Capt. Benjamin D. Tiffner

31, US Army

November 7 marks the anniversary of the passing of Capt. Benjamin D. Tiffner. 31, US Army. We honor and remember him, his family and his mother Judith Tiffner of Alaska. He was born Aug 29, 1976, and a resident of WV.

Ben volunteered for military service at 19 and graduated from the United States Military Academy in 2000. After Infantry Officer’s Basic Course, Airborne School and Ranger School, he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment., at Fort Lewis, Washington, and served as an infantry platoon leader, reconnaissance platoon leader, and company executive officer. He served in Iraq from November 2003 to March 2004.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, KY and died Nov. 7, 2007, in Baghdad of wounds sustained when he was struck by an improvised explosive device. He received a Bronze Star.

He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula. This was his second deployment to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be here (Iraq)”, he told his mother just before he died. A few hours from his death in Iraq, Tiffner had a final request for his parents. He wanted them to pray for the men who served under him.

Family friend Randy Curry says he’ll never forget Ben’s smile and his leadership abilities that were evident from a very young age. “He would do anything they would ask him to do, and he would do it with every bit of his energy and effort. He really enjoyed training and working hard,” Curry said.

One of Captain Tiffner’s instructors at West Point years ago wrote a message about him in an internet Guest Book: “To the family and friends of CPT Tiffner, my condolences to you. I was shocked to hear of Ben’s passing this morning. Though it has been many years since Ben was assigned to me as a plebe at West Point, I will always remember his uncommon qualities. He was honest, hardworking, loyal, good humored, and a fine friend. I will never forget Ben.”

Benjamin died a Christian, heartily fulfilling his calling from God. He had talked with his family the day of the attack. To his parents and sister, Ben expressed concern for the spiritual needs surrounding him and resounding confidence that he was where God had led him, Ben confidently stated that he and his men were making a difference in the war effort. In his earthly life, Benjamin Tiffner was wholly dedicated to praising the glorious grace of his God.

Ben grew up both in the Philippines, where his family served as missionaries, and later in the Charleston, West Virginia area. While in high school, Ben played varsity basketball and soccer at Cross Lanes Christian School. He was home-schooled his last three years of high school. He loved competitive sports and hunting, and throughout his career in the Army Ben demonstrated an unusual passion for excellence combined with real personal humility. By God's grace, Ben's thoroughly converted character made him an outstanding leader, counselor, soldier, friend, son, and brother.

He is survived by his mother, Judith, and father Timothy, two sisters, Rebekah Crain and Sarah Tiffner, and two brothers, Joshua and Seth Tiffner.

He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery

Let us always remember him, his family, and….

Say His Name

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