PARIS, TX, U.S.A.
U.S. MARINE CORPS
SGT, F CO, 2D BN, 3D MAR, (RCT-7, I MEF FWD, 3D MAR DIV, MCB KANEOHE BAY,HI
08/06/2009, FARAH PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
SGT Jay Michael Hoskins was born on January 26, 1985 in Paris, Texas to Michelle Sparks Hoskins and Danny Hoskins. He attended Aaron Parker Elementary School and graduated in May, 2003 from North Lamar High School. Jay was active in youth baseball and football and in high school was named All Red River Valley in Football. While growing up, he attended the Gospel Lighthouse in Powderly.
After graduation, he proudly joined the United States Marines Corps graduating from boot camp in San Diego, CA as a Private 1st Class. He deployed to Iraq in 2004 and fought in the Battle of Fallujah. He later deployed in 2005 to the Tora Bora area of the Afghanistan mountains, receiving the first of his Afghanistan Campaign medals. He earned many ribbons, medals and badges for his outstanding service throughout his career. He was also a Marine mixed martial arts black belt instructor.
From 2005-2008, he served as a member of a training cadre in infantry tactics for Marine officers at Quantico Base in Virginia. He returned to Hawaii in January 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in May along with about 1,000 other Marines to Helmand and Farah provinces. He was killed 3 months later in August 2009. Jay also leaves behind fellow Marines who are still fighting the war on terror.
Jay was an unwavering Christian devoted to his wife, children, family and country. He was an outstanding Marine who was mature beyond his years. He had a good strong work ethic and strong faith in God instilled in him by his grandparents . His goal in life was to be an outstanding husband, father and American and each goal was met and surpassed. A true American hero who did not ask for fame or fortune, just that we recognize, we are all here, free, today, because the fallen have paid the price.
When SGT Hoskins came home to Paris for the last time, thousands of people lined the streets to pay their respects. His family and friends were overwhelmed by the town response, and by just how many people turned out to honor him and support them. Many people held flags which they dipped as a sign of respect when SGT Hoskins’s hearse passed by.