November 11, 2015 – MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. — Marines and family members gathered at a New River Air Station Chapel with heavy hearts to honor the life and service of fallen Staff Sgt. Denver Sugano during a memorial service at Marine Corps Air Station New River, Nov. 4.
Sugano passed away due to natural causes while deployed in Portugal on Oct. 15, 2015. He was serving as a flight equipment staff noncommissioned officer on the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
“It is never easy when we lose a fellow Marine,” said Lt. Col. Samuel Meyer, the commanding officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167. “While many of us have lost Marines and family in the past, none make this easier. Some losses may even make this event even more difficult. The death of Staff Sgt. Sugano has affected our warrior family, and will continue to affect us in the future.”
Sugano faithfully served in the Marine Corps for 13 years, primarily serving as a flight equipment technician and a Marine recruiter. Sugano participated in three Unit Deployment Programs, assisted with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts and deployed in support of the 26th MEU. Family, friends and fellow Marines remember Sugano for his dedication to his beloved Corps and his family.
“We understand no amount of empathy can make this individual incident hurt less. Honor your brother by remembering him as you carry on with your mission, and represent Staff Sgt. Sugano as the fine and upstanding Marine that he was. We will all miss him.”