5th Annual Captain John Tinsley Memorial 5k

CPT John Tinsley

Captain John Tinsley was killed on August 12, 2009, from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while conducting a mounted patrol in the Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. He was serving as an Operational Detachment Commander while assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

 

Although John was only 28-years-old at the time of his death, he was beyond his years in character and integrity. John was someone you wanted to be around. You could hear his laugh from a mile away! His passion for life and drive for personal excellence was contagious. John was also a loyal friend and a selfless man, the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back.

 

John was a professional and took great pride in his work. Throughout his Military career he underwent plenty of training, military schools and deployments. Along the way he received medals and awards, but John was more interested in the personal relationships he built within his Army career and personal life. He was mission-oriented, always pushing himself to become a better leader, a better man. John spent much of his free time reading, teaching himself languages, training for triathlons, traveling to competitive shooting competitions and spending time with his family. Within his short life, John set and accomplished a multitude and variety of personal goals. Always pushing himself to move forward, he remained grounded and balanced in life. Even when he became a father, a joy that was apparent for all to recognize, he continued to push himself. John was an endearing and engaging father. Watching him interact with Isabella put a smile on anyone’s face. Thankfully, that laugh and determination can still be found in his bubbly and happy daughter today.

 

John was born in New Jersey, and graduated from Florida State University in 2002. He is survived by his wife, Emily and daughter, Isabella; His parents John and Debra Tinsley and brother Paul Tinsley all of Jacksonville, Florida. John’s final resting place lies in Arlington National Cemetery. John Tinsley touched so many lives…may his passion for life live on in the hearts and memories of all those who love him.

 

Military Education:

- Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle Commander’s Course

- Infantry Officer Basic CourseSurvival, Evasion, Resistance & Escape Course

- Basic Airborne Course

- Ranger Course

- Special Forces Qualification Course

 

 

Military Awards and Decorations:

 

- Bronze Star Medal

- Purple Heart Medal

- Meritorious Service Medal

- Army Commendation Medals

- Army Achievement Medal

- National Defense Service Medal

- Afghanistan Campaign Medal

- Iraq Campaign Medal

- National Defense Service Medal

- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

- Army Service Ribbon

- Overseas Service Medal

- Combat Infantryman Badge

- Parachutist Badge

- Ranger Tab

- Special Forces Tab John Tinsley

 

Born: August 28, 1980 Somers Point, NJ

 

Died: August 12, 2009 Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan