CPT Stephen John Valent, ARMY

I am very grateful and honored to be a gold star spouse. The privilege and honor is still with me to this very day. We have a beautiful daughter, son-in-law and three beautiful grandchildren. Stephen would be very proud.

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.

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SPC Matthew Jarrod Kocher, ARMY

“Matthew was more than just an honorable man; he was the kind of person whose kindness touched everyone he met. He was the one who would give you the shirt off his back, or stop whatever he was doing to help a soldier get a ride on post. His heart was wide open, always ready to welcome a friend in need, no matter the hour. He wasn’t just a good friend or a father; he was the glue that held us together. His love and devotion were boundless, and he always made sure to fill our lives with memories we’d cherish forever. Together, we explored the world, adventuring through Europe, laughing, and creating moments that now feel like treasures. Every single day without him feels like a piece of us is missing. But in his absence, we are more determined than ever to carry his name forward, to honor his legacy with the same love and generosity he showed us. Until we meet again, Matthew, we hold you 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 a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.

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2LT Benjamin Colgan, Army

“My dad was a devoted husband, dad, world class soldier and friend to all. Those who knew him could attest to his generous spirit and ever present smile. His commanding officer described him as "absolutely fearless" and 'the bravest most decent and selfless man" he's ever known.”

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.

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LT Christopher Allen Reed, Navy

“Lt. Christopher Reed was an EOD tech in the US Navy. He was in the military for 23 years. He loved being a special operator in that community. He taught our children well when it comes to strength, determination, hard work and love for this country. Our son is now in the Air National Guard and is a DOD firefighter. Our daughter is a senior in high school and plans to attend a 4 year college when she graduates.”

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.

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SGT Buddy Hughie, Army

“Buddy loved life, loved his son, and loved the Army. He lives on in his son Cooper who strives to be a doctor and save people in the way his father did.”

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.

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SSGT Raymond Briggs, Air Force

“My husband, Ray, was originally from Ohio. He served in the Army and Air Force. We met in Hawaii where his first assignment was after he got out the basic training. We have three children who are young adults now. He is resting at the Hawaii Veterans cemetery. Our children and I are volunteering for organizations to honor and remember local fallen service members in Hawaii.”

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.

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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.

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LTCOL Thomas Andrew Budrejko, USMC

“LtCol Tom "Bull" Budrejko, USMC was a AH-1W Cobra pilot and veteran of numerous combat tours. He had a fondness and talent for training others and loved being an attack helicopter pilot.”

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.

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Major Mario Tellez, Air Force

“Mario was a devoted husband and a loving father who always put family first. Even when his duty would keep him far from home for extended periods, his heart always remained with his loved ones. He’d often call and write to make sure his family was taken care of. When he was home, he made every precious moment count. He loved taking Sophie to swim lessons and cherished everyday activities like going on long walks with Sophie and the dogs. Mario was also a beloved member of the community who didn’t hesitate to roll-up his sleeves for volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity and led numerous community cleaning initiatives.”

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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