BEDFORD, NH – On January 10 we mark the 10th anniversary of the death of U.S. Navy SEAL SO1 William “Blake” Marston, 31, of Bedford. A cherished son, dedicated athlete, and brave service member, Blake tragically passed away following a parachute training exercise at DeLand Airport, FL, in 2015.
A Passion for Excellence
Marston, known to his friends as “Blake,” grew up in Bedford, where his exceptional athleticism was evident from a young age. Whether it was soccer, basketball, or football, Blake thrived in nearly every sport, but baseball was his true passion. As the third baseman for the 1995 Bedford Little League State Championship team, Blake’s love for the game deepened. At the Derryfield School, he continued to excel, throwing eight no-hitters, serving as team captain, and earning three All-State honors.
Blake’s athleticism was clearly influenced by his father, Bill Marston, who was also a talented baseball player. Bill was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1955, a testament to his own prowess on the field. Bill’s legacy as a baseball player inspired Blake’s love for the game and his drive to reach the highest level of competition.
Coach Pat Boen of Stonehill College, where Blake played at the collegiate level, reflected, “In my 18 years of coaching, Blake was one of the best I’ve ever seen. He was a phenomenal athlete, and there was no challenge too big for him. His leadership and competitive spirit made him a natural fit for the Navy SEALs.”
A Commitment to Service
Blake was more than just a standout athlete; he was deeply committed to his community. He volunteered with the Special Olympics and consistently sought ways to give back. Blake graduated from Derryfield School in 2001 and went on to Northfield-Mount Hermon for a post-graduate year before earning his degree in Criminal Justice from Stonehill College in 2007.
After graduation, Blake spent a year preparing himself physically and mentally for the demanding Navy SEAL training program, known as BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL). Of the 10 who enter BUD/S, eight do not complete it. During one of the early tests, Blake collapsed from dehydration, but with the help of his teammates, he made it through. “Blake never quit,” a fellow SEAL recalled. “He was the epitome of a quiet leader, always pushing the team forward without needing to be in the spotlight.” In 2009, Blake earned his trident and became a U.S. Navy SEAL.
Honoring Blake’s Legacy
Blake’s legacy extends far beyond his military service. His mother, Nancy Marston, fondly remembers him as a “big teddy bear” with a unique combination of toughness and compassion. She recalls how, during his deployment to Afghanistan, Blake served as an ambassador, working with village elders and symbolizing American strength through acts of kindness and diplomacy. As Nancy often says, Blake believed that “just because you’re preparing for war doesn’t mean you can’t work for peace.”
Blake’s passing in 2015, after a tragic accident during a training exercise, left a profound impact on those who knew him. Firefighters from across the state saluted him as his body was returned home, lining the Interstate 93 overpasses from Boston to Concord. His alma mater, Derryfield School, honored him by retiring his jersey number, No. 8. Blake was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, an emotional and moving tribute to a life given in service to his country.
Bill Marston, Blake’s father, expressed the gravity of the moment: “Seeing so many young men and women buried at Arlington was overpowering. It’s a symbolic reminder of the sacrifices made by families all over this country.”
Continuing the Legacy: Swim With A Mission
Blake’s legacy lives on through Swim With A Mission (SWAM), an organization committed to supporting Veterans. Since its founding in 2017, SWAM has given over $11.5 million to service and support organizations that provide critical services to Veterans, including mental health services, housing, service and support K-9’s, scholarships, food, jobs, equine immersion programs, recreational therapy and support art therapy programs and much more.
As a member of the SWAM Advisory Board, Nancy Marston works alongside the organization to help raise awareness and funds for Veterans and their families. “Through programs that support Veterans’ well-being and transition into civilian life, SWAM ensures that those who served our country receive the care and respect they deserve,” she explains.
In addition to funding Veteran-focused initiatives, SWAM has created the Honor Wall to pay tribute to the 96 New Hampshire service members who have died in service since the start of the Global War on Terror, ensuring that their sacrifices, along with Blake’s, are never forgotten.
To learn more about how you can honor Blake and other New Hampshire fallen heroes, visit www.swam.org/honor-wall.