SGT Timothy Defoix Stalter
By Melissa, Tim's Mom
SGT Timothy Defoix Stalter was born on July 15, 1984, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Tim ended his pain on February 4th, 2013.
From a very young age he always dreamed of joining the Army. He was an exceptionally gifted student throughout his school career. There were many paths he could have chosen for a career, however he wanted to serve his country. Upon graduation from high school he entered the U.S. Army and did basic training at Fort Benning's infantry school.
Upon graduation from basic training he was assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry, 10th mountain division out of Fort Drum, New York. Tim was an exceptional soldier and moved up the ranks quite quickly to an Infantry Squad Leader-E-5. He was an infantry squad leader in a light infantry company with the mission to deploy worldwide and conduct combat missions upon arrival.
He deployed to Afghanistan twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. SGT Stalter awards include 2 Purple Hearts for injuries received in Afghanistan, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars. He received the coveted Ranger tab for completing the Ranger course.
SGT Stalter was an exceptional leader within his unit. He loved his brothers very much & they looked up to him for his leadership abilities. His unit was infamous in that he served with "Outlaw Platoon" of which a book was written by his commanding Lieutenant, Sean Parnell. He saved Sean's life, as RPG's were being fired at their platoon. He gave no thought to his own personal safety. To him, his brothers always came first. He was an exemplary Squad Leader.
Although his life was short, he achieved all of his dreams. However, the war followed him home & he was not the same young man when he returned from his deployments. Tim suffered with PTSD, anxiety, & depression. He fought daily to keep his demons at bay. But soon it became too much for him to bear. Tim ended his pain on February 4th 2013.
There isn't a day when I don't think of him. He touched so many lives in so many ways. He had a heart of gold & he will always be missed.
