Marilene Jean Begay

Master Sergeant Marilene Jean Begay was born on 23 March 1960 in Ganado, Navajo nation, in the State of Arizona. Her religion was Traditional Navajo and Catholic. She was from the Bigwater Clan, born for the Edgewater Clan. Her Paternal Grandfather was from the Townerhouse Clan and Paternal Grandmother was from the Redhouse Klan. She is survived by her mother Jean Begay, brothers, Walter and Chester Begay, sisters, Haneelia Max and Eunice Begay, Nieces and Nephews, Samanthia Max, Loressia Max, Lorenzo Tyler Max, Samuel O. Max, Kori M. Max, Donavan and Nicholas Begay, and grand kids, Summer R. Daw and Autumn Max. She graduated from Ganado High School and in 1978 she enlisted in the United States Army, reporting for Active Duty on 23 August 1979. She first performed duty as a Signal Systems and Radio Operator, and from 4 April 1990 to 1 June 1992, served as a Drill Sergeant. During this period, she served two overseas tours in Germany and one in Korea. From 4 January 1993 to 27 April 1999, Master Sergeant Begay transferred to the United States Army National Guard. On 29 April 1999, Master Sergeant Begay transferred to the United States Army Reserve and served as a Transportation Management Noncommissioned Officer with various units in the Phoenix, AZ area. On 1 August 2003, she was assigned as a Platoon Sergeant, Observer Controller/Trainer with 2d Battalion, 363d Training Support Regiment in Mesa, AZ. On 27 December 2003, Master Sergeant Begay was ordered to active duty in support of the Global War on Terrorism where she served several tours at Fort Bliss, TX, training Soldiers deploying overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan. Her positions included Observer Controller/Trainer, Task Force First Sergeant, Task Force Personnel Section Supervisor, and most recently as a Unit Mobilization Assistor assisting units preparing for deployment. She was promoted to Master Sergeant on 1 December 2006. Among her many schools included the U.S. Army Signal School, the Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course, Drill Sergeants Course, Traffic Management Course, and the Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course, and the Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course where she exceeded course standards and was recognized for her leadership traits. Her awards included two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, four Good Conduct Medals, three Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals, the Armed forces Reserve Medal with mobilization Device, the third award of the Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, the Drill Sergeant Badge, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. These are in addition to the many certificates that recognized Master Sergeant Begay’s contributions to numerous Army missions, including the current mission at Fort Bliss, TX, training and assisting Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen to defend our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan. She was also an active participant in Project Challenge, a program designed to assist Arizona youths in trouble. She was known to many as the “Little Pistol” and was admired, respected and loved by all whom she came in contact with. Always a consummate professional and a distinguished NCO, our unit and Soldiers will miss her dearly! Visitation will be held 9 am to 9:30 am Friday, November 9 at St Michael’s, Chapel 2, Fort Bliss, TX. Funeral Service will be held at 9:30 am Friday, November 9 at St. Michael’s Chapel 2. Burial to follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with full Military Honors. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-Northeast.