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.
“Lt Col Hunter Letchman was the father to my 5 amazing children and my husband.”
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.
“Brandon was most comfortable behind the scenes. He was a humble & loyal person. His heart and soul were his daughters, Maya and Audrey. He met his wife, Andrea in high school and they married shortly after. At the time of his death he was married to his loving wife for 16 years, served in the USAF for 16 years & PCS’ed 6 times across the country. Brandon worked as a MQ-9 (Reaper) evaluator in the USAF where he received many awards such as the Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal & AF Commendation Medal to list a few. He is loved and missed by many family and friends.”
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.
“Frank grew up on a lake in Tennessee. Loved to waterski and scuba dive. Was close with his family, a TN State-champion wrestler, and went to the Air Force Academy and was captain of the wrestling team there. He dreamed of flying and was always service-oriented. He had a calling to protect others. Frank won just about every Air Force award. He was a decorated combat fighter pilot and was recognized as the best instructor pilot. We met in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. He was assigned there with the US Air Force flying Block 60 F-16s and I was there as a diplomat at the Embassy working on Iran. We met at the Marine bar Chesty’s at a Happy Hour my first day in country and lived and dated in Abu Dhabi for two years. We got married in Washington, DC and had our son, Sean two years later. Frank deployed to Afghanistan when Sean was 2 weeks old. He was due to come home a year later when he was killed in an insider attack. Frank was leading a team in Kabul, Afghanistan helping the Afghans to build a viable Air Force. He uncovered corruption undertaken by the Afghan Air Defense leadership and airmen and reported anomalies and nefarious activities which included misuse of American resources by Afghan forces. The Afghan Ministry of Defense was unhappy with his work and his actions to curb Afghan misuse of Air Force resources and orchestrated an ambush killing Frank and 7 other US Air Force Airmen and a US contractor. Frank was exceptional, devoted, kind, hard-working and very respected. He was the best part of us and we miss him 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.
“Tristan was creative, intelligent and adventurous. He loved the outdoors, his kids, and writing. We both went to art school when Alice was a baby, and she spent a lot of time with us in the clay studio. Tristan was a dedicated marine with a beautiful mind.”
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.
“On Friday, October 28, 2022, Captain Ari Ronel Goldschmidt, BSN, PMHNP, a loving partner, father of two and stepfather of five, passed away at age thirty-seven. A Captain in the United States Army Reserves, Ari served his country for the past 18 years; and shared that commitment to friendship and service with his large community of friends, colleagues, and co-workers for all his life. Most of all, Ari was a family man. He deeply loved his family and enjoyed celebrating with them in many wonderful ways. Ari was born to Robert and Michele Goldschmidt on July 7, 1985 in New York City, the second of three sons. He joined the Reserves at age 18 and spent one year in Iraq. He graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing degree and quickly gained high-level skills in several areas of nursing. He earned a Master’s degree in Psychiatric-Behavioral Health Nursing and spent his last few years as the lead nurse practitioner at a residential behavioral health facility. Ari was happiest surrounded by and sharing life with his family. He loved gourmet cooking, fancy cake baking and mixology. He loved traveling, seeing new places and sharing active pursuits like hiking and fishing. Most of all, Ari loved celebrating life cycle events with family, including both Jewish and Christian customs to honor his blended family. Ari is survived by his wife and loving partner, Chrystal, his two children, Micah and Ayla from his first marriage, and Chrystal’s five children, Chrissy, Daniel, Matthew, Sammy and Izack. Although Ari and Chrystal shared only seven years together, those years were filled with a lifetime of love and beautiful memories. He also is survived by his parents, two brothers, Ian and Lee; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Ari leaves a legacy of committed service, caring for others with an impact that was deeply felt by all who knew him. He will be greatly and dearly 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.
“We are a family created at McDonald's that loves unconditionally and is missing our hero 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.
“Bryan was a proud father, husband and soldier. He was honored to serve his country and protect his family. He is loved by so many.”
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.
“Dustin was an amazing man who played many roles during his life… he was a helper and defender always! First and foremost, he always put his country and his family at the top of his priorities. Dustin passed away stateside, in the arms of his wife and children. After enduring multiple deployments he was headed to Korea on a hardship tour and it was determined he had embryonal carcinoma (later known to be caused by the burn pits in Iraq) that had already progressed to stage 3/4. Despite every effort at treatment he wasn’t able to be saved and now his family is living on without him though he will always be in their 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.
"Tom took care of everybody and everything."
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.
Travis loved music, sports and most importantly his family. He loved the Air Force and he gave all of his heart to all of these things. He has been gone 8 years but the kids and I still talk about him every day and include him in all of our activities.
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.
“We miss Miguel so much. Life hasn’t been the same.”
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.
“My late husband CW2 Pilot/Deputy Sheriff Stephen Shull passed away due to a combat service connected illness acquired after exposure to burn pits while deployed overseas. He leaves behind myself as well as our four children Aidan, Izabella, Christian and Finnegan. He lived a life of service, first enlisting in the Coast Guard, then serving in the Army before retiring and becoming a pilot/deputy sheriff where he was employed until he passed away. We love and miss him so very much and his absence has left an unimaginably large hole in our lives.”
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.
“My Dad Simeon Kert Roderique
My dad Staff Sergeant Simeon Kert Roderique is my Hero because he did a Great thing in this world by joining the United States Army. He is my Hero, my Father that I never got a chance to grow with. My dad died while on active duty in the United States Army. I was only 1 years old at the time. I have no memories of my dad except his photos and the wonderful stories my mom continues to tell me about him. I often think of my dad wondering what it would have been like if he was still here. One thing I know for sure is that he lives within me and watches over me. My dad Staff Sergeant Simeon Kert Roderique will always be my Hero, because of the Love he had for me, Mommy, and all the important things that he accomplished in the Army. May you Forever Rest in Peace.
My Hero, My Dad, Simeon Kert Roderique”
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.
Demond was such a great family man. He always made sure his family was OK first. And he was a great mentor for young sailors. He always took good care of his friends and family. He was a very caring man. We miss him tremendously. Our 17 year old daughter Alise and I currently live in Japan. Our beautiful daughter looks just like her dad, and every time people mention it, it makes me smile. Her passion is tennis! She is in senior year this fall, so she’s determined to win the games! She’s planning to go to college in CA. I am working on building a maintenance company as a part-time, and full time mom! I also volunteer whenever I have time. I got this passion for volunteering after my husband passed because we received so much support, so I want to give back to our community.
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 Chris Woodard was known to most simply as "Woody". He was funny, charismatic and made friends easily. He was a great Dad and loved his boys and his bonus kids. He is dearly missed 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.
Tech. Sgt. Thomas Eugene Grace, Jr., USAF, 36, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012 in Kusan, Republic of Korea while on active duty. He was born July 11, 1975 in Memphis, Tenn., the son of Thomas and Teresa Bell Grace, Sr. He was a 1993 graduate of Bandy's High School and then entered the United States Air Force where he served 18 years. Thomas had served in Okinawa, Japan, Kusan, Republic of Korea, Baghdad, Iraq as well as Air Force bases in the United States. Thomas enjoyed NASCAR, Karaoke, going to the beach and camping with his family
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.
“I met my husband, Chris in 1991. After he graduated high school, his parents dictated his career path. He was told the school that he would attend and the degree that he would pursue. However, his parents did not not provide any emotional or financial support. Chris was working three jobs and studying something that he was not interested in. He wanted to pursue his own interests and knew that he had to venture out of our hometown to do so. Chris’ grandfather and my father both served in the US Army and were positive influences in his life. He explored his options and decided that the Navy was the best choice for his life path. He enlisted on November 21, 1996. After recruit training, Chris completed Fire Control ‘A’ School and MK-86 Fire Control ‘C’ School at ‘Naval Training Center, ‘ Great Lakes, IL. Later he completed the MK-160 ‘C’ School and Micro and Mini Electronic Repair (2M) at Naval Station Norfolk, VA. He was designated as a Fire Controlman (FC) specializing in the MK-86 Gun Fire Control System and later the MK-160 Gun Weapon System. Chris was an incredible Sailor who moved through the ranks quickly. He advanced to the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E-7) in about 7 years. Soon thereafter, he decided to change career paths. He applied for, and was accepted into the Navy’s Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Program as an Ordinance Officer. He completed LDO training at Officer Training Command, in Newport, RI. Chris received numerous awards and honors. They include but are not limited to: the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct, National Defense, Armed Forces Expedition, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Pistol Marksman Ribbon. He also earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Surface Warfare Officer designators. During his 19 years of service, Chris was stationed on the USS Nicholson (DD-982), the USS Vella Gulf (CG-72), the USS Comstock (LSD-45), the USS Cape St. George (CG-71), and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). He was also stationed at NAES Lakehurst, NJ and at White Sands Missile Range in NM. He was a Lieutenant at the time of his death. His fitness reports were always outstanding and he was consistently recommended for advancement. Chris served the Navy with his full heart and soul and I have no doubt that he would have continued to advance through retirement. I am proud of my husband for many reasons but most of all of his emotional strength and his selflessness. I know how hard it was for him to have been deployed the greater majority of his life and although he struggled with his absenteeism, he was determined to provide the best life possible for me and our children. I saw how the stress affected him but he pressed on for his family. He suppressed his emotional distress and left it at the front door. He never let Ryan or Dylan know that he was exhausted mentally and physically and he gave everything toward being the amazing father that he was when he was with them. It is painful that he was so close to retirement and died before we could ever truly be together as family. His death was the most painful experience of my life. He was and always will be the love of my life. Living without him has been extremely challenging to say the least. My children and I miss him dearly. If there was any wish we could have, it would be to have him back in our lives.”
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.
“John was my high school sweetheart and best friend. Together, we were raising our two sons and making plans for our future. He deployed and never came home, but I do my best to honor his legacy every day and he remains 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.
Ji Ho Lee served as a US Navy Seabee from 1999-2003. He was deployed to the Iraq War and got 100% PTSD disability from his military period. He was a great servant for the USA and a loving father/husband to 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.
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.
