Tribal Warrior Returns to Angel Mt. Rd.
By Roy Cook: SFA-75

This day is filled with the irony of life. This is a day to consider our freedoms. This is a day to consider our Military Tribal Veterans our Tribal life and the freedom to be what we are. This is a day that exemplifies: military duty, courage life and death. Marvin Joseph "Joe" Romero passed on January 25, 2012, at the age of 56 due to complications of cancer. He was born in San Diego on Dec. 6, 1955.

He served honorably in the military, first as a combat Navy corpsman assigned to the USMC 1st Force Recon Unit, and then he reenlisted in the Army and became a double volunteer to attend Airborne Jump School and Special Forces training with the Army to become a Special Forces Green Beret.

While in the military he graduated from Duke University in 1979 as a Physician Assistant and after special operations in the Caribbean he ended his highly decorated military career in 1986. Joe returned to the Mesa Grande Reservation in San Diego County and enjoyed a second career in civilian orthopedic medicine for nearly 30 years.

The San Diego American Indian Warriors Association is honored to be called upon as part of the brotherhood at arms and participate in the dignity of this military burial.

Joe was warm, gentle and loving and had a sense of humor that was good to be around. He lived his life selflessly with honor and courage. He was a devoted husband to his wife Chris Romero, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a hero, bravely battling illness from service connected disabilities with dignity.

The final arrangements were at the Mesa Grande Tribal Cemetery on Angel Mt. Road on Saturday, February 4th, at 10 a.m. He was accompanied with traditional bird songs, favorite songs sung by friends, military honor ceremony and many condolences to the family for the loss of a life too short.