Bill Rautenstrauch

Staff Writer

A governor, a general, a colonel and a major spoke in remembrance of Sgt. 1st Class Mark C. Warren Friday, but perhaps the most fitting tribute came from a Marine who served with him in former times.

"On a long walk, you couldn’t ask for better company."

They were simple words spoken by Jeff Cicotte, a Marine buddy and lifetime friend who was recalling both military marches and hikes on hunting trips through Hells Canyon.

Cicotte said his friendship with Warren began in the early 1980s when both were young Marines training at Camp LeJeune.

The friendship endured far beyond the time they left the Marine Corps, he said.

"I’m thankful I knew him as long as I did. I’m thankful I learned from him, and I’m thankful he was the man he was," he said.

Warren, who lived in La Grande most of his life, was a member of the Oregon National Guard’s Third Battalion, 116th Armored Cavalry.

He died in Iraq Jan. 31 of non-combat causes. The Army is still investigating his death.

His son, 1st Lt. Christopher Warren, was serving with him in Kirkuk at the time he died. Christopher escorted his father home. He will return to his duty station soon.

Mark Warren’s memorial service at the armory in the Blue Mountain Conference Center drew nearly 400 people, including family members, friends, and civilian and military co-workers.

Speakers took their turn on a stage decorated with flags, flowers and the Fallen Heroes Memorial a pair of boots, a rifle turned barrel-down and vertical, supported by a bayonet, a helmet atop the rifle and dog tags hanging from it.

In turn they recalled Warren as a dedicated soldier, a faithful friend and a devoted teacher.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski delivered his remarks following prayers by the Revs. Sarah Morningstar Stanton and Richard Thew.

Kulongoski, like Warren a veteran of the Marine Corps, has made it a point to attend services for all 10 of the Oregon National Guard members who have lost their lives while deployed.

He noted that of those 10, seven were in their 20s, one in his 30s and one was under 20.

Warren, by contrast, was 44.

"He was older, wiser, an able teacher and confidant," Kulongoski said.

The governor praised Warren for the role he played in helping Iraq become a free nation.

"Iraq is learning democratic values, and he was one of the most dedicated and disciplined teachers," Kulongoski said. "He was a shining star of the Oregon National Guard, and a heroic son of

La Grande."

Others delivering remarks included Brig. Gen. Raymond C. Byrne, acting adjutant general, Oregon National Guard; Col. George Lanning, commander, 82nd Brigade; family friend Hank Stockoff; and Maj. Ricardo Gloria.

Gloria is commander of the 3/116th’s rear detachment in La Grande. He also leads the Guard Officer Leadership Detachment (GOLD) at Eastern Oregon University.

Warren went to work for the GOLD program in 2002, serving as an assistant professor and non-commissioned officer in charge.

He quickly earned a reputation as an outstanding and innovative teacher, Gloria said.

The major said Warren was an expert marksman who greatly enjoyed working with younger soldiers. He recalled an event in which Warren provided four soldiers with a chance to fire 35 different weapons.

"The students loved it, and it’s an experience they won’t ever forget," Gloria said.

He added, "Part of Mark is left behind in us here today, part in soldiers he worked with and part in the world."

Full military honors following the memorial service included the sounding of Taps, rifle volleys, presentation of the memorial flag to the family and a flyover by the 641st Aviation Battalion.

Posthumously, Warren was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Oregon Meritorious Service Medal.

Warren was born May 17, 1960, the son of Howard Warren and Wanda nee Sutton in Hermiston.

He attended schools in La Grande and graduated from high school in 1979. He joined the Marine Corps in 1981. He served tours in both Grenada and Lebanon.

In 1985 Warren returned to La Grande. He worked as a conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad, and since 1990 he served with the Oregon National Guard.

His battalion was deployed last summer.

In 1979 Warren married Carol Ann DuBosch in La Grande. They had three sons Christopher, 24, Michael, 17, and Ryan, 12.

Michael is in the process of joining the National Guard. He will train as a cavalry scout.