Tours of Duty
Spanish instructor Justino Navarro leans on his faith as his son and grandson serve in Iraq

By O’Neal Rodges, Staff Writer

Justino Navarro, a longtime Spanish instructor at North
Lake College, has no military background. But his thoughts stray often to Iraq, where a son and grandson
risk their lives each day as members of U.S. Army combat and support units.

The son is Lt. Col. Marcos Navarro, deputy support operations officer for the Army’s 316th Sustainment Command.

The grandson is Stephen Marcos, a combat medic with the Army’s 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.

Both have had close calls, but neither has beenwounded,
the family patriarch said recently. The pair are not
stationed at the same location, he added.

“I am concerned about my son and grandson serving in a war zone, but I am deeply proud of them,” the Spanish instructor said.

Navarro added that he focuses his mind on preparations for his Spanish classes. That takes his mind off the war, as does the time he spends writing poetry in both Spanish and English.

He leans on his faith in order to remain calm when the dangers of military service in Iraq creep into his thoughts.

“In the event something does happen to our loved ones, it would naturally be heartbreaking,” Navarro said. “Such is life. We know that God is there to console us all.”

Lt. Col. Navarro and his son could not be reached in Iraq, but both were quoted in a Blackanthem Military News article that was published at www. blackanthem.com in December.

The colonel conceded that it is tough not to be stationed with Stephen, but added: “It is sure comforting to know that we are both serving to keep a secure environment at home.”

Stephen Navarro told Blackanthem: “If I can help someone through my service, wherever I may be, then my time spent [in Iraq] will not be in vain.”

The colonel, who has a second son – Sean – serving with the U.S. Marines in Washington, D.C., said he concentrates on positive thoughts in order to keep his mind off the dangers Stephen faces.

“I am proud of Stephen and his desire to serve our country,” Lt. Col. Navarro told Blackanthem. “I try not to think negative thoughts and worry about what could happen to him. I just want him to do his duty, to serve proudly, and to return home safely.”

Whatever happens, Lt. Col. Navarro said, “neither one of us will be alone for we will always be together in spirit.” Back at North Lake, Justino Navarro continues to teach and write as he awaits the safe return of a son and grandson.