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Alexander Bennett Obituary

SGT Alexander James Bennett Of Tacoma, WA, was killed in action on August 6, 2011 with 29 other American soldiers aboard a Chinook helicopter while serving with B Company 7th/158th on Extortion 17. Alex was born on October 31, 1986 and grew up attending Life Christian Academy before attending the Curtis School District. Alex loved flying, the army, and cars - especially Honda Civics. Alex joined the Washington National Guard in 2004. He enlisted in the US Army Reserves in 2007 and served a tour in Iraq in 2009. At his request, he joined B Company out of Fort Riley, Kansas, to further advance his career as Chinook Crew Chief and hoped to become a pilot. He deployed to Afghanistan in spring 2011. Alex' awards include: Combat Action Badge, Aviation Crewmember Badge (Basic), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" device, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Purple Heart. Alex was well-loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. He was notorious for making people laugh - either with pranks, his infectious grin, or his wit. One fellow soldier recalls an incident where Alex kept the crew calm with his humor as they lost hydraulic fluid over a large lake. He loved being a soldier and lived his life to the fullest. Alex is survived by his mother Kim Robertson, father Lt. Col. Douglas Bennett (Elsa), step-siblings Kathryn Bennett and Austin Bennett, grandparents Don and Doylene Bennett and Theresa Cali, great-grandmom Rachel Macon, uncle Greg Bennett (Joy), aunt Robyn McElligott (Thomas), uncle John Michael Cali, many cousins, his best friend Josh McLean, mentor/platoon leader SGT 1st Class Kirk Kuykendall, many friends and fellow soldiers. A memorial will be held locally at Life Center Church of Tacoma at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011. Donations requested to the Wounded Warrior Project in SGT Alex Bennett's name - an organization he supported and believed in. For more information visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org or mail your donations to:Wounded Warrior Project, Attn: Donor Services, 4899 Belfort Rd, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 33256

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) from Aug. 19 to Aug. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Alexander Bennett

Not sure what to say?





Sandee G Schock

August 6, 2025

14 YEARS, GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Sandee G Schock

May 26, 2025

THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

James Uharriet

July 20, 2024

I will be rucking in your memory this August 6th. God keep you and your family.

Sandee G Schock

May 27, 2024

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.
THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.

Sandee G Schock

August 6, 2023

12 YEARS, GONE NOT FORGOTTEN
THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Sandee G Schock

May 29, 2023

THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

Sandee Garza Schock

May 30, 2022

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.
THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.

CW4 Park, Jae

December 13, 2021

You are greatly missed Alex. Until we meet again. Your friend Jae.

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2021

10 YRS, GONE NOT FORGOTTEN
THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Sandee Garza Schock

May 31, 2021

THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

Brandon Cole

August 12, 2020

From Tacoma, didn't know you, but thanks for the ultimate sacrifice Never Forgotten

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2020

9 years gone but not forgotten.
Rest In Peace.

Sandee Garza Schock

May 25, 2020

Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice.
Gone But Not Forgotten.

October 1, 2019

God Bless you, brave soldiers. Thank you

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2019

8 YRS GONE NOT FORGOTTEN
THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Sandee Garza Schock

May 27, 2019

Rest In Peace HERO
Gone But Not Forgotten
Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice

Sincerely

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2018

Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice.
Gone But Not Forgotten

Sandee Garza Schock

May 29, 2018

Never Forgotten
Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice.

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2017

GONE 6 YRS BUT YOU'RE NOT FORGOTTEN.
THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.

Sandee Garza Schock

May 29, 2017

Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice.
Gone But Not Forgotten.

Name Name

September 1, 2016

New interactive memorial site for Extortion17: http://extortion-17.com

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2016

5 years Gone But Not Forgotten
Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice

Sandee Garza Schock

May 30, 2016

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Sandee Garza Schock

November 11, 2015

Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice. Gone But Not Forgotten.

October 12, 2015

Although you do not know me, our football team in Fort Collins, CO has worked with the fallen heroes program throughout the summer to honor those who gave their lives for us. Each player has worked hard to earn the honor to wear that soldier's name including physically and mentally challenging tests of strength. This Thursday night our team has a military night. And although our school board would not allow us to have the soldier's name on their football jerseys, our booster club raised money for military style jerseys and each boy will wear under the jersey the name of the soldier on their compression shirt with the player's football number. They also were given dog tags with the fallen hero's name and information. My son Griffin has the honor of commemorating your son Alexander. He has worn it proudly everyday since receiving it. If you or someone you know has a Facebook page, go to Sabercat football and you can see our program and how we have honored our soldiers. We have a big military night pep rally for our community this Wednesday night at well. I just thought you might like to know that Alexander is being honored by our school and especially my son and that his service and ultimate sacrifice has not been forgotten. Thank you, Susan Roberts

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2015

Gone But Not Forgotten
Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice

Sandee Garza Schock

May 25, 2015

Gone But Not Forgotten
Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2014

R I P HERO
Gone But Not Forgotten

Sandee Garza Schock

May 26, 2014

Gone But Not Forgotten
Thanks for the ultimate sacrifice

D Roush

October 26, 2013

Thank you, Alex.

Karla Savage

August 7, 2013

Alex, I think about you all the time. I want to thank you for your service to our country. I am so thankful we had the chance to meet. You are truly missed by my whole family. R.I.P., I will see you again some day.

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2013

R I P HERO
Gone But Not Forgotten

Gone But Not Forgotten

Sandee Garza Schock

May 27, 2013

Charlie Gili

April 13, 2013

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Bennett Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Sandra Schock

August 7, 2012

Gone But Never Forgotten

Curtis Glass

August 6, 2012

On this day of the 1 Year anniverary , I wanted to remind your family that Alex's sacrifice Has not & Will not be forgotten by my family & I . This Country seems to forget how Lucky we are to have the caliber of people that it takes to do what these men & women do & the families that raise them . God Bless our troops & there familes .

Peggy Childers

August 6, 2012

To the family and friends of Sgt. Alexander J. Bennett:
Remembering Alexander on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten.

May 27, 2012

My heart is heavy as I wish his family my deepest sympathy as they have to face their first Memorial Day without him. May you find some peace.

Peggy Childers

December 6, 2011

To the family of Sgt. Alexander J. Bennett:
Alexander gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."

Lance O. Adams

October 6, 2011

Rest in Peace Warrior, your sacrifice will not be forgotten. A grateful America thanks you for your service and welcomes you home to your final place of rest as you have given all that one can give. And may the Lord wrap his arms around the family and help them find a measure of peace. With the utmost respect, TSAF ......

Shaylin Mussig

September 19, 2011

Alex you were the best brother any sister could ask for. I think about you every day, every second and I just cant believe your gone. I miss you so much and I am so proud of all the things your accomplished in your life. Your an amazing person and now your home, live it up... i love you so much and miss you more than words can even explain.

September 14, 2011

To the family of Sgt Bennett we send our
condolences. Our thoughts and our prayers
are with you. May God lay His Hands on you.We must never forget Sgt Bennett's
sacrifice. God bless his soul.
William(April) McBride, Anderson,SC

Hannah Greene

September 6, 2011

Alex, we had some pretty awesome times. I wish i could have seen you before you left. You were so excited to go again, you were the definition of a hero a true american soldier. I can't believe this happened so soon. Your in the clouds now protecting your fellow brothers and watching over your family. I love you Alex like as if you were family. Im glad i got to talk to you the week before. Your missed by everyone and will never be forgotten.

Adelle&Brandon Williams

September 4, 2011

Alex, I didn't know you well but Brandon did and will miss you very much. You were alot like him from what I hear and loved your job.Rest in peace brother.

Azy Piper

September 3, 2011

Alex,
You will always be on our minds and never forgotten. We will miss you lil bro.

Vickie Guite

September 3, 2011

Alex, I thank you for your Service to keep us safe. You will forever be in our hearts. My prayers go to your family and all the soldiers.

Nina Glasso

August 31, 2011

Alex, I love you more than words or flowers will ever say. Since you moved on to a higher life, I've felt so alone, and the only time I feel comfort is when I lay down in the stillness of the night, and see your face. It's all I see every night, and all I ever want to see. I love you and I am so proud of you, and even more honored to have known you. Save me a seat baby doll.

August 28, 2011

Dear Bennett family,
Our family grieves the loss of Alexander. A true hero. He will not be forgotten. We are humbled by his service and sacrifice. May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
K. Collins family of Colo. Sgs., CO

Rebecca Johnson

August 25, 2011

RIP old friend. Thank you for serving our country. I'm happy to see that you became someone special after high school. I'm sadden to see you go. Prayers & Love to your family

Me and Alex.

Gabby Doss

August 24, 2011

To my big brother, I love and miss you dearly. You were a good man and one hell of a good soldier. I wish every waking moment that you were still here. I hope to see you again one day. R.I.P Bubby <33

Lynne Neibert

August 24, 2011

Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who strive to send handmade prayer shawls and/ or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA would like to honor your son’s sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a shawl which we will mail to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses and what they would like to receive. We will send them as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address, as our organization can no longer get family contacts through the military. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne

D D

August 23, 2011

RIP True American Hero Sgt Alex James Bennett! Sincere condolences to your loved ones!

Tommy McCoin

August 23, 2011

I had the honor and privilege to serve with Alex in the Reserves at Fort Lewis and in Iraq as well. He was an outstanding young man that took his job and service very seriously, but not so serious that he could not have fun and enjoy the Army and the life he chose. He will always hold a special spot in my heart for his love of life, the Army and his devotion to his family, friends and unit. We were truly blessed in the short time that we got to have him in our life. My condolences to his family and thank you for sharing him with us.

Sincerely
CW4 Tom McCoin
B Co 1-214th GSAB

Gary Allain

August 23, 2011

SGT. ALEXANDER J. BENNETT
You are my Hero may god keep you in his arms forever.

Please listen to Bruce springstiens song Paradise its a 911 tribute

August 23, 2011

Alex,
From one Army Aviator to another, Thank you for your service, Gods speed to you, you gave the ultimate for our freedom.
TJL, Gig Harbor, WA

Lisa Szczepanski

August 23, 2011

Alex we still can not believe this. You have forever touched our family and for that I am sure we all thank you. And to your family my condolences and the most deepest sympathies are sent to y'all. We will never forget you Alex.

August 22, 2011

So sorry for your loss. Thank you for your service Sgt. Bennett. Rest in Peace..

Kathy Davis

August 21, 2011

Search Light Moms wants to tell you how sorry we are for the passing of your Alexander. If there is anything that we can do for you please let us know. We as mothers understand the day to day pain as we search for answers.
Love and Blessings,
Search Light Moms
www.slmoms.com

Also on Facebook

Alex with "neice" michelle. He was her best buddy

Jaynee Hurley

August 20, 2011

Jaynee Hurley

August 20, 2011

words can't really describe what a great person alex is and was. He was always there, when you needed him, and even when you didn't. he's a true friend and will be forever missed

LaVonne Brown

August 20, 2011

Thank you for serving Sgt Bennett. May you rest in peace.

Angie McKinney

August 20, 2011

My sincere sympathy to the Bennett family. As a Mother, I mourn with you. May you find peace in the Lord and know your Alex will continue to fly in heaven. God Bless You.
A.McKinney Tacoma,WA

SPC Jennifer Ketcham

August 20, 2011

Rest In Paradise Bro! DIdnt get much time to know ya but I am sure you were truly a great guy! Glad to have had you as part of our family. 7/158 both B and D Co are forever changed. Thank you for all you did and congrats on the promotion!

Laurie Mix

August 20, 2011

I didn't know Alex, but he served with my daughter, Danielle. My heart goes out to his friends and family...especially his mother. I have the utmost respect and gratitude for Alex and all soldiers who sacrifice their life for us. May God's peace be with all of you!

C H

August 20, 2011

My sincere sympathy to the Bennett family. I am so sorry about the loss of your Alex. I was at one of the Memorial Day services at Life Center where the military men and women were honored for their service to our nation. How sad that just a few weeks later your son will be honored there and his life celebrated. While I do not personally know you and your son I will greive with you. Praying that God and His grace will guide you through this sad time.

Abbee Doss

August 19, 2011

The wings you have now will take you on flights like no others. You can FLY higher and further than you ever dreamed imaginable. Spread those big beautiful wings and continue to FLY and make all around you smile. Dearly missed and loved

joyce bode

August 19, 2011

My prayers are with the family Thank you
Sgt Bennett for the service and sacrifice of our America as our Lord will walk with you now

Karla Savage

August 19, 2011

Alex, We love you, & will miss you always. R.I.P., & will see you again.

Robyn M

August 19, 2011

We love you, Alex. There aren't words to describe how much we miss you.

joyce bode

August 19, 2011

MY prayers are with the family Thank you Sgt Bennett for the service and sacrice of our America.AS our Lord will walk with you now.

Joy B

August 19, 2011

We love and miss you, Alex. See you (in your own words)on the "flip side"!

Carol Dill

August 19, 2011

I did not know Alex, but my heart goes out to his family and friends. He gave his life for our freedom and for that I am eternally grateful. Prayers go out to those he left behind in your hours of need. Thank you Alex for your selflessness and may God keep you and protect you till you can be with your loved ones once again.
Carol Dill - Manassas, Virginia

Barb Shillinger

August 19, 2011

I am with the Home of the Brave Quilt Project, and we are so sorry for your loss. We make a reproduction of a Civil War Soldier's quilt for the family of each person lost in these current conflicts, and we would like to make one for you in Alexander's memory. Please contact me.

Grateful American

August 17, 2011

Thank you Sgt. Bennett for your service, you are a true American Hero. I offer my deepest condolences to the family. Take comfort in memories and know that your brave soldier is resting in comfort, because in Heaven there is peace.

Wilma Villa

August 17, 2011

Know that you and your family are LOVED and Remembered forever.

Adrienne Dreier

August 15, 2011

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May God help to heal the pain your family and friends are going through as you sit beside our Lord.

August 15, 2011

God Bless this Hero.

Norma Jean Martinek

August 15, 2011

Our military family sends condolences to your family as you morn the loss of you son, a true American hero. May the love of friends and family along with strength and courage from God, help you through the coming difficult days and months ahead. Rest in Peace SGT Bennett your scrifice will not be forgotten by this 82nd Airborne mom.

Sylvia Kronenwetter

August 14, 2011

Please accept my deepest
condolences for the loss of your
loved one and Hero Alexander, and
my sincerest gratitude for his service.
God Bless you Sgt. Alexander J.
Bennett...you will not be forgotten.

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

August 14, 2011

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Sgt. Alexander J. Bennett our Brother-in-Arms . To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Alexander. And to Alexander it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Alexander, you are a brave American Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,307 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Alexander’s family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

Henryk Zaleski

August 14, 2011

Rest in peace.

Eleyse Griffin

August 13, 2011

I pray your family will feel the presence of the Lord today and that you will draw strength and hope as you trust Him to be your comfort. We are blessed because of your loved one’s service to our country.

Joe & Laura Rodriguez

August 13, 2011

For everything you did and stood for I thank you. You are truly a hero of the United States Of America. Our prayers go out to your family.

A Mom

August 13, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. To give one's life is indeed noble.
(Isaiah 2:4) . . .And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.

L Greene

August 12, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. May SGT. ALEXANDER J. BENNETT rest in peace and you find comfort in knowing that he is. My thoughts and prayers are with ALEXANDER and your family. American HERO~ Thank You~GOD BLESS~

Teresa Pinion

August 12, 2011

My deepest sympathy for the loss of Your HERO. May He Rest In Peace.

The S&S Schock Family

August 12, 2011

To the Family of Alexander J Bennett
My deepest sympathy for the loss of Your HERO. May He Rest In Eternal Peace. May God give You comfort during this difficult time. Sincerely

SCOTT CHAMBERLAND

August 12, 2011

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

MacDaniel

August 12, 2011

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Alexander will never be forgotten.

For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you.

I Salute You.


Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt
Colonie, NY
SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq

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