Army

SPC Russell Hercules Jr., ARMY

“Herc was the life of every room he walked into. He had a heart of gold and would do anything in his power to take care of those he cared for and to put a smile on everyone's face. He was the class clown type, always goofing around, dancing, and laughing. He was an avid Xbox player and even got asked to go pro with it but he wanted to serve his country instead. He was married with two children, Cadence and Christopher. He had 2 sisters and a nephew at the time of his death. He was all about his family, being a father was the one thing he wanted in life. He called home every chance he could. When problems would arise he would do everything in his power to find a resolution. He knew when we needed the goofy side of him and when we needed the serious side.

He joined the Army fresh out of high school in 2006. He did basic/AIT at Ft. Benning, GA. He was stationed at Ft. Riley, KS where he was quickly shipped off to Iraq for a 15-month deployment. He arrived back home in mid-2008. In October of that year, he was PCS'd to Fort Campbell, KY. In December 2008, they left for a year-long tour in Afghanistan. September 29th, the Pathfinder unit was headed out on their last mission before preparing to return home. It was on that final mission, on October 1, 2009; that SPC Hercules was shot and killed. The only member lost to the Pathfinder unit since Vietnam. Both his parents and his wife were prior service.

If we learn anything from the sacrifices of our loved ones it is to never take a single moment for granted. Cherish the little things in life & never go to bed upset. Tomorrow isn't promised today - go out there and achieve your dreams today. Live & love like there is no tomorrow...”

Sugar Bear Foundation Honors the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country while we support the spouses and children they leave behind. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.

MSG Jeremy Burris, ARMY

“Jeremy was an incredible soldier and leader for the U.S Army. He was devoted to his career and his soldiers. He enjoyed movie nights with his family and making homemade popcorn. There wasn't a single thing Jeremy couldn't do. He was very skillful and handy. He spent his spare time on his wellness and was a Master Fitness Trainer for the Army. He won the Best Warrior competition in the Army and acquired various awards and medals during his 18 years of service. He was a go-getter and ambitious. He casted a large shadow with big shoes to fill and he will always remain in our hearts and will forever be missed.”

Sugar Bear Foundation Honors the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country while we support the spouses and children they leave behind. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.

MAJ Stewart McGurk, ARMY

“Stewart leaves behind two boys and they are ages 7 and 11 years old. Stewart was deployed when our first born was born in Germany. He loved singing to them when they were young. Stewart loved telling jokes and it was rare that a day went by in which he did not tell a joke. He started out as an EOD tech and switched to become a Foreign Area Officer when we became pregnant with our first child. He was selected to become a China FAO and learned Mandarin at DLI. He had just started his FAO career when he passed away.”

Sugar Bear Foundation Honors the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country while we support the spouses and children they leave behind. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.

SFC Elis A Barreto Ortiz, ARMY

“Elis served in the Army active duty for 9 years. He was an amazing dad and husband. Elis enjoyed playing the electric guitar, working on cars as a hobby and being a dad. While on his second deployment, Elis was Killed in Action by a suicide car bomb while conducting escort security in Kabul Afghanistan. Elis was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.”

Sugar Bear Foundation Honors the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country while we support the spouses and children they leave behind. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.

SGT Milton A Gist, ARMY

“My Father was a loving man, who provided for his family. His life was full of service, from his community to his country. His legacy lives through my sister and I.”

Sugar Bear Foundation Honors the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country while we support the spouses and children they leave behind. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.

SFC Jess Anthony Brown, ARMY

“In commemorating my father, Jess A. Brown, I remember our shared bond for old music and 80s movies, which created unbreakable memories that I cannot wait to share with my future kids. His infectious laughter and thoughtful gestures made him beloved by all!

My dad was present and hard-working. I hold my dad in a special place in my heart for all the remarkable values he taught my sisters and I. Withal, his passing taught me about perseverance and how to cope with grief, and it gave me a profound appreciation for the sacrifices and things military parents do for their families.”

Sugar Bear Foundation Honors the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country while we support the spouses and children they leave behind. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.

SFC Sauron Phe Som, ARMY

“He is survived by his loving wife, Naren Som; mother, Roeung Som; father, Sai Som; mother in law, Puth Ny; sons, Sean Som, Giovanni Som and Sayvin Som; daughters, Asiyah Som, Saroni Som, Sarena Som and Maylene Sok; brothers, Sarann Phe, David Phe and Saroeun Phe; sisters, Sarath Phe, Maria Conrique and many extended family members Saruon was born in Thailand on February 5, 1982. He joined the US Army on April 7, 2005 and enjoyed a distinguished career serving in a multitude of positions both in the US and abroad. SFC Som served with the utmost distinction and received the following awards in the military: Army Commendation Medal Valor, Army Commendation Medal (5 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (5 Silver Leaf Cluster), Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (5 Knots), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal With Campaign Star (2), Iraq Campaign Medal With Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), and the NATO Medal, Recruiters Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and Driver Mechanic Badge.”

Sugar Bear Foundation Honors the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country while we support the spouses and children they leave behind. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.

Maj Douglas Ray Solan, ARMY

“We miss our Hero every single day. Life is hard without you. You are forever in our hearts.”

Sugar Bear Foundation Honors the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country while we support the spouses and children they leave behind. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.

SSG Daniel Alonzo Jr., ARMY

“My father, SSG Daniel Alonzo Jr. was not only an amazing father and husband, but a devoted soldier and a leader to all of his peers. He was the most caring individual and always would go the extra mile for anyone.”

Sugar Bear Foundation Honors the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country while we support the spouses and children they leave behind. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.

SGT Anselmo Martinez III, ARMY

“"BJ" will be forever in our hearts.”

Sugar Bear Foundation Honors the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country while we support the spouses and children they leave behind. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.

SSgt Damion Linder, ARMY

“Damion was an amazing man who loved his family and his country. He served 2 tours in Iraq before returning home and getting out of the Army to spend more time with his family. He then transitioned to the Sheriff's department where he was a deputy for a few years. He ultimately decided he wanted to be closer to family and moved to IL. Here he spent his days playing video games with his son and pushing his daughters on the swing set or just playing with them outside. His children were his world. He unfortunately suffered a PTSD induced heart attack at the early age of 37. He continues to live on through his children and wife, and watches over them every day.”


Sugar Bear Foundation Honors the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country while we support the spouses and children they leave behind. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.

SFC Scott William Fuhs, ARMY

“My Husband joined the army at age 30 after 9/11 happened. He chose to go enlisted although he had a Bachelor’s degree already. He did 3 tours in Iraq back to back and then was stationed at Ft Bragg where I met him. We were married about a year later and we lost our first child, Rachel Elizabeth, at 26 weeks gestation; she is now buried with him at Arlington National Cemetery. We had our 2nd child, Jack in 2013. Scott always went above and beyond for his Soldiers and anyone that was lucky enough to meet him. He was an amazing Father and Husband. His loss is greatly felt. We miss him daily.”

Sugar Bear Foundation Honors the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country while we support the spouses and children they leave behind. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.