AATC 2025 Wall of Honor

Please take a moment to read our Gold Star Family’s loved ones and Distinguished Veterans stories below. We want to share these stories to remind you of the sacrifices made to not only support their families but the freedoms for all.

SFC Dennis M. Urdaneta, 40, was born in Oka Tamuning, Guam, on February 19, 1979. After enlisting as a Signal Support Systems Specialist in July 1999, he served multiple tours, including 2 tours to Germany, Fort Sill- Oklahoma, 2 tours to Korea, Schofield Barracks-Hawaii, Japan, and Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington. He participated in three deployments, two supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and one supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

SFC Dennis Urdaneta was a Platoon Sergeant and acting First Sergeant for the Signal Company with the Intelligence, Information Operations, Cyber, Electronic Warfare and Space (12CEWS) Battalion. SFC Urdaneta’s awards and decorations include two Bronze Star Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, The Bronze Order of Mercury award, ten Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, the Valorous Unit Award, the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency (Schützenschnur) in Gold.

SFC “U” was an outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer. He was well-liked and respected for his dedicated work ethic and positive outlook that set a superb climate for the Signal Company. He provided mentorship and shared his wealth of knowledge with subordinates and senior leaders alike. He was married 14 years to his wife, Lupe. An adventurous father to his two boys, Ayden and Asher. A passionate volleyball player and a man who loves fishing.

David was born on March 19, 1985 in Denver, Colorado. After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School, David joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17. He served his country proudly as an Engineer at home and overseas. He completed multiple combat tours, to include Afghanistan and Iraq. David was a devoted father, husband, soldier, and friend. He was a problem-solver who never shied away from the biggest challenges. He was also a thinker who appreciated time by himself in nature. His dream was to own a cabin in the woods, away from civilization, where he could read and write to his heart’s content

Born December 3rd, 1983 in Wurzburg Germany fourth born child out of six kids. Throughout his life Donald had obstacles growing up like any other kid, however, to his family, he was more than just a rambunctious kid. Don-Fat had a smile that always helped brighten your day. He could make you laugh so much that your stomach would hurt, but it was a good feeling to see him being able to help those around him with laughter. He was one that never took anything serious and always found a way to make us laugh. His smile always reached his eyes; someone you could speak to and knew he would listen and then speak with no judgement. He was a brother, son, grandson, and uncle but most importantly he knew who he was, and who he wanted to be from a very early age. 

Donald was a soldier through and through. He would always say he would join the Army and every obstacle the Army recruiter threw at him he rose above and beyond. The day he sworn in was a dream literally coming true for him. Being in the Army was not just a family tradition, but it was who he was- A Patriot- red, white, and blue runs through his veins. Becoming a soldier was not just a dream, but it is who he was. It was the very soul of who he was. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Courage are characteristics of who Donald is. The Soldier’s Creed, an American Soldier, a warrior, member of a team (family), served the people, lived the Army values, placed the mission first, and he will never accept defeat or quit. He never left a fallen comrade, he’s disciplined physically and mentally, and he stood ready to deploy, engage and destroy any enemies, foreign or domestic. He will always be my guardian of freedom. The American way of life is the soldier who laid down his life with so many more before and after him, this is who my brother was.

Medic

His favorite tattoo encapsulated his love for his birthplace Cuba and his fun-loving spirit. Having come up with the idea on the fly, the artist formally known as “Mr.Tattilak” drew this up.

Every time SGT Pineiro looked at it, he smiled.

Sgt Justin Dean Norton, 21, was born in Olympia Washington on October 30, 1984. He grew up in Rainier, Washington and graduated with honors from Rainier High School in 2003.

Justin fulfilled his dream of joining the military in April 2003 as a 19D, Cavalry Scout. He attended Basic and Advanced Training at Ft Knox, Kentucky. He was then assigned to the Alpha Troop “Apache’s”, 1-10 Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas. Justin was quickly promoted to SGT because of the high standards of excellence and leadership abilities he possessed. 

He deployed to Iraq in November 2005. Sgt Justin Norton was tragically killed in action by an Improvised Explosive Device while on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq on June 24, 2006.

Sgt Justin Norton’s military awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and the Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge

Upon the death of our Hero, a scholarship fund was set up in Justin Norton’s name. This was one of his requests if he did not return from Iraq.  Since his death in 2006, his scholarship has awarded 214 scholarships for a total of $154,550.

Website: www.justinnorton.net

Facebook: Sgt Justin Norton Memorial Fund

Aviation Boatswains Mate (Fuels) Keith Justin Griffin; served in the US Navy from 6/04 to 1/07. He was in V4 Division onboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), a Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier. The ship completed a Global Combat Deployment in 2005, leaving Bremerton WA for the Persian Gulf and returning to Norfolk VA for a refueling overhaul. He was entitled to wear the Battle “E” Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He was born May 15, 1984, and died on January 30, 2007 in the line of duty. 

 Keith was always the life of the party, had a great sense of humor and a heart of gold where he would give you the shirt off his back if needed. Family was very important to him, and he loved family get togethers. He also had a love for tattoos and had gotten several, with one that said Family First! Keith was a loving husband and father to two sons, one of which he unfortunately never got to meet him, as Keith passed away the day before he was born. Family First was his motto!

Chad was born in Kingsley, Iowa, and grew up with a fearless spirit. He spent his childhood fishing, building and fixing anything he could get his hands on, helping his dad on the farm, and giving his mom more than a few scares with his daredevil stunts on anything with wheels.

The events of September 11th lit a fire in Chad’s heart to serve his country. In the days after graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and joined the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division out of Ft. Lewis, Washington. While stationed there, he met Stephanie, the love of his life, and together they built a future filled with adventure, laughter, and plans for the family they dreamed of raising.

Chad lived life in overdrive. Whether it was riding his dirt bike or quad, pushing himself in training, or expressing himself through art and tattoos, he embraced everything with passion. In October 2007, he discovered his greatest joy: becoming a father to his daughter, Clarissa Renee. His newest mission was to teach her about all the things he loved so deeply.

On February 17th, 2008, while serving in the Diyala Province northeast of Baghdad, Iraq, Chad made the ultimate sacrifice after sustaining combat injuries. He was just 21 years old.

CPT Brandon Walters lived life with a vibrancy that drew people in and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was the life of the party, not because he sought the spotlight, but because his genuine spirit, kindness, and laughter made others feel at ease. Brandon had a way of looking out for everyone around him, encouraging his family, friends, and fellow soldiers to rise to their fullest potential.

Brandon approached everything in life with unmatched passion and determination. He was never one to do things halfway—whether he was helping a friend build a bed for their child, throwing himself into a new hobby, or investing in the people he loved. When Brandon took on a project, he went all in, pouring his energy, heart, and dedication into it.

Athletics were a cornerstone of Brandon’s life and an expression of his drive and discipline. A remarkable athlete, he competed proudly as a member of the Army Triathlon Team and the Army Ten-Miler Team. Beyond his military achievements, he thrived in countless pursuits—golf scrambles, skiing, half marathons, sprint and Olympic-distance triathlons—embracing both the physical challenge and the joy of the journey. His love for pushing himself inspired others to do the same, showing that resilience and determination could carry one far beyond perceived limits.

But what defined Brandon most was not only his accomplishments, but the way he lived with love and intention. He and his wife traveled the world together, making homes wherever they landed, because for them, home was never a place—it was being with each other. Those travels and adventures reflected the fullness of his spirit: bold, curious, joyful, and rooted in togetherness.

Brandon leaves behind a legacy of kindness, loyalty, and wholehearted living. He showed those around him that life is best lived with courage, laughter, and love. His memory will continue to inspire, his example will continue to guide, and his spirit will forever be carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Scott was raised in Graham, WA. He was the oldest of 4 children, Scott attended Bethel high school and graduated from class of 2003.

As a child Scott was always into anything military related. Playing solders in the field with his younger brother is what prompted him to join the U.S. Army on April 7th, 2002, at 17. I had to go sign the waver for him to join.

He graduated basic training for Ft. Jackson, SC. From there he went to jump school at Ft. Benning. After Ft. Benning he was sent to BuSan, Korea where he was stationed for 2 years. While in Korea he met the love of his life and married her while stationed over there. After they were married, they were re-stationed to Ft. Richardson, AK, where they welcomed their first son. During that time Scott did a couple of short deployments to Japan and Thailand. From Alaska they were sent back to Ft. Benning where they welcomed their second son. Not long after welcoming their second child Scott unfortunately passed away by suicide. Not a day goes by that his family doesn’t remember him; we go up almost every holiday to decorate a tree by his head stone. We share stories with him and will even leave trinkets for him. Everyone is welcome to visit Scott, he is in Mineral, WA at the Mineral Cemetery.

SGT James Roger Kirker was an amazing, funny, hardworking father of two amazing children, James and Roo Kirker. He had a love for family, nature, medicine, and adventure. While serving his community as a firefighter and EMT, he decided he wanted to do more with his skills, and with his passion for his country, decided to join the United States Army in 2006 to serve as a combat medic. In 2007 he and his family moved from Ohio to Joint Base Lewis McChord, then Fort Lewis, to serve in the 5/2 BN, 1-17 ID, a unit in the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT). He deployed with his unit in 2009-2010 as the first Stryker Battalion to enter Afghanistan. Upon his return, he transferred to Madigan and served as a Family Medicine medic from 2010-2015. SGT Kirker died on March 23, 2015 due to his war injuries. He was a very proud soldier who loved God, his Country, and his family.

Born May 19, 1985, in Los Angeles, CA, Jose, lovingly known as Alex, was a beloved son and brother to two sisters. After graduating high school, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army. He completed his training in Georgia and, in January of the following year, was stationed at Fort Lewis. By April 2007, he was deployed overseas for a 15-month tour of duty.

On March 7, 2008, at just 22 years old, Alex was called home and earned his wings. He will always be remembered for his outspoken spirit, his respect toward others, and the deep love he held for his family. He is survived by his mother and two sisters, who carry his memory with them every day.

Though Alex never had the chance to meet them, two grandchildren have grown up learning about “Uncle Alex” through the stories, memories, and love shared by their family. His absence is felt deeply, yet his legacy continues to live on through them and through all who honor his life and sacrifice.

My late husband SFC Clay A. Ward was a funny, witty, and creative soul and I miss him every day.  He served from 1991 – 2011 as an Army medic.  He served in Korea and was deployed to Iraq twice.  He loved the military and was proud to serve his country.  But after his second tour in Iraq, he wasn’t the same man who left 18 months prior.  He struggled after getting out of the military and shot himself in our home on May 16, 2013.  He was 47 years old. 

He is the recipient of a Bronze Star and the Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars amongst other rewards throughout his military career.