Tributes Memorial Page Established By Mary Ellen Todd In honor of SFC David James Todd, Jr. Our son was a soldier that every man wants to be, a father that every man hopes to be, and a friend who was admired and respected by all those who knew him, a true and honest human being that was always there for you. He's the definition of a true hero, never giving up until the mission was done, and never ever leaving a fellow soldier behind. That was proven in a fierce battle in Bala Morghab, Afghanistan August 20, 2008, where he helped save 12 soldiers. He firmly believed this motto: “no man left behind": A soldier that was saved that day, says "On 20 August 2008 American Soldiers were involved in a nine hour battle in which a twelve man patrol became beleaguered and in dire need of extraction from overwhelming Taliban forces. Sergeant First Class David J. Todd,organized a quick reaction force of American soldiers and came to the aid of his men. SFC Todd served as a gunner during the fight, and recovered his brothers through a barrage of small arms fire and rocket propelled grenade impacts. He was killed during the extraction of the patrol from the city of Joy-I-Khawaja just 3 kilometers south of Bala Murghab. After the battle of 20 August 2008, the American flag grommets were severed from its halyards’ never to be flown again and it was to be used to drape the body of our friend Sergeant First Class David J. Todd. However, this flag was remounted upon the pole to mark the base during a Taliban counter-attack upon the patrols return. It is because of David’s sacrifice that the 12 men of the patrol survived. We will never forget David – our brother. He was a leader of men. David was committed to his men and moreover he loved his family and country. Often we would see him awake at sunrise talking to his love ones. He and the other fathers shared stories of their children and old memories of each of their childhood. One of our favorite memories of David is when his team stationed in Delaram, Afghanistan was preparing dinner. A young soldier attempted to grill steaks for the team, only to completely burn the first rack of steaks. David, pushed him aside and began to prepare the steaks, taunting him for his age and inexperience at the grill. It is a simple memory, but to his team, so was David. He was a proud son, loving husband, father and friend. His leadership qualities are a continuing yardstick for other’s to strive for. Our son was a fair leader, always pushing the guys just a little bit more than they thought they could handle, and he knew their potential. What a go getter, never did anyone think to say they were done or couldn't go on, in SFC Todd's platoon that just wouldn't fly. His troops will never forget his love for that darn cup of coffee! Even in the miserably hot, humid temperatures of Fort Polk, Iraq or Afghanistan you would never see him without a cup of java in his hand! (or on his desk) When K TRP was deployed to Iraq the request from ouor son was "send more coffee!" That I did, coffee, bar b cue sauce, and beef jerky, were his favorites! One of his friends stated: “He's a wonderful man and will be missed terribly. To Dave's fellow soldiers: make SFC Todd proud. Go a little above and beyond, take charge; show a fellow soldier the "way" just as he did for you, give 110% every day, you know he wouldn't accept any less from you! Never forget the sacrifices he and other hero’s like him have made for us, we should forever be thankful to them and their families. Thanks Dave for all the memories, laughs, and good times. Rest in peace my friend; your job here is done. Scouts out! Our son’s passing is extremely painful; he was the older of two children. He and his sister, Stephanie Keller were very close, even though the miles separated them, their love for each other followed them throughout their lives. People have said “time heals all wounds”. I have a different outlook on something like this; I see that our lives have changed and it will be like this forever. Holidays, birthdays, special occasion’s etc., are so painful it is undescribable. Rest in Peace my son, for one day God will join us together. God Bless you Love Mom "No greater love is that of a soldier to lay down his life for his fellow man". Thank you and God Bless Mary & David Todd, Sr. and family Memorial Day 2011 Doreen Vargas I remember your sacrafice and know you still watch over our country and feel your presence when it rains. December 5, 2010 SFC Robert K. Bozeman In Honor Of SFC David Todd Rest in peace Brother.... SFC Todd was my platoon sergeant when I was in Killer Troop 2ACR...I deployed with him as his senior scout. Many a night we talked about this first deployment of many to come during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I PCSd early from the platoon to Germany, but was fortunate to run into David back in Iraq later that same year...What a difference he made on my life and taught me so much about being a leader and mentor. Words cannot express how much of an impact he had on me. I sit today in Iraq on my 5th deployment as a Platoon Sergeant and know I wouldn't be half the leader I am today if it hadn't been for David. He always made it look easy. He truly lived the motto 'If you ain't Cav...you ain't shit!'... Boze January 18, 2010 Shon Schaffran My name is Shon Schaffran. I knew SFC. Todd when he was a brand new Private. I am very sorry to hear about his passing and the pain, that is felt by family and those close to him. I was in HHC 3/32, that was re-designated 1/12 Cav. SFC. Todd was my roommate for part of that time. I remember him as a very kind,giving and devoted person. It does not surprise me, that he served well and with distinction. It is nice to read about how he grew as a soldier and became a leader that people looked to. From what I read about David, it sounds like he trusted in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal life. I can not imagine how hard it is on David's family now that he is gone. Hopefully you can take comfort, that he is with Christ Jesus his Savior(Revelation 21:1-7). My prayers to Jesus Christ for David's family and loved ones. shon schaffran Romans 5:8 (King James Version) 8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. |
| SFC David James Todd, Jr. United States Army KIA 20 August 2008 Afghanistan |
| Sign Guestbook |
| Fitness center David established renamed in his honor |
| FOB renamed in Davids honor |
| David Afghanistan hills |
| David BBQ 'n |
