National Guard specialist helps snuff out ambush

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Eric Marro, a soldier in the New Hampshire National Guard, will be honored as this week's Incredible Hero. Marro's quick thinking helped snuff out a potential ambush in a small town just north of Baghdad.

Marro served as a Marine in Beirut in the early 1980s. Feeling that he had something to offer with the war in Iraq, he went to the New Hampshire National Guard and enlisted in 2004. The following year, Marro and his squad were deployed to Iraq.

America's Incredible Pizza Co. and CJM Racing are honoring Incredible Heroes throughout the 2009 Nationwide Series season. If you know of an Incredible Hero, let us know.

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In February 2005, he was in a convoy that came under heavy fire from opposing forces on a dark road. Without thinking, Specialist Marro manned his truck's .50-caliber machine gun and immediately returned fire. His quick reaction led to the ambush halting almost immediately.

When the gunfire subsided, Marro tended to the wounded.

"It was so dark, all you could see were the muzzle flashes, so that's where I aimed," Marro said.

In May of this year, State Representative Paul Hodes awarded the 48-year-old Marro the Combat Service Badge and was quoted as saying, "you represent the best of what America has to offer."

His heroism was also recognized by his peers as they nominated him as this week's Incredible Hero.

The Incredible Heroes are extended an invite to attend the Nationwide Series race as guests of CJM Racing and the America's Incredible Pizza Company. Each hero receives a plaque in recognition of their heroism and they spend a VIP day at the race track.

The Incredible Heroes campaign will run throughout the 2009 Nationwide Series season. If you know of an Incredible Hero and would like to nominate him or her please e-mail: heroes@incrediblepizza.com for consideration or check out www.incrediblepizza.com/contests/incredibleheroes.