STORY BEHIND THE PLAQUE
Service Reflections of SGT Troy Horn, U.S. Army (1990-2007)

I’ve traced my family history back to the Battle of Hastings – my family has chosen military service for as far back as I have been able to trace. I guess it’s in the blood. But really, my decision to enlist in the Army was deeply shaped by the unwavering support and inspiration from my family and friends. Growing up, I was surrounded by loved ones who valued service, discipline, and patriotism, with many sharing stories of their own experiences or expressing admiration for those who served.

Their encouragement, coupled with their belief in my ability to embrace challenges, instilled a sense of duty and purpose in me. Conversations with close friends who saw the Army as a path to personal growth and meaningful impact further solidified my choice, pushing me to take the leap and commit to something bigger than myself.

I had chosen to have a military career – I enlisted, with my father’s signature, into the Army in June of ’89 into the DEP at 17. I left for Basic 5 days after my HS graduation for Little Rock MEPS, then on to Ft Jackson, SC, where I was assigned to D Co. 4/13th Inf RGT, 2nd Platoon. The day I graduated from Basic Training, Saddam invaded Kuwait (August 2nd, ’90. I was reassigned to C Co. 366th, 15th Sig BDE for Avionic Mechanic AIT, which, at the time, was 6mn 2wks long, followed by AH64 Technician ASI and Aircraft Survivability W6 ASI training, which took another month.

I graduated from my first AIT on January 16th, ’91, which was the same day that POTUS Bush declared that the US was at war with Iraq. I then received orders for Ft. Ord, CA, the following day, but those orders were rescinded the same day. I then received orders to Germany, but those orders were rescinded…to stop the insanity of guessing, I dropped a 4187 for the war and then received orders “In Support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm.” Ft Gordon is also where I met my future wife of 34 years, as of May 2025.

I arrived at CRC, Ft Benning, GA, with a handful of folks, including my Battle Buddy Jeff Ferrin. It was a very fast-paced fitting of gear, clothing, the old M18A1 Protective Mask, I was even issued woodland camo because all the desert gear was gone, and a Vietnam-era M16A1 with a selector switch option for full auto – it was an original, still in the package with the packing grease. It was glorious! Woodland camo in the desert made me look crazy or stupid – maybe both!

I flew Tower Air to Paris, then redirected to the KKMC because a SCUD missile hit our barracks while we were en route. At 0443hrs that morning after arrival, our location (KKMC) also received incoming rockets, one of which hit less than a klick away, the chemical alarms sounded, and we all waited hours for the all-clear. I was then sent North with the 18th ABN Corps on a bus with extremely small seats. 

Running password was Baseball – Dolphin, and we were greeted by an SGM from 7th Corps, who had us sleep on the desert floor because there weren’t any tents or cots available. My third morning wake-up call (0345hrs) was a bit abrupt when an MLRS fired its entire battery next to our tent – it blew the tent sides out and we were choking on the dust for 20 minutes afterward. There was a fellow replacement that jerked the sleeping bag zipper so hard that he was stuck in his bag, but to my Surprise, his bayonet pierced through, and he escaped the bag without further incident. I was later assigned to the 101st ABN Aviation, then the 5th Bn under Cpt. Brown and Cpt. Hauer. We did our thing during the war, including the Air Assault with the 187th Rakkasan’s in Baghdad. At one point, we lost our MKT (mobile kitchen trailer) when its load became unstable beneath our UH60 during the airlift forward – completely destroyed. We had MREs for 38days before we had hot chow or a shower.

Upon returning to Ft. Campbell, KY, because I was on “Temporary Orders” to the desert, I was sent to the 20th Service & Support for “Official” orders. However, fate took a turn for me, and the 160th SOAR ABN recruited me in March 1991. My old 101st unit was not happy, but when two NCOs in red berets and sterile uniforms ask you, “Do you want to be the best of the best?” You don’t say no. So to Green Platoon I went. I served in TF for 4 years, and it was one of the most profound assignments of my short 13 years. Guess who was also there, Cpt. Brown, yep, my old Commander, but he was sporting Major after the 101st.

I took a break in service following Somalia for apparent reasons – although I did stay in the Reserves as a Marksman Instructor with the 95th INF out of Ft Chaffee, AR for a time. I returned to active duty as a Combat Medic in ’97 as a Private, trained at Ft Sam Houston for some time, then deployed to Korea, assigned to the 2nd INF DIV and the 102nd MI BN at Cp Essayons, in Uijongbu. Uijongbu was the same place my Grandfather was back in the day – we shared some stories prior to his passing. I also visited Camp Casey at one point, which is where my stepfather served after Vietnam.

I returned to Ft Bragg, NC, in 1998 and volunteered for the 82nd ABN DIV, but my orders sent me to Alpha Company, Womack Army MedCen. I dropped my SF packet before I even unpacked, went through 21 of the 28 days of Selection, but blew out my right knee during Team Week. Following SFAS, I was sick for a long time afterward. I didn’t know why I was so sick (some medic, huh), but after almost going unconscious and crashing into the ER entrance while driving to save my own life, I was diagnosed with advanced pneumonia and nearly died. I spent almost a year in recovery, training, and preparing for a return to SFAS, but my left lung fused to the pleural lining, and I received a Medical Discharge just months before 9/11.

I fought for 4 years to return to duty and finally got a break when a newly formed 361st Reserve Mult-Role Bridge Company “stood up” and the commander called in every favor to get me, as long as I agreed to be a 21C Bridge Crewmember. Obviously, I said, “Yes.” He wanted 6months for the favor, but I gave him a year instead. My 1SG was a Police Officer, and my CSM was a DEA Agent – we shared a few similar stories because while growing up, my maternal Grandfather flew for the OSBI, FBI, DEA, and CIA as a spotter. At that, my 1SG and CSM saw me as family, and they let me drill EVERY weekend if I wanted. Great times!

I was given the opportunity to return to active duty, so I dropped another 4187 for Active Duty and received orders for the 814th MRBC, 46th ENG BDE at Ft. Polk, LA…not a very fun location, but some great people were making the best of it. I served with the 814th but saw an opportunity to go SF again – so I dropped my packet, trained hard, received orders to SFAS at Bragg (again)… Day Zero (1), following the 14-mile march into CP Mackall, I suffered an explosive spinal decompression and was temporarily paralyzed for nearly 6 hours. It only got worse from there, and my unit was set to redeploy to Iraq for their ’07 rotation.

I returned to Ft. Polk and then left for Mission “Lightning Over Water” at Ft. Hood, TX. My Commander and 1SG chose me to serve as the Rear Detachment 1SG and Acting Commander, because of my professional record and on the recommendation of all the Senior NCOs. The unit left in May, and I took command. The 46th CSM and I got close, and we just made things flow until my medical reports worsened and resulted in my subsequent Medical Discharge in November 2007. I fought for 7 years, 3 months, and 21days for my Medical Retirement. So buyer beware…promises made, promises broken.

My story doesn’t end there… I’m still here, and I’ll tell as many declassified stories as I can.

These are true stories, mind you – I’m not complaining and I’m not exaggerating in the slightest. Sometimes things happen in a way that seems so incredible. Anyway…

There was that time I accidentally swam with Hammerhead sharks off the coast of Cuba, just outside of GTMO. The tide came in really fast, and I was stuck out on a sandbar. I never swam sooo fast!

Oh, and there was the time that I sauntered into the 10th Mtn HQ in Haiti dressed only in my UDTs, combat boots, a t-shirt, with a 9mm strapped to my chest and bummed two sodas off of the Division Commander (1 star)…I didn’t know him, and he didn’t know me, but my “attire” suggested that he shouldn’t ask.

I just so happened to be at the right place and the right time that provided me the opportunity to operate a piece of equipment to manually track a missile while it was in hypersonic flight and inbound to its designated target. Although the original operator could track a missile at 100%, he stated that my 32% track was pretty darn good for someone who wasn’t trained to sit in the chair. Again, volunteering for stuff provided that opportunity.

There was the time when I manned a FARP by myself (due to manpower issues) while on mission. The aircraft assigned to my sector was a version of the MH6. I had my deployment support kit, accompanying equipment, and firearms. Well, the mission ran long, and 1SG wanted to know what logistical issues were causing the problem, and what better way than to see it from above. 1SG hopped into my assigned aircraft (a two-seater) in an effort to view the AO. While in the air, the command to terminate the operation was given. My aircraft, my pilot, and my 1SG landed at my one-man FARP, gave me the news, loaded the DSK and sensitive items, and said that they’ll send a bird back to get me. I asked what I should do in the meantime, and 1SG

 responded with, “Semper Gumby!” – which just means, “Always Flexible.” My ride lifted off quickly and was gone. I was alone and poised forward of the last known line of demarcation that I was aware of…hours passed. The sounds of military activity were absent, and it was getting darker by the minute. That “fog” they talk about was apparent – if they do headcount, they’ll know I’m missing, but I wasn’t about to “…wait in the dark…” (pun intended). I began moving south to where I knew that a 75th Ranger element had been during my insertion earlier that day. After some time and now completely dark, I arrived at the Rangers LP/OP, identified myself, requisitioned a CUCV, and set my compass for where I was “supposed” to be. When 1SG saw me get out of the truck, his eyes bugged out because he realized that he had left me at the abandoned FARP site – but I didn’t rat him out. Good times, Top!

Lots of moments like this…

I can neither confirm nor deny… Just kidding…

Although this one takes a bit of faith to comprehend, please bear with me: So, “we” were almost to our place of business when our C141 sprang a fuel leak. The cargo area was filling with fumes, making it difficult to breathe, so the Pilot ordered “…all doors open…”, and the Crew Chief opened the jump doors and the tail ramp to vacate the noxious gas. We landed without incident and quickly deplaned with all of our equipment and gear in tow. My job, along with my SSG, was to deliver our supplies to our place of business, located north and West of Indian Springs, under the cover of darkness and operating a vintage deuce-and-a-half. On our way, having passed through multiple heavily armed security checkpoints, as we approached a small elevation in the roadway, the engine of the deuce began to choke, the lights dimmed, the instrument panel (although analog) began jumping and spinning erratically, and the deuce slowed to a crawl. With the deuce lights almost completely dark and the engine sputtering like an old, worn-out tractor, the SSG and I noticed that there was a deep green hue emanating from the ground and completely surrounding our position. The SSG became very vocal about his desire to vacate the area, but nothing that I did proved fruitful. At nearly a complete stop, the glow quickly receded, the deuce came back to life, and we sped away without saying another word to one another. We didn’t even mention it to our fellow co-workers. This is the first time that I have ever mentioned it since that time. I don’t know if I was close to death or not, but alien butt probes were not part of my life’s plan – if you know what I mean. Oh, and don’t get me started on the mysterious blue pills that we were ordered to take.

I didn’t spend much time in the 101st ABN, sadly, but my time there was memorable, and it was my honor to have had my own “Rendezvous with Destiny” as my first permanent duty assignment.

I heard all of the stories while with the 101st in Iraq; the black helicopters, sterile uniforms, relaxed grooming standards, etc. of the secret military unit on the backside of Ft. Campbell – it never occurred to me that in the matter of a few weeks that I would soon be recruited by “THAT” unit. Anyway, Task Force 160 recruiting, selection, and training, daily duties, and multiple deployments were amazing, of course – back then, even we techs were Tier status. It was an absolute dream come true and an immense honor to have served with those great people.

But, when I became a Combat Medic and I was solely responsible for all 487 members of the 102nd MI BN in Korea as the Senior Medic and NCOIC – the run and gun, Jason Borne stuff really didn’t seem as special as it once did for a young aspiring Soldier. Caring for those folks was the most fulfilling experience that I had had since enlisting. I was entrusted with not only their everyday dental and medical readiness but also their individual mental and spiritual well-being. I didn’t see that coming, and I was and continue to be so thankful for my upbringing that introduced and fostered my relationship with Christ Jesus. With a solid foundation in Christ, I was able to assist those in my care in a deeper and more meaningful way. It made a tremendous difference in the how and why of it all. So when I arrived at Ft Bragg, I volunteered for 18D SF Medical Sergeant. I found that caring for people during their time of need filled some hole in my soul. It really did. I wasn’t perfect by any means, and my desire to be the tip of the spear remained, but only if I could serve in a medical capacity.

Other assignments, like being a BRM Instructor in the 95th, although short-lived, were just as important to me and vital to military readiness for those units. The 341st MRBC was fun and interesting because it was a brand new unit, and I was allowed to teach the medical classes while learning to be a Bridge Crewmember and a Bridge Boat Operator.

My least favorite assignment was being assigned to the PDRL in 2013 – Permanently Disabled Retirement List… I understood that I could no longer kick in doors or do all of the high-speed/low drag stuff, but I thought that I could have served in some civilian capacity, considering my knowledge, skills, abilities, and security clearance. I’d still serve today if they called.

I won’t say when, where, with whom, or what it was…But I did work on and deploy a piece of equipment that NASA had only made three of. Also, I can neither confirm nor deny that I may or may not have spent a considerable time in the area north of Mercury, NV…

Seriously, though, helping deliver the baby in the parking lot of Womack was crazy. Working with the Anthrax folks was incredible. Training and deploying with elements of JSOC and all of its civilian counterparts, witnessing the creation of things like BlueForce Tracker, and working with the only NOTAR aircraft in the Army inventory and other “unmentionables” provides me with plenty of smirks when watching TV or movies.

I lived and experienced a lifetime of memories that could fill several books – once the NDA is completed (I’ll be 76 by then)

First and probably the most notable achievement was that I created the Anthrax Immunization Tracking database, which was later adopted by the DoD. – I received an award, promotion recommendation, and recognition by the North Atlantic Regional MedCen Commander and was sent to Washington, D.C., to the Anthrax Symposium, where I met the research team working with the Ebola virus…crazy group of people!

Secondly, I helped deliver a baby in the Womack parking lot! Also, crazy!

Thirdly, despite the illnesses, the injuries, and later the full-on disability…I never quit…I made the Army throw me out – because Night Stalkers Don’t Quit!

My late Grandfather, a WWII, Korea, and Vietnam Veteran, told me once, when I asked about his medals (which included the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart), “…these plus 50 cents will get you a cup of coffee…”

Those with whom I served are and were the only treasures that I truly find meaningful – I hold them close to my heart and in my mind.

Grandpa was right… I’d give back every medal, award, and badge to know that my buddies came home and raised their kids… but some didn’t, and for that, I am forever grateful and indebted to them for the blessing of raising my own.

Too many to list – really, my time in Task Force put me in the company of some very great leaders. I still hear their names from time to time, but I won’t put them here. But thank you for your leadership, your passion, and your trust. NSDQ.

1. My Battle Buddy and personal chiropractor in Basic, Brian Salb (Ft Jackson).

2. Jeff Ferrin (AIT -Ft Gordon and Desert Storm), Jeff and I were joined at the hip in AIT and arrived together in the desert. We both enjoyed the rocket explosion for our first wake-up at the KKMC. After the desert, Jeff called me from Germany once, but that’s when there was still that annoying time delay in comms. God speed, Brother, wherever you are.

3. SSG Klapp & Pertyl (101st – Desert Storm) were both my mentors in 5th Bn. They instructed me not to laugh when I met our CSM because he looked just like Mayberry’s Barney Fife; I almost couldn’t hold it in because, oh my God, he really did look like Deputy Fife!

4. SSG Mitchel Claunch (Korea), Mitch was my first Medic Mentor and taught me so much – thanks, Brother!

5. 11Bang-Bang Fish (Korea), SSG Fish, and I didn’t hit it off at first, he being an out-of-place 11Bravo stuck in an MI unit and me just being me, but we made do and grew together in our new roles – hope you’re well, my friend.

6. Dave the Marine (Ft Polk), for the life of me, I can’t remember Dave’s last name. I always called him Dave the Marine. Anyway, Dave and I paintballed against a pro-Team. It was 5 against 2, and we dealt some damage but lost in the end. Dave was injured in Iraq in ’07, suffered a TBI, learned to walk again, etc. God bless you, my friend. UPDATE: thanks to SFC DeBoer for reminding me that Dave’s last name is “Varney”, SGT David Varney, (US Army, Ret.)

7. CSM Carr (Korea), CSM Carr and I sang karaoke and drank together at the EM Club. We even had an interesting game of chess (with drinks) during the HHC Command Inspection until we were interrupted when the commander came looking for him! Most importantly, I had the honor of saving his life during a heart episode – 1st Cav Rules! Hope you’re still with us.

8. Maj. Mashina (Korea), Maj. Mashina entrusted me with the health of the unit and never questioned my abilities. He actually called me from Korea when I PCSd to Bragg, asking if I would come back to Essayons to run the Anthrax Vax Program because they had to fire the guy who replaced me. Of course, I said YES, but the Theater Cdr said NO. Thank you for your guidance & compassion, Sir.

9. Cpt Martin (Korea), Cap. Martin loved to make fun of me because of my history in Special Operations with his playful, “Look at me, I’m SGT Horn,” rants! But he saw fit to promote me from PFC back up to SGT in record time before his change of command. Thank you, Sir!

10. Maj. Jezercack (Korea), Ma’am, you helped hone me into what you called “…a well-rounded NCO…” and I am forever grateful for your professionalism and leadership. “Knowledge for Battle, Ma’am!”

11. My roommate and saxophone musical maestro Tony Rogers (Korea) is the best roommate EVER!

12. MSG Kim Garcia (Ret.) (Ft Bragg), Kim (as I’m allowed to call her) is an amazing person in whom I absolutely trust my family and my life! Seriously, she put so much faith in my KSAs and afforded me every opportunity to advance and achieve my personal and professional goals. She molded me into the best possible NCO that I could have ever thought of being. I owe her more than I can ever repay. Humbly, I thank you, MSG Garcia.

13. My SF Brothers Robert Paulauskas (Bragg) and SFC Dan DeBoer (Ret.)(Bragg & Polk), Robert, I pray every day for your health and welfare. I miss you. Find peace, Brother. My other Brother, Dan, the man with the plan, in all of my days, have I never met a man who sacrificed so much to be a Warrior, husband, father, and friend. We still talk to this day. Well played, Sir! Well played.

14. SFC Brian Leahy, (Ret.)(Polk), my final mentor and amazing friend, Brian. We continued our Brotherhood post-military and communicate frequently. Brother, you continue to amaze me with your deep connection to helping children, your growing faith in God our Father, and your ability to disarm any situation with clean humor! I even texted you while writing this post. Chat soon.

15. Godfather to my children, Jay “Doc Giggles” Dolph, my Accelerated Free Fall jump buddy! What can I say, Iron sharpens iron, My Friend! Many years to come, Brother!

Lastly (for now), all of my TF160th peers and leaders alike – and so many more… I have too many stories to tell, and I cherish them all.

During my first stint in SFAS, I approached an obstacle on the Nasty Nick toward the end… it was a rope swing over a steep draw, lined with razor-wire… at the top of the obstacle stood the SFAS 1SG, an Assessor with a clipboard in hand, and several plain-clothed “gentlemen” recruiting for 1SFOD and OGA’s. I mounted the obstacle, began my swing over the razor-wire, my arms weak from all of the previous obstacles, gave way, and my right boot caught the razor-wire, ripping me from the rope and slamming me full-frontal to the ground. It was like a Wiley Coyote moment with the whole sound of “thud” and “cloud-like puff of dirt.” When I stood, so as to hear the Assessor’s speech, “Roster #112, you have failed to successfully negotiate this obstacle. Do you wish to try again?” I found that the impact had spun my helmet around, and I was peering through the ear hole of the safety helmet. Standing at the position of parade rest and looking to the top of the obstacle through that tiny little ear hole, I could see the 1SG covering his mouth and trying not to laugh, the OGA folks were outright laughing, and even the Assessor hid partially behind the clipboard, awaiting my response. Of course, I said, “Yes,” to which he replied Move to the next obstacle. It’s still funny!

I performed restaurant maintenance, I was a Police Officer and a Code Enforcement Officer, and I started a Veteran organization with members now on every continent except Australia. I even drove OTR for a time with Stevens Transport before returning to active duty. However, after the spinal injury, I was bedridden for over a year. Nevertheless, I helped out where I could and wrote two Master’s Theses and a Doctoral Thesis, titled “Fractal Causation Mitigation Utilizing Adaptive Modeling Techniques and Non-Specific Algorithm Directed Diplomacy.” It’s a mouthful, but I thought it was appropriate at the time. I did lots of stuff in between

Nowadays, I tend to my animals, my garden, my adult children and grandchildren, and enjoy the company of my non-government issue spousal unit of 34 years.

I am a current member of the Association of the United States Army. I was a 32-year member and Officer of the American Legion and its Honor Guard. I was also a member and VSO of the VFW for some years. I’m a lifetime member/alumnus of the Night Stalker Association. I am the founder and first 20-year Commander (retired) of the ASOD Veteran Support Group.

My upbringing and family rearing made me who I am, but the military gave me a venue in which I could apply my knowledge, skills, and abilities. I am the same young man who enlisted, but with a few added dents and dings. I apply my own personal beliefs and passion today just as I did while in service, but in a direction of my choosing.

I miss the camaraderie, the purpose, the mission. I miss the effort and the pain of trial before the elation of success.

To quote a young man and artist, “I miss the smiles we had when we were young – I miss the memories of feeling love – I miss us runnin’ underneath the sun – Staring out the window when the rain would come – I miss the smiles we had when we were kids, yeah – I feel like life was so much simpler then, yeah – When we had joy and we were innocent – I’d give it all to feel that way again…” (I Miss The Days, The Search by NF)

Push harder, run faster, breathe deeper, and reach further than you think you can. You set your own limits. I volunteered for everything, and because I did, I met the Army Chief of Staff, the Secretary of the Treasury, the folks that studied Ebola and Anthrax, other high-ranking Officers and Members of our Congress and Senate. I attended Airborne and Air Assault school, and I was the first Night Stalker to be slotted for Ranger School under LTGen Dell L. Dailey back when he was just a Colonel, but I was Oscar Mike at the time and unable to attend – but my name was at the top of a very short list! Life is incredibly short, and there is an entire world to explore. Volunteer and enjoy every second of every moment, because you’ll never get them back.

I remember when TWS first started, and I signed up immediately. I’ve enjoyed seeing friendly faces and remembrances of what seems now to have been several lifetimes ago. I haven’t bothered to search for anyone until last month, when a close friend of mine passed. But now that I’m back, I look forward to a shared community of Brothers and Sisters and the continuation of our shared service.