Memorial Wall 2026

First Sergeant Jimmy Morris was a dedicated patriot who served over 25 years in the U.S. Army, embodying the excellence of the Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch. A technical expert and a leader of soldiers, 1SG. Morris began his career mastering the Hawk Missile systems before transitioning to the advanced Patriot Missile System.

Throughout his distinguished career, he served with multiple ADA Brigades across the globe, including overseas tours in Korea and Germany, and key assignments at Fort Hood and Fort Bliss, Texas. A proud member of the Order of Saint Barbara, he was recognized for his integrity and significant contributions to the Artillery community.

Above all, 1SG. Morris was well respected and beloved by his Soldiers for his firm and fair leadership style. He was a leader who consistently prioritized the training, morale, and well-being of his troops.

1SG Morris’s legacy of service lives on through his children: he is survived by his daughter, a Colonel currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, and his son, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major.

He is remembered for his deep commitment to his country, his technical proficiency, and his unwavering dedication to his family and the men and women he led during a quarter-century of active duty

Army Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Burgess died March 29, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom. At 29, and just a month before his 30th birthday, Bryan Burgess of Cleburne, Texas, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died March 29 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained after enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire in Kunar province. He was a good man, a great friend, and loved by all from his small Texas community.

Sergeant Jonathan Kellylee Peney was a great American and a heroic U.S. Army Ranger combat medic who gave his life saving others. He was killed by enemy fire on June 1, 2010, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, at age 22, during his fourth deployment—all to Afghanistan.
Born July 1, 1987, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and raised in Georgia, Peney enlisted in 2005 from Marietta. He completed combat medic training, airborne school, the Ranger Indoctrination Program (as top graduate), Special Operations Combat Medic Course, and the U.S. Army Ranger Course. Assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in 2007, he exemplified selfless courage.
Under heavy fire, Peney climbed a ladder to reach a critically wounded Ranger on a rooftop, exposing himself to enemy fire without hesitation. For this gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, along with the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Ranger Tab, Expert Field Medical Badge, Parachutist Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with star, and others.
As Col. Michael E. Kurilla said: “Spc. Peney was the epitome of our Ranger medics—warrior first, expert in advanced medical treatment, and selflessly dedicated to the care of others... He is a hero to our nation, the 75th Ranger Regiment and his family.”
Survived by his wife Kristin (married in Greece in 2009) and mother Sue L. Peney, his legacy lives on through the Peney Aid Station at Fort Benning.
Rangers Lead the Way!

Sergeant Roberto Daniel Sanchez was a great American and a heroic U.S. Army Ranger who gave his life for our nation. He was killed during a combat operation on October 1, 2009, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, at age 24, during his fifth deployment in the War on Terror—three to Iraq and two to Afghanistan.
Born July 19, 1985, in Ocala, Florida, Sanchez enlisted in 2004 after graduating from Satellite Senior High School. He completed infantry and airborne training, earned his Ranger Tab, and served with distinction in Company B, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment as automatic rifleman and team leader.
His education included the Ranger Course, Emergency Medical Technician Basic Course, and Jumpmaster Course. Awards included the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals with combat stars, and others.
Survived by his parents 1st Sgt. Will and Wendy Holland; brothers Jacob Goldberg and Logan Holland of Hendersonville, Tennessee; and maternal grandparents James and Mary Wilson of Ocala—Sanchez lived the Ranger creed with selfless valor.
Rangers Lead the Way!

Staff Sergeant Chauncy R. Mays was a great American and a courageous Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician who gave his life in service to our nation.
Born December 7, 1985, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2004, serving with the 763rd EOD Company at Fort Leonard Wood and later as an EOD Team Leader with the 705th EOD Company at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He completed two deployments to Iraq (six months in 2006 and 14 months in 2008) and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in November 2010.
On February 28, 2011, at age 25, he was killed in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, by an improvised explosive device during a dismounted patrol.
His decorations include three Bronze Star Medals, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, Combat Action Badge, Senior EOD Badge, and campaign medals for Iraq and Afghanistan.
Staff Sergeant Mays is survived by his wife Katherine, daughters Kiley and Chesnee, and parents Thomas Mays and Alyson Rodgers.
His selfless bravery and dedication saved countless lives and embody the highest ideals of the U.S. Army.

Staff Sergeant Michael J. Garcia was a great American and a courageous Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician who gave his life in service to our nation.
Born August 1, 1983, in Big Springs, Texas, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2004 and began his EOD career with the 705th Ordnance Company (EOD) at Fort Polk, Louisiana, in 2005. He completed a 15-month deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2007) and deployed again to Afghanistan as an EOD Team Leader in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2010).
His decorations include the Bronze Star with “V” Device for valor, three Purple Hearts, Army Commendation Medal, three Army Achievement Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Badge, Senior EOD Badge, and campaign medals for Iraq and Afghanistan.
Staff Sergeant Garcia is survived by his son Elijah; father David; brother Richard; and sisters Debra, Amanda, and Cynthia.
His selfless sacrifice and bravery embody the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Staff Sergeant Jason Sean Dahlke was a great American and a heroic U.S. Army Ranger who gave his life for our nation. He was killed by enemy fire on August 29, 2009, in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, at age 29, during his sixth deployment in the War on Terror—three to Iraq and three to Afghanistan.
Born in Tampa, Florida, in 1979, Dahlke enlisted in 2004 from Jacksonville. He completed infantry and airborne training, earned his Ranger Tab, and served with distinction in Company A, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment as rifleman, grenadier, machine gunner, fire team leader, section leader, squad leader, and in the battalion reconnaissance platoon.
His education included the Ranger Course, Warrior Leader Course, and Jumpmaster Course. Awards included the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and campaign medals. Posthumously, he received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal.
Survived by his wife Nikole of Richmond Hill, Georgia; father Roger of Jacksonville; and mother Deborah of St. Augustine—Dahlke embodied selfless service and the Ranger spirit.
Rangers Lead the Way!

Sergeant Martin Anthony Lugo was a great American and a heroic U.S. Army Ranger who gave his life in service to our nation. He died on August 19, 2010, in Puli Alam, Afghanistan, at age 24, from wounds sustained in a fierce firefight during his sixth deployment.
Born in Tucson, Arizona, in 1986, Lugo enlisted in 2004, completed infantry and airborne training, earned his Ranger Tab, and served with distinction in Company C, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment as ammunition handler, automatic rifleman, team leader, and squad leader.
His six deployments included three to Afghanistan and two to Iraq. Awards included the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and campaign medals. Posthumously, he received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Purple Heart for extraordinary gallantry.
Survived by his father Martin, mother Maria Marin and stepfather Esteban Oropeza, sister Leslie Bencic and brother-in-law Christopher—all of Tucson—Lugo lived selflessly for others, embodying the Ranger creed.
Rangers Lead the Way!

Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott Cooper Dayton was a great American who dedicated 23 years to the U.S. Navy, serving with courage and distinction until his death in Syria on November 4, 2016.
Born in 1974 in Woodbridge, Virginia, he enlisted in 1993. His career spanned service as a Boatswain’s Mate on multiple ships, Rescue Swimmer instructor, EOD Diver, Marine Mammal Handler, and explosive ordnance disposal expert. He deployed to Iraq with SEAL teams and to Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
His decorations include the Bronze Star with Valor, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, seven Navy Achievement Medals, and two Combat Action Ribbons.
Scott is survived by his wife Kristen, daughter Hailey, and son Cole. His selfless service and sacrifice embody the finest traditions of the Navy and our nation.

Sergeant Major Lee Vampola was a great American, a devoted husband, father, son, and friend who passed away on February 15, 2024, in Vass, North Carolina, at age 39.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1985, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as an infantryman in 2004. He served with distinction in elite units, including the 75th Ranger Regiment, United Nations Command in South Korea, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Completing Military Freefall School in 2012, he returned to Special Operations in 2014, leading critical global missions in coordination with the Department of Defense and interagency partners.
His decorated career included the Bronze Star with Valor and multiple other awards for combat and meritorious service.
Despite his extraordinary courage, Lee bore the invisible wounds of war—a reminder of the vital need for mental health support for our veterans. His legacy endures through his family and the lives he touched.

MSG Cristobal L. Vallejo (Ret) was a great American and a dedicated U.S. Army Special Forces Senior Sergeant. He served with the 10th Special Forces Group and U.S. Army Special Operations Command, completing multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa.
Born in 1982 in Los Angeles and raised in Penn Valley, California, Cris enlisted in 2001. Starting as an infantryman in Germany, he deployed to Iraq in 2003, then earned his Green Beret as a Communications Sergeant in 2004.
His extensive training included Airborne, HALO, Jumpmaster, Advanced Sniper, and leadership courses. Awards included the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and numerous commendations.
Tragically, Cris died in a car accident on July 2, 2023, in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, at age 41.
Beloved by many for his generosity, infectious smile, and humor, he co-founded the Coast x Coast Foundation in 2013 to honor his fallen teammate SFC Ryan Savard (KIA 2012) and support Special Operations veterans and families.

Joshua Lloyd Wheeler was a great American and a United States Army soldier who was killed in Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve. He was a master sergeant assigned to U.S. Army Special Operations Command, and was the first American service member killed in action as a result of enemy fire while fighting ISIS militants.

Master Sergeant Gregory Thomas Leech was a great American whose love, laughter, and selfless service inspired all. He passed away on August 19, 2018, in Nashville, TN, at age 34.
Born in 1984 in California, Greg enlisted post-9/11, rising to the elite of U.S. Army Special Operations. He completed six deployments (two each to Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa) and earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Special Forces and Ranger Tabs, Military Freefall Badge, and many others.
His greatest joy was fatherhood to daughters Leyna (passed 2006) and Everly Kate, whom he adored deeply.
Greg lived for others—outdoors, music, and bringing people together with his infectious spirit. His loss reminds us of the hidden toll of war and the need for veteran support. His legacy endures in family and friends.