January 6, 2013
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A HERO HAS FALLEN
“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.”
Tyler Ziegel
1982 – 2012
U.S. Marine Sgt. Tyler (Ty) Ziegel was an inspiration to all. Horribly disfigured by a suicide bombing attack while he was serving in Iraq, Ty returned home to serve as an example for other wounded veterans. He had lost a hand, fingers and part of his skull, and his face was unrecognizable. But, he carried on with a determination and sense of humor which earned him respect by all. He wore a tatoo with the words from above and lived by those words.
When children asked him, “What happened to your nose?”, Ty would reply “The bad guys took it.” Family members stated that he was open and honest to everyone about his time in Iraq and his injuries.
He was brought to national attention when he married his high school sweetheart, Renee. Sadly, Ty suffered from severe PTSD and the marriage ended. The two remained friends and Ty was grateful that Renee had been at his side during the multiple surguries he suffered through.
Ty passed away on December 26, 2012. Following his death, volunteers lined the streets of his hometown with 2000 American Flags to honor him. His loss will be felt by his family, his friends, his fellow veterans and by the nation. Please take a moment to say a prayer for Ty and for all wounded veterans!
We’ve got your 3, Ty….rest in peace.
Comments (43)
chills.
So sad…
A real hero!@promisesunshine -
Someone to remember.@TheOneWhoSaysItAll -
so sad
tearing up over this…
Did a lot of research on him and had the same problem…but he deserves our tears!@TrainTrack -
Always sad when we lose a good man to the horrors of war. Grateful for the rec!@dmcx2010 -
@crankycaregiver - You are an awesome human being. Luv ya!
Luv ya back.@TrainTrack -
God Bless this Hero who was among us and who sacrificed so much.
War is terrible. Praying now.
Heart wrenching. Thanks for posting this.
Absolutely!@armnatmom -
Thank you!@C_L_O_G -
There are many hero’s but he definitely stood tall among the best of them.@ZSA_MD -
Prayers fpr the fallen and thanks for the serving.
Amen, my friend, amen.@murisopsis -
so sad for the family
You’re right!@Texasjillcarmel -
What courage this man showed. its not often in todays world we find a man like this one. rip to one of America’s Fighters.
He was a true inspiration.
God bless this amazing hero and may angels guide him home.
@promisesunshine - That is exactly how I felt, too.
Beautifully put. Amen.@Grannys_Place -
Me too!@MissKatieSue -
I just wept. Courage wears many faces, and some are unrecognizable. Tyler’s was recogngized around the world.
Tears are the least of what we owe heroes such as Tyler…so let them flow!@winniezpoo -
Too young to die!!
So true!@greatredwoman -
Thanks for sharing this. He will live in many of our hearts.
Salute!!!!!!!!!!!
so sad
As well he should! Thanks!@RighteousBruin -
Yes, but he inspired many veterans, so his sacrifice for his country was not in vain!@godfatherofgreenbay -
A well deserved salute for a brave soldier! Thanks.@buddly47 -
Wow, what a touching story. May he R.I.P.
May we remember him with awe and respect!@angys_coco -
Amen to that, @Grannys_Place -
*Proud smile of love, that you have paid tribute to this amazing man. Disfigured and Unrecognisable ~ but for his eyes, the remain the window to his beautiful soul
I could not help to be touched by his story. A tear came to my eye and even now, feel the wisdom and pain as I give thought in prayer to the brave soldier who risk it all, both here and overseas
Thank you for sharing.
Whenever I start to feel sorry for myself, I’m definitely going to remember this brave man. His beautiful soul touched me also.@spshelfriend -
sobered. and grateful. thank you for sharing.
@down_onthefarm - It was my honor to share this with my fellow Xangans. I also was left sobered and grateful after reading his inspiring life story.