173rd paratrooper remembered at memorial service

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Johnson | U.S. Army Maj. Jared Runge (right), executive officer of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Special Troops Battalion, and Bethoung Nguyen, mother of Pfc. Jessie Vo (left), pay their respect April 15, 2015, during a memorial service held on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy. The service commemorated the life of Pfc. Jessie Vo, who died in his on-post residence in Vicenza March 14.  

VICENZA, ITALY

04.15.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Opal Vaughn  

173rd Airborne Brigade

VICENZA, Italy – A memorial service for a U.S. Army paratrooper was held here at the Sigholtz Center on Caserma Del Din April 15, 2015.

Pfc. Jessie Vo, 21, assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Special Troops Battalion, died in his on-post residence here March 14. Vo is survived by his mother Bethoung Nguyen and father Hahn Vo.

“Pfc. Vo had a deep passion for life. He was creative in solving problems that most people could not envision,” said Lt. Col. Michael Ripley, the battalion commander. “He loved his family, his friends and comrades to a fault. He was unwavering in his convictions and loved his country.”

More than 100 paratroopers filled the Sigholtz Center to pay their last respects.

“Jessie was unique and always got along with everyone,” said Pfc. Tyler Landry, a close friend to Vo. “We first met in basic training and then went on to [Advanced Individual Training] together. He always maintained a positive attitude despite the long hours. I count myself lucky to have called him a brother-in-arms and I know that I speak for all Jessie’s friends when I say, he will be missed very much and we won’t forget the mark he has left on our lives.”

The incident is still under investigation by local authorities and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command.

• Date Taken: 04.15.2015
• Date Posted: 04.16.2015 12:20
• Story ID: 160176
• Location: VICENZA, IT