LCpl. Joshua Lucero, U.S.M.C. (KIA)

Taps for Tucson Marine

Hundreds turn out for tribute to Joshua Lucero, killed in Iraq blast

09:11 PM MST on Sunday, December 19, 2004

By Inger Sandal / ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Hundreds of people paid tribute to the life of Joshua Lucero, a young Marine lance corporal killed in an explosion in Iraq, during South Side services Saturday morning.

"My heart goes out to every military family across the country," Michael Lucero said. The news of every death hurts, he said, but it is devastating when it happens within your own family. "Then you just drop to your knees and pray it doesn't happen to any other families," he said.

Seven Tucsonans and two soldiers from Cochise County have died in Iraq since August 2003.

Michael Lucero said his family took comfort in the services and believes Joshua is now at rest in a better place.

"He was glad he went and he was happy to be helping," he said. Lucero's friends in Iraq have told his family how he lifted their spirits - they could return from a mission exhausted and filthy, and Joshua Lucero would break into an impression of Arnold Schwarzenegger that would make them laugh and forget they were tired.

Joshua Lucero was buried with full U.S. military honors, including a rifle salute.

Lt. Col. David Ottignon, his battalion commander from Camp Lejeune, N.C., came to Tucson for the service. Lucero had been assigned to the Second Combat Engineer Battalion and deployed in June with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.

The Marine color guard and rifle detail were from Tucson, and Saturday was their third combat-related burial this year. "They don't get any easier," said Capt. Kevin Bright, who as the senior Marine in Tucson is responsible for notifying area families of a death. Bright said he has learned in recent weeks that Lucero had been well-respected and was regarded as the heart of his platoon.

Marine pallbearers presented U.S. flags to Lucero's parents and to his fiance. Several dozen other uniformed and former Marines paid their respects.

Seventy-eight-year-old Mike Dietz had not known Lucero but wanted to pay tribute to "a brother Marine." Dietz enlisted in the Marines at age 17 and served four years during World War II that included the battle of Iwo Jima.

Joe Maya, 66, also didn't know Lucero but wanted to pay respects to his family. "To tell them thank you for what he's done for us, for our country and for our freedom," Maya said.

Lucero had pre-enlisted his senior year, telling his father he wanted to stay in the Marines and maybe become a drill instructor.

Friends who had not seen Lucero in more than a year said the funeral showed them a grown-up side of a young man who had a quiet sense of humor and a deep concern for others.

"He'd come out of nowhere and say something really funny," said Derek Wise, 19, who knew Lucero from Cholla Magnet High School. John McMichael, 20, agreed. "He could put a smile on your face regardless of what the situation was," he said.

Lucero had attended Hohokam Middle School and Cholla, then transferred to Sunnyside. The funeral also drew about a dozen friends who had worked with him at Target, 1225 W. Irvington Road, where he worked as a cashier and trained other employees.

David Verduzco, 19, said he last saw Lucero after he had completed basic training. "He held his head higher. He was proud," he said. Lucero told him he would be going to Iraq.

Jonathan Borquez, 19, who graduated from Cholla in 2003, said he never heard Lucero say an unkind word. "He was cool. He was nice and kindhearted," he said.

D.I. Buttram, senior pastor at Ajo Way Church of God, and his wife, Jan, had known Lucero since he was 14 and had watched him make real changes with his life. Lucero had always wanted to be a Marine.

"We know he's in a better place. Today was really a celebration of his life," said Jan Buttram, who wrote a tribute that was read, in part, during the private service. "Josh gave his life for freedom and his country. Jesus gave his life for the entire world. Today Josh is with his Hero," it concluded.

Reed, who is pastor at House of Hope Church of God, said Lucero's son drew smiles as he helped his family release doves into the bright blue sky. "Everyone laughed when he laughed," he said.

A trust fund has been set up for Lucero's son. Donations may be made at any Wells Fargo Bank branch, to the Joshua Lucero Memorial Benefit Fund.