Dustin Blake Woods was born November 18, 1985. Dustin was a decorated Army Ranger who served two deployments supporting the Global War on Terrorism.
Dustin attended South Mecklenburg High School and Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina before joining the United States Army in September 2005.
He completed basic training and advanced individual training in the military occupational specialty of Infantryman (11B) at Fort Benning, Georgia. Dustin continued his military training and graduated Airborne School and the Ranger Indoctrination Program. He was then assigned to C Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in March 2006.
He went on to graduate as Distinguished Honor Graduate from Ranger School and obtained the rank of Corporal.
His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the Ranger Tab.
Most importantly, Dustin was an amazing husband and father and loved by so many. He was always the guy that could make the whole room smile and laugh from his silly jokes. Dustin loved taking his wife Alicia and son Brayden camping and adored his son. He used to make up excuses so that he could bring him to work with him. Dustin loved football and baseball. He also loved being a Ranger. Dustin was full of life and love.
After his 2nd tour overseas he came home with invisible wounds that ultimately would be the cause of his death on June 23, 2008. He is missed everyday but thankfully Brayden is his 'mini me'.
