United States Army Captain Benjamin A. Sklaver was born on October 22, 1976, and raised in the New Haven/Hamden area of Connecticut. From a young age he demonstrated intellectual curiosity and compassion, which carried through his education and career. He graduated from Hamden High School in 1995, where he participated in academics and community life, and went on to attend Tufts University, earning a bachelor’s degree. He later completed a master’s degree at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, equipping him with global insight and the skills that would define both his humanitarian and military careers.

Ben’s life of service extended far beyond the uniform. Before his final deployment, he worked as an international emergency and refugee health analyst with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, contributing to global health and disaster response efforts. He worked in Malawi, helping address issues of hunger, disease, and displacement, and spent years devoted to improving conditions for people affected by civil strife and poverty.

His military career was grounded in a deep sense of mission and compassion. As a Civil Affairs Officer in the United States Army Reserve, Capt. Sklaver was trained to help bridge the gap between military operations and local populations. After his first military assignment with the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (in Uganda and surrounding regions) during 2006–2007 — where he led efforts to rebuild wells, establish clean water sources, and support community reconstruction — he returned home inspired to continue humanitarian work.

Following his deployment to Africa, he founded the ClearWater Initiative, a Connecticut‑based nonprofit dedicated to providing access to clean drinking water in rural and conflict‑affected regions. Under his leadership, ClearWater installed wells and water systems that brought clean water to thousands of people, particularly in northern Uganda, where the work significantly reduced illnesses and improved daily life. His vision was to expand access to water for tens of thousands more, embodying his belief that sustainable basic resources are foundational to peaceful, healthy communities.

In 2009, Capt. Sklaver was recalled to active duty and deployed to Afghanistan with the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His mission was to work with Afghan communities, understand local needs, and help coordinate efforts that supported stability, infrastructure, and humanitarian outreach as part of the broader military mission.

On October 2, 2009, while leading his patrol near Muscheh, Afghanistan, Capt. Sklaver and his fellow Soldiers came under attack by a suicide bomber. He lost his life while serving his country at the age of 32, leaving behind family, friends, fiancée Beth Segaloff, and a legacy of service that stretched far beyond the battlefield.

His funeral in Connecticut was met with an outpouring of respect and honor from his hometown community. Thousands lined the streets in Hamden as his funeral cortege passed, with local officials, Veterans groups, and neighbors paying tribute to his life and service. Connecticut’s Governor ordered flags to fly at half‑staff in his honor, reflecting the depth of gratitude and sorrow felt across the state.

Capt. Sklaver’s sacrifice was recognized with military honors, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart, acknowledging both his bravery and his dedication to mission. Beyond these honors, his legacy continues as the ClearWater Initiative carries forward the compassionate work he began, bringing safe water and improved quality of life to people in need — a living testament to his values.

Friends, fellow Soldiers, and humanitarian partners remember Benjamin as a man who sought to win hearts and minds through service and understanding, a “combatant for peace” whose life and work bridged military and humanitarian spheres. His vision of service remains an inspiration to all who strive to make a positive difference in the world.

Dates:
• Birth: October 22, 1976 — Hamden/New Haven, Connecticut
• Angelversary: October 2, 2009 — Muscheh, Afghanistan

Service & Achievements:
• United States Army Captain, Civil Affairs Officer, 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division
• Served in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (Uganda)
• Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart
• Founder of ClearWater Initiative, providing clean water access in rural and conflict‑affected areas
• Veteran of public health service with the CDC and humanitarian relief efforts

Capt. Benjamin A. Sklaver’s life was a powerful example of service in every sense — military, humanitarian, and community‑driven — intertwining duty with compassion and leaving a legacy that continues to touch lives.

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