Jack ’23 Honors Gold Star Families for Memorial Day - Tilton School
Inquire Now
Accepted Students
Digital Viewbook
Ramnet
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Menu
News

Jack ’23 Honors Gold Star Families for Memorial Day

When it came time for Jack Curley ’23 to decide on a project for his spring Independent Learning Experience (ILE), he knew exactly what he wanted to do. “I would love to honor our service members,” he said in his project proposal. A few months later, Curley is set to reveal his work, a project called “The Belknap Mountain Range Hike for the Fallen.” Working during his own time outside the academic day, Curley set out to interview 12 Gold Star families in New Hampshire; to tell their stories and to bring recognition to those who lost their lives.  The contents of his project are below: a poster and bio of each individual. On Memorial Day, one of the posters, along with a flag, will be raised on each of the 12 peaks of the Belknap Mountains, part of Curley’s special effort to honor their sacrifice. After the tribute, Curley will give his work to each of the families.

The New Hampshire Union Leader recently caught up with Curley to learn more about his project. You can read the article here.

PFC Eric Currier was a loved son, brother, husband, and service member who passed on February 17, 2010, while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. In the words of Eric's mother, Helen, “Eric was a mentor to all he met and a best friend to one. He believed in second chances. Being around Eric made you want to be a better person. Eric lived his life to the fullest, never letting the small stuff get in his way. He wore his uniform with honor and was already our hero. Love mom.” When asked why Eric joined the service, Helen said Eric wanted to help people from a very young age, especially after 9/11. Helen also included that Eric was eager to be on the front lines once deciding to join the Marine Corps. Eric was the point man for his platoon and earned The Highest Shooter award.
PFC Eric Currier was a loved son, brother, husband, and service member who passed on February 17, 2010, while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. In the words of Eric's mother, Helen, “Eric was a mentor to all he met and a best friend to one. He believed in second chances. Being around Eric made you want to be a better person. Eric lived his life to the fullest, never letting the small stuff get in his way. He wore his uniform with honor and was already our hero. Love mom.” When asked why Eric joined the service, Helen said Eric wanted to help people from a very young age, especially after 9/11. Helen also included that Eric was eager to be on the front lines once deciding to join the Marine Corps. Eric was the point man for his platoon and earned The Highest Shooter award.
Cpl Jonathan Winterbottom was a much loved family member, friend and US Army soldier who passed away on May 23, 2007, a few months into his second tour of duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was killed by an IED while responding to an attack on another unit. For his actions in Iraq in 2007, Jonathan received the Bronze Star Medal. Jonathan also received the Army Commendation Medal in October 2005 for « distinguishing himself by heroic and valorous action in response to a complex enemy attack ». Jonathan was the oldest child in his family with a younger brother and two sisters. His daughter was born one month after he was killed. Jonathan's parents, Robert and Emily, wanted me to share the message engraved on Jonathan's gravestone, “Beloved Son, Brother, Daddy. The best friend anyone could have. Dedicated Soldier and combat medic. Our hero, always loved, never forgotten.” One of my biggest takeaways from interviewing Robert was how dedicated Jonathan was to learning everything he could from his Army training to be a skilled medic and capable combat soldier. Jonathan was also selfless and tried to position himself in a vehicle to be able to respond and aid his soldiers if they were hit and injured by an explosive device. Tabitha Ogle, who served with Jonathan reflected on the imprint he left - his larger than life personality, beaming smile, incredibly kind heart, and deep thoughtful voice. « You are truly and forever a one-of-a-kind soul, and I am thankful I had the honor to know you. »
Cpl Jonathan Winterbottom was a much loved family member, friend and US Army soldier who passed away on May 23, 2007, a few months into his second tour of duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was killed by an IED while responding to an attack on another unit. For his actions in Iraq in 2007, Jonathan received the Bronze Star Medal. Jonathan also received the Army Commendation Medal in October 2005 for « distinguishing himself by heroic and valorous action in response to a complex enemy attack ». Jonathan was the oldest child in his family with a younger brother and two sisters. His daughter was born one month after he was killed. Jonathan's parents, Robert and Emily, wanted me to share the message engraved on Jonathan's gravestone, “Beloved Son, Brother, Daddy. The best friend anyone could have. Dedicated Soldier and combat medic. Our hero, always loved, never forgotten.” One of my biggest takeaways from interviewing Robert was how dedicated Jonathan was to learning everything he could from his Army training to be a skilled medic and capable combat soldier. Jonathan was also selfless and tried to position himself in a vehicle to be able to respond and aid his soldiers if they were hit and injured by an explosive device. Tabitha Ogle, who served with Jonathan reflected on the imprint he left - his larger than life personality, beaming smile, incredibly kind heart, and deep thoughtful voice. « You are truly and forever a one-of-a-kind soul, and I am thankful I had the honor to know you. »
SSG David J. Whitcher Sr was a loved husband, father, son, and service member, who passed away on November 2, 2016, during a dive training exercise off the coast of Key West, FL. Best said by SSG Whitcher Sr’s wife, “David was giving, kind, and generous. He loved Jesus, his family, and his country. He was also absolutely hilarious.” One of my biggest takeaways from interviewing Mrs. Whitcher was the story of how David built an emergency airport in two days after the 2012 tsunami on the island of Palau. This allowed the people of Palau to get the supplies and aid they were in desperate need of via airplane. David knew since the age of 6 that he wanted to serve in the military, and that is exactly what he selflessly did.
SSG David J. Whitcher Sr was a loved husband, father, son, and service member, who passed away on November 2, 2016, during a dive training exercise off the coast of Key West, FL. Best said by SSG Whitcher Sr’s wife, “David was giving, kind, and generous. He loved Jesus, his family, and his country. He was also absolutely hilarious.” One of my biggest takeaways from interviewing Mrs. Whitcher was the story of how David built an emergency airport in two days after the 2012 tsunami on the island of Palau. This allowed the people of Palau to get the supplies and aid they were in desperate need of via airplane. David knew since the age of 6 that he wanted to serve in the military, and that is exactly what he selflessly did.
Sgt. Zachary Tellier was a loved son, brother, husband, and service member, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. Zachary was the oldest of three siblings and was always known to put others before himself. Best said by his brother, James, “Zack always put other people before himself. He loved to teach things to people, build things and show people new experiences. He loved to have fun. He loved life and he was so funny. It's always nice to have a good laugh at an old memory.” Zachary was also awarded a Purple Heart. A great story his brother told me from Zack's teenage years was when he went to Poland for the summer at 16-17 years old to do a documentary about life as a teenager after the fall of communism. Zack then saved every dollar he could working during the school year to go back to Poland for the following summers. One year Zack could not cash his traveler's checks and only spent $90 over the whole summer in Poland, including buying his mother a gift.
Sgt. Zachary Tellier was a loved son, brother, husband, and service member, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. Zachary was the oldest of three siblings and was always known to put others before himself. Best said by his brother, James, “Zack always put other people before himself. He loved to teach things to people, build things and show people new experiences. He loved to have fun. He loved life and he was so funny. It's always nice to have a good laugh at an old memory.” Zachary was also awarded a Purple Heart. A great story his brother told me from Zack's teenage years was when he went to Poland for the summer at 16-17 years old to do a documentary about life as a teenager after the fall of communism. Zack then saved every dollar he could working during the school year to go back to Poland for the following summers. One year Zack could not cash his traveler's checks and only spent $90 over the whole summer in Poland, including buying his mother a gift.
SPC David DJ Stelmat was a loved son, brother, and service member, who passed away on March 22, 2008, serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom, due to a roadside bomb. One of David’s best friends, Bill Mead, reflected, “He was just a natural comedian and actor and he would just bring you [to] tears. Always positive, always very, very helpful. He always put himself last, he was that kind of guy.” David served as a combat medic and received the following awards and decorations: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ``M'' device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Expert Rifle Weapons Qualification Badge, and an Overseas Service Bar.
SPC David DJ Stelmat was a loved son, brother, and service member, who passed away on March 22, 2008, serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom, due to a roadside bomb. One of David’s best friends, Bill Mead, reflected, “He was just a natural comedian and actor and he would just bring you [to] tears. Always positive, always very, very helpful. He always put himself last, he was that kind of guy.” David served as a combat medic and received the following awards and decorations: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ``M'' device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Expert Rifle Weapons Qualification Badge, and an Overseas Service Bar.
Cpl Matthew Stanley was a loved son and service member, who passed away on December 16, 2006 when his Humvee struck an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Taji, Iraq. In the words of his mother, Lynn, “Matt was a fun, loving person and sometimes I think his purpose on this earth was to make people smile! He had a real zest for life and he lived his short life to the fullest. He never had a bad word for anyone, and everyone was his friend. Matt had a great love for his family and country. He is missed by family and friends.” Matthews's mother Lynn also told me that 9/11 was a big factor in why he joined the service, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, stepdad, and stepbrother, all service members.
Cpl Matthew Stanley was a loved son and service member, who passed away on December 16, 2006 when his Humvee struck an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Taji, Iraq. In the words of his mother, Lynn, “Matt was a fun, loving person and sometimes I think his purpose on this earth was to make people smile! He had a real zest for life and he lived his short life to the fullest. He never had a bad word for anyone, and everyone was his friend. Matt had a great love for his family and country. He is missed by family and friends.” Matthews's mother Lynn also told me that 9/11 was a big factor in why he joined the service, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, stepdad, and stepbrother, all service members.
SFC Ryan J. Savard was a loved son, brother, and service member who passed away on October 12, 2012, serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. Ryan is one of eight siblings, four of which are military. Ryan progressed from a helicopter mechanic to a Green Beret, then attended Ranger School and became a Ranger, ultimately finishing his career as a Delta Operator. One of Ryan's parents’, Marie and Garett, proudest moments was when “Ryan earned 3 awards; this was at his Army Boot camp graduation. After the ceremony, at the dinner, the General came over to Garett & I and informed us that it was very unusual for one soldier to earn 2 awards, but in all his years of tenure, he has never known another soldier to earn 3 awards; that was a very proud moment!”
SFC Ryan J. Savard was a loved son, brother, and service member who passed away on October 12, 2012, serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. Ryan is one of eight siblings, four of which are military. Ryan progressed from a helicopter mechanic to a Green Beret, then attended Ranger School and became a Ranger, ultimately finishing his career as a Delta Operator. One of Ryan's parents’, Marie and Garett, proudest moments was when “Ryan earned 3 awards; this was at his Army Boot camp graduation. After the ceremony, at the dinner, the General came over to Garett & I and informed us that it was very unusual for one soldier to earn 2 awards, but in all his years of tenure, he has never known another soldier to earn 3 awards; that was a very proud moment!”
Cpl Michael W. Ouellette was a loved son, brother, and service member of the USMC who passed away on March 22, 2009, in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations. In the words of Michaels's sister, Stephanie, “ I always say I never knew my brother as a Marine. I knew Mike as my pain in the butt younger brother who was a wiseass and probably the smartest kid I ever met. I knew the practical joker. The mischievous teenager. The young man that wanted to be a part of something bigger. But when it comes to his life as a Marine no one knows him better than the guys that served with him.” In the words of his fellow Marines, “Michael didn't have to go on his last deployment. He volunteered to go so that his squad would not be without him. He knew their strengths and weaknesses and how to capitalize on those. He put forth a much greater effort than most squad leaders to make sure they had the training they needed.” Michael now has several children named in honor of him, as well as several buildings; his name is on several memorials, and there are scholarships and charities in his honor. The thing he would be most proud of would be the extraordinary lives his men lead every day.
Cpl Michael W. Ouellette was a loved son, brother, and service member of the USMC who passed away on March 22, 2009, in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations. In the words of Michaels's sister, Stephanie, “ I always say I never knew my brother as a Marine. I knew Mike as my pain in the butt younger brother who was a wiseass and probably the smartest kid I ever met. I knew the practical joker. The mischievous teenager. The young man that wanted to be a part of something bigger. But when it comes to his life as a Marine no one knows him better than the guys that served with him.” In the words of his fellow Marines, “Michael didn't have to go on his last deployment. He volunteered to go so that his squad would not be without him. He knew their strengths and weaknesses and how to capitalize on those. He put forth a much greater effort than most squad leaders to make sure they had the training they needed.” Michael now has several children named in honor of him, as well as several buildings; his name is on several memorials, and there are scholarships and charities in his honor. The thing he would be most proud of would be the extraordinary lives his men lead every day.
Cpl. Robert Moscillo was a loved son, brother, and service member who passed away May 1, 2006, serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the words of his sister, Sandra, “He was a touchstone. A selfless person without criticisms, judgment, and who loved unconditionally. May he never be forgotten.” When I asked Sandra about the best life lessons she had learned from Robert, she responded, “live every day like it is your last, be there for those in need, and [to] not be materialistic.” Robert was a sports fanatic, who was also considering a career in the Church after his service.
Cpl. Robert Moscillo was a loved son, brother, and service member who passed away May 1, 2006, serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the words of his sister, Sandra, “He was a touchstone. A selfless person without criticisms, judgment, and who loved unconditionally. May he never be forgotten.” When I asked Sandra about the best life lessons she had learned from Robert, she responded, “live every day like it is your last, be there for those in need, and [to] not be materialistic.” Robert was a sports fanatic, who was also considering a career in the Church after his service.
SSG Edmond Lo was a loved son, brother, and service member, who passed away at 23 years old on June 13th, 2009, when an improvised explosive device he was acting to neutralize detonated in Samarra City, Iraq. Edmond was the second youngest of six siblings and will be remembered for his perseverance, selflessness, and honor. Best said by his sister Selma, "He was quiet but fearless. He fought for what he believed in and served our country so selflessly.” Edmond was denied from joining the service multiple times prior to his enlistment due to a medical condition, but he did not give up, and he fought for what he believed in. Edmond started his service as a member of JROTC and worked his way up to Staff Sergeant.
SSG Edmond Lo was a loved son, brother, and service member, who passed away at 23 years old on June 13th, 2009, when an improvised explosive device he was acting to neutralize detonated in Samarra City, Iraq. Edmond was the second youngest of six siblings and will be remembered for his perseverance, selflessness, and honor. Best said by his sister Selma, "He was quiet but fearless. He fought for what he believed in and served our country so selflessly.” Edmond was denied from joining the service multiple times prior to his enlistment due to a medical condition, but he did not give up, and he fought for what he believed in. Edmond started his service as a member of JROTC and worked his way up to Staff Sergeant.
1st Lt. Stephen Gil was a loved son, brother, and service member, who passed away on March, 3, 1996 in Panama due to a parachuting incident. Stephen was on his first tour in Panama after graduating from the University of Miami as a member of the Army ROTC program. A quote Mr. and Mrs. Gil (Stephens Parents) wanted me to share, “When you part from your friends, you grieve not; For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.” - Khalil Gibran. Some of Mr. and Mrs. Gil’s proudest moments as parents were: when they visited their son, his commanding officers had told them that Stephen had been exemplary as a soldier, when Mrs. Gil pinned Stephen with his wings at his airborne graduation, along with how well respected Stephen was by his soldiers and peers at such a young age.
1st Lt. Stephen Gil was a loved son, brother, and service member, who passed away on March, 3, 1996 in Panama due to a parachuting incident. Stephen was on his first tour in Panama after graduating from the University of Miami as a member of the Army ROTC program. A quote Mr. and Mrs. Gil (Stephens Parents) wanted me to share, “When you part from your friends, you grieve not; For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.” - Khalil Gibran. Some of Mr. and Mrs. Gil’s proudest moments as parents were: when they visited their son, his commanding officers had told them that Stephen had been exemplary as a soldier, when Mrs. Gil pinned Stephen with his wings at his airborne graduation, along with how well respected Stephen was by his soldiers and peers at such a young age.
Army Capt. Douglas A. DiCenzo was a loved husband, father, son, brother, and service member, who passed away on May 25, 2006, due to an IED in Iraq. Doug left behind his wife and a 16-month-old son. In the words of his mother Cathy, and his father Mark, “Doug was Passionate, Hardworking, Optimistic, and Loving.” These are the four adjectives that best begin to describe Doug DiCenzo. His style was to take his natural abilities, sprinkle on some passion and a heavy dose of hard work, and continue to improve himself and everything that he was involved with. He was optimistic that his efforts would help secure our freedom, and he was loving enough to sacrifice his life so that we can live free. Doug is missed every day but his love, duty, and sense of adventure will continue for generations.” After Doug's passing, his parents Cathy and Mark created a non-profit in memory of Doug, called dougscampfund.org. . Known as “The Power of Doug”, it is a non-profit organization that helps send kids to camps every summer and has helped send over 150 kids to camp so far in 2022 and 1,000’s since 2006.
Army Capt. Douglas A. DiCenzo was a loved husband, father, son, brother, and service member, who passed away on May 25, 2006, due to an IED in Iraq. Doug left behind his wife and a 16-month-old son. In the words of his mother Cathy, and his father Mark, “Doug was Passionate, Hardworking, Optimistic, and Loving.” These are the four adjectives that best begin to describe Doug DiCenzo. His style was to take his natural abilities, sprinkle on some passion and a heavy dose of hard work, and continue to improve himself and everything that he was involved with. He was optimistic that his efforts would help secure our freedom, and he was loving enough to sacrifice his life so that we can live free. Doug is missed every day but his love, duty, and sense of adventure will continue for generations.” After Doug's passing, his parents Cathy and Mark created a non-profit in memory of Doug, called dougscampfund.org. . Known as “The Power of Doug”, it is a non-profit organization that helps send kids to camps every summer and has helped send over 150 kids to camp so far in 2022 and 1,000’s since 2006.

All rights reserved. Design and development by Underscorefunk Design in partnership with Tilton School.

Facebook-f Twitter Youtube Instagram
Search
Inquire Now
Accepted Students
School Store
Facebook-f Twitter Youtube Instagram