In Loving Memory of PFC Kody Cruz Price

Hi, my name is Amanda Hill, and I’m starting this GoFundMe on behalf of my dear friend Tammy Price, her husband Johnny, and their daughter-in-law Christelle Guarez, who are facing an unimaginable loss.

On October 3, 2025, their world was shattered when they lost their beloved son, PFC Kody Price, at just 21 years old — only two months into his new Army assignment at Fort Irwin, California.

Born November 10, 2003, Kody lived his life with strength, heart, and purpose. He had dreamed of serving his country since high school, where he spent three years in JROTC and two years on the elite Raiders Competition Team. He continued on to five months at the Florida Youth Challenge Academy, then proudly graduated from Army Infantry Boot Camp after another 5½ months of training.

Kody had recently begun his next chapter at Fort Irwin, preparing to train soldiers who would be deployed overseas. His role was unique — he would act as the “opposition” in realistic desert training exercises, helping others prepare for combat safely. With his signature sense of humor, he used to joke, “I get paid to dress up like a bad guy and blow stuff up!”

Kody had no plans to make the Army a lifelong career. He saw it as a stepping stone, a way to build experience and discipline before creating a life with his new wife, Christelle, who is also very young at only 19 years old. He told his family that he didn’t want to risk seeing live combat because he never wanted to take the chance of leaving her behind. His love and devotion to Christelle were unshakable — they were newlyweds, filled with dreams, laughter, and plans for their future. Now, instead of building that future, she faces the unbearable task of preparing her husband’s funeral.

To make this heartbreak even harder, the recent government shutdown has tied the hands of the military. They are unable to assist the family at this time — Kody’s car and belongings cannot be shipped home, and the family could not afford to travel to Fort Irwin’s honorary ceremony held for him on October 21st.

Christelle is now without a vehicle, and the family continues to struggle to make ends meet while grieving. Tammy and Johnny don’t qualify for food assistance, yet Tammy still spends her days helping others — picking up and delivering food pantry items to people in need throughout the community. That’s the kind of person she is — always giving, always helping — even in her own pain.

Now, it’s our turn to give back.

This GoFundMe is to help Tammy, Johnny, and Christelle with funeral and memorial expenses, travel costs, and the ability to take time to grieve and heal without the crushing financial stress that comes with such a devastating loss.

We’re asking our friends, neighbors, and community to please come together for this family. Every prayer, every share, and every donation — no matter how small — makes a difference.

Services will be held November 1st

2-3 PM At Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home

1360 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island FL 32953

Let’s lift up Tammy, Johnny, and Christelle just as Tammy has lifted so many others. Help us honor Kody — a young man who lived with honor, loved deeply, and served proudly.

PFC Kody Cruz Price

1st PLT, E TRP, 2/11 ACR

November 10, 2003 – October 3, 2025

Forever proud. Forever loved. Forever remembered.