N.J. Admin. Code § Executive Order No. 182 (2020)
Governor Philip D. Murphy
Executive Order No. 182 (2020)
An Order Directing the U.S. and New Jersey Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Staff Sergeant Vincent P. Marketta
Issued: August 31, 2020.
Effective: August 31, 2020.
WHEREAS, United States Army Staff Sergeant Vincent P. Marketta was a lifelong product of Ocean County and most recently resided in Brick Township; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Marketta graduated from Brick High School in 2005 and enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Black Hawk helicopter repairer in 2011; and
WHEREAS, following extensive training and assessment, Staff Sergeant Marketta was assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) in 2012; and
WHEREAS, soldiers within the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as "Night Stalkers," are recognized for their proficiency in nighttime military engagements; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Marketta dedicated eighteen months to aircraft repair within the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment before he was promoted to an MH-60M Crew Chief in 2014; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Marketta completed or graduated from the Enlisted Combat Skills, Combatives Level 1, MH-60 Maintainers Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School, MH-60 Non-Rated Crew Member Course, the Basic and Advanced Leaders Courses, and the MH-60 Flight Instructors Course; and
WHEREAS, while assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Staff Sergeant Marketta was first deployed to Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Marketta subsequently served multiple tours in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in action against the Islamic State; and
WHEREAS, during his eleven years of service to the United States, Staff Sergeant Marketta received many awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with V device, Air Medal with C device, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with C device (2OLC), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (Campaign Star), Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 2), Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, and the Basic Aviator's Badge; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Marketta tragically lost his life while engaged in training operations on San Clemente Island in California on August 27, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Marketta was a beloved member of our New Jersey family whose presence will be immensely missed by his family, his friends, his fellow servicemembers, and by the people of New Jersey and around the country whom are grateful for his service; and
WHEREAS, it is with immense sadness that we mourn Staff Sergeant Marketta's sudden passing, and extend our deepest sympathy and gratitude to his family, friends, and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor the exemplary character, outstanding achievements, and cherished memory of Staff Sergeant Marketta and to mark his passing;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
N.J. Admin. Code Executive Order No. 182 (2020)