Honoree: Benjamin F. Bitner

Hometown: Greencastle, PA
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: Master Sergeant
Player: Kye Meeks
Master Sergeant Benjamin F. Bitner, 37, of Greencastle, Penn., was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, at Fort Bragg, N.C. On April 23, 2011, he died of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.
In 1991, MSG Bitner graduated from Greencastle Antrim High School,and enlisted in the Army shortly after. He graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course (Green Beret) as an Engineer Sergeant in 2000. MSG Bitner deployed in support of various operations across the globe, including: Operation Flintlock, Africa, 2001; Operation Nectar Bend, Africa, 2004; Task Force Falcon in Kosovo, 2001 – 2002; Operation Desert Spring, Kuwait, 2002; and four deployments to Afghanistan.
MSG Bitner is remembered as a great leader and as a loving father, husband, and son. He was an avid outdoors sportsman who loved climbing, hunting, camping and mountain biking. Sfc. Kurt Hohan, who served with MSG Bitner, said, “One of Ben’s primary concerns was bringing everyone home. Ben was a man of principle. He loved being a Green Beret.”
MSG Bitner is survived by wife April, and sons Gunnar and Rogue.