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Mark Stets Jr.

Mark Stets Obituary

Mark A. Stets Jr. VIRGINIA BEACH - On Feb. 3, 2010, a soldier paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Staff sergeant Mark A. Stets Jr. died in defense of America in Pakistan. Born at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana on Jan. 4, 1971, he started his journey to extend his military heritage from 1940 when his grandfather enlisted in the Army Air Corps, his father with the Navy, and his service in the Navy and Army. Seventy continuous years of military service and his passing completes our family's dedication. Staff Sgt. Stets is survived by his parents, Mark and Nancy Stets; wife, Nina; and daughters, Jessica, December and Rachael. A memorial service will be held at WAVE Church, 1000 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, at noon Saturday, Feb. 27.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Feb. 25, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Stets

32 Entries

Lynne Neibert

June 18, 2011

Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who strive to send handmade prayer shawls and/ or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA would like to honor your son’s sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a shawl which we will mail to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses and what they would like to receive. We will send them as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address, as our organization can no longer get family contacts through the military. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne

Tanya Ray

March 17, 2011

Words cannot express my sorrow for the loss of SSgt. Stets. My son was deployed with him. Please know that he will forever be remembered as a HERO!

Charlene Westbrook

February 3, 2011

Nina and Family,
You are forever etched on my heart. I am so honored to call you my friend even though we just met I feel as though we have known each other for a long time. You are in my prayers and thoughts always but more so today as you remember your Hero Mark. We will NEVER forget and please know your sacrifice will NEVER go unnoticed. God Bless your Family.

Proud Widow of SFC Kenneth Westbrook
KIA October 7, 2009
Afghanistan

Debbie Elam

June 25, 2010

My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Chairman of the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. Our group is making and presenting a numbered memorial quilt to the immediate family of each soldier killed in the Iraq War with ties to the Commonwealth of Virginia. We have a website at www.vmqp.com if you get a chance to see the quilts. We have presented 160 traditional quilts as of this date. Please contact me via email ([email protected]) or phone at 804-598-0465 and I will get the information from you so we can send you a Memorial Quilt in honor of your soldier. TOGETHER...WE WILL NOT FORGET!
Thank you.
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
2621 Linbrook Drive
Henrico, VA 23228

TR Peters

May 28, 2010

I miss you very much, brother... even though you're probably taking a humorous pop-shot at me right now! Out of all the years we worked, deployed, and laughed together, I hold our last memory most fond. I remember 3 days before you deployed, being inside my car with my foot on the brake and transmission held in reverse. I was sending a text message to my wife before pulling out, to let her know that I was about to head to lunch if she wanted to meet me. During that text, got a sudden phone call from you. I remember answering the call and being puzzled at your initial comment, which was, "What are doing, Tom?" I remember thinking, that's a strange way to start a phone call even for Mark! And I responded, "Not much, about to go to lunch, why what's up?" And you said, "Because I was wondering if you were going to move out of that parking spot!" I instantly looked behind me, and there you were, beaming me with that big ol' bald-headed, sly smile of yours through your car window! I'm not sure why out of every memory that sticks me the most. In part, I feel very fortunate now that we shared one last laugh and a good conversation just before you deployed and it just seems to comfort all other memories!

I especially want to thank your children, wife, and partents for their sacrifice, as they survive you most of all --while myself and so many others enjoy one more blessed weekend with our own loved ones. I am grateful to them and you for that and will never forget it.

I remember, Mark!

Randy Norris

May 23, 2010

every person that knew SSG Stets was better for having known him. Mark and I served togeher in the 3rd of the 27th Field Artillery during OIF one, and both bought our 100th aniversary sportsters at the end, I know he loved to ride as I do, and I just know he now sits on a new Harley, riding the golden streets of Heaven, where the breeze is always cool on your face, and the sun is always so bright you have to wear shades.
SFC (Retired) Randy Norris

Stephanie Rafoss

March 24, 2010

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

March 15, 2010

SSG Mark A. Stets Memorial Ride Saturday March 27th, 2010.

Bridget

March 14, 2010

Mark is the definition of a soldier. Of all the people I ever worked with, he upheld the values and standards of the American soldier to the endth degree. I have a tremendous amount of a respect for Mark, which I don't say lightly. He had a stoic morality about him when he spoke of the war. Yet he always kept a light heart and could always bring a smile. He really had a way with people.

I never had the honor of meeting his family, but he spoke of his wife and daughters often. He loved all of you so much. It was kind of funny to see the big tough guy he was ride up on his bike and then proceed to talk about "his girls." He was an amazing man, and I know he will be missed by many.

To his wife and daughters, I want you to know that he touched many, and he is with you always. You are in my prayers. God bless each of you.

Jane Moses

March 10, 2010

Dear Nina and Family,

In behave of your Aunt Jane and family, you and your family have our deepest, deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband, SSgt Mark Stets. Mark died a hero. Our hearts go out to you and yours. We love you. You are in our prayers.

God Bless,

Love, Aunt Jane and Family

Chandler

March 3, 2010

Mark will never know how much his ultimate sacrifice means to me and to others around the country. God Bless him.

Kate Sawaya

March 2, 2010

I'm sorry for your loss! This story is very sad, God Bless you and help you to be comforted by his grace and love!
I was a SSG in the 82nd Abn Div and was in the Gulf war.

Jane Cole

February 25, 2010

Dear Mark and Nancy, you and your family have been and continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I know that you feel the Lord's Presence so close, giving you all you need during this difficult time. May His strength, comfort, grace and peace surround you as you walk through this valley.

With all my love, Jane Cole and family and Bill, too!

"3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 11Cor.1:3,4

Ed Anderson

February 25, 2010

To the family and friends of Staff Sergeant Mark Stets, may our heavenly Father comfort you at this time of your loss. SSG Stets has joined his comrades in their place being part of God's Army. Earth's loss of a hero is heaven's gain.
Numbers 6:24-25

Libby Wood

February 23, 2010

Thank you, Mark, for proudly serving our country! You will be deeply missed. My prayers go out to your family and your friends. Rest in peace!

Karen Bane

February 19, 2010

I want to send my deepest sympathies to the family of a AMERICAN HERO. I met Mark years ago through an ARMY website. It was by accident that I met him but I thank GOD every day that I did and that I was allowed the great honor of knowing and becoming good friends with Mark. He always made me laugh with a stupid joke or something corny that he would say when he know that I was upset or in a bad mood. I called him the gecko. He was always talking about running up my arm and sitting on my shoulder I guess he was like a guardian angel. He would always say when he sat on my shoulder that he would stick his little gecko tounge in my ear to make sure I knew he was there. And If he wasnt on shoulder he was always climbing the walls and hanging from ceiling blending in with that color so he wasnt seen. When i first met him he was a very quiet man but once we became friends there was no shutting him up. He was very loving man and loved his family and friends. He was very protective of all. I am so glad to have been able to call him a friend and he will forever be my friend. He may be gone from this earth to a better place where there are no wars or hatred but he will forever still be here on earth with us in our hearts. When I heard about this I didnt believe it till I went to reading about it, and then I cried. I also thought of him as a big brother because I also was in the ARMY and that brings even a more tie to him. THANK YOU SSG. MARK STETS FOR YOUR UNDYING SERVICE!!!! YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART... I will miss the gecko but will remember you and laugh every time i see the gieco commercials even more now... LOVE YOU BATTLE!!!!!

Pastor Rich Pickens

February 19, 2010

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Stets family. We are thankful for the great service rendered and saddened by your great loss.

Steve Knox

February 17, 2010

Today you welcome me to heaven and sorrow feels your heart even though we are not together we will never be apart.
Our time we had together was cut short in the blink of an eye but you can still see me in all gods’ glory when you look up to the sky.
Why he called me home so soon right now I can’t explain I know you have the answers and your friends all feel your pain
Today you cry and say good bye to the man you knew and loved but I promise you our next time together will be for eternity in heaven above
Now it is time to move on and let me fly up above I know you will not forget me as you will always feel my love as I look down on you today I know why you are sad but please remember even here in heaven you are still my Mom and Dad...........Rest in peace Staff Sgt.Mark Stets I thank you from the bottom of my heart

Charles H. Miranda

February 17, 2010

=======================================
I WHISPER YOUR NAME TO THE WIND.
=======================================

YOU HAVE GONE WITH THE WIND
SO FAR AWAY ACROSS THE BLUE
SKY;

YOU HAVE GONE WITH THE WIND
SO FAR AWAY ACROSS THE BLUE
SKY,

I WHISPER YOUR NAME TO THE
WIND;

I WHISPER YOUR NAME TO THE
WIND,

THE WIND CARRIES YOUR NAME
SO FAR AWAY ACROSS THE BLUE
SKY;

THERE'S A FIRE IN THE SKY
AS THE SOUND OF THUNDER AND
LIGHTNING ARE ROARING ACROSS
THE BLUE SKY,

THEN SUDDENLY FROM OUT OF NO
WHERE I HEAR YOUR SWEET
SOFTLY VOICE CALLING OUT TO
ME IN THE WIND;

AND IT BRINGS TEARS OF JOY TO
MY EYES TO HEAR YOUR SWEET
SOFTLY VOICE CALLING OUT TO ME
IN THE WIND.

=======================================

Do A Web Search On:
Charles H. Miranda -- Or.
charlesthepoet2003
============================

Darryl Welch

February 16, 2010

The last time I saw you was last year at the Airborne PX. We chatted for a minute about our days in B 3/27. I never knew that would be the last time I saw you. I just found out by reading The Army Times and my mouth just dropped.

February 16, 2010

Many prayers are with your friends and family at this time , more importantly the God of comfort is. Please read Isaiah 25.8 and John 3:16 and see how very soon war and death will be no more.

Gary Allain

February 16, 2010

STAFF SGT MARK STETS
You are my Hero may God keep you in his arms forever.

Kerin Hearn

February 15, 2010

My deepest condolences on your tremendous loss. Please remember you're not grieving alone, other military families share your pain. Without brave and unselfish men like Staff Sgt Mark Stets, I would not have the freedom I enjoy every day. It's my duty now to thank him and pay respect to him and his family for their ultimate sacrifice. God bless you in your time of need and bring you peace.

Bob Miller

February 15, 2010

Don Bresnahan is a close friend and told me about Mark and his family! I served in Vietnam as an Army officer with the Marines doing some of the same things Mark was doing! My deepest wish is that 40 years later he could write a note to his kids, but that will not be! God Bless and keep you...I cannot express my sadness nor my pride for his great and honorable service! We cannot be and will not be America without great Americans like Mark.
Bob Miller

Joy Berends

February 14, 2010

Oh, I was so sorry to read Ssgt Stets death in Pakistan. I thank you for his service and sacrifice for our nation. May the Lord comfort you and I'll be praying for you.

Charles H. Miranda

February 12, 2010

=======================================
FOLLOW THE RAINBOW TO HEAVEN.
=======================================

A SOLDIER HAD DIE OUT ON THE
BATTLEFIELD;

BROKEN HEARTS ARE WEEPING FOR
THEM,

BUT TAKE COMFORT OF KNOWING
THAT GOD HAD SENT THEM A
RAINBOW FROM HEAVEN;

THE SOULS OF THE SOLDIERS
HAVE GONE TO THERE HOME
IN HEAVEN,

OUR LOVED ONE'S HAS FOLLOW
GOD'S LOVELY RAINBOW IN THE
SKY;

ALL THE WAY TO THE END OF THE
SKY.

THAT LEADS ALL THE WAY TO THE
OTHER END OF THE LORD'S
HOUSE IN HEAVEN,

SO JUST KEEP ON PRAYING AND
TRUST THAT GOD WILL SEND US
THAT SAME RAINBOW IN THE SKY;

WHERE OUR LOVED ONE'S ARE
WAITING FOR YOU AND FOR ME AT
THE END OF THE RAINBOW IN
HEAVEN.

=======================================

Do A Web Search On:
Charles H. Miranda -- Or.
charlesthepoet2003
============================

Demetrick Bennett

February 11, 2010

I will always remember you. Rest in Peace SSG Stets.

Suzanne MacDaniel

February 11, 2010

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Mark will never be forgotten.

For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you .

Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt

SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq

Henryk Zaleski

February 11, 2010

Rest in peace.

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

February 10, 2010

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to our Brother-in-Arms S/SGT Mark Stets. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Mark. And to Mark it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Mark, you are a brave American Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,353 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Mark’s family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

SHIRLEY DONEY

February 9, 2010

REST IN PEACE STAFF SGT. STETS, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU MARK

Garnet Jenkins

February 9, 2010

I am Deeply Saddened to learn of the loss of SSgt Mark Stets. The Price this Brave Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.

There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank our Heroes for their Sacrifices, my brother among them, killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~

I am sincerely hoping that you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the difficult days ahead, as this Grateful Country mourns with you, for Someone Very Precious to you, Who Is A True American Hero to all of us.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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