New Honored Fallen Heroes
MSgt Stephen Michael Anthony – USAF – Vienna, OH – DOD 7/21/2017
During his twenty-three years of service, Stephen was a craftsman (7 level) in three different Air Force skilled trades. Stephen supported eight different contingency operations including Enduring and Iraqi Freedom Operations. Stephen was decorated thirty-one times, obtaining the Meritorious Service Medal for his personal dedication and commitment. Stephen was a great mentor, mechanic, and wingman for all who served with him. He retired from the USAFR as a Master Sergeant at the 910th Airlift Wing in Vienna, OH.
Stephen also served with the Howland Township Police Department before transferring to employment with the State of Ohio. He then retired from his public service career in 2016.
Stephen was a man of honor, integrity and loyalty to family and country. His favorite role of all time was as a father, husband and neighbor “Uncle Steve.” He enjoyed kickball, water wars, backyard fires and camping. He loved being a Howland Band Dad and Dance Dad and enjoyed teaching rocketry, auto mechanics, and welding. He believed in one true God, had high moral values and lived according to those values.
SGT Ryan Baum – USA – Bel Air, MD – DOD 5/18/2007
SGT Ryan John Baum, USA assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died May 18 in Karmah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire.
Ryan was a 1997 graduate of Smokey Hill High School in Aurora, Colorado. Friends remember him as a stubborn person but after joining the Army, he became an absolutely amazing person, man, father and son – he found his niche. He grew from a kid who defied authority into a man who soldiers on the front lines could count on. Ryan was an Army Ranger medic called “Doc Baum” and his comrades described him as the finest American soldier – talented, dedicated and proud. He was just a day away from a two-week leave so he could witness the birth of his first child, a daughter. But he volunteered for one last mission in Iraq because he didn’t want to let his fellow soldiers down – he was that rare breed who placed duty and sacrifice above his own needs and wants. Some of his passions were football, baseball, lacrosse, camping, family gatherings and defending his country.
CPL Benjamin Charles Dillon – USA – Rootstown, OH – DOD 10/7/2007
CPL Dillon chose to follow a family tradition of service to his country by entering the US Army on September 24, 2004. He completed numerous military courses while serving, including the Ranger Indoctrination Program, the Ranger Course, and the Basic Airborne Course. After completion of training CPL Dillon was assigned to B Company 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. During his service CPL Dillon was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Army Expert Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge.
CPL Benjamin C. Dillon was killed in action on October 6, 2007, in Iraq during combat operations against known enemies of the United States of America. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and recommended for the Bronze Star Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Ben was a lifelong member of the Edinburg United Church and a 2004 graduate of Southeast High School. He played baseball, basketball, and golf. His free time was spent in the company of his dearest friends and family at a campfire at his home.
SPC Dennis Gomez – USA – McAllen, TX – DOD 4/23/2022
Specialist Dennis Gomez joined the U.S. Army during the COVID-19 pandemic, August 11, 2020. He was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia with his wife and young sons. Gomez was promoted to Specialist and was serving with the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. He was in training to be a lifeguard when he drowned during a training exercise.
Dennis met his wife Abril at a call center where they both worked years prior to his enlistment. On December 22, 2018 and March 3, 2019 respectively, he welcomed his two beautiful sons, who were the most important part of his life. Dennis was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, soldier and friend. He enjoyed music, traveling, and creating memories with his family – especially at the beach. He was confident and had a strong sense of self. He believed in the power of a positive mindset, often sharing motivational insights with his loved ones. Dennis had mastered small talk and genuinely enjoyed conversing with everyone who crossed his path.
Dennis had a larger-than-life quality and a love of adventure. He loved talking to people and hearing about their lives. A great listener, with a warm smile for everyone, he was passionate about self-improvement and the power of positivity. He was a fearless man and a dedicated soldier who loved his country.
SPC Herbert Glenn Howard – USA – Dayton Ohio – DOD 5/10/2015
Glenn started his military path from day one, being born on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Coming from a military family Glenn grew up with a strong belief in serving our great country and his fellow man. His magnetic personality allowed him to inspire others to pursue their dreams and overcome their fears.
Glenn worked as a health inspector in the U.S. Army, he quickly became someone the other soldiers trusted and could lean on because of his sense of humor and leadership skills. He was always there to listen with words of encouragement and wisdom.
During his deployment to Iraq, Glenn always volunteered for extra duties outside of the kitchen. He sustained injuries during a mission and was medevaced out. His brothers in arms and the WWP profoundly impacted his life, and he was very proud of the life the US Army enabled him to have. If Glenn were here today, he would not allow the focus to be on him or his injuries, as he always focused on others and would say someone else always had it worse.
His family and those who knew him will forever be impacted by the loss of a dedicated father, son, brother, friend and so much more. He was a man of God and Country and will never be forgotten.
Lt Col Mark Jennings – USAF – Austin, TX – DOD 12/14/2009
Mark was born January 26, 1965. He grew up in rural Ohio and developed a love for his country at a young age. He loved hunting, fishing, and trapping in the woods, creeks, ponds and lakes of Northwest Ohio. At 14 Mark was the youngest bow hunter to bag a buck in that part of Ohio. As a young man he lettered in track and field, raced motorcycles and sailboats, water and snow skied and later in life took up snowboarding. Basically, he excelled at whatever he set his mind to do. Once he set his sights on being a pilot, he never looked back.
Mark earned a degree from Bowling Green State University in Aero Technology and Air Force ROTC and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He then joined the Air Force to become a fighter pilot. After earning his wings at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio Texas, Mark was sent to Eglin AFB in Florida and trained with the Combat Hammer. He then was sent to Luke AFB in Arizona and trained aggressively in the deserts to prepare for his many missions over the deserts of Iraq and Saudi Arabia. In Korea, Mark patrolled the no fly zone between the North and South from Kunsan AB in South Korea. In addition to fighting overseas, Mark flew on September 11 to patrol the skies defending against further potential terrorist attacks on US soil, as well as escorting and protecting incoming domestic flights.
Before leaving active duty in the AF to join the Air Guard, Mark spent several years training the next generation of fighter pilots to fly the F-16. He also worked on the F-22 project. Mark’s exceptional abilities were recognized early in his career starting with academic ace in pilot training at Del Rio. He was a highly decorated Lieutenant Colonel earning 2 top gun awards, the Air Medal, Meritorious Medal, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism, and Korean Defense Medal. Mark served in the 177th fighter wing of the Air National Guard in Atlantic City NJ and continued training and flying F-16’s while working for Delta Airlines. He was a true American Hero.
Maj Charles Matthew Kettler – USAF – Clinton, IA – DOD 2/12/2024
Matt was born in Clinton, Iowa in 1984 to Richard and Jonelle Kettler, who were incredibly proud of their intelligent, accomplished son. He attended the United States Air Force Academy, bravely defending his nation in active duty from 2008 to 2020 and remaining active in the reserves at Wright Patterson AFB until his passing in February 2024. Matt was a skilled Air Force and United Airlines pilot with an extensive list of accolades. He flew C-21s, MC-12Ws and C-17s while in the military. Matt was a C-17 Instructor Pilot, an experienced Combat Instructor Pilot, Lead Airdrop Evaluator Pilot and C-17 Lead Airdrop Instructor Pilot.
Matt met Melissa in 2001 while attending Clinton High School, where they dated throughout their senior year. The two reconnected in 2012 while Matt was on leave from his station in Germany. Their romance traversed multiple relocations from Charleston to Oklahoma, culminating with their marriage in October of 2017.
Matt and Melissa have two beautiful daughters, Peyton Elizabeth age 5, and Adeline Joann age 18 mo, who were his proudest accomplishments. Peyton and Adeline adored their loving father and will undoubtedly be guided by their new angel in heaven.
SGT Darrin Potter – USNG – Louisville, KY- DOD 9/29/2003
Army SGT Darrin Potter was assigned to the 223rd Military Police Company, U.S. Army National Guard, Louisville, Kentucky. On Sept 29, 2003, he lost his life while serving in Iraq. A Humvee carrying him and other soldiers was responding to a mortar attack by Iraqi insurgents outside of Baghdad near Abu Ghraib Prison. The Humvee left the road, overturned and was submerged in a canal. When his vehicle rolled into the canal, he made sure his troops made it out of the vehicle. All the occupants got out, and two made it to shallow water, but Potter was swept away by swift currents. A soldier from the 82nd Airborne Division, Sgt. Andrew Baddick of Jim Thorpe, Pa., died trying to rescue Potter. Darrin was 24, AJ Baddick was 26.
Darrin was from Louisville, Kentucky, a 1997 graduate of Butler High School and was an officer with the Jefferson County (KY) Police Department.
SSG Jason Prokop – USA & SDPD – San Diego, CA – DOD 10/11/11
Jason Prokop knew early in life he wanted to save lives on and off the battlefield. In 2002, he answered that call by enlisting in the United States Army, where he set forth to become a Ranger Special Operations Combat Medic. Stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia with 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Jason built lifelong bonds and refined the skills that made him an exceptional leader. With relentless dedication and an unshakable commitment to his fellow soldiers, Jason provided critical, life-saving aid in some of the most demanding and high-risk environments, deploying under multiple operations with honor.
Beyond his military career, Jason was a lifelong learner. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, always striving for personal growth as a San Diego Police Officer. Jason often joked that at Sergeant School, he walked away with two honors: Distinguished Honor Graduate and a wife showcasing his signature humor even in the face of rigorous training.
Jason exemplified leadership and excellence. This is when he decided to become a Drill Instructor. Jason’s dedication earned him the prestigious title of Distinguished Honor Graduate at both Sergeant School and Drill Sergeant School, an accomplishment few achieve. As a Drill Sergeant of the Cycle, he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of soldiers, instilling in them the values of duty, honor, and selfless service.
Jason’s life was defined by two core values: integrity and selflessness. He believed that integrity meant doing the right thing even when no one was watching, and he carried that principle into every aspect of his life. His selflessness was equally profound—whether on the battlefield, among friends, or helping a stranger in need, he always put others first. Jason also made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life to save another in 2011. He left this world as he had always lived: putting others before himself.
Returning Ambassador Fallen Hero Families
SSG Bryan Burgess – USA – Oceanside, CA – DOD 03/29/2011
Bryan was born in Cleburne TX. Bryan joined the Army in 2003 inspired by fighting for our nation against terrorism. Bryan was sent to boot camp in Ft Benning GA. After boot camp Bryan was stationed at joint base Lewis McCord under the 2/4 Stryker Regiment. Bryan was deployed for the first time in 2004 to Iraq. After returning home he married the love of his life Tiffany Burgess in 2006. Bryan was deployed to Germany with his wife in tow. Bryan was assigned to the 4/2 Cav unit. Alot happened for Bryan he was married, stationed in a different country, had just had his first child with Tiffany, a beautiful daughter named Makya, and in 2008 he welcomed a beautiful son Zander. When he thought life was settling in, the Army did what it does best and kept him moving….he was deployed for the second time to Iraq and added a few months for measure making his deployment 15 months! As soon as the unit returned 2009 his family was returned to the states but this time to Ft Campbell KY under the prestigious 101st Airborne Division and the greatest unit known to man THE No Slack battalion! Bryan made family wherever he was and No Slack was no different. In 2010 No Slack was deployed to Afghanistan. It was a bad deployment, they all were but this one would prove to be different. Within 3 weeks from coming home the command had a mission, Strong Eagle III. Strong Eagle III was expected to take 24-48 hours to complete, sadly and with great losses the fight lasted nine days. Bryan lost his life on March 29th, 2011 during that mission. Bryan was honored to serve his country and loved his job. Bryan was an amazing husband, father and son! A hole will forever be in the hearts of the people he loved and touched.
Officer A.J. Coursen – Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department – Liberty Township, OH – DOD 1/8/2002
Officer AJ Coursen was ambushed when answering a domestic call in 2002. He was a graduate of Keystone High School. He began his career in fire and law enforcement in LaGrange, OH as an Emergency Medica Technician (EMT 4) in community service. At age 21, he began training at Medina Police Academy. He volunteered much of his time to auxiliary police until taking a full time position as an officer with LaGrange Police Department. He quickly advanced to a Captains position and served a total of 13 years with that department. His dedication to community service led him to a dual career in law enforcement and fire fighting, becoming chief of the LaGrange Fire Department. He was instrumental in acquiring LaGranges largest fire truck. In July, 2000, he married Deborah Jean “D. J.”, and settled in Beaufort, SC.
Capt Zach Hollingsworth – USMC – Lebanon, OH – DOD 10/08/2021
Zachary (“Zach”) Lee Hollingsworth passed away on October 8, 2021, at the age of 35. Born on November 5, 1985, in Wilmington, Ohio to parents David and Lisa Hollingsworth, he is survived by Krista Hollingsworth, their son Jaxton Hollingsworth, brother Nate (Ann) Hollingsworth, sister Leah (Ayo) Ademiluyi, and maternal grandparents Patricia and Lee Smith. He was “Uncle Zach” to Traverse Hollingsworth, Amari Ademiluyi, Israel Ademiluyi, Zuriel Ademiluyi, and Selah Ademiluyi. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Carrie (“Granny”) and Don Hollingsworth.
“Beloved” will never truly encapsulate how family and friends will remember Zach. He was charismatic, loyal, loving, and kind. Zach’s joyful spirit and incredible sense of humor made everything more fun and colorful. He gave you his full attention, keyed into what you needed, and had a unique ability to make you feel good about yourself. He loved talking to people and many conversations would last for hours, ranging in topics from hunting and music to philosophy and psychology.
Zach was a protector, a natural-born leader, and an entrepreneur. His passion and self-motivation were inspiring, and he seemed to have an endless bank of ideas, many of which were centered around bringing people together and benefiting the greater good. His life was dedicated to serving others, particularly veterans and the most vulnerable or overlooked. He was an amazing father to four-year-old Jaxton, who was always right by his side while he scouted for deer or cleared a tree.
Zach was a very active kid who excelled in athletics, including as a member of his Knothole baseball team and the Wilmington City Schools basketball program. He attended Capitol University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Education and was a three-time Capitan on the basketball team.
His military career began after college at Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA. After his commission, he attended Field Artillery MOS School at Fort Sill, OK, and was part of the 1st Battalion 10th Marines, stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. He deployed in 2010 with Alpha Battery in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
After his active-duty military career, he taught history and coached basketball at Centerville High School, and then later went back to work for the military; this time as a Contracting Officer for the Department of Defense at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. While working full-time, he obtained his Master of Business Administration from Ohio University, which helped him co-found and launch Have a Shot of Freedom Whiskey Co. The company’s mission was always bigger than making great whiskey for Zach. Despite its success, he never took anything out of the business for himself. All profits were either reinvested back into the company or given away to help veteran causes. Freedom Whiskey was created to pay homage to those who served while honoring the individuals in all military branches who have toiled to make America great.
An avid outdoorsman, Zach felt most at peace out in the country or deep in the woods. We imagine him sitting around the campfire in Heaven, boots up, listening to George Strait with that big infectious smile on his face. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
CW2 Jennifer C Hunter – USA – Ovalo, TX – DOD 6/27/2015
Anyone who knew our daughter, CW2 Jennifer C. Hunter, could describe a woman with a loving energy who cherished her family, always showed a zest for life with her laughter and sense of humor, had a genuine smile that was contagious, made it easy for others to relate to her with her authentic personhood, consistently showed care and thoughtfulness for others, had a generosity without flair, a tenderness and compassion for others life concerns, an unassuming character who somehow always stood out for the depth of her faith and trust in a God who she felt blessed her without fail her entire life. Deploying 3 times to Iraq and being exposed to the burn pits did not dampen her resolve to faithfully serve her country regardless of cost. I miss her so…as does all her family. Just by knowing her she made and is making us better people even now.
On September 11, when the second plane hit, I immediately called my daughter, stationed at Ft. Sill, and told her America was under attack and wasn’t sure how widespread it was so please be careful and watch your surroundings. Her response was, “Sure Mom, okay.” Her call came a short time later, “Mom, they hit the Pentagon, the Army side.” And then a confession, “Mom, you know I love the boys with all my heart, but right now if they sent me, I’d go to the Pentagon, those are my people.” And then, “Remember in Naples when Dad left after being called in due to Desert Storm, I felt like he abandoned us, but now I understand why he left.”
It is truly inexpressible to capture the willingness of military members to give their all for each other and to understand the deeper sacredness of who they are for each other. They are called upon to reach their highest levels of performance in the sky, on the ground, and on the water in situations that most people could not imagine. They possess an inner strength to face fear and adversity with courage, a mental toughness to overcome obstacles and challenges with calculated self-confidence, and a stoic tactical awareness to see their duty completed, regardless of the cost. They do it for their families and only hope their families understand and have their back, even as they have each other’s back. And we had Jennifer’s back fully as she took care of her people, working to make sure they got home safe.
Our daughter told us in a hundred different ways after she came back from her deployments in Iraq why she did what she did, “Glad my boys can grow up free and not taught to hate at such a young age,” “Mom, the atrocities against women, I never want that for you.”
In her 15 years of military service, Jennifer was stationed in various places around the world including posts in the United States, Germany, Italy, and three tours in Iraq, and always gave her best wherever she landed. Her awards include a Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, six Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, a Joint Meritorious Unit Award, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, three Army Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, an Iraq Campaign Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, an Army Service Ribbon and three overseas Service Ribbons.
Our Jennifer passed away Saturday, June 27, 2015, in Fort Carson, Colorado after suffering a slow agonizing, unbearable physical pain that racked her whole body. With a very rare brain cancer due to her exposure to burn pits on two different deployments to Iraq, even then she asked us not to hate the U.S. Army, so she signed up and gave an oath to do her duty, which she fulfilled as long as possible. Although the burn pits were abolished in 2010 due to the high incidence of rare cancers in our deployed military members, Jennifer had already made 2 of her 3 deployments. Her doctor, who worked with Special Ops and had seen this type of death more times than he wanted to, had the necessary paperwork to sign Jennifer up on the government burn pit registry.
Jennifer was born December 21, 1978, in Okinawa, Japan to us, Craig and Donna Kleman. After graduating from Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas, she enlisted in the United States Army on June 28, 2000, after participating in JROTC throughout her high school years, where she gleaned so many of the positive attributes that made her stand out in faithful service to and for her country and fellow military members. From her earliest years, she showed a keen interest in serving in the military. Two of her great-grandfathers served during WWII, her grandfather during the Vietnam War, and her father during Desert Storm. She was proud to carry on the military tradition of her family and would be even more so knowing the two young sons she left behind enlisted in the U.S. Army. One in the Signal Corps like his mother, and the other a Combat Medic—her influence on all her family, friends, and fellow soldiers continues even today.
Lt Col Mark Jennings – USAF – Austin, TX – DOD 12/14/2009
Mark was an AF pilot. He loved flying, fishing, hunting. He loved the outdoors and the peacefulness of the early morning right before the sun came up. He trained in the deserts of Arizona in preparation for missions over the deserts of Iraq in the mid-90’s. He patrolled the no-fly zone between North and South Korea. He taught the next generation of fighter pilots in the F-16 and was excited that many of them would go on to fly the F-22 or F-35. (It was while he teaching in Arizona at Luke AFB, that we met.) He loved his military brothers and his military family grew with each new assignment. While he enjoyed all of these things, he really wanted a family, he wanted to be a dad. I was also in the AF, with our ops tempo and deployments, I knew there would be some delay before that could come to be. (It’s hard to make a baby when you are both deployed at different times and continents apart…) Mark’s passing was sudden and untimely (as if there is ever a good time?!). Two weeks later, I learned I was pregnant. I love that part of Mark lives on through our daughter. I am so grateful that God blessed us in this way and truly believe that Katie is Mark’s biggest legacy and who he would be most proud of.
PFC James Markwell – USA – Cincinnati, OH – DOD 12/21/1989
Ranger James W Markwell was born in and Cincinnati Ohio May 29 1968. He had the most beautiful brilliant blue eyes and was a sweet happy baby. He loved people and interacting with them. He was everyone’s go-to friend and if you weren’t friends it was by your choice. He experienced all life brought his way as he rushed towards his destiny.
He played community ball until he was too old to play at which time he moved on to umpiring. He was known for his fairness on and off the field. He was also active in football as the assistant trainer at Princeton high school, was an honor Thespian as well as Spanish club and Spanish dancers (he loved to dance) helped in the school office, was an officer in junior achievement. He loved hunting and fishing,
After high school he attended Findlay College in the PreVet program for 2 years. My plan was for him to move on to Ohio State School of Veterinary Medicine, but his desire to fulfill his destiny as a Ranger took him a different direction. Any time he talked to me about wanting to join the Army I dismissed it with you are to kind and compassionate to be a soldier. I would come to see in later years that is a definite trait in most Rangers. In November of 1988 he strolled into the living room and announced that he had indeed joined the Army on the delayed entry with a Ranger contract. Little would I know until much later how his destiny and God’s mission would affect my life. He left in February of 1989 for basic at Ft Hood, then on to Ft Sam Houston for his medical training before going to Ft Benning for Airbourne and RIP. He was assigned as a medic to C/co 1/75 Ranger Battalion Savannah and arrived in Oct 1989. While serving there he would use his well learned skills as a medic to save to lives during training. Once when a ranger went into anaphylactic shock, and then again when his Lt. would sustain life treating injuries to his leg from a live fire grenade explosion. on Dec 20 1989 Jim would be KIA during the Invasion of Panama, “Operation Just Cause.”
Prior to deploying Jim wrote a death letter that has been used over and over to inspire young soldiers and graduates. I was able to share that letter with then President George HW Bush when we met with him 3 weeks after Jim died. The letter so moved the President he used part of it in his 1990 State of the Union Speech.
“I do not know what lies beyond the fog.Whether it’s a plane ride home for Christmas or the fog never ends. Do not mourn for me. Revel in the life I have died to give you. Everyone, have a beer with me and for me,” Ranger James W Markwell
12-18-89.
Jim has a daughter Brittany.This father and daughter never met Brittany was born 2 month to the day after Jim died. He has 5 grandchildren.
SPC Donald S. Morrison – USA – Cincinnati, OH – KIA 9/26/2010
On September 26, 2010, SPC Morrison, Donald “Scott” was KIA. This was his first deployment during Operation Enduring Freedom. Prior to deployment he was stationed at Fort Hood, TX to the 584th Mobility Augmentation Company, 20th Engineer Battalion.
SP4 James E. Niehaus, USA- Hamilton County, OH- KIA 6/26/1968
James E. Niehaus Specialist Four, U.S. Army, was killed on June 28, 1968 while walking his guard post on Tay Ninh Base Camp when the camp came under intense hostile mortar fire and he was struck by shrapnel.
TSgt Joshua Riggs – USAF – Tipp City, OH – 7/12/2012
United States Air Force TSgt Joshua Andrew Riggs was born on April 20, 1977 in Greenville, MI to Robert and Joann Riggs (Crooks). He graduated from Carson City-Crystal High School in 1995. After high school, he attended Grand Rapids Community College and earned a degree in Criminal Justice. He joined the USAF soon after graduating from college. He earned the rank of Airman 1st Class after graduating from basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX in 1998. He stayed at Lackland for Security Forces tech school and then went to his first duty station, Wright Patterson AFB, OH. He met his wife, Elizabeth while stationed there and they were married on August 7th, 1999. He was a Security Forces patrolman, gate sentry and armorer while stationed at WPAFB.
Josh deployed to Al Jaber AB, Kuwait in 2000 and was part of a team that would spend the next 120 days there. He received an Air Force Commendation medal during his time at Wright-Patterson. He was an expert marksman on several different weapons as well. He was given an opportunity to go to Combat Arms training back at Lackland AFB and was given orders to Tyndall AFB, Panama City, FL in 2003.
His daughter, Megan Joann was born in October of the same year at Gulf Coast Medical Center. Josh decided to separate from the Air Force in 2006 and was honorably discharged that year. The family then moved back to Ohio and Josh got a job as a police officer with the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. His son, Andrew Robert was born in June of 2007 at Mercy Fairfield Hospital in Fairfield, OH. He reenlisted into the Air Force due to low manning in the Combat Arms career field. The family then moved to Lackland AFB in 2008 so that Josh could be a weapons instructor for the 342d TRS and later, the 343d TRS.
Josh struggled with anxiety, depression and PTSD for many years. On July 12th, 2012, he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at Lackland AFB. He is deeply missed by his wife, children, family and friends.
SGT Christopher Terry – USA – Lima, OH – DOD 3/18/2014
To have known Chris Terry is to have known selflessness, integrity, love and laughter. From onesies to full battle rattle, Chris yearned to experience life in the most spectacular of ways. He always went above and beyond for his family, friends and fellow soldiers. He led by example and challenged all to do the same. Chris’ exuberance was infectious and his drive to always pay it forward was inspiring. We are all better for having known this remarkable soldier and ever captivating man. Chris enjoyed running, playing hockey, playing racketball, kicking back with friends and generally having a good time. He followed the Buckeyes (more so after prodding from me) and the Capitals (I was still secretly rooting for the Jackets – sorry babe… I’m Ohio to the core). He was a man without a lap. He could stand and be active, or lay down and nap. Sitting only happened when required to do so. He was a man of many antics and a truly thoughtful partner. He was one of a kind, my best friend and a source of joy still for those who knew him.
SPC Christian D. Ward – USA – Lower Salem, OH – 6/28/2019
Army Specialist Christian was born on the 26 January 1996 in Marietta, Ohio. He attended Fort Frye Local Schools from 2003-2012. After his family relocated to North Carolina, he graduated from West Iredell High School. He was a member of the ROTC program, which led him to join the Army in 2015. Chris was deployed to Bulgaria and Romania, and it was there that he displayed his selfless character: he spent most of his free time at a nearby orphanage. Chris’ mentoring and acting as a role model left his impression there, as he fixed broken bicycles and left innumerable gifts which included a new collection of books for a new library. Chris was promoted to Specialist and advanced to crew chief on a UH-60 Black Hawk Medi Vac.(Dust Off). His military awards include the following: Aviation Wings Badge, Army Good Conduct Ribbon, National Defence Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Ribbon with Oak leaf cluster, and Global War on Terrorism ribbon.
Christian’s death was on 28 June 2019, but part of him lives on as he gave the ultimate gift of life as an organ donor. His heart went to a 17-year-old person, a United States Air Force Veteran who received Chris’ liver and one kidney, and a Department of Defense person who also received a kidney. We believe the selfless actions Christian displayed at the age of twenty three far surpass most people. Without his forethought, other lives would have been lost with his death. Christian is missed deeply by his family, who are proud of his selfless character and LOVE OF COUNTRY both in life and in death.