Army

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.

CW2 Joshua M. Scott, ARMY

”CW2 Joshua Michael Scott is a hero. On May 26, 2005 Josh was killed in action when his OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter came under attack from small-arms fire and crashed in Buhriz, Iraq. Josh’s life in the military embodies a commitment to a greater purpose that goes beyond personal gain. He chose a path that prioritized the well-being and safety of others. His willingness to put the needs of his country and fellow citizens above his own is a testament to his exceptional character and sense of duty. It is this commitment to something larger than oneself that distinguishes him and makes him a true hero. From time spent away from loved ones to the physical and emotional tolls of the work, men and women in the service have endured hardships that many cannot fathom. Despite these challenges, Josh exhibited remarkable resilience, pushing through adversity and demonstrating unwavering confidence. His ability to remain steadfast in the face of difficulties is a testament to his inner strength and determination. However, my fathers heroism goes beyond his tremendous sacrifice. My dad was the type of man to stop everything in order to go help whomever he could. When someone was stuck on the side of the road, he would be the first one there trying to help. When someone’s American flag became worn and torn he would go and replace it with a new one. His willingness to help followed him up until the very end, as he sacrificed it all for me, you, and his country. I hope that you take Joshua Michael Scott’s legacy with you and help to keep him alive in our spirits and souls. Next time you see someone in need please go help. Hold open a door, spare a dollar or two for the homeless, smile at people. A simple act can change a life and if I have learned anything from my father’s life, it's to not leave this world without leaving a positive impact on as many people as possible.”

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.

SSG Nicholas Valvo, ARMY

“Nicholas took pride in being a soldier, a father, and a husband. He was always the guy who would lift you up when you were down, he’d help you without even asking, and he’d drive you crazy only to make you fall more in love with him. Nicholas truly was a selfless person.”

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.

COL David McCracken, Army

“COL David McCracken and I were married for 16 years. We met while working at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. As a US Army Reservist, David deployed several times after 9/11. His last deployment was to Victory Base Complex located in Baghdad, Iraq. He deployed days after settling into our new home in Tyrone, GA. He was not due to deploy again for a few more years. However, 12 days after landing back in the States, we were notified of David’s imminent departure. In early 2008, David arrived in Iraq resolving to come back in the best shape of his life. He started a fitness plan and began running daily. He added in a weight lifting program and came home a very fit 180 lbs. During his post-deployment medical exam, it was noted that while fit, he was now experiencing, “a persistent cough and headaches.” The headaches continued but still continued with his fitness regime. We sought medical assistance when he couldn’t rise up out of bed in early October of 2010. During a CT scan, the doctors picked up on two suspicious looking masses in his brain. A biopsy confirmed that David had Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive type of brain cancer. David deteriorated very rapidly, surprising all of his doctors because he was in such outstanding shape. David fought until the end, continuing to honor his Reservist duties and regularly attending Battle Assemblies. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel one month before his death. He approached each day with courage and never gave up his will to drive on and make each day a memory. It became our family motto, “Make memories.” David's death was recently ruled service-connected due to exposure to toxins while deployed in Iraq. His wife and children seek to carry on his legacy by reaching out to those experiencing loss of similar nature across the US”

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.

CW2 Scott A Saboe, Army

“My husband and Father of my son Scott Saboe was a man of integrity and kindness. My husband was the love of my life, he had a special bond with his son. After all this time on this special anniversary for some reason, my son and myself both feel like we are surprised that he's gone. I think part of us has waited in the background of our lives for him to come home or to be with him. Something about this year reminds us that he is not coming back, and we will never get over losing him, but we will learn to live. We love him and miss him so much.”

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 Joshua Adam Hester, Army

“I would like to honor my husband, Sergeant Joshua Adam Hester, who proudly served the country he loved as an infantryman and sniper for over 15 years. He loved the military and would do anything for his guys. He was selected to train scout teams in Japan and marksmanship to deploying units. Joshua was deployed to Operation Desert Storm and Persian Gulf.   Joshua got injured in Afghanistan with an IED blast during his final deployment and was later discharged and continued suffering from the spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries from the IED blast, and PTSD. He died from his injuries at home, just one month before our son Matthew was born.    Joshua was beautiful inside and out, from his smile to his heart of gold. He was compassionate and loving to his family and those he served with. His friends were like family. Joshua loved making everyone laugh and never hesitated to help anyone who needed some help. He would stop to help a stranded driver. A protector at heart, Joshua would always step up to defend somebody being taken advantage of, or who could not defend themselves. My son and I find ways to keep his memory alive and honor him, he is greatly 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.