GENTRY — On Memorial Day, the Gentry community paused to remember two of its own — graduates who once walked the halls of Gentry High School before ultimately giving their lives in service to the United States.
“Once a Pioneer, always a Pioneer” served as the theme of the tribute as the district honored U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Benjamin Tuttle and U.S. Army Private First Class David Mark Wieczorek.
Tuttle, a 2012 graduate of Gentry High School, died in 2013 at the age of 19 while serving aboard the USS Nimitz in the Persian Gulf. He was assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323.
Friends and classmates remember Tuttle as an athlete, teammate, patriot and proud Pioneer. During his time at Gentry, he participated in football, wrestling, and track and field.
More than a decade after his death, his connection to his hometown remains visible. His Facebook page still follows Gentry Pioneer Athletics — a reminder of the pride he carried for his school and community.
One of his final Facebook posts reflected his love for home and family.
“Lots of love goes back home to my family,” Tuttle wrote while deployed overseas. “I miss all of you. I should be home in October, I can’t wait to see all of you.”
The district also honored Private First Class David Mark Wieczorek, another Gentry High School graduate who lost his life during the Gulf War.
Wieczorek grew up in Gentry’s close-knit community, where he was known for his outgoing personality, sense of humor and friendly nature. He played basketball for the Gentry Pioneers and worked at the local IGA grocery store before joining the U.S. Army.
He enlisted with hopes of earning money for college and building a brighter future. During Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, Wieczorek deployed to the Middle East in service to his country.
On March 3, 1991, he was killed on the battlefield.
Community members say both young men represented the values of service, sacrifice and hometown pride that continue to define Gentry.
As Memorial Day ceremonies took place across the nation, the Gentry community remembered two Pioneers whose legacies still live on in the town they once called home.
Know if others? We'd like to honor them throughout the year and again next Memorial Day. If you know of other Gentry natives who died while in service to their country, please reach out to Mark Scott, Director of Community Engagement, at mscott@gentrypioneers.com.