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SSGT Jeremiah Samuel Puma, USMC

“My husband was a Marine, through and through. And sadly our daughter will never know or remember him. She remains steadfast and strong at such a tender age. She wasn’t two when he decided his fate. We will honor and grieve him as long as time is a thing. This life can be tragic, and my husband would likely insert a joke here to make everyone laugh in an uncomfortable paragraph to write.. so in his honor I’ll just say “penis”. Because he would laugh harder than a 12 year old on recess.”

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.

SGT Germany Vargas Silvestre, USMC

“Germany and I were so in love and couldn't wait to start a family. We had to do IVF but it was the best decision. Here I am 10 years later so grateful we took the leap to start our family even if it was non conventional and not at all how we thought we would become parents. Germany was kind, and loving. He helped any and everyone who needed him. We was that kind of Marine too, he took the statement "No Marine left behind.," seriously. Germany only had 14 months with his daughter but he was so happy. He took her to work with him often and even took naps with her in his office. He was about to graduate with his bachelors degree when he fell ill. While he was in school he worked in the veteran's liaison office. I am so proud to be his spouse. I feel even in his death, I am honored he was mine.”

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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SGT Juan Carlos Baldeosingh, National Guard

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“Juan Carlos Baldeosingh was my father. He served with courage and honor, and he gave his life while serving in Iraq. Everyone who knew him always says the same thing: he was funny, full of life, and could make anyone laugh. But beyond the laughter, what truly defined him was his deep love for his family. He was a devoted father, and we carry his memory with pride and love every day. His sacrifice reminds us of the strength and heart he brought not only to his service but to our home. Everything I do is in honor of him!”

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.

MAJ Fernando C Lavana, ARMY

“Fernando was the most loving, kind, and competent person who had a huge heart - for God, his family, especially for his children, and for his fellow soldiers. He loved serving in the military and being able to walk alongside with others in service. He was killed in a line of duty accident on 7 FEB 2019. He is deeply 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 a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.

SFC Ommy Irizarry, ARMY

“SFC Ommy Irizarry brought joy and abundant energy to everything he undertook, and did so with passion and commitment. He was a proud soldier in the United States Army, a loving husband and a devoted father. Without hesitation, he was constantly helping those in need and using his skills wherever he saw an opportunity. He lived his life full of love, generosity, compassion and laughter. A man with endless kindness and a positive attitude, SFC Ommy Irizarry left a legacy of love, loyalty, dignity, courage and brotherhood. His life stands as a lasting example of how to live fully, with purpose, honor and love.”

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.

CPL Dustin L Turpen, USMC

“Dustin served 3 combat tours to Iraq with distinction. He was everything a Marine was meant to be. Fiercely loyal, tenacious, stubborn, hard working, with a wicked sense of humor and the philosophy to live life to the fullest. He carried those traits into our marriage and into fatherhood as well.”

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.

CW2 Joshua 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.”

“My father was KIA in Buhritz, Iraq shortly after I was born while flying a Kiowa with the 17th cavalry.”

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.

SFC Cody Peterson, ARMY

“Cody was a father, husband, son and brother who was full of life and loved serving his country. He was quick to make a joke, and always there for his friends when they needed him. Unfortunately, Cody took his own life 12/2021 and is missed everyday.”

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.

SGT Michael Isaac Garcia, USMC

“We lost our Hero in 2017 after a long battle with PTSD & TBI, it’s been a journey to say the least. We are thankful to him for all that he did to get healthy before he left us. Now we do what we can to honor, remember & make him proud in all we do.”

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.

LT Jun Biao Chen, NAVY

“Jun was an incredible father and husband. He was our lighthouse in the dark and the rock with which we steady ourselves. He was a problem-solver, provider, and aid to anyone in need. He was so deeply loved and is missed every moment.”

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.

PO2 Ronald Shousky, NAVY

“Ronald Shousky, Master of Arms, was a 27-year-old hardworking man who had a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and served in the Navy. He was stationed in Sasebo, Japan and lived with his wife, Brooke Lyons. Every day Ron brainstormed ways on how he could be the best version of himself and how he could leave this world a better place. He spread positivity, love, wisdom, acceptance, encouragement, kindness, and knowledge to everyone around him. Ron was named “One of One” by his command, CFAS.”

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.

CPO Randy Rondell Rhoe, NAVY

“In June of 2001, Randy transferred to Navy Operational Support Center in Memphis, TN. That's where he was promoted to E-6 (Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Petty Office. In June 2001, he began an exciting new chapter at the Navy Operational Support Center in Memphis, TN. It was in Millington, TN, NAS Midsouth, that he not only achieved the rank of E-6 (Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Petty Officer) but also met the love of his life, LaPetria (Walker) Rhoe. In 2004, we moved to Ft. Worth, TX, where he took on a vital role as the Leading Petty Officer of the medical department at the Navy Reserve Regional Command. Together, we celebrated an incredible milestone in 2008 with the birth of our daughter, Loreal, completing our beautiful 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 a donation today to help us continue the programs we offer.