Sergeant Frank D. Winters

Words from a letter SGT. Winters wrote his mother... "Never forget whatever happens to me I am a professional soldier by choice.  I accept all risk and hazards of my job.  I am not a little boy or naive child, although you see me as your little boy.  Here I am a father to 5 other mother's little boys.  you wouldn't even recognize me if you saw me work here."
	I REMEMBER……..                                   I remember you as a baby.      My son….my first born      Your curly red hair      Your bear hugs for mommy My Pride and My Joy!  I remember you as a child      Your love for life      Your constant reading about      And playing “Army Man”       Such interest in the military you had! My Pride and My Joy! I remember you as a teenager       Always striving for physical perfection       Increasing you military knowledge       Always reading….always planning       Planning and reading about the military Your Pride…..Your Future My Pride …..My Joy  I remember you as a man      Working hard to succeed       To be the best RANGER you could be       Always pushing yourself and others       Always giving more than necessary Your Pride……My Pride Your Joys…….My Joys  I remember the day that you died       Doing what you loved       And leading from the front      All you dreams shattered My Pride…….taken away My Joy……….now Sadness  I remember you most of all with love.…                                          ….. Mom
From  right to left. starting at the door.  SGT Gedler, PFC Elder (also one of our fallen comrades), SSGT Noble, PFC Frank Winters with flag, SGT Modeia,  PFC Garner, and PFC Harrington.  Members of 2nd squad, 2nd Platoon, C Company,     PFC Garner, PFC Harrington.

 Franklin Dennis Winters was born on Aug 25, 1965, in West Palm Beach, FL.  Graduating in 1983, from John I Leonard HS in Lake Worth, FL.  While in high school, Frank participated in track and field and cross country for all four years.

 Sergeant Winters enlisted in the U.S. Army and attended Basic Training at Ft. Benning, GA in November of 1983.  Frank continued at Ft Benning with his Basic Infantry Training and Basic Airborne Training.  Upon completion of the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Hunter Army Airfield in April 1984, he was assigned to Company C, of 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Infantry.  While assigned to the 1st Ranger Battalion, Frank attended and completed the following schools:  Ranger School, Demolitions, Special Operations Training Course, Scout Swimmer and Jumpmaster Course.

 While serving in the 1st Ranger Battalion ,Sergeant  Winters distinguished himself as a true professional during three training exercises in California and Utah, two deployments to Honduras and other major deployments to Germany, Italy, Jordan and Puerto Rico. 

 Sergeant Winters awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (Soldier of the Quarter, February 1986), the Expert Infantry Badge, Master Jump Master Wings and the Ranger Tab.

An excerpt from his Army Commendation Medal certificate reads:

" Exceptionally meritorious service while assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Air Field, Georgia, from 15 March 1984 to 25 September 1987.  During his tenure in the unit he was selected to be a squad leader in second platoon, a duty position normally held by a Staff Sergeant.  He demonstrated superior technical skills and an exceptionally high level of personal commitment to excellence.  His outstanding performance of duty served as an inspiration to the Rangers in his squad.  Always leading from the front, Sergeant Winters never hesitated to shoulder the risk and responsibilities of training his squad."

Frank left behind a loving Mother, Susan Winters and sister, Melanie Winters.

As a note of interest, Melanie married one of Frank’s roommates, now Command Sergeant Major Paul Casey.

 Click here for more information at Arlington Cemetery.