Biographies - Airborne Ranger in the Sky

SPC Tony Barela

Date of Death: 2016-02-04

SPC Tony Barela from California, served with B Company 1st Ranger Battalion -

Before pursuing his passion for music, Tony Barela served in the U.S. Army Rangers’ 1st Battalion, 75th Infantry for three years beginning at the age of 20, his brother said. A graduate of La Quinta High School in Westminster, Barela took some classes at Santiago Canyon College and dedicated nearly 20 years working for Santa Ana as a maintenance worker, often trimming trees and beautifying the city.

SGT Michael O'Neill

Date of Death: 2004-11-21

SGT Michael C. O’Neill from Ohio, served with 3rd Ranger Battalion -

As a Ranger, Sgt. Michael O’Neill distinguished himself as a member of the Army’s premier light infantry unit, traveled to all corners of the world in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

SSG Gary Dunklin

Date of Death: 2016-02-13

SSG Gary Wayne Dunklin from Texas, served with HHC 3rd Ranger Battalion -

Operation Restore Hope Veteran.
Gary was a Sergeant in the US Army, Headquarters Unit, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning and served in the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg.
He spent 7 years 2 months of active duty and served in Somalia in 1993.

SPC Bradley Rappuhn

Date of Death: 2010-08-08

SPC Bradley D. Rappuhn from Mighigan, served with 3rd Ranger Battalion -

Col. Michael Kurilla, commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment, said Rappuhn was fighting in one of the most heavily defended areas in Afghanistan and that he helped in the destruction of a complex bunker system that included heavy machine guns and mortar systems and resulted in the deaths of seven Taliban fighters.