Tallahassee, FL, US
U.S. Army
2LT, HHC, 1ST BN, 506TH INF REGT, 4 BCT, FORT CAMPBELL, KY
06/03/2013, KHOST, Afghanistan
After graduating from Blue Valley West High School, Overland Park, May 2007, 2nd Lieutenant Sisson received an ROTC Scholarship to Florida State University. This humble hero put college on hold after his sophomore year at Florida State University to deploy to Iraq with the Army National Guard. On his return to FSU he distinguished himself by becoming the Cadet Battalion Commander of FSU’s Army ROTC. He also became a member of the founding chapter of Students for America’s Military (SAM), an organization on campuses that promotes honoring all military personnel and every Veteran. 2nd Lieutenant Justin Sisson graduated in May 2012.
Lieutenant Sisson’s passions were being outdoors, family trips, hiking and skiing. He loved animals especially his dog Hunter, and cats Rascal and Bandit. Justin had the good fortune of having many wonderful friends. His best friend, however, was his big brother Ryan. A special, close bond existed between the brothers because they were just 16 months apart in age.
Justin’s dream since childhood was to be a soldier. He followed his great grandfathers’ and grandfather’s path of service because of his love of country. He was extremely proud to wear the uniform.
Here are comments by CPT Todd M. Tompkins, HHC 1-506th “Hellraiser Company” Commander, August 2009-October 2011 (OEF X-XI) about Lieutenant Sisson.
Having relocated often during his childhood, Justin learned to adapt quickly to new surroundings. He had the uncanny ability to interact with others, inspire them, and build relationships. Justin was hard working, very competitive and wanted to be first in everything. Growing up, Justin played sports and was a Boy Scout. He advanced through the scouting ranks from Tiger Cub to Eagle Scout before he was 16 years old. He was a member of the Tribe of Mic O Say Honor Society. He was always happy and had a big smile for everyone.
In 2009, Justin’s National Guard unit got orders to deploy to Iraq. Justin put everything on hold. Lieutenant Sisson returned to FSU after the Iraq deployment. During his college years, Justin attended the Air Assault School, and Army Sapper Course earning the distinction of honor graduate. After receiving his commission as an Infantryman, Justin attended IBOLC at Fort Benning, GA. Justin became a Ranger and graduated Airborne school. He was stationed at Ft Campbell, KY where he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment “Currahee”.
There are many stories about this remarkable, humble individual. It is evident that he was a very gifted, talented, and extraordinary man. He epitomizes what our country and Army stand for.
Justin deployed to Afghanistan in April 2013, where he was KIA by a Vehicle Borne Suicide Bomber on June 3, 2013 while leading his platoon and providing security for the Afghans in Chamkani.
Among his awards are: Two Bronze Star Medals with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Achievement Medal, Sapper Tab and Ranger Tab, Air Assault Badge and Parachutist Badge. Justin is buried at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas where both of his grandfathers who served are also buried.
“…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 41:31