Army Staff Sgt. Ari R. Cullers

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Ari R. Cullers, 28, of New London, Conn.

SSgt Cullers was assigned to 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Oct. 30, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries caused by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade.


SSgt Cullers was born in New London. At some point, he moved to Waterford, where he graduated from Waterford High School in 2001. He is the third Waterford High alumni to die in combat in the Middle East.

SSgt Cullers joined the Army in 2005. He had been stationed at Fort Sill, OK, before being assigned to Fort Drum in 2008. He had previously served a tour in Korea and had deployed to Afghanistan in December 2008. He deployed to Afghanistan for the second time in March.

SSgt Cullers' awards and decorations include:

Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal (2)
Army Achievement Medal (4)
Army Good Conduct Medal (4)
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Overseas Service Ribbon (3)
NATO Medal
Korean Defense Service Medal
Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon
Combat Action Badge
Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge Bar, Weapon, Rifle
Driver and Mechanic Badge, Driver W

November 13, 2011
I have been in The same Platoon as SSG Cullers since 2008. I am extremely proud that I had the opportunity to serve side by side with him. He taught all of us so much and he will surely be missed. My heart and prayers are with your family through this hard time in life. Gone but never forgotten, the greatest leader I know, SSG Ari R. Cullers.~ SGT Robert I., Ft Drum, New York

November 09, 2011
I am a Goverment Contractor assigned to Ari's unit here at FOB Pasab, Afghanistan. I have worked closely with Ari. I have nothing but respect for him, He truley is a great man, a great leader and a man I am proud to call my friend. Rest in Peace Ari R, Cullers. My prayers and Thoughs go out to you and your Family. The Nation has truely lost a real Hero.~Rick P., Cullman, Alabama

November 07, 2011
SSG Ari Cullers It was my pleasure to serve with you in Afghanistan (10 MTN DIV). You will always remain a part of our lives and your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. We love you. To the family my deepest condolence and you all will remain in our prayers. Know that your Soldier was the very best at what he did….. He is deeply missed! Very respectfully, WO1 Marilyn T P.

Army Staff Sgt. Ari R. Cullers was killed in action on 10/30/11.