A Fighting Spirit

Alex Viola was born in the suburbs of Long Island, New York in 1984. In 1993, the family relocated to Keller, Texas as part of a job transfer. Shortly after the move, Alex, age 9 was struck with an unknown virus that attacked his muscle system. This mysterious illness took control and in short time, his muscles began to atrophy. He became very weak and walking short distances became a chore.

 

This went on for nearly a year before we started noticing small signs of improvement. He seemed to be on the road to recovery and little by little he started regaining his strength. He started riding his bicycle once again and then asked us to purchase him a pair of rollerblades. We half-heartedly granted his request and off he went. It took a while but over time, he managed to skate without falling and soon joined a local roller hockey team. He later signed up for the Keller Ice Hockey team where he became captain. It was then we realized Alex’s perseverance and determination. He was goal oriented, very focused and never gave up. He had incredible drive and purpose but was also very kind-hearted. 

Alex graduated college with honors from the University of North Texas with a BA degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was accepted into the US Navy’s OCS in Newport, Rhode Island where he received the OCS Medal of Honor award and was immediately accepted into BUDS (Navy SEAL qualification). After months of rigorous qualification exercises, he was seriously injured two days prior to the start of “hell week”. 

As an officer, you are only given one chance to make it. Though devastated, he didn’t give up his dream to be a part of the elite forces of the US military. After much deliberation, he requested to be transferred to another branch. His mind was made up and his sights were set on becoming a member of the US Army Special Forces, a Green Beret. Alex graduated as a Green Beret in 2011 and then went on to get his Combat Dive Certification. In September 2013, his team deployed to Shah Wali Kot, Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. On November 17, 2013 Alex lost his life to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while on dismounted patrol.

Alex’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Development Ribbons, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Parachutist Badge, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Special Operations Dive Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.