Soldier from Mesa dies in Afghanistan

A Mesa resident was one of two soldiers killed during a military operation in Afghanistan on Friday, Dec. 12, according to the Department of Defense.

Spc. Wyatt J. Martin, 22, died when the vehicle he was riding in struck an improvised explosive device, according to the DOD news release.

Sgt. 1st Class Ramon S. Morris, 37, of New York, also died during the attack, which occurred in the Parwan province.

Both soldiers belonged to the 3rd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Martin is remembered by family and friends as having a "bigger than life" personality and as an inspiration to all who knew him.

Julie Martin, Wyatt's mother, told 12 News her son loved his job and saw it as an opportunity to give back to the community.

He enjoyed the military's structure and taking a leadership role, she said.

"It's what he wanted to do" Martin said. "He always felt good about what he did and I felt good about who he was and how he represented us, his country and the military."

Wyatt, the youngest of three, loved fishing and hunting, and wanted to work in the Game and Fish Department, his father, Brian Martin, told 12 News.

Friends nicknamed him Paul Bunyan in high school because of his adventurous attitude and love of the outdoors, his mother said.

The Martins, who last saw their son in June during a family vacation to Michigan, said they'll most miss his hugs and his excitement.

Jordan Williams, Wyatt's childhood friend, described him as "easily the greatest man I've ever met."

"He always found a way to brighten people's days no matter what," he said. "It was what drew people to him."

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer ordered that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Monday, Dec. 15 in honor of Martin. Flags will also be lowered the day of Martin's funeral service, according to a statement from the governor's office. A date has not been announced.

"Please join me in offering a prayer for Specialist Martin, for his loved ones, and for all the men and women who have risked and given their lives to preserve and protect freedom throughout the world," Brewer said in the statement.

As of Dec. 11, 2,214 U.S. military members have died in Afghanistan as a result of Operation Enduring Freedom, according to the Defense Department.