Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Lieutenant Colonel James Marques served in the Army Reserve and National Guard where he dedicated 37 years of service. He joined the Army National Guard on May 23, 1983.
After hearing about the atrocities of the Iran Hostage Crisis that lasted from 1979 to 1981, Marques realized that he needed to help make a difference within the world.
When Marques joined, it was mainly to get his education paid for and to get an insight into how the Army really operates.
Marques knew that serving in the military wasn’t going to be an easy career: There were many tests -physical and mental. Before entering basic training, he needed to pass certain tests, one of which was a colors test. He explained how he failed the test and wasn’t disappointed, because he knew he wouldn’t quit trying.
“I asked the guy in charge if I could retake the test, and he said that nobody had asked him that before, and he let me do it,” Marques said. “It is all about perseverance and trying your very best.”
Marques rang in the new year during basic training, which was in Fort Dix, NJ. Later, he became an officer in the Army National Guard, and, in 1992, he became a second Lieutenant.
In 2004, Marques received a letter stating that he would be deployed to Iraq. When reading the letter, he thought to himself, “This is the moment I have been training my entire career for.” He then became captain and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for logistics and civil affairs. He worked on a division staff, battalions’ staff, and brigade staff.
From 2004 to 2005, Marques served his country in Iraq at Camp Speicher. During the years 2007 to 2008, he was on Base Callahan. When deployed to Afghanistan, he served for his last time overseas from 2010 to 2011 on Base Bagram.
One of Marques’ most memorable deployments was during 2008 in Al Shaab in Baghdad, Iraq. He was on the humanitarian mission as the civil team leader. There were many relationships made by handing out children’s books and crayons, giving financial support to people who had damaged homes caused by Americans, and checking on families on a regular basis.
As memories were made, friendships were as well. Marques keeps in touch with people back from Al Shaab to this very day.
The mission influenced Marques’ perspective on the Iraqi people, and he came to realize that they are the same as Americans, trying to make a living to support their families.
“They were really just trying to live their lives, and we came in and disturbed that,” Marques said.
Marques has been on various missions, which have led him to what he is doing today.
Following retirement, Marques continued to serve in the military as a contractor. Today, he is a Simulations Officer at Fort Cavazos, while still going overseas to places like England.
“I support staff on their decision-making and help with simulated war fighters,” Marques said.
While serving overseas, he also contributes his time to local schools such as Gatesville Independent School District. He will give speeches, demonstrations, and answer questions for students. Awards are a big part of what he does, because he feels that it is important for people to feel appreciated. Marques said, “Who wouldn’t want to get an award?”
Marques has also spoken in his hometown of Somerville, MA and held many conferences over zoom calls during the rise of COVID-19.
As Marques reflects on his past military days, he has no regrets, only positive effects from his time serving.
“It is an honor to serve your nation and to be part of something that is bigger than yourself,” Marques said.
