MSG Benjamin F. Bitner, 37, U.S. Army, born in Maryland July 4, 1973, died from combat-related injuries on April 23, 2011. Bitner was a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant with 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). Throughout his 20-year career, he deployed to Africa, Kosovo, and the Middle East. While on a combat operation in Afghanistan, he was mortally wounded by an IED explosion. For his service, he earned a Purple Heart, six Bronze Stars, has military route-clearing equipment, and a memorial highway named in his honor. Rest easy, Hero! Til Valhalla, Brother!