(August 29, 1988 - December 15, 2010)

Specialist Sean R. Cutsforth, 22 of Manassas, VA, died December 15, 2010 at Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cutsforth was an Infantryman, who joined the Army in September 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2009. He was a member of the Task Force Iron Rakkasans and Charlie Company. He was highly regarded and recognized for his dedication, courage, and commitment throughout all levels of leadership, from the Platoon to the Regimental Commander.

His awards and decorations include: The Bronze Star, Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal with Valor; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge; and the Air Assault Badge.

Sean attended Brentsville High School and was well recognized for his athletic abilities, particularly, his love of baseball, swimming, and the outdoors. He was very active in the Greater Manassas Baseball League, Ben Lomond Swim Team and Greater Manassas Football League. In 2005, he was accepted into Virginia Wesleyan College and joined the baseball team, but chose to leave the comforts of college and join the Army. He was an exemplary teammate and mentor. Sean made everyone feel welcome and accepted for who they were. He was wise beyond his years and never took a day for granted. Sean cared deeply for his family and friends. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten by the many lives he touched.

Surviving Sean, is his wife, Ashley Cutsforth and Sean Russell, Jr.; his parents, Robert and Vickie Cutsforth of Manassas, VA; sisters, Casey (and husband Stephen Torrez) of Blacksburg, VA; Kayla (and boyfriend Tim Edwards) of Christiansburg, VA; and brother Ryan Cutsforth of Gainesville, VA; Grandmother, Lois Widiker of Cameron, WI; and Father and Mother-in-law, Ricky L. Hodge and Janice Dove Hodge of Christiansburg, VA.

His family created the “SPC Sean R. Cutsforth, USA Designated Scholarship” in his memory.