Pfc. Paul O. Cuzzupe II
Paul with his Grandmother.
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Hometown: Plant City, Fl./Burlington, NJ Date of Death: August 8, 2010 Age: 23 years old. Operation Enduring Freedom Unit: 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment, Vilseck, Germany. Birth: Dec. 2, 1986
Death: Aug. 8, 2010, Afghanistan PFC Paul O. Cuzzupe II was born into an Army life on December 2, 1986 on Ft Riley, KS. Paul graduated from Armwood HS in Seffner, FL in 2005 and attended St Leo University in Pasco County up until Spring 2009, just 3 credits shy of a Bachelors degree in History. At the age of 22, he enlisted in the United States Army as a Combat Medic His entire family, between Florida and New Jersey knew of his decision to enlist and how courageous he was to be willing to give up so much; his love of music, history, family and friends for a cause he strongly believed in. Paul was assigned as a medic to 3rd Platoon, Ghostrider Co., 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment based out of Vilseck, Germany. He was affectionately called 'Care Bear' by the rest of the medics he served with and respectfully earned the name 'Doc' by his fellow Ghostriders. He deployed to Afghanistan in June 2010. A short 6 weeks in the sandbox and multiple missions completed, Paul earned a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and a Combat Medical Badge for his service in combat. He also earned an Army Commendation Medal for rendering aid to 3 local nationals in a mass casualty event, as well as for the heroic action taken to try and save the life of a local national child who was a victim of a pressure plate IED. Paul became a victim of an IED on the return of a mission on August 8, 2010. His outgoing personality, mysterious green eyes and striking good looks, his love of children, music and life.... all cut short at the age of 23. General George S Patton once said “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” His entire family thanks God everyday for the time spent with Paul and for the other heroes that he is with now. (Courtesy Annette Kirk - GSM) Burial: Hillsboro Memorial Cemetery Brandon Hillsborough County Florida, USA Plot: Garden of Valor
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