The Life of Sgt. Dillon Black Foxx

Sgt. Dillon B. Foxx Born Dec. 2nd, 1987 in treat metropolis, MI Died Feb. fifth, 2010 in Badghis Province, Afghanistan fate during Operation Enduring Freedom Sgt. Dillon Black Foxx of Traverse City, dinero pass his early years living in Tennessee. When he was 17 he moved to Michigan where he graduated from Traverse City westward Senior High School in 2006. Sgt. Foxx changed his name and used to go by Robert Dillon Lentz. He enlisted in the Army in may 2006 at the age of 18. When he did, his friends thought he was crazy.They reminded him the country was at war. Nope, he said, he wasnt crazy he was doing exactly what he involve to do. An awe or so soldier with a free spirit, he maintained the very(prenominal) per tidingsality he carried his whole emotional state into the military a self-starter and somevirtuoso others could count on. Dillon had attended One Station Unit Training at assemble Sill, Oklahoma, and Basic School at Fort Benning Georgia. When he faultless his trai ning, Dillon reported to Fort Bragg, where he was appoint to the 1st Battalion of the 508th plunge Infantry Regiment.In January 2007, he deployed with the unit to Afghanistan for 15 months. He returned in April 2008. He was promoted to sergeant in January 2009 and went to Afghanistan in August for his second deployment, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, his duty as a forward ob servicingr. He died February 5th in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.Dillon received numerous awards including an Army Commendation with Valor Device, the Army Commendation with two bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense answer Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the abroad Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Acti on Badge, the Basic Parachutist Badge and the colour Heart posthumously. Dillon leave behind be remembered by those who had the opportunity to meet him, serve with him or love him.Dillon is survived by his mother, Trina Pfau of Manton father, Robert Lentz of Tennessee his seven-month-old son, Kaiden Levi Foxx Kaidens mother, Jessica Cross two brothers, Chad (Andrienne) Stewart and their son Blake, shortly stationed with the United States Marine Corp in California, Dale Blakeslee of Manton two sisters, Savannah Lentz and Lenzy Blakeslee, some(prenominal) of Manton grandparents, Linda Stewart, Linda Gale and Walter Lentz great-grandmother, Fern (Ben) Chupp his uncle, Chuck (Bonnie) Stewart an aunt, Alisha (Les) Wormell and globey other loving family members, friends and comrades of the improvement.The Governor ordered flags pass to half staff across the state to honor the northern Michigan soldier. Memorial services with Military Honors took place at 11 a. m. on Friday, February 19, 2010 at the NMC Hagerty Center, with visitation one mo prior to the service. The Rev. Justin Grimm did Officiate. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Sgt. Dillon Foxx Memorial Fund, c/o Traverse City State Bank, PO Box 192, Traverse City, MI 49685. Please piece of land thoughts with the family at Dillons online guestbook at www. reynolds-jonkhoff. com.The family is being served by the REYNOLDS-JONKHOFF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, (231) 947-6347. The more than hour long service began with a reading of a poetry indite by serjeant Foxx. The first line read, If I ever go to war Mom, please dont be afraid. There are some things I must do, To keep the promise that I made. Every stanza there by and by reminded family and friends never to worry while their loved one was off at war. It was a tearful service, but it constitutecased the absolute best of Sgt. Foxx through anecdotes and memories.During the recital service, Army personal presented Sergeant Foxxs family with military honors including a purple core group and a flag presentation. 9&10 News talked to the family after the service at a luncheon at the VFW Hall in Traverse City. They said they were overwhelmed with the support from the company. We would equal to express our conveys for the prohibitedpouring sizable- bugger off out that has been tremendous and overwhelming, says Stewart. Friends and strangers alike have respectable been so supportive. His family described him as a quick learner who picked up new tasks easily and worked severely to get the job done, whatever the job was.The family wanted to thank everyone for their support, including family and friends in Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Fort Bragg, the local V. F. W. and the military I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of SGT Dillon B. Foxx. May the Lord comfort you in the difficult days ahead. Godspeed Dillon.. Godspeed.. Those we love watch with us For love itself fails on Cher ished memories never fade Because one loved is gone. Those we love can never be More than a thought apart For as long as there is memory, They live on in our tones. Traverse City Soldiers postPosted by Lisa McQueen, Harbor Springs Sunday, February 07, 2010 at 815 p. m. Our military family shares in your pain, this community supports you in grief and this country is agreeable for your sacrifice. We are humbled by the service of your son. Thoughts and prayers to you during this most difficult time. Posted by J Meadows, TX Tuesday, February 09, 2010 at 1056 a. m. RIP Airborne St. Michael, Guide this Paratrooper to a waiting formation of the Jump Master in the Sky From Diablo A staff sergeant and captain who worked with Foxx describe him as a self-starter and soul they could al panaches count on.Foxxs brother made a arguing when asked about his brother He did what he did, says Chad Stewart, Foxxs brother. Its just like anyone else that deploys alas it was him, but he did what he wanted to do. TRAVERSE CITY Flags line the walkway of Traverse Citys Hagerty Center early Friday morning. A somber mood, merely a patriotic spirit as people paid their regard to 22-year old Sergeant Dillon Foxx. A fallen soldier is being remembered as a local hero. I just think it sincerely brings it blank space that its somebody in your own backyard that was in Afghanistan and has passed away, says Dan Brady of Traverse City. This young human beings disjointed his life. He gave the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our country. My heart goes out to his family, says Traverse City resident, Marianne Abramson. My son also serves in the 82nd Airborne. This is his second magical spell in Iraq and he is 22 years old and it just actually hits close to home. I feel for this childs family. I do. I cant imagine my son not coming home, says Elk Rapids resident, Mary Gallagher. He laid low his life for us and I know the family but its my way of show support. I believe in what their son did.Being a old hand of the Gulf War myself is something I feel compelled to do, says Midland resident, Jim Johnston. Its personal stories like this that brought out people from around the state, even complete strangers simply to say, thank you. Its just a reminder that our freedom is really not free. Theres soldiers expiry every day for our freedom, Soldiers who are thousands of miles away just like Sergeant Foxx putting our country in advance themselves. Now, a community is stepping up to show its support for his sacrifice. *Tribute to Sgt. Dillon Foxx*SGT Foxx was one of the best kind of people to know. Smart, funny, brave, tender, and super outgoing. For us paratroopers lucky enough to work with him on a passing(a) bases, this expiration shook us to the core. The loss of a true friend, learn and brother will never be forgotten. I love you man past, present, and future. From Jarmacus Smith. While I didnt know Sgt Foxx personally, my husband is currently serving in Ir aq on his 2nd tour, my best friend of 18 years was killed in action in Iraq, 3 years ago this may 23rd, and I have several friends and family in the military.I thank Sgt. Foxx from the bottom of my heart for his selfless service to this country. And to his family, I will continuously have you in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in knowing that he will NEVER be forgotten. From Rebekah Marie Lane. God bless the family and thank you Sgt. for keeping my family safe. Your self-sacrifice is what separates you from the average civilian. Thank you. From Dave Wylie. Here is a poem I set in motion that I think the family would like to read in regards to their loss and their feelings at this time Life Is A Fragile Thing Life is a fragile thingAnd it can change within an instant zippo is safe from the effects of change No person or self-discipline were given The only things we can hold forever Are the memories in our hearts The loves we share upon this earth Before it comes our time to part So choose a pathway that brings you joy Take time for quietude moments to each one day Appreciate the challenges that strengthen your soul And the blessings God sends your way Dont let your heart be ruled by anger Its just not worth the stress For the tumult will only detonate in your heart And crowd out happiness Live each day with wonder and gratitudeFor the beauty that surrounds you And share your abundance generously Itll reckon future blessings will surround you Meekly accept that lifes journey will include Unexpected, soul-wrenching heartaches That will bruise your soul and alter the course You always imagined your life would take And when that happens youll have the choice To embrace hope or hopelessness You cant avoid grief, but you can refuse to accept A lonely future of bitterness So choose to be grateful for each moment With the loved ones youve been given I also order some pictures of Sgt.Dillon Foxx that will put a face to the story. ? Sgt. Dillon Fox x Military externalise ? Dillon Foxx & His Son ? Sgt. Dillon Foxx on duty. ? Sgt. Dillon Foxx is being carried to his funeral in his casket. I found this poem which I feel explains Sgt Dillon Foxx and his selflessness he showed with the way he lived his life and giving of himself to the military. This fundamental truth of the self can be effected only if the individual is willing and courageous enough to follow to some lifelike conclusion this moment of experience, this facing the unknown and participating with the full commitment of the self.Such expression, such passion for life may appear in written, spoken, graphic or aesthetic forms in relation or in isolation in I-Thou encounters and in silent, inner experience. A compassionate willingness is required as is the courage to live before the fact, before the understanding, before any rational support or certainty, to live the moment to its natural peak and conclusion, and to accept with dignity whatever joy, grief, misfortun e, or unexpectedness occurs. I think that I found a quote that explains how Sgt Dillon Foxx felt since he stated it to his family and friends that he was doing what he wanted to do. I have lived on a razors edge. So what if you fall off, Id rather be doing something I really wanted to do. Id walk it again. I would like to say to Sgt Dillon Foxxs family and anyone else that has lost a love one, Do not cry over your loss but celebrate the life they once lived.Remember them for all the good times you shared, rather then dwell on what will never be. When you keep them in good memories and thoughts it makes it easier day by day to get through. God is always willing and ready to help you through your go against and pain all you have to do is call upon him and ask for his help. For those of us who do not have family or friends in the military or that take everyday for granted, please remember it is people like Sgt. Dillon Foxx that puncture their lives everyday to help us live free.