View Full Version : Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small
Team Sergeant
02-14-2009, 10:03
U.S. Army Special Forces Command Public Affairs Office
Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Feb. 14, 2009) — An Army Special Forces Soldier was killed Feb. 12 while conducting combat operations in the vicinity of Faramuz, Oruzgan province, Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small, 29, died of wounds sustained from enemy fire during a combat reconnaissance patrol. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team medical sergeant assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), here.
Small, a native of Collegeville, Penn., is survived by his mother Mary MacFarland, of Collegeville and father, Murray Small of Mechanicsburg, Penn.
Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small, 29, died of wounds sustained from enemy fire during a combat reconnaissance patrol. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team medical sergeant assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his first deployment in support of the Global War on Terror.
Small, a native of Collegeville, Penn., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in December 2004 as a Special Forces trainee. After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C., in May 2005 for Special Forces training. His medical training was with John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Joint Special Operation Medical Training Center. He earned the coveted “Green Beret” in 2007 and was assigned to 1st Bn., 3rd SFG(A) at Fort Bragg, N.C., as a Special Forces medical sergeant.
Small’s military education includes the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Sniper Course, Basic Airborne Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leaders Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.
His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge and the Special Forces Tab.
Small is survived by his mother mother and step father Mary and Peter MacFarland of Collegeville, Penn.; father and stepmother - Murray and Karen Small of Mechanicsburg, Penn.; his siblings Matt Small, Megan MacFarland, Heather Wellock, Jennifer MacFarland; and Travis and Tyler Baney
- DE OPPRESSO LIBER –
http://news.soc.mil/releases/News%20Archive/2009/February/090214-01.html
RIP SSG Small.
Red Flag 1
02-14-2009, 10:36
Rest In Peace SSgt.Small!!
Thank you for your service!
Prayers out for your family and teammates!
Surgicalcric
02-14-2009, 10:37
Marc and I, as well as a few other QP's here were in the SFQC together from SFAS thru graduation day. He was a dedicated soldier, SF medic, and friend. He was a shining example of what other 18X should be.
You will be missed...
Blue Skies Brother; see you on the other side.
ZonieDiver
02-14-2009, 10:42
Rest in peace.
RIP Sgt Small
Vaya con Dios..
greenberetTFS
02-14-2009, 11:42
RIP, Warrior.................:(
GB TFS
SSG Small was a good guy. He will be deeply missed.
Rest in Peace Brother......
You will be remembered and missed by Friends, Family and your fellow Brothers in Arms.
Rest in Peace, SSG Small. Condolences to all who knew you...
2018commo
02-14-2009, 17:42
Rest in Peace young Soldier.
I served with his father for 17 years, he was an 18D, later my Team Sergeant on the Halo Team, and he retired as a SGM. It seams like just yesterday, he and his brother were running amok during family day. A father was never so proud of his son as Murray was of Marc. Murray also served in 7th Group before joining the 20th in MD. There are no words....
RIP
My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family
blue02hd
02-14-2009, 19:50
RIP Brother,,
Abu Jack
02-14-2009, 20:06
Rest In Peace
Peregrino
02-14-2009, 21:03
Rest in Peace, SSG Small. Prayers for your family and Team.
The Reaper
02-14-2009, 21:35
RIP, SSG.
Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.
TR
Ambush Master
02-14-2009, 21:56
Rest in Peace Brother.
See'ya on that final DZ!!
Martin
Enigma0122
02-14-2009, 22:32
Rest In Peace, Warrior.
RIP mate, you'll be missed
Goggles Pizano
02-15-2009, 09:32
In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti, Amen.
In pace requiescat SSG Small.
Rest In Peace SSG Small.
Thank you for your bravery, courage, and sacrifice.
Holly
Blue skies, gentle breezes, and soft landings at that great A Camp in the sky, Soldier. RIP.
Richard
lonewolf726
02-15-2009, 10:08
Rest in Peace, Brother.
CoLawman
02-15-2009, 12:36
Rest in Peace.
JihadJilson
02-15-2009, 12:47
Rest In Peace SSG Small
Rest in peace, SSG Small.
My condolences to his family and his comrades in arms.
SpetsnaZ
02-15-2009, 18:48
Rest in Peace brother......
112thSOLCA
02-15-2009, 18:55
Rest in peace SSG Small
Marc was one of the best guys I ever had the pleasure of working and training with. He will be forever missed and remembered.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his team.
mark46th
02-15-2009, 20:14
Rest in Peace, Warrior...
Patriot007
02-15-2009, 20:43
Thank you Warrior. My condolences to your friends and family. Rest easy.
Blue skies, brother.
One of my fondest memories of SOPC involved passing stupid cartoons back and forth with Marc during the classroom portion of our Land Navigation training. He had a kind spirit, and a warrior's heart.
He'll be deeply missed.
JoeEcho45
02-19-2009, 09:58
Rest in Peace. Prayers out to your family, friends, and fellow warriors.
Needle D
03-02-2009, 13:55
What to say about my junior... His smile and laugh will be missed by all.
Rest in Peace, Brave Warrior. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Rest in Peace Warriors...my thoughts and prayers are with your families and Brothers.
Blue skies and soft landings!!
CasperMike
03-10-2009, 16:15
RIP Marc
Rest in peace brother. You are in my prayers.
RIP Marc. Your humor, sincerity and intelligence will be missed Brother. God Speed.
2018commo
07-01-2009, 08:04
For those who are interested on 01 August 2009 there will be a charity 5k race in memory of Marc, supporting his fiancée’s work with autism. The event will be held near Philadelphia
PM me for specifics, or if the moderator will allow I will post the announcement. AO
Team Sergeant
07-01-2009, 08:43
For those who are interested on 01 August 2009 there will be a charity 5k race in memory of Marc, supporting his fiancée’s work with autism. The event will be held near Philadelphia
PM me for specifics, or if the moderator will allow I will post the announcement. AO
Post away! ;)
2018commo
07-01-2009, 11:04
See Attached PDF, includes great pic of SSG Small.
Saturday, August 1, 2009 - 8:30 A.M.
Eagleville Park - Lower Providence Township
Timing & Results by Pretzel City Sports
All Proceeds will be donated to “Small Steps in Speech” Foundation
Marc’s Story (written by his sister, Megan)
On February 12, 2009, my brother and Lower Providence resident, SSG Marc J. Small, was killed in action in Afghanistan. He was a Special Forces Medic serving with the United States Army.
Marc had only been in Afghanistan for 3 weeks, but during that time he treated 40 patients a day and built a relationship with the local people and children. His unexpected passing has been a tragedy to our family, but we know he would have wanted us to continue his memory in positive aspects.
“Small Steps in Speech” is a foundation started by Marc’s fiancée, Amanda Charney, to assist children with communicative disorders. Marc had always wanted her to open her own practice and came up with the name…
“Small”… for his/her last name…
“Steps in Speech”…the small steps that these children take to improve their speech.
www.smallstepsinspeech.com
So, please join us, have fun and help out this important foundation.
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
Registration: Online at www.lowerprovidence.org - click on “On Your Marc” 5 K run
OR
Complete form on back. Make check payable & mail to: “Lower Providence Township c/o On Your Marc”, 30 Parklane Dr., Eagleville, PA 19403.
Race Director: Megan MacFarland – onyourmarc8@yahoo.com - 610-489-8559
Saturday, August 1, 2009 - 8:30 A.M. Eagleville Park – 100 Parklane Dr. Eagleville, PA
Course Description: An accurate, measured 5K course through Lower Providence Park and Township.
Amenities: Water stop on course, food, refreshments & entertainment at finish. Instant results at finish, with results posted on www.pretzelcitysports.com in 24-48 hours. Plenty of parking is available at the Lower Providence Township Building.
Awards: Top male & female overall. Plus: Top 2 males and females in the following age groups:
14 & under 15-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+
Directions: Eagleville Park – 100 Parklane Dr., Eagleville, PA 19403
From Norristown: Go west on Ridge Pike toward Eagleville. Turn right at Parklane Drive (across from Brother Paul’s Pub and Restaurant).
From Collegeville: Go east on Ridge Pike toward Eagleville. Turn left at Parklane Drive (across from Brother Paul’s Pub and Restaurant).
Registration & Fees: by mail or at www.lowerprovidence.org
$20.00 if received by July 18, 2009 (T-shirt included)
$25.00 if received after July 18, 2009 (T-shirts while supplies last)
$25.00 if registered on race day (T-shirts while supplies last)
Early Check-in: Friday, July 31, 5 PM to 7 PM at the Pavilion near the playground
Race Day Check-in: Saturday, August 1, begins at 7:30 AM at the Pavilion near the playground
kachingchingpow
07-02-2009, 05:50
I read the news while I was still in the hospital, recovering from my accident.
May the Lord keep Marc's family and friends close, and shower them with blessings.
He looks just like his Dad.
tom kelly
07-03-2009, 03:51
C Company 1st Group Special Forces, Medic ODA- 333 KIA on this date in 1966 Republic of Vietnam. Panel 8E Row 123. He was 25 years old. Not forgotten by former team members who attended the 1st Group reunion in El Paso TX. 16 to 20 June 2009. Ken Bates, Bennett Blankenship, Henry Corvera and Tom Kelly.
tom kelly
07-06-2009, 23:19
I first met Than Sgt. Grogan on Dec. 5, 1962 after a long and tire-some bus ride from Ft.Benning GA. to Ft.Bragg NC when our group arrived at The Special Forces Training Group on Smoke Bomb Hill. Sgt. Grogan was the first Special Forces soldier that we saw. He got us squared away for our stay at Company A. Most of our group went to Ft. Sam Houston for medical training. Sgt. Grogan went on to OCS and eventually to Vietnam were he was Killed In Action on July 5, 1965 He was 29 years old at the time of his death. His name is on "THE WALL" 2E Row 27. RIP, tom kelly
Sorry I missed the anniversary of your death by 1 day !
Marc was one of the best men i've known and I'll miss smokin cubans with him in KAF, I'll be seeing you buddy.
...but not forgotten.
Richard
Banners unveiled for Montco’s hometown heroes Small, Shellenberger
Keith Phucas, Times Herald, 13 Oct 2010
Two American servicemen who died in the line of duty were honored Tuesday at Montgomery County Court House Plaza with Hometown Heroes banners.
As family, friends and county officials looked on, banners were unveiled for Army Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small and Navy Seal Eric F. Shellenberger.
Small, a 29-year-old Collegeville man, was killed Feb. 13, 2009 in Faramuz, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and small arms fire.
Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Fort Bragg, N.C., Small joined the Army in 2004 and entered the special forces program after basic training. In 2007, he earned the Green Beret and received medical training at John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center, where he finished first in his class.
As a boy, Small lived in Lower Providence with his mother, Mary, and stepfather, Peter MacFarland, brother Matt Small, and sisters Heather, Jen and Megan MacFarland. His father, Murray Small, was a veteran of the Army Special Forces Operations. Small graduated from Methacton High School in 1997, then went on to The Citadel and Millersville University.
Small had planned to marry Amanda Charney when he returned from his deployment. He was killed after spending three weeks in Afghanistan. During that time he worked in a village medical clinic.
The event’s second honoree, Shellenberger, served several deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning five Sea Service Deployment Ribbons and was Naval Special Warfare Sailor of the Year. Prior to becoming a Navy Seal in 2000, he served in the Marines. He attended North Penn School District.
Shellenberger, who was 36, drowned May 7, 2009, during a training dive in the waters off Bremerton in Washington State, according to usnavyseals.com.
As a member of Seal Team One, he was the team’s Air and Diving Department head. Shellenberger’s elite unit operated a minisubmarine designed to sneak into enemy waters, gathering intelligence or planting explosives.
“He was simply our hero,” said brother Marc Shellenberger. “I never thought he wouldn’t come back from a deployment.”
Shellenberger said his brother, whom he described as a highly competitive “alpha male,” would imbue any activity with a competitive aura.
“He could turn a backyard whiffle ball game into a World Series atmosphere,” he said.
Shellenberger is survived by his parents, a stepfather and siblings.
The noon program honoring the men included opening remarks by Department of Veterans Affairs John Nowak; the Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard; an invocation by the Rev. Kell Morton, of St. John’s Church in Norristown; a dedication by Commissioners Chairman James R. Matthews; a closing prayer by Morton; the retiring of colors by the Honor Guard; and Taps by Frank Dube and Thomas W. Lipovsky, of American Legion Post 901 in Jeffersonville; and closing remarks by Nowak.
Small and Shellenberger bring the county’s Hometown Heroes total to 16. The other servicemen whose banners are mounted on posts outside the courthouse include:
Marine Lance Cpl. Travis M. Stottlemyer, who died in Bahrain in 2008; Army Capt. Nathan R. Raudenbush, who died in 2008 in Iraq; Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Van Parys, who died in 2005 in Iraq; Army Sgt. John T. Bubeck, who died in 2006 in Iraq; Army SPC. Tristan C. Smith, who died in Iraq in 2006; Army PFC Travis C. Zimmerman, who died in Iraq in 2006; Army Capt. Jeffrey P. Toczylowski, who died in Iraq in 2005; Army SPC. John Kulick, who died in Iraq in 2005; Army SPC. Kurt E. Krout, who died in Iraq in 2005; Army Master Sgt. Paul D. Karpowich, who died in Iraq in 2004; Army Lt. Col. Mark P. Phelanm who died in Iraq in 2004; Marine Cpl. John H. Todd III, who died in Iraq in 2004; Army Lt. Col. Anthony L. Sherman, who died in Kuwait in 2003; and Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Maglione, who died in Kuwait in 2003.
http://www.timesherald.com/articles/2010/10/13/news/doc4cb53d475aea4764713340.txt
Needle D
10-14-2010, 13:28
I love the fact that my junior never did get that Class A Photo taken when I told him to. RIP Brother two years later you make me smile.
greenberetTFS
10-14-2010, 14:37
God Bless,Rest in Peace Warriors.............:(
Big Teddy
Well missed..
Blue Skies and Soft landings Brother!!!
Tomahawk202
02-23-2011, 12:34
Never knew ya, but I know your father well. The SGM is world class, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
R.I.P. Warrior......... :(
Golf1echo
02-24-2011, 03:30
Rest in peace SSG Small, thank you for being there for us and blessings to your family. Thoughts too are with your brothers that still work that tough ground...
Dog Pound Zulu
08-02-2013, 17:34
http://www.timesherald.com/article/20130801/NEWS01/130809956/lower-providence-race-honors-soldier-s-memory-
LOWER PROVIDENCE — It’s that time of year again, when fast tracks make big gains for small steps.
Nothing would have made U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret Staff Sgt. Marc Small happier than knowing the race held in his honor is now in its fifth year of raising so much money for the organization he inspired, Small Steps in Speech, which helps children with communication disabilities.
Small was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2009.
(Edit to add: I moved this thread in here, seems a better place for it. Team Sergeant)
Team Sergeant
08-02-2013, 19:35
http://www.timesherald.com/article/20130801/NEWS01/130809956/lower-providence-race-honors-soldier-s-memory-
LOWER PROVIDENCE — It’s that time of year again, when fast tracks make big gains for small steps.
Nothing would have made U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret Staff Sgt. Marc Small happier than knowing the race held in his honor is now in its fifth year of raising so much money for the organization he inspired, Small Steps in Speech, which helps children with communication disabilities.
Small was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2009.
(Edit to add: I moved this thread in here, seems a better place for it. Team Sergeant)
That's a great picture of him in the article! Love the American flag in the middle of his kit!