Travis Mark Arndt
Army SGT
From: Great Falls, Cascade County
Date of Death: 9/21/2005
Conflict: Operation Iraqi Freedom
“Travis died doing what he chose to do,” declared James Morin, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at which several hundred mourners gathered to celebrate the life of Sgt. Travis Arndt. “He served his country with great dedication and honor, and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.”
Arndt, a fearless gunner, passed away on September 21 while on a mission in Kirkuk. He was sitting atop an armored vehicle when it rolled over, and tragically got caught in the netting. But his bravery and commitment to his mission will be remembered forever.
Governor Brian Schweitzer was among those who paid their respects to Arndt, along with many others in uniform, including the Army Reserve 889th Quartermaster Company, who returned from Iraq in April 2004.
“This is a somber moment, but we must remember that Travis was a shining example of what it means to be a true hero,” 1st Sgt. Glen Stinar remarked. “He willingly accepted the risks that come with serving his country, and his legacy will inspire others to do the same.”
Arndt was buried with full military honors at Highland Cemetery. The mourners were overcome with emotion as an honor guard saluted him with gunshots and a bugler played “Taps.”
Gregg Dart, the head football coach at Great Falls High, remembered Arndt as a selfless young man with a delightful sense of humor.He shared a story from a football game in Billings several years ago in which their opponents had mounted a healthy drive late in the game, then called a time-out before an upcoming touchdown. “Coach, I think they’re chickening out,” Arndt said. The remark stayed on Dart’s chalkboard for the next three seasons.
“Travis always put his teammates first, both on and off the field,” he said.
Adj. Gen. Randy Mosley, head of the Montana National Guard, said Saturday’s funeral was a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that many soldiers make in service to their country.
“Today, we celebrate the life of a fallen soldier, and I am honored to have known Travis. He will forever be remembered as a true hero who gave his all for a cause greater than himself,” he said.
