MAJ Paul R. Syverson (24 October 1971-16 June 2004), 5th SFG(A) was killed in action in Iraq.
Major Paul R. Syverson was commissioned into the Field Artillery upon graduation from the Virginia Military
Institute in 1993. He served in the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) in a variety of positions including Fire
Support Officer, Assistant Brigade Fire Support Officer, Fire Direction Officer, and Platoon Leader. Having
served with distinction in the Filed Artillery, MAJ Syverson volunteered for Special Forces, and attended the
Infantry Officer Advanced Course, followed by the Special Forces Officer Qualification Course.
Paul reported to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in 1998 and was assigned as a Team Leader for
Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 591, in 3rd Battalion. MAJ Syverson led his detachment on several
deployments and exercises, throughout the Middle East, including Operations IRIS GOLD, DESERT FOX, and
DESERT SPRING. Following his time with ODA 591, he continued to serve in 3rd Battalion as the Battalion
Adjutant, and Commander of Headquarters Support Company. During the invasion of Iraq in the Spring of 2003,
MAJ Syverson's leadership of the Battalion Support Company allowed 3rd Battalion Special Forces Detachments t
quickly advance towards Baghdad without ever experiencing a shortage of critical supplies such as food, water, or
ammunition. MAJ Syverson's time in the Legion culminated while serving as the Group Assistant Operations
Officer.
Paul's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star (with 2 oak leaf clusters), the Purple Heart (with oak leaf
cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the
Army Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed
Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Kosovo Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary
Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the
Expert Infantryman Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Senior Parachutist's Badge and the Special Forces tab.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie, his son, Paul, and daughter, Amy.
Major Paul R. Syverson was commissioned into the Field Artillery upon graduation from the Virginia Military
Institute in 1993. He served in the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) in a variety of positions including Fire
Support Officer, Assistant Brigade Fire Support Officer, Fire Direction Officer, and Platoon Leader. Having
served with distinction in the Filed Artillery, MAJ Syverson volunteered for Special Forces, and attended the
Infantry Officer Advanced Course, followed by the Special Forces Officer Qualification Course.
Paul reported to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in 1998 and was assigned as a Team Leader for
Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 591, in 3rd Battalion. MAJ Syverson led his detachment on several
deployments and exercises, throughout the Middle East, including Operations IRIS GOLD, DESERT FOX, and
DESERT SPRING. Following his time with ODA 591, he continued to serve in 3rd Battalion as the Battalion
Adjutant, and Commander of Headquarters Support Company. During the invasion of Iraq in the Spring of 2003,
MAJ Syverson's leadership of the Battalion Support Company allowed 3rd Battalion Special Forces Detachments t
quickly advance towards Baghdad without ever experiencing a shortage of critical supplies such as food, water, or
ammunition. MAJ Syverson's time in the Legion culminated while serving as the Group Assistant Operations
Officer.
Paul's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star (with 2 oak leaf clusters), the Purple Heart (with oak leaf
cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the
Army Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed
Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Kosovo Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary
Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the
Expert Infantryman Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Senior Parachutist's Badge and the Special Forces tab.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie, his son, Paul, and daughter, Amy.
NEVER
FORGET
MAJ Troy "Trojan" Gilbert (1972- 2006), 309th Fighter Squadron Assistant Director of Operations was killed
in action in Iraq flying with the 524th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.
Many words and accolades can be used to describe Troy Gilbert, but first and foremost he was a man of God.
The reality of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ was evident in everything he did, and he took every
opportunity to share his faith with those around him. He also looked for ways to minister to people on a personal
level. At Desert Springs Community Church, where he was involved for the last two and a half years, he served in
many capacities, including heading up the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings. Everyone looked forward to a
handshake or a hug from Troy, and he was often one of the first ones there setting up the booth, and the last
one to leave after putting it away. His selfless service and his genuine concern for others was a visible
demonstration of his deep and abiding love for his Lord.
Troy also had a wonderful love for his family. No one that spent any time with him ever doubted that Ginger was
the love of his life. Wherever they went they were a team, and Troy never took her support or sacrifice for
granted. That love eventually blossomed into five beautiful children who stole his heart. He was the kind of dad
that would go camping with his boys, come home and practice ballet with his daughter, and then help get the
twins ready for bed. No matter how busy his life got with the demands of his position, Troy never forgot the place
his wife and family held in his heart.
Major Troy "Trojan" Gilbert devoted over twelve years of distinguished service to the U.S. Air Force,
accumulating over 1,000 hours in the F-16 and 130 hours on combat theaters around the world. The son of a
military family, his values and devotion to duty were reflected in every facet of his life. Trojan spent the last two
years assigned as an F-16 Instructor Pilot at Luke AFB, AZ, deploying to Balad AB, Iraq in September 2006. He
believed with all his heart in the mission being carried out there, and gave his life protecting personnel actively
engaged in ground combat near Fallujah, Iraq on 27 November, 2006. His selfless dedication as a Christian,
father, and military officer is without equal, and all who know and love him are thankful for the gifts he brought to
our lives.
in action in Iraq flying with the 524th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.
Many words and accolades can be used to describe Troy Gilbert, but first and foremost he was a man of God.
The reality of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ was evident in everything he did, and he took every
opportunity to share his faith with those around him. He also looked for ways to minister to people on a personal
level. At Desert Springs Community Church, where he was involved for the last two and a half years, he served in
many capacities, including heading up the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings. Everyone looked forward to a
handshake or a hug from Troy, and he was often one of the first ones there setting up the booth, and the last
one to leave after putting it away. His selfless service and his genuine concern for others was a visible
demonstration of his deep and abiding love for his Lord.
Troy also had a wonderful love for his family. No one that spent any time with him ever doubted that Ginger was
the love of his life. Wherever they went they were a team, and Troy never took her support or sacrifice for
granted. That love eventually blossomed into five beautiful children who stole his heart. He was the kind of dad
that would go camping with his boys, come home and practice ballet with his daughter, and then help get the
twins ready for bed. No matter how busy his life got with the demands of his position, Troy never forgot the place
his wife and family held in his heart.
Major Troy "Trojan" Gilbert devoted over twelve years of distinguished service to the U.S. Air Force,
accumulating over 1,000 hours in the F-16 and 130 hours on combat theaters around the world. The son of a
military family, his values and devotion to duty were reflected in every facet of his life. Trojan spent the last two
years assigned as an F-16 Instructor Pilot at Luke AFB, AZ, deploying to Balad AB, Iraq in September 2006. He
believed with all his heart in the mission being carried out there, and gave his life protecting personnel actively
engaged in ground combat near Fallujah, Iraq on 27 November, 2006. His selfless dedication as a Christian,
father, and military officer is without equal, and all who know and love him are thankful for the gifts he brought to
our lives.
Two Friends that I will never forget....
