The Life of Sgt. Dillon Black Foxx

Sgt. Dillon B. Foxx Born Dec. 2nd, 1987 in Traverse City, MI Died Feb. 5th, 2010 in Badghis Province, Afghanistan serving during Operation Enduring Freedom Sgt. Dillon Black Foxx of Traverse City, Michigan spent his early years living in Tennessee. When he was 17 he moved to Michigan where he graduated from Traverse City West Senior High School in 2006. Sgt. Foxx changed his name and used to go by Robert Dillon Lentz. He enlisted in the Army in May 2006 at the age of 18. When he did, his friends thought he was crazy.

They reminded him the country was at war. Nope, he said, he wasn’t crazy; he was doing exactly what he needed to do. An awesome soldier with a free spirit, he maintained the same personality he carried his whole life into the military: a self-starter and someone others could count on. Dillon had attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Basic School at Fort Benning Georgia. When he finished his training, Dillon reported to Fort Bragg, where he was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

In January 2007, he deployed with the unit to Afghanistan for 15 months. He returned in April 2008. He was promoted to sergeant in January 2009 and went to Afghanistan in August for his second deployment, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, his duty as a forward observer. He died February 5th in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

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Dillon received numerous awards including an Army Commendation with Valor Device, the Army Commendation with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Basic Parachutist Badge and the Purple Heart posthumously. Dillon will be remembered by those who had the opportunity to meet him, serve with him or love him.

Dillon is survived by his mother, Trina Pfau of Manton; father, Robert Lentz of Tennessee; his seven-month-old son, Kaiden Levi Foxx; Kaiden's mother, Jessica Cross; two brothers, Chad (Andrienne) Stewart and their son Blake, currently stationed with the United States Marine Corp in California, Dale Blakeslee of Manton; two sisters, Savannah Lentz and Lenzy Blakeslee, both of Manton; grandparents, Linda Stewart, Linda Gale and Walter Lentz; great-grandmother, Fern (Ben) Chupp; his uncle, Chuck (Bonnie) Stewart; an aunt, Alisha (Les) Wormell; and many other loving family members, friends and comrades of the service.

The Governor ordered flags down to half staff across the state to honor the northern Michigan soldier. Memorial services with Military Honors took place at 11 a. m. on Friday, February 19, 2010 at the NMC Hagerty Center, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

The more than hour long service began with a reading of a poem written by Sergeant Foxx. The first line read, "If I ever go to war Mom, please don't be afraid. There are some things I must do, To keep the promise that I made. " Every stanza there after reminded family and friends never to worry while their loved one was off at war. It was a tearful service, but it showcased the absolute best of Sgt. Foxx through anecdotes and memories.

During the memorial service, Army personal presented Sergeant Foxx's family with military honors including a purple heart and a flag presentation. 9&10 News talked to the family after the service at a luncheon at the VFW Hall in Traverse City. They said they were overwhelmed with the support from the community. "We would like to express our thanks for the outpouring generosity that has been tremendous and overwhelming," says Stewart. "Friends and strangers alike have just been so supportive. " His family described him as a "quick learner" who picked up new tasks easily and worked hard to get the job done, whatever the job was.

The family wanted to thank everyone for their support, including family and friends in Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Fort Bragg, the local V. F. W. and the military I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of SGT Dillon B. Foxx. May the Lord comfort you in the difficult days ahead. Godspeed Dillon..... Godspeed..... Those we love remain with us For love itself lives on… Cherished memories never fade Because one loved is gone. Those we love can never be More than a thought apart… For as long as there is memory, They live on in our hearts. Traverse City Soldiers post

Posted by Lisa McQueen, Harbor Springs - Sunday, February 07, 2010 at 8:15 p. m. Our military family shares in your pain, this community supports you in grief and this country is grateful for your sacrifice. We are humbled by the service of your son. Thoughts and prayers to you during this most difficult time. Posted by J Meadows, TX - Tuesday, February 09, 2010 at 10:56 a. m. RIP Airborne! St. Michael, Guide this Paratrooper to a waiting formation of the Jump Master in the Sky! From: Diablo A staff sergeant and captain who worked with Foxx describe him as a self-starter and someone they could always count on.

Foxx’s brother made a statement when asked about his brother "He did what he did," says Chad Stewart, Foxx's brother. "It's just like anyone else that deploys... unfortunately it was him, but he did what he wanted to do. " TRAVERSE CITY -- Flags lined the walkway of Traverse City's Hagerty Center early Friday morning. A somber mood, yet a patriotic spirit as people paid their respects to 22-year old Sergeant Dillon Foxx. A fallen soldier is being remembered as a local hero. "I just think it really brings it home that it's somebody in your own backyard that was in Afghanistan and has passed away," says Dan Brady of Traverse City. This young man lost his life. He gave the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our country. My heart goes out to his family," says Traverse City resident, Marianne Abramson. "My son also serves in the 82nd Airborne. This is his second tour in Iraq and he is 22 years old and it just really hits close to home. I feel for this child's family. I do. I can't imagine my son not coming home," says Elk Rapids resident, Mary Gallagher. "He laid down his life for us and I know the family but it's my way of showing support. I believe in what their son did.

Being a veteran of the Gulf War myself is something I feel compelled to do," says Midland resident, Jim Johnston. It's personal stories like this that brought out people from around the state, even complete strangers simply to say, "thank you. " "It's just a reminder that our freedom is really not free. There's soldiers dying every day for our freedom," Soldiers who are thousands of miles away just like Sergeant Foxx putting our country before themselves. Now, a community is stepping up to show its support for his sacrifice. *Tribute to Sgt. Dillon Foxx*

SGT Foxx was one of the best kind of people to know. Smart, funny, brave, compassionate, and extremely outgoing. For us paratroopers lucky enough to work with him on a daily bases, this loss shook us to the core. The loss of a true friend, mentor and brother will never be forgotten. I love you man past, present, and future. From: Jarmacus Smith. While I didn't know Sgt Foxx personally, my husband is currently serving in Iraq on his 2nd tour, my best friend of 18 years was killed in action in Iraq, 3 years ago this may 23rd, and I have several friends and family in the military.

I thank Sgt. Foxx from the bottom of my heart for his selfless service to this country. And to his family, I will always have you in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in knowing that he will NEVER be forgotten. From: Rebekah Marie Lane. God bless the family and thank you Sgt. for keeping my family safe. Your selflessness is what separates you from the average civilian. Thank you. From: Dave Wylie. Here is a poem I found that I think the family would like to read in regards to their loss and their feelings at this time "Life Is A Fragile Thing": "Life is a fragile thing

And it can change within an instant Nothing is safe from the effects of change No person or possession we're given The only things we can hold forever Are the memories in our hearts The loves we share upon this earth Before it comes our time to part So choose a pathway that brings you joy Take time for quiet moments each day Appreciate the challenges that strengthen your soul And the blessings God sends your way Don't let your heart be ruled by anger It's just not worth the stress For the tumult will only expand in your heart And crowd out happiness Live each day with wonder and gratitude

For the beauty that surrounds you And share your abundance generously It'll ensure future blessings will surround you Meekly accept that life's journey will include Unexpected, soul-wrenching heartaches That will bruise your soul and alter the course You always imagined your life would take And when that happens you'll have the choice To embrace hope or hopelessness You can't avoid grief, but you can refuse to accept A lonely future of bitterness So choose to be grateful for each moment With the loved ones you've been given... " I also found some pictures of Sgt.

Sgt. Dillon Foxx is being carried to his funeral in his casket. I found this poem which I feel explains Sgt Dillon Foxx and his selflessness he showed with the way he lived his life and giving of himself to the military. "This fundamental truth of the self can be realized only if the individual is willing and courageous enough to follow to some natural conclusion this moment of experience, this facing the unknown and participating with the total commitment of the self.

Such expression, such passion for life may emerge in written, spoken, graphic or aesthetic forms in relation or in isolation; in I-Thou encounters; and in silent, inner experience. A compassionate willingness is required - as is the courage to live before the fact, before the understanding, before any rational support or certainty, to live the moment to its natural peak and conclusion, and to accept with dignity whatever joy, grief, misfortune, or unexpectedness occurs. I think that I found a quote that explains how Sgt Dillon Foxx felt since he stated it to his family and friends that he was doing what he wanted to do. "I have lived on a razors edge. So what if you fall off, I'd rather be doing something I really wanted to do. I'd walk it again. " I would like to say to Sgt Dillon Foxx’s family and anyone else that has lost a love one, Do not cry over your loss but celebrate the life they once lived.

Remember them for all the good times you shared, rather then dwell on what will never be. When you keep them in good memories and thoughts it makes it easier day by day to get through. God is always willing and ready to help you through your hurt and pain all you have to do is call upon him and ask for his help. For those of us who do not have family or friends in the military or that take everyday for granted, please remember it is people like Sgt. Dillon Foxx that scarify their lives everyday to help us live free.

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