Enduring Heroes honors soldiers from Pasadena and its neighboring cities – Glendale, Altadena, La Canada-Flintridge, San Marino and South Pasadena. The Enduring Heroes’ endowment with Pasadena Community Foundation
ensures that future heroes who give their lives will be honored on the memorial.
Army First Lieutenant, Todd J. Bryant, 23
– Khaldiya, Iraq, 10/31/03
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Biography:
Army First Lieutenant Todd J. Bryant cherished the opportunity to serve his Country. After attending La Canada High School, Todd joined the Army Reserves and completed boot camp. He returned to Riverside and applied to Congressman Ken Calvert’s (R-Riverside) office for a nomination to West Point Academy in New York. He received the nomination and graduated from West Point in 2003. While in Iraq, he told his family that what he missed most about the United States was In-N-Out Burger. “That was his favorite,” said Jenifer Bryant, his wife, who he married on August 30, 2003, nine days before his deployment to Iraq. Jenifer said her husband was her soul mate and the nine days they spent together before his deployment were her greatest gift. He is survived by his parents, his brother Major Tim Bryant, and his sister Capt. Tiffany Bryant. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the National Defense Service Ribbon.
Marine Second Lieutenant J.P. Blecksmith, 24
– Fallujah, Iraq, 11/11/04
Hometown: San Marino, CA
Biography:
James Patrick (J.P.) Blecksmith was born at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, California on September 26, 1980 to parents Pamela & Edward Blecksmith. He attended Valentine School in San Marino, California through 2nd grade, before moving with his family to Seattle, Washington in 1989. In 1993, the family returned to Southern California and J.P. was enrolled at Flintridge Preparatory School as a 7th grader, graduating in 1999. During his time in high school, J.P. excelled in the classroom and on the athletic field. He lettered four years in track, three years in football and two years in soccer. As the quarterback, J.P. was named First Team all-CIF as both a junior and a senior. He was voted the Prep League’s MVP in 1998, he was voted First Team all-San Gabriel Valley and in addition, he was named to three national All-American teams as a blue chip athlete. In track, J.P. competed at CIF finals, in nine events and was all-CIF in his sophomore, junior and senior years. He was voted the Prep League’s Most Valuable Track Athlete in 1999. In high school, J.P.’s civic duties included serving as 10th grade class president, becoming a member of the National Honor Society and being selected to serve as a peer counselor during his senior year. He received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy and entered the Academy in June, 1999. He participated in the varsity football program during his four years and lettered as a senior wide receiver. He graduated May, 2003 and accepted a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. After taking leave to tour Europe, he completed The Basic School (TBS) and Infantry Officer’s Course (IOC) at Quantico, Virginia. In April, 2004 J.P. was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment of the First Marine Division and commanded the 3rd Platoon of India Company. After training with his platoon for four months, the Battalion deployed to Iraq on September 10, 2004.
On September 26, 2004, J.P. celebrated his 24th birthday in Iraq. He had two goals in going to Iraq: (1) he wanted to be a good leader of his Marines in combat and (2) he wanted to bring all of his men home safely.
J.P. achieved both of those goals as he was the only one killed in his platoon. In correspondence home, J.P. mentioned his optimism about the future of Iraq and his excitement at the prospect of helping to bring freedom to that country. He truly loved his friends and left many of them behind from Flintridge Prep, the Naval Academy, the Marine Corps and the community. He touched many lives. J.P. predeceased his mother, Pamela Blecksmith (d. January 11, 2008) and is immediately survived by his father Ed, his sister Christina and his brother Alex. JP was awarded the Purple Heart, and in a ceremony at Camp Pendleton on April 20, 2005, he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with a Combat 'V' presented to his family in front of Third Platoon.
Marine Lance Cpl, Dion M. Whitley, 21
– Ramadi, Iraq, 6/15/05
Hometown: Altadena
Biography:
Marine Lance Cpl Dion M. Whitley was born in Rock Island, Ill. and lived nearly all his life in Altadena. He thrived in the Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. As a child, Dion dreamed of being a U.S. Marine. He often wrote about the Marines in his essays at John Muir High School. Realizing this dream, Dion entered the Marines shortly after graduating from John Muir High School in 2002. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, and was deployed to Iraq. In the summer of 2004, Dion was an Eagle Scout and Marine who was spending his three-week leave to work at a boy scout camp in Cherry Valley on Catalina Island. “That week, he spent his free time in our campsite helping us and working with our boys.,” explains Bruce Wilcox, “I remember Dion as a big, strong young man who was gentle and almost shy who was a great friend and mentor to our young Scouts that week.” After his service, Dion had planned to use his military pay and benefits to go to college, buy a home and start a business. In addition to his brother, Arian, his survivors include his mother, Deborah Whitley of Altadena.
Marine Lance Cpl, Sergio H. Escobar, 18
– Ramadi, Iraq, 10/9/05
Hometown: Pasadena
Biography:
Lance Cpl. Sergio Escobar of Pasadena believed deeply in his mission in Iraq and loved his family. After graduating from Rose City High School in 2004, he entered the military and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Twentynine Palms, CA. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. Ricardo Ortiz, Sergio’s father figure, explains that Sergio would always make it a point to have breakfast or lunch with his family whenever he could. Sergio often devoted time to his sister, Samantha; and brother, Junior – whether it was playing, reading or helping with homework.
Army Reserve Specialist, Carla Jane Stewart, 37
– Tallil, Iraq, 1/28/07
Hometown: La Canada & Glendale
Biography:
Army Reserve Specialist Carla Jane Stewart ultimately realized her dream of military service. After graduating from Glendale's Hoover High School in 1987, Carla enrolled at Glendale Community College, studied mechanical drafting and went to work for the structural engineering firm owned by her father, Edmond Babayan. At the age of 35, nearing the enlistment cutoff, she dedicated herself to one goal: to serve in Iraq. Carla became a member of the Army Reserve's 250th Transportation Company. In Iraq, she was responsible for delivering fuel, food, equipment and other supplies to combat forces. Her deep love for the Army was contagious. She was loved by her fellow soldiers for her optimism and serenity in the face of danger.
Army Specialist, Adam J. Rosema, 27
– Baquba, Iraq, 3/14/07
Hometown: Pasadena
Biography:
Army Specialist Adam J. Rosema spent most of his life in Pasadena. He was a member of the marching band at Arcadia High, where he graduated in 1998. Adam always admired his grandfather’s and father’s service in the military. In addition to serving his country, Adam thought that the military would provide him the opportunity to learn to be a heavy-duty mechanic so he could work on Caterpillars. In April 2005, Adam joined the Army and went to Ft. Knox, Ky., for basic and specialty training in mechanics, then transferred to Ft. Hood, Texas, where he was a specialist assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division as a mechanic on Bradley fighting vehicles. Once Rosema was deployed to Iraq, he worked at Camp Warhorse as a mechanic repairing Bradleys and Humvees. He "was not afraid of danger; he was always there to help another soldier out," said Capt. Alexander Babington, commander of Company E, 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. In addition to his father, Rosema is survived by his mother, Laura Stephens; his stepfather, Richard Stephens; a stepbrother, Kenneth Stephens; two stepsisters, Kimberly Stephens and Sheila Rosema. He was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Army Private First Class, Cory F. Hiltz, 20
– Baghdad, Iraq, 6/28/07
Hometown: Pasadena
Background:
Although Cory was raised in La Verne, his mother and father, and large extended family members all were all long-time residents of Pasadena. His grandfather, father and uncle worked for the City of Pasadena for a combined number of 99 plus years. Growing up, Cory participated in a variety of sports including soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and Taekwondo. It was later in high school that he developed a passion and skill for golf! From a young boy, his character was that of an easy going, fun loving individual never lacking for friends. He was a person of integrity always willing to lend a helping hand. He was loyal to his family and friends. He had a special connection with nature. He loved the outdoors from camping, and fishing, to snowboarding and horseback riding. He looked forward to, and cherished family vacations to Wyoming, stopping in Northern California on the way to visit close family friends. Cory was recruited to serve his country while attending Citrus College. Serving in the armed forces was ultimately one of his greatest accomplishments. He was proud to serve his country. On his last visit home, he returned with a newfound respect for America and the realization of what a great nation we are. His family honors Cory’s ultimate sacrifice with the “Smiling Heart” Scholarship (appropriately named by his sister Kayla) at La Verne Lutheran High School awarded annually to one student and one faculty member who exhibit the spirit on a daily basis of kindness, thoughtfulness and compassion for others.
Marine Lance Cpl, Rogelio A. Ramirez, 21
– Al Anbar Province, Iraq, 8/26/07
Hometown: Pasadena
Background:
Lance Cpl. Rogelio A. Ramirez was determined to become a Marine. Not only did he spend two years returning to school, but he worked tirelessly to pay off his truancy fines. At 16, Rogelio was sent to El Salvador to clear his head after leaving Pasadena High School. Following his return, Rogelio’s resolve to join the Marines was stronger than ever before. "He'd see the billboards, the uniforms with the swords," his mother, Irene Ramirez said. "He started watching war movies. It became very intriguing to him. He saw the power behind the U.S. Marine Corps." In 2006, Ramirez passed the Marine entrance exam and left for induction one morning shortly after his birthday in June of that year.
Army Specialist, William J. Gilbert, 24
– Sanjaray, Afghanistan, 5/14/13
Hometown: Pasadena
Background:
Army Specialist, William J. Gilbert was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. Willie is survived by his mother and sister.
Army Green Beret SSG, Scott R. Studenmund, 24
– Gaza Village, Afghanistan, 6/9/14
Hometown: Pasadena and La Canada
Background:
Scott Richard Studenmund was born on June 26, 1989, at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena. From the very beginning, he was fearless and bold, acquiring the reputation as an "emergency room kid" for his quarterly trips to the ER. As he grew up, Scott became known for his rambunctious enthusiasm, quick mind, athleticism, patriotism, kindness, and deep belief in fairness and honesty. Scott attended Clairbourn School from nursery through 6th grade and thrived in its nurturing environment. He was a straight A student and also won the Nijar Sportsmanship Award, recognizing his ability to compete with grace, whether his team won or lost. He arrived at Flintridge Prep as a 7th grader and built many close friendships before graduating in 2008. Scott was an avid reader and a National Merit Finalist, but it was sports that he loved the most. He was an excellent sprinter. His athletic career was marked by an extraordinary switch. At first, Scott ran cross-country and as a sophomore, started on the varsity team that took 2nd in the California State Championships. As a junior, however, he switched to football despite never having played tackle football in his life and was a nose tackle. He excelled immediately, making 2nd team all league in his first year and making 2nd team all area as a senior while leading the team in tackles and winning the Outstanding Defensive Player award. After high school, Scott was recruited to play football for Pitzer College, where the Pomona-Pitzer head football coach called him "one of the toughest and smartest players I've ever coached." Less than a year later, however, Scott took a leave from college to pursue his calling, to join the Army Special Forces. Scott was driven by a desire to “make a difference in our world” and encouraged all of us to “do something that matters in life.” Scott earned his Green Beret in 2011, passing 11 rigorous training programs, each one on the first try. At his Green Beret graduation ceremony, Scott won the Leadership Award in the SF weapons sergeant course despite competing with combat-experienced Rangers and other infantrymen. Scott was assigned to Fort Campbell and the storied 5th Special Forces Group. Scott was most proud of earning the Special Operations Combat Diver Badge, an accomplishment achieved by only 5% of Green Berets. On his second deployment, Scott's team was in Afghanistan protecting voters when they were attacked by the Taliban. The team was less than one hour from pick up on the last of their six months of missions. Scott led a counter attack up a steep hill, but tragically he and five others were killed by "friendly fire" from a US bomber. As documented by an Emmy-nominated Sixty Minutes episode, the bomber could not distinguish the Green Berets from the enemy. On July 10th, 2014, Scott was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, beside his Green Beret ODA brother Jason McDonald and near his grandparents Jerry and Jack Miller, a former US Senator. Some of the awards Scott received for his service were the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Special Forces Tab, and the Special Operations Combat Diver Badge. His parents Woody and Jaynie, sister Connell, and half brother Brent survive him.
Army Sergeant, Joseph F. Stifter, 30
– Al Anbar Province, Iraq, 1/28/16
Hometown: Glendale
Background:
Joe was born on February 1, 1985 and was raised in Glendale, California. He graduated from St. Francis High School in 2003. Friendship, respect for authority, and service to others came naturally to Joe. These traits served him well in his early years as he attained the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America, later during his career at Universal Studios, and ultimately, as a gunner in the United States Army. Joe enlisted in the Army on May 22, 2011, attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, OK. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment. He was deployed in October 2015 to Al Asad AFB, Al Anbar Province, Iraq, as a field artillery cannon crew member. While service to others was Joe’s personal goal, he is remembered by his fellow soldiers for his integrity and his ability to lead with humility and humor, with his humor often diffusing tense and difficult situations. Joe’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge. Joe is survived by his wife Melissa (Wheat), his daughter Olivia Anne, his parents Fred and Regina, his brother John, and his sister Ellen. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, and brother and his family made his life complete.