Soldier Honored: John Tinsley

Captain John Tinsley, 28, of Tallahassee, Florida was assigned to the 2^nd Battalion, 7^th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina. On August 12, 2009, CPT Tinsley was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while conducting a mounted patrol in the Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his third deployment in support of the Global War on Terror and first deployment to Afghanistan. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team commander.

CPT Tinsley was a native of New Jersey. He was commissioned in August 2002 after graduating from Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida. After previous assignments, he began the Special Forces Qualifications Course January 2007 earning the coveted “Green Beret” in January 2009. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab.

Before becoming a highly decorated Captain in the Army, he had already made his mark as a caring friend who was dedicated to the service of others. He is survived by his wife, Emily, and his daughter.

 

CPT Tinsley’s daughter is a Folds of Honor Scholarship recipient