Story Published: Sep 2, 2010 at 2:28 PM PST
Story Updated: Sep 2, 2010 at 2:28 PM PST
Lance Corporal Cody Roberts - photo via MySpace
The 22-year-old was a graduate of Centennial High School.
The Department of Defense says he died as result of a hostile incident while supporting combat operations in the Helmand Province.
According to the Marine Corps, Lance Cpl. Roberts joined the Marine Corps in August 2006 and was promoted to lance corporal December 1, 2009.
He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in June 2010.
Family statement:
“Lance Corporal Cody A. Roberts died in combat August 31st defending the nation that he loved. Cody embodied the true spirit of the Marine Corps, believing entirely in his God, Family, and Country."
"The three values he lived for, he ultimately died for. As an amazing Marine, Husband, and Father he was a true hero. He made the ultimate sacrifice on the streets of a city in Afghanistan so his son would never have to be afraid for his life or ours."
"Cody's memory will forever light up our lives as we wait to be united in heaven with him. He will be forever loved. Afghanistan didn't know how lucky it was to have a man like that step foot on their soil.”
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter statement:
“The First Lady and I want to extend our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family and loved ones of Lance Corporal Roberts, who gave the last full measure of devotion in defense of the liberties we all enjoy."
"He was among those heroes who are putting their lives on the line every day to keep the nightmare of terrorism at arm’s length from the rest of us. His sacrifice should be remembered and his loss mourned by every Idahoan.”
Roberts awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
He is survived by his wife and child.
Col. Tim Marsano of the Idaho National Guard says it's a sad day for the military and his heart goes out to the Roberts family.
