Anthony Venetz

Sergeant First Class Anthony Venetz Jr.

Company A
2nd Battalion
7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Fort Bragg, North Carolina

KIA 01/28/2011

SFC Anthony Venetz Jr served with 1st Battalion 22nd Infantry for six years,
including two tours in Iraq and deployment to GITMO in Cuba with the Battalion.
In 2003 he was Badger2 in HHC (Scouts) Sniper element of 1-22 Infantry.

Anthony Venetz as Badger2S with HHC 1-22 Infantry 2003-2004

Sgt 1st Class Anthony Venetz Jr

Born: October 28, 1980
Died: January 28, 2011 in Parwan, Afghanistan
Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Venetz Jr of Wading River, New York enlisted in the United States Army in February of 2001,
out of Prince William, Virginia as an infantryman, and attended Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training
at Fort Benning, Georgia. His first assignment was with the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment out of Fort Hood, Texas,
where he was assigned to a scout platoon. During this time he deployed to Cuba and twice to Iraq in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2007, Venetz volunteered to become a Special Forces Soldier.

He graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course in March, 2009, and was assigned to A Co, 2nd Bn., 7th SFG (A).
His military education includes, the Warrior Leaders Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course,
Combat Lifesaver Course, Basic Airborne Course, Army Sniper Course, and the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Course.

His awards and decorations include, two Bronze Star Medals, one with valor, two Purple Heart Awards,
four Army Commendation Medals, with two for valor, Army Good Conduct Medal , National Defense Service Medal,
Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,
NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation,
Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge,
Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. ¹

He leaves his wife and two children among others. SFC Venetz died at age 30 in Parwan province, Afghanistan,
of injuries sustained in a non-combat incident. Tony leaves his wife Deb, two children, Alexa and Jace, his parents,
Anthony Sr and Marion, and two sisters, Erika and Andrea.

¹ This is not a complete list of SFC Venetz' decorations.

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SFC Venetz' Decorations

Anthony is also eligible to receive the
Conspicuous Service Cross
from the State of New York

1/31/2011 - A U.S. Army carry team transfers the remains of Army Sgt. First Class Anthony Venetz Jr. of Prince William, Va.,
at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Jan. 30, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jason Minto)

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On February 11, 2011 a service was held for SFC Anthony Venetz Jr.,
in Arlington Cemetery. Among those in attendance were LTC Steve Russell,
Anthony's Commander in 1-22 Infantry, and fellow members of Anthony's
Scout Snipers from 1-22 Infantry.

The following photos from that ceremony are courtesy of LTC Steve Russell, USA (Retired):

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The grave marker in Arlington Cemetery for SFC Venetz

Photo by Eileen Horan from Arlington Cemetery website

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To view photos of Anthony Venetz Jr. with 1-22 Infantry, go to the following link on this website:

Anthony Venetz

For a tribute to Anthony Venetz Jr. click on the following link:

Justice for SFC Venetz

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