United States Army Staff Sgt. Ari Richard Cullers was born on March 30, 1983, in New London, Connecticut, and grew up in Waterford, where he became known for his warm personality, quick sense of humor, and strong sense of duty. He attended Clark Lane Middle School before graduating from Waterford High School in 2001, where teachers and friends remembered him as lively, engaging, and always ready to make others laugh — traits that forged deep bonds of friendship that endured through his life.

Shortly after graduating high school, Ari answered a call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Army in October 2004, beginning a career defined by dedication and leadership. After completing initial training, he served at Camp Kyle, Korea, and at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, gaining valuable experience that shaped his effectiveness and confidence as a Soldier. In December 2008, he was assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, stationed at Fort Drum, New York, where he continued his service with pride.

His service included multiple deployments. Ari first deployed to Afghanistan in December 2008, where he contributed to operations during the early years of the conflict. After returning to the United States, he continued his commitment to duty, eventually deploying again to Afghanistan in March 2011 with his unit for another tour of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Cullers served as both a squad leader and a mechanic, demonstrating technical skill, tactical proficiency, and genuine care for the Soldiers under his charge. Within his unit, he was widely respected for his reliability, camaraderie, and steady presence in demanding environments. His leadership was not just professional — it was personal, built on trust and mutual respect among his peers and those he led.

On October 30, 2011, while conducting operations in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, Ari was repairing a bulldozer alongside fellow Soldiers when an enemy rocket‑propelled grenade struck. He sustained serious injuries and lost his life while serving at the age of 28. His angelversary marked a profound loss for his family, his unit, and the Waterford community.

Ari’s military awards and decorations reflect both his dedication and the breadth of his service. They include the Bronze Star Medal (posthumous), the Purple Heart (posthumous), multiple Army Commendation Medals, several Army Achievement Medals, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Driver and Mechanic Badge — honors that stand as a testament to his courage, skill, and commitment.

Off duty, Ari was remembered for his friendly, easy‑going nature and his ability to make others laugh even in difficult times. Friends and family spoke of him as someone who could lift spirits with humor and kindness, a Soldier whose bright personality matched his strong sense of service. Although known as a “rascal” in his youth, teachers and community members saw in him a deep capacity for caring and leadership that translated seamlessly into his military career.

Staff Sgt. Cullers was survived by his mother, Robin E. Cornele, his stepfather, Tim Forsyth, and his brother, Jacob Cullers, who also served in the U.S. Air Force. His extended family, friends, and community mourned his loss deeply, and tributes from town residents, classmates, and military leaders highlighted both his personal warmth and his devotion to duty.

In the days following his passing, U.S. and Connecticut flags were ordered flown at half‑staff by the Governor in his honor, and citizens turned out to pay respects as his funeral services were held with full military honors. Ari became part of the tradition of Connecticut’s fallen Heroes — including other Waterford High School graduates who gave their lives in service — and his name was later added to the Connecticut Wall of Honor at the State Capitol, ensuring his sacrifice is permanently remembered.

Dates:
• Birth: March 30, 1983 — New London, Connecticut (later Waterford)
• Angelversary: October 30, 2011 — Kandahar Province, Afghanistan

Service & Achievements:
• United States Army Staff Sergeant, Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division — Fort Drum, New York
• Served in Operation Enduring Freedom — Afghanistan (December 2008–December 2009; March–October 2011)
• Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation and Achievement Medals, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Combat Action Badge, and other service ribbons

United States Army Staff Sgt. Ari R. Cullers’s life and service stand as a testament to courage, compassion, and steadfast commitment — qualities that continue to be honored and remembered by his family, his fellow custodians of freedom, and the community he proudly called home.

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