The Ard Family
Donation protected
Mary, Reagan, and Baby Boy Ard (due to arrive in January) lost their hero, husband, and daddy on August 29, 2019. Dustin, a Green Beret in the 1st Special Forces Group, was killed in action while serving his second tour in Afghanistan.
Mary and Dustin met in North Carolina while Dustin was stationed at Fort Bragg for the Special Forces Qualification Course. They married and moved to Fort Lewis, Washington, where they had their daughter Reagan and began their life as a family.
Dustin was the kind of guy you want to know. He made friends quickly, and seemed to be able to find a friend wherever he went -- Argentina, Indonesia, and even in Afghanistan. He enjoyed building things for Mary, playing video games, and having a good banter with friends.
Dustin was a true example of what it meant to be a quiet professional. Dustin's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (with one oak leaf cluster); the Purple Heart; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal (second award); National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal (Campaign Star); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (third award); Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Army Special Forces Tab; Combat Infantry Badge; Parachutist Badge and Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge.
Above all else though, Dustin loved his family. Anyone who has ever seen Dustin and Mary together know they were perfect for one another. He was the epitome of what it means to be a family man. He loved Mary and Reagan more than anything, and was excited to have recently found out that Mary is carrying a baby boy.
To honor Dustin's final wishes to care for his family, this GoFundMe was created. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating directly to Mary and the kids.
Mary and Dustin met in North Carolina while Dustin was stationed at Fort Bragg for the Special Forces Qualification Course. They married and moved to Fort Lewis, Washington, where they had their daughter Reagan and began their life as a family.
Dustin was the kind of guy you want to know. He made friends quickly, and seemed to be able to find a friend wherever he went -- Argentina, Indonesia, and even in Afghanistan. He enjoyed building things for Mary, playing video games, and having a good banter with friends.
Dustin was a true example of what it meant to be a quiet professional. Dustin's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (with one oak leaf cluster); the Purple Heart; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal (second award); National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal (Campaign Star); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (third award); Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Army Special Forces Tab; Combat Infantry Badge; Parachutist Badge and Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge.
Above all else though, Dustin loved his family. Anyone who has ever seen Dustin and Mary together know they were perfect for one another. He was the epitome of what it means to be a family man. He loved Mary and Reagan more than anything, and was excited to have recently found out that Mary is carrying a baby boy.
To honor Dustin's final wishes to care for his family, this GoFundMe was created. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating directly to Mary and the kids.
Fundraising team: DOL (2)
Diana Barone
Organizer
Tacoma, WA
Mary Ard
Beneficiary
Alexandria Retta
Team member
