Born: July 8, 1988 — Angelversary: May 31, 2011

Richard Charlton Emmons III was born on July 8, 1988, and spent his formative years in North Granby, Connecticut, after earlier childhood ties to Woodstown, New Jersey. Known to family and friends as “Richie,” he was described as a naturally calm, comforting presence whose kindness, humor, and generosity made a lasting impression on everyone around him. Emmons grew up loving outdoor pursuits like hunting and fishing, enjoyed country music, and was quick to make others laugh, traits his loved ones recalled fondly long after his passing. His teachers noted his “friendly smile and welcoming eyes,” and his classmates remembered his good‑natured personality and quiet strength.

After graduating from Granby Memorial High School in 2006, Emmons initially pursued further education, attending the Pennsylvania College of Technology and later earning an electrical degree from Porter and Chester Institute. Though he tried multiple paths, his lifelong aspiration to serve in the U.S. Army ultimately led him to enlist in September 2009. Following training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Fort Gordon, Georgia, he arrived at Fort Polk, Louisiana, in May 2010 and prepared for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In October 2010, he deployed with the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, serving as a signal support systems specialist, a role requiring technical skill, reliability, and resilience under pressure.

On May 31, 2011, while driving the lead vehicle on a mounted patrol in Logar Province, Afghanistan, Emmons’ convoy was struck by an enemy rocket‑propelled grenade. He sustained severe injuries and later died from those wounds at a military medical facility. He was 22 years old at the time of his death. His loss was mourned by his unit, where fellow soldiers remembered him as “the funny bone of the platoon” whose wit, warmth, and positive spirit lightened the toughest moments. A tribute service held at Forward Operating Base Altimur included honors such as a memorial shrine with his helmet, rifle, boots, and posthumous awards including the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart, reflecting his courage and sacrifice.

In Connecticut, Governor Dannel P. Malloy ordered both state and U.S. flags to be flown at half‑staff in his honor, recognizing his ultimate sacrifice and service to the nation. Emmons’ community in Granby and beyond held memorial services and dedications celebrating his life, and his portrait was added to the Connecticut Wall of Honor to ensure that his story of courage, service, and commitment is forever remembered by future generations.

Spc. Emmons is survived by his mother and stepfather, Janice and William Hogan, his sister Morgan, his brother Conor, and a wide circle of extended family, friends, and fellow soldiers who carry his memory forward with pride.

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