Tribute our Fallen: U.S. Army Special Operations

Fellow Warriors And Citizens

The Last Full Measure of Devotion honors U.S. Army Special Operations Command’s 382 fallen warriors in the twenty years since the 9-11 terrorist attacks. It is a testament to the patriotism, courage, and selfless service of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation and its founding principles.

May the heroes honored herein inspire us to renew our commitment to the noble cause of freedom, for which they gave the last full measure of devotion. Their indomitable spirit and sacrifice serve as a constant reminder of why Army Special Operations Forces are, and will remain, without equal.

We Shall Not Forget.

INTERACTIVE MAP: Hometowns of ARSOF Fallen

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2023

2021

2020

I think one of his main attributes was humbleness … He just had a very calm side to him.
Javier J. Gutierrez, Sr. about his son, SFC Javier J. Gutierrez, Jr.

2019

[He] is one of America’s precious sons. The entire nation should strive to emulate the warrior, patriot, and husband that Cameron was.
COL Brandon Tegtmeier, Commander, 75th Ranger Regiment, about SGT Cameron A. Meddock

2018

Every choice he made was for other people. It was for the betterment of others, whether it be his family or his country.
Allie Emond, wife of SFC Eric M. Emond

2017

As he got older, he’s this massive, rough-and-tough John Wayne kind of guy. But if you knew him and talked to him, he was just a lovable clown. He was the nicest, most gentle man you ever met.
Will Wright, brother of SSG Dustin M. Wright

2016

Matt was a born leader, a true American. He wanted to be a soldier since third grade, and he was doing what he loved to do … [He] was proud to serve his country, and he loved the men and women with whom he served.
Parents of SFC Matthew C. Lewellen

2015

The Army really suited him … [He] always wanted to help people, and he felt he was doing that.
Family of MSG Joshua L. Wheeler

2014

[He] was an exceptional Soldier in all regards … [His] efforts have made an impact on his unit and our mission. We, as a nation, are fortunate to have men like Matt.
LTC Tommy Stoner, Commander, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, about SSG Matthew R. Ammerman

2013

He grew up knowing nothing but patriotism and loving America … He was an amazing kid. He would give the shirt off his back to anybody. His smile would just brighten the room. He was always happy.
Beth Strickland Funk, mother of SGT Joshua J. Strickland

2012

We’d be camping and he’d put his camos on and paint his face up. We’re sitting around the camp fire and he’d get real low, crawling through the woods, sneaking up on us … He wanted to be in the Army and he wanted to be the best.
Family of SGT Tanner S. Higgins

2011

Don’t make the mistake of thinking I joined the Army out of some misguided, short–lived sense of patriotism. My sense of duty and place in the Army was something I couldn’t get rid of. I had and have a deep [seated] feeling of pride and joy in my heart and in my soul when I was/am protecting someone. What I was most proud of and died protecting was you, those I loved, my country, and my God.
Letter from SGT Tyler N. Holtz to his family,
delivered by a fellow Ranger on Holtz’s request in the event of his demise

2010

He was born to do what he did. From the day he started walking, he always wanted to serve in the military. He always wanted to make a difference. He was dedicated to his mission. He loved what he was doing. He took pride in it.
Family of SSG Mark A. Stets, Jr.

2009

Chris was a man who deeply loved his family and believed that he was making a difference in the fight against terror.
Family of SFC Christopher D. Shaw

2008

He wanted to change himself, and he wanted to change the world around him. In his opinion, he was doing the highest civic duty possible.
Family of SPC Christopher Gathercole

2007

What you need to know about my husband is that he was a good and loving person. He died for your freedom, and for all of our freedom … George joined the Army because of September 11^th. He believed in the mission and I believed in him.
Valorie A. Libby, wife of SPC George V. Libby

2006

We will forever remember his character, loving kindness, straightforward approach, and love for his country. He was honored to be an American Soldier, and his family and friends know the legacy he leaves behind while serving in a profession where all give some, but some give all.
Family of 1SG Carlos N. Saenz

2005

Matthew was a loving husband and a caring son. He was also a Soldier who unwaveringly placed our country before himself; Matthew was honored to serve with his fellow Soldiers, proud to serve in the United States Army, and grateful to be an American.
Family of SSG Matthew A. Kimmell

2004

His whole life, from the time he was a child, he was interested in our country. He followed his heart. That’s where he always wanted to be – he always wanted to serve the country.
Joy Syverson, mother of MAJ Paul R. Syverson III

2003

His capacity to love was deep and heartfelt. He tended to lighten his intense emotions with humor and fun. One of his missions in life was to make people laugh.
Charmaine Silva, sister of SSG Gregory M. Frampton

2002

As a child, he didn’t express an interest in a military career at all. In fact, we were pretty surprised when he told us he was going to go into the Army …[But he] wanted to defend our country, he wanted to be involved actively in that, and thought the Army offered him the best opportunity to do it.
Parents of SFC Nathan R. Chapman

2001

He was a warrior and he was doing what he wanted to do. He was a brave man and he was willing to pay the price.
Brian D. Prosser, father of SSG Brian C. Prosser

U.S. Army Special Operations FALLEN