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View a eulogy for Tyler Edward Parten, USMA '07, who passed away on September 10, 2009.

Tyler Edward Parten

West Point, 2007

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by 1LT Matthew Pritchett on September 15, 2009:

I got the worst email from Jo Ann Shipley today. I hate these emails because I never know whose name is going to be next to KIA. Seeing Tyler's name there today broke my heart because I know what a great man he was and what a huge loss this is to his family, his friends, his unit, and his Soldiers. He is one of few whose place I would gladly take.

I was Tyler's roommate for a semester and fellow Duck for three years at West Point in Sherman Barracks. We played guitar together, hazed plebes together (never too harsh), and spent late nights together at the Cow, Firstie, and O-Clubs. He would have been in my wedding had he not already made plans for the summer after graduation. I didn't know Tyler all his life, but there was something in him that after meeting him for the first time you felt like you'd always been pals.

He was always the cadet I wished to be: a good student, a helpful friend, a loyal companion, and a prankster from time to time. Any problem I had I could talk to him about it; he was always happy to hang out with friends.

Tyler was a faithful member of the church and assisted with OCF and other clubs and activities -- usually in the band. His strength and faith in God kept me on the straight and narrow at times when I needed it the most. His personal thirst for adventure is something we should all strive for. Tyler saw more things and places in his life than any of our friends. With trips to Africa, Europe, and Asia he always found his own personal paradise.

I have many memories of Tyler, most of which are common of a USMA friendship including football games, tailgates, class room experiences, church, intra-company drama, and more. The special memories with Tyler are the hours he spent talking on the phone with his family and chatting afterwards about how proud they are of him and how proud he is of them. He impressed me with how open he was about how much he missed them and how being away from family was a terrible price for doing something he loved.

My most sincere condolences to Tyler's family and his love, Meg. May you all find peace with this in time.

Well done, Tyler. Be thou at peace.

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