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Tree of Valor - 22 A Day
FIGHTING THE BATTLE WITHIN
Not all battles are fought on the battlefield. Many of our service members and first responders are fighting a war within themselves. Always be kind to others as not all wounds are visible. You never know what someone may be going through or how something as simple as a smile, a kind word or a helping hand can change their day for the better. If you are struggling, please know that suicide is NOT the answer. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Please reach out! You ARE worth it! Suicide crisis line 988. Please see our resources page for additional resource listings.
On this page, we are sharing some of our heroes and their stories. Thank you to the families of these men and women for being open about how their loved ones died and helping us to bring awareness to the epidemic of suicide that currently plagues our military and veterans.
A special thank you to Lori Egerter and The Tree of Valor for all of the work you do to honour our heroes, both past and present. We are honoured to be able to work with you to help share this very important message. No one fights alone.
SGT. JACOB T. MYERS
Sgt. Jacob "Jake" T. Myers, Army
9 February 1994 - 15 January 2019
Jake grew up an Army Brat and always wanted to be an Infantryman. Fresh out of high school he followed through with that dream. He fast tracked and became a Sgt. at Ft. Campbell, KY. Jake married his sweetheart and had two daughters. During his 2nd deployment he lost 3 friends, who were killed in action, just prior to the end of their tour. Jake returned to his duty station physically well but mentally injured. He battled the common demons - PTSD, Survivor's Guilt, Anxiety and Depression. On January 15, 2019, the demons won the war. Jake leaves behind his daughters, wife, 2 sisters, a brother and his parents. We will forever grieve while still honoring the wonderful man that Jake was.
PHIL C. REYES
Phil C. Reyes
11 February 1958 ~ 11 February 2020
US Army
After serving in Vietnam, Phil came home to serve for 18 years as an undercover gang unit cop. Phil later returned to the Army to serve several tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom. When Phil's daughter was 3 months pregnant with her son, he moved in with her to be a father-figure to her child. He always said that his grandson was his second chance at life, his redemption. Phil was holding a picture of his grandson in his hand at the time of his suicide.
LCPL. JASON "JT" STEVENS
Lcpl. Jason "JT"Stevens, USMC
Feb 11, 1979 - July 22, 2020
JT was a caring, loving person who would give you the shirt off his back. He was always the first to help in a time of need. He was a father of 3, a loving husband, and a great brother. JT was the life of the party and had a smile that would light the whole world. He never complained, even in the worst of circumstances.
A1C MALIK "FAT KITTY" HOUSTON
A1C Malik “Fat Kitty” Houston
7.22.97~12.19.18
USAF - Malik was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base when he died from suicide. Malik was the youngest of 4 brothers. He was raised in Lansing, Michigan, where he played football and wrestled from 7 years old all the way up through high school. He was a great uncle to all of his nieces and nephews.
Malik was a jet fueler and was recognized for fueler of the month and got the opportunity to work on Air Force one and meet former President Trump.
PFC. LOGAN CASTELLO
PFC Logan Castello
3rd Cavalry Regiment
US Army
Jan. 18, 1998 - Nov. 20, 2019
Logan died by suicide while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas
He was the 11th suicide in 2019. There were more after him in 2019.
CARRI LEIGH GOODWIN
From peoplepill.com:
Carri Leigh Goodwin (January 5, 1989 – February 28, 2009) enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2007 at the age of 18. Goodwin from Alliance, Ohio and was the daughter of a Marine. She experienced rape during her service by a Marine who had been accused of another rape at Camp Pendleton in 2006. Goodwin reported the rape to her commander. Goodwin was "bullied by her command for reporting the rape." The accused Marine remained on duty but Goodwin was discharged with personality disorder.
When she returned, her father, Gary Noling, noticed that she was "drinking heavily." Five days after her return home, she was found dead due to excessive alcohol consumption. Noling found Goodwin's journals later, which contained information about her rape and "suicidal thoughts."
Her death raised awareness about misconduct in the United States armed forces and mental and physical trauma from acts of sexual assault. In 2011, a class-action suit was brought against the Department of Defense for failing to properly investigate accusations of sexual assault, failure to prosecute and for other causes. Kirby Dick created "The Invisible War" in 2012 in order to tell the stories of those affected by sexual assault. Goodwin is mentioned in the film.
If you or someone you know is a victim of Military Sexual Assault you can make a report at
You can also get help at https://www.safehelpline.org/ or by calling
877.995.5247
SSG. ANTONIO (ANTHONY) MICHAEL DIAZ
SSG Antonio (Anthony) Michael Diaz
US Army June 14, 1990 - December 3, 2021
Anthony grew up in Tomball, Texas and joined the Army February 10, 2010. He served three deployments to Afghanistan.
Anthony was an amazing father, son, brother, uncle, and friend as well as soldier. He was a mentor to many who had the opportunity to cross paths with him. He was such a beautiful soul and he loved to laugh and enjoy life to its fullest. Anthony was the type of person that would give you the shirt off his back. He never met a stranger. Anthony was a helicopter mechanic and knew an engine like the back of his hand. Anthony lost his battle to his demons on December 3, 2021 he was active duty and stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.
Anthony left behind 2 children, his brothers and sisters, 2 nephews and his parents.
Anthony's family will forever grieve his loss but will forever honor his memory and never forget what a beautiful and amazing person he was.
SPC JUSTIN P. MANGUS
SPC. Justin P. Mangus
US Army
14 December 1995 - 24 May 2020
Justin served in the army from 2017 through 2020. He was home 5 days on extended leave when he took his own life. Justin left behind a beautiful, sweet daughter named Sophia.
Justin was an adrenaline junkie who had a need for speed. He loved fast cars and motorcycles and raced BMX as a teenager, winning several National races. He lived his life with no fear. Justin never shied away from a challenge. If someone told Justin he couldn’t do something, he proved them wrong! He was proud to have served his country!
SGT. RYAN CHRISTOPHER ISOM
Sgt. Ryan Christopher Isom
18 February 1986 - 21 September 2021
USMC
Ryan loved being a Marine. He did two tours in Iraq. Ryan was stationed at camp Lejeune and worked on a special project at Eglin AFB.
Ryan dearly loved his family. His wife died 18 months before him and he was devastated. He was a wonderful father to his step son and son. He left behind a 9 year old son that Ryan's parents are raising. Ryan had so much love for his son.
Ryan loved the Arkansas Razorbacks, had earned two technology degrees and was starting on a third at the time of his death.
HUNTER CHASE WHITLEY
Hunter Chase Whitley
26 October 1999 - 13 November 2022
USMC
After graduating from Brookwood High School, Hunter joined the Marine Corps. During recruit training, Hunter qualified as an Expert Rifleman.
Hunter was a very handsome young man and had a magnetic personality. He loved to have fun with his friends and family. Hunter was always laughing, smiling and checking on others.
At the time of his death, Hunter was attending the University of Alabama and pursuing his major in Computer Science.
SSG ADAM KENT GUINN
SSG Adam Kent Guinn
16 July 1980 - 7 April 2020
US Army
Adam is one of the reasons our Angels With Demons community exists. Even through the loss of her husband, Adam's wife, Mariah, works tirelessly to help and encourage others who may be struggling. Adam's obituary was so well written, I am going to share most of it here.
"As a little boy, Adam always had “work-a-do.” At the age of 17, after some hard and difficult years, Adam enlisted in the Army Reserves and made a very good career at Big O Tires, where he quickly became a district manager. His path then led him to work for AIG Insurance, where he also thrived.
In 2002, he met his wife, Mariah Michelle Martinez. They were married quickly in 2003, as he was ordered to active duty in support of Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom. During his years of service in the army, he received many commendations and medals; including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with rifle bar, and his second overseas service bar.
After starting a new career path managing several car washes throughout Denver, Adam was able to go back to college and on September 27th, 2012, he graduated with his Associate Degree in Applied Sciences. With his new degree, he started working for ESS Metron, one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of switch gear and power distribution centers. It was here that Adam found his passion and quickly moved up the ranks, where he finished out his days as a project manager and applications engineer."
On 7 April 2020, Adam joined his and Mariah's beautiful infant daughter in heaven. He left behind his loving wife, twin sons and his best buddy, Sarge - a rather large, but gentle, Great Dane.