the West, 758 Tucker Road. Anyone wishing to contribute can make checks payable to the Sgt. Marvin Sprayberry Fund. Proceeds will help with the family's expenses to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. where he will be laid to rest on May 14.
A memorial service is being planned for May 22.