Jonathan Tessar

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Simi Valley, CA

Branch of Service: United States Army

Rank: Sgt. 1st Class

Sgt.1st Class Tessar dreamed of joining the Army from childhood. He fulfilled that dream, serving 19 years, including tours with the 101st Airborne Division, the 10th Special Forces Group, the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion, and the JFK Special Warfare School, where he took special pride in training soldiers. During his last deployment to Iraq, he was killed when his Humvee struck a roadside bomb.

Jonathan was very brave, with a deep love and loyalty to the Army and his soldiers. He was a dedicated and proud father to his three children, Jonathan Jr., Shanna, and Mackenzie; and a supportive and loving husband to his wife Nancy. A selfless person, Jon would do anything to help those in need. He loved NASCAR and politics and was always ready for a good debate.

“Prior to his deployment to Iraq, he told me that he didn’t want to live to be old. He wasn’t ready to die, but if he did, he would be perfectly satisfied knowing that he died in battle serving his country,” recalled his wife, Nancy.

Age: 36

Date of Death: October 31, 2005