Tucson, Arizona
At the age of 16, Sam Huff went to her parents with a plan: She would join the Army, become a military policewoman, go to college, get a master's degree in psychology and become an FBI special agent. "She came to us and said, 'I decided what I want to do,'" said her father, Robert Huff. "There was no arguing with her." Huff, 18, of Tucson, Ariz., was killed April 18 when a roadside bomb hit her convoy in Baghdad. She was based at Fort Lewis. Happy and confident, Huff enlisted after graduating from high school and was engaged to another soldier, Pvt. Nicholas Neally. Her sister, Pfc. Ashley Lathers, said she had two loves: dancing and Nick. "That girl would dance any time she got the chance. I'd catch her dancing in our room, dancing down the hall," Lathers said. She said her sister had a modeling contract and would frequently remind her of that while in Iraq, saying "I could have been the next Gap girl." "In all honesty she was a model," Lathers said, "a model soldier." Huff joked about being a military policewoman "so she could boss guys around," said high school classmate Jeremy Vega. "She was a born leader."
Mr. Robert (Bob) Huff, Writing this to share my belated condolences about Pfc. Samantha Huff. Still, to this day, when I hear one of her favorite songs (while in Iraq) I think of her and her family. Mr. Huff, I'm hoping you still have access to these messages. Please contact me: [email protected] Thank you.
Brenda Benner, Army MSgt. Retired
September 03, 2025 | Other
Thinking of you today, Sam. I know you're watching over us all. Your smile and sweet soul will forever be with your family and anyone you ever crossed paths with. Thank you for everything you did for me. Thank you for being you! May God always comfort those missing you and may they forever hold on to your beautiful memories. Love you, girl
Tanya Hatch
May 26, 2025 | Friend
Hello, We wanted to let your family and friends know that we are sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Sam W. Huff US Army Private 1st Class. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community,...
Charlie Gili
June 27, 2024
Thank you so much for your service Samantha. May God be with you and all the fallen soldiers and their families on this Memorial Day. Thank you for being a real American Hero so we can enjoy the freedoms that we do today in this country. My heart, prayers and thoughts go out to the Huff family on this Memorial Day 2022
Michael N
May 26, 2022 | Port Townsend, WA
Today I learned about Sam's bravery and sacrifice. Thanks Sam! You will never be forgotten!
Dr. Eugene Minter
May 25, 2021 | ATLANTA, GA
Rest In Peace Sam Huff, a young life cut short too soon, paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedom today. Remembering her and all on this Memorial Day weekend
Lt Dennis Marchi
May 24, 2020 | Creston, BC
Dear Sweet Sammie,
Another anniversary of you leaving us has come around. We are reminded, once again, of just how lonely it is here without you.
You lit up the world with your smile, antics, and laughter. You were one of a kind and so very special. Our little Hero, gone way too soon.
Give your Mom and our Stacy (your Uncle Bonehead), a big hug from all of us here who are missing all of you every day.
With Love, Hugs and Tears,
Your Grammie Jane
Jane Knight
February 17, 2018 | TUCSON, AZ
Thinking of you and how much ypu mean to your dad. Thank you for your service.
Karen Couture
February 16, 2018 | Vail, AZ | Friend
Hi Sam, just wanted to say hello. Even though I didn't know you, by all accounts you were an exceptional person, one that we all strive to be. I will never forget you. Your life has made us all richer for your presence.
"If I could give
My breath away
I would
So I could hold
You one more day
I would"
From one Sam to another - I will see you on the other side.
Love,
Sam
Sam Uccillini
October 28, 2017 | Sydney, Australia