John was born on June 14, 1967 in Anytown, Anystate. He was the youngest of five children. John's father worked as a carpenter and his mother did a wonderful job raising five children. His parent's were excellent role models and created a happy nurturing home for John and his siblings. They loved John dearly.

In his early years John attended Anytown Elementary School. He was a very happy child. He loved celebrating the Fourth of July. Grandma and Grandpa Tuttle would come to Anytown and John's family would go to the lake for a barbeque and fireworks. John often recalled these times with a smile on his face. He loved to watch the fireworks light up the sky and reflect off of the lake. He often cited the feeling of pride and patriotism he felt on those special days as one of the reasons he volunteered for military service.

In high School, John played safety on the football team, the Bears. He went to the State championships in his senior year but lost to Shelbyville in the final seconds of the game. "I wasn't good enough of an athlete to get a football scholarship to college. I wanted to attend Anystate University but could not afford it. I wanted to study electrical engineering," John explained to his parents. John decided that he wanted to serve his country while earning money for college. "I could serve my country, learn valuable skills, and earn money for college" he told his friends. So, he signed up for service with pride in his heart. He loved his brothers and sisters in the armed forces and was planning on making a career of military service. He worked with radar and electronic communication devices. In letters home, John would state that the armed forces felt like home to him. The bond he felt with fellow soldiers was solid.

John married his high school sweetheart, Carrie Ann, shortly after entering the service. She was very supportive of his career. John would remind her that she was supporting her country by supporting him. John instilled strong values of character and citizenship in his children. He was committed to ensuring the virtues of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. John was a hero to family and friends alike. He will never be forgotten.

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