SFC Keith C. Martel

1978 - 2017

Martel, SFC Keith C. BALTIMORE, Md. SFC Keith C. Martel passed away on June 3, 2017. He was born on January 11, 1978, in Albany to Keith and Eileen Martel. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in March of 1996 at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he earned the coveted Ranger and Special Forces Tabs. While there, he served with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He was reassigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He served in both Iraq and Afghanistan for a total of five combat tours, serving admirably in tough situations. As a result of his considerable experience and expertise, he was personally selected in 2014 to serve with the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), where he excelled in support of Soldiers and the mission. Keith was known as a great supporter of Soldiers and constantly checked on members of his unit, providing professional guidance and mentorship. SFC Martel's military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, and Parachutist Badge. On June 28, 2015, Keith and his beloved Nichole were married in Pueblo, Colo. Among his many hobbies, Keith loved to ride his motorcycle with his wife, Nichole, spending countless hours together sharing moments in the beautiful German countryside. Keith was a member of the Special Forces Association and the Special Forces Motorcycle Club in Stuttgart, Germany. Keith will be remembered as an incredible son, father, husband and friend. Known widely for his huge smile and warm demeanor, Keith lightened the lives of all he met, and invested in people in a very special way. Time and again, Keith sacrificed his time and energy helping his Soldiers, friends and family in need. So full of life and vitality, Keith fought to the end, and died on June 3, in Baltimore as a result from complications associated with a motorcycle accident. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Keith is survived by his wife, Nichole; his father, CSM (Ret.) Keith F. Martel (Kelley); his mother, Eileen M. Martel; his stepmother Kathy Martel; and his children, Aidan J. Martel, Morgan J. Martel, Morghan Higgins, Mackenzie Higgins, and Madison Higgins. A memorial service will be conducted in his memory in Stuttgart, Germany.