Captain Derek Argel, 28, of Hurlburt Field’s 23rd Special Tactics Squadron was killed in an aircraft accident 80 miles northeast of Baghdad, Iraq May 30th 2005.

Derek graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2001 from Cadet Squadron 2. Captain Argel was at the very start of what promised to be an extremely successful career as an Air Force Special Tactics Officer. He led from the front and was revered by the men under his command. To those fortunate enough to have known him, Derek will be remembered for his easy smile, his hearty laugh, and his self-deprecating sense of humor.

Derek excelled at every endeavor that he set out to accomplish. A mountain of a man, his mere presence was enough to bring out the best in others. He was strong but caring, competitive but compassionate, imposing but tender. He was a first-class friend and a loving and devoted husband and father. The world is a less colorful place without him. He has been awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for his service to the country in the War on Terrorism.

Derek is survived by his wife and their son, his mother, his stepfather, his brother, and grandmother.

$10 from every bracelet sale will go to A Soldier’s Child Foundation, a non-profit that serves Gold Star Children of fallen servicemen and women from all U.S. military branches. ASC acknowledges all deaths during active duty and any deaths post military service, due to service related injuries or illnesses. This includes suicides from PTSD related deaths. ASC offers Love to the child left behind, Honor for the memory of the fallen and a Hope for the children to live a courageous life. They do this with yearly birthday celebrations, summer camps, mentorship programs, and facilitating in secondary/college scholarships.