Carlos was born April 3, 1974 in Ensenada, Baja California and raised by his loving parents Raquel and Jesus Martinez. At age 24, he found his soul mate and life partner when he met Joanne Amell, with whom he shared his life for 22 years.
Carlos earned the title Marine in 1993 and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Throughout his military career, he had many specialties, yet he loved being a machine gunner and eventually worked his way up to team leader. After the events of 9/11/2001, Sgt Estrada and his unit were activated under Operation Noble Eagle in Support of Fema Region 9 to be a member of a Quick Reaction Force. After that deployment, Sgt Estrada went to combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom with Fox Company, 2nd BN 23rd Marines, 1st Marine Division, Regimental Combat Team 1.
Like many Marines, Carlos deployed around the globe fighting our nation’s battles most of his adult life, yet he never asked for a thank you or a pat on the back. He was a different type of warrior. Over the span of his many tours, he led over 40 Marines, many in combat, forging brotherhoods alive today.
Carlos loved riding motorcycles. On November 10, 2017, the 242nd birthdate of United States Marine Corp, he found a way to combine his passion for his brother Marines with his love of riding motorcycles by becoming one of the five founding members of the Spartan Chapter of the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club. In 2018, Carlos, “Ponch”, as his Leatherneck brothers knew him, became Chapter Vice President and continued to lead Marines until his passing. The Leathernecks wear a patch GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) and LFFL (Leatherneck Forever, Forever a Leatherneck); even in heaven Carlos will ride with his brothers.
Carlos was a flag football coach, and the kind of coach kids looked forward to playing for because he pushed them to be their very best. He worked more than 20 years in the entertainment industry with Rhino Staging and Events Solutions where he especially looked forward to working the Life is Beautiful music festival. In addition, he found peace in his painting and drawing.
As a leader, Carlos always stood up for what was right. If you were one of his players he encouraged you, one of his employees he cared for you, one of his Marines he fought for you, or one of his brothers, he loved you.
Carlos is survived by his three beloved children Mya, Connor and Shannon, who had given him great joy throughout his life.
Like many combat veterans, Carlos suffered in silence. In 2013, he became a part of Save a Warrior’s cohort 008, a one-week course that equips our damaged and hurting heroes with the tools and coping mechanisms needed to re-join the world. Through this program, Carlos found healing, rejuvenation and revitalization by way of mindful meditation and camaraderie. He spoke highly of walking the labyrinth, a pivotal inner journey that guided him toward solace and peace. The Save a Warrior program gave Carlos the power to leave behind parts of the past, make room for the present and future, and move forward with hope and purpose. He genuinely believed in this program and was proud to be a part of it. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions to be made to Save A Warrior (saveawarrior.org/donate).
