22 May 1971 – 28 June 2005
In solemn remembrance, we honor the life and service of Major Stephen C. Reich, born May 22, 1971, and tragically taken from us on June 28, 2005, in Kunar province, Afghanistan, while courageously leading a mission to rescue a Navy SEAL team.
Hailing from Washington Depot, Connecticut, Major Reich dedicated himself to the defense of his country, serving four heroic tours of duty in Afghanistan. His final act of bravery occurred aboard a Chinook helicopter, where he and 15 fellow soldiers from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment valiantly faced enemy fire, sacrificing their lives in the line of duty.
A proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Major Reich was not only a standout pitcher for the Army baseball team but also a decorated soldier, earning accolades including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Air Medal with Valor device.
Throughout his illustrious career, Major Reich exemplified the values of courage, integrity, and selflessness. His dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to his comrades-in-arms serve as a beacon of inspiration for all who follow in his footsteps.
As we pay tribute to Major Stephen C. Reich on this day, let us also remember his beloved wife, Jill, and his devoted family, who continue to carry his legacy of service and sacrifice with grace and dignity.
May his memory be a blessing, and may we never forget the extraordinary sacrifice made by Major Reich and all those who have laid down their lives in defense of freedom.
See Major Stephen C. Reich’s profile in CVB’s Gallery of Valor.
CONNECTICUT VETERANS BULLETIN’S GALLERY OF VALOR.
Honor & Remember Connecticut’s Fallen Heroes every day.
https://ctvetsbulletin.org/connecticut-veterans-bulletins-gallery-of-valor/
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.