Army Private First Class Anthony Domenic D’Agostino was born on November 6, 1982, on an Army base in Georgia where his father was stationed. Raised in Middlebury and later living in Waterbury, Connecticut, Anthony grew up with a strong sense of family, loyalty, and community. After graduating from W.F. Kaynor Regional Vocational-Technical High School in Waterbury with a specialty in electricity, he lived in Connecticut before answering the call to serve his nation following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Inspired by a desire for purpose, education, and a career in the military, Anthony enlisted in the United States Army, where he excelled as a communications specialist. Assigned to the 16th Signal Brigade and based at Fort Hood, Texas, he embraced every opportunity to grow, learn, and help others. He often wrote letters and emails home from Iraq asking for crossword puzzles, books to learn Spanish, and even Kool-Aid to flavor his water — small reminders of a young man seeking to make the best of difficult circumstances, maintain his curiosity, and stay connected to home while serving overseas.

Anthony took great pride in his uniform and his service. When his mother remarried after his enlistment, he walked her down the aisle wearing his Army dress uniform — a gesture reflecting his deep love for family and his pride in the values he upheld. He set his sights on attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, hoping to forge a lifelong path as an Army officer, leading others with integrity and dedication.

In November 2003, PFC D’Agostino was among a group of Soldiers departing Iraq when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter carrying them was struck by enemy fire near Fallujah, Iraq, and crashed. At just 20 years old, he was one of 16 Soldiers who lost their lives in that tragic incident. His death occurred on November 2, 2003, just four days before his 21st birthday, marking a profound loss for his family, friends, and fellow Soldiers.

Friends, loved ones, and comrades remember Anthony for his warm personality, his laughter, and his willingness to help others. At his funeral in Waterbury, his father, Steve D’Agostino, shared that “the memory he left with me was his laugh — and what a great memory that is,” a sentiment echoed by many who knew and loved him. Hundreds of community members, military personnel, and dignitaries came together to honor his life and service, reflecting the deep impact he had in his short life.

Anthony’s family and community carry on his legacy, cherishing the memory of a young man who chose to serve, to lead, and to protect others. His story is a testament to courage and the pursuit of purpose — a reminder that even the youngest among us can leave an enduring mark through bravery, sacrifice, and love for country.

Dates:
Birth: November 6, 1982 (Fort Gordon, Georgia)

Angelversary: November 2, 2003 (near Fallujah, Iraq)

Service & Legacy:
Communications Specialist, 16th Signal Brigade, U.S. Army

Enlisted after the September 11, 2001 attacks to pursue education, career, and service

Dreamed of attending the U.S. Military Academy and making the Army his lifelong career