TSgt Tony Capra 1977-2008

Few people are willing to put their lives on the line in order to protect the freedom our great country affords its citizens. Tony Capra was one of those few. He made the decision to wear the Air Force uniform 11 years ago when he enlisted in the Air Force with his younger brother Jason.

Tony was an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Operator in the U.S. Air Force. For the past 11 years, he dedicated his life to protecting our freedom - something many Americans so often take for granted. In the end, he made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life for his country. He was a hardworking Airman, loving husband and dad, blessed son, caring grandson and nephew and he was the best brother we could have ever asked for.

He had an unwavering sense of duty to his country and he was very aware of the risks involved in his line of work with EOD, but he chose it anyway. As his family grew in size there were times when he considered changing career fields within the Air Force - but he could never bring himself to do it because he loved his job so much. He was highly decorated and even awarded the Bronze Star following his first deployment to Iraq.

He was in Iraq for his second deployment in less than 2 years. He arrived there this past November and he was due back sometime in May of this year.

One month ago, Iraq

Previous Deployment in 2005, Iraq


On April 9th around 9pm, his team got the call to check on a suspicious package. They arrived at the location. Tony was able to diffuse the first bomb, but was unaware that there was a trigger involved with the first, which in turn detonated the second bomb. Tony was the only one killed. Some of his teamates were wounded.

He is survived by his wife Angie and their 5 children ages 1-11 and also leaves behind his Mom and Dad, 11 younger brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, fellow servicemen and many friends. He turned 31 less than one month ago and he and Angie had just celebrated their 12th anniversary less than 2 weeks ago.

Our last family reunion with Tony in October 2007

The hotdog. Tony's favorite costume. :)


Jason and I were talking about Tony's life during one part of our long drive from San Antonio to Virginia. Jason said that if someone had told Tony 11 years ago (when he was enlisting in the Air Force) "You and Angie are going to have 5 kids, you're going to be in the bombsquad and you'll be deployed several times and when you're 31 you're going to die in war while diffusing a bomb - do you still want to do this?" Tony probably would have said "Sure, but can someone get a video of it for me?"

This week we're going to celebrate Tony's life and honor his death. People from all over the world are coming to pay their respects. Tony will be missed by all of his family and friends, so much more than he could have ever imagined. He was a big part of our lives and his absence will be difficult to bear. We will miss his great sense of humor, his stories, his love and friendship and we look forward to the day when we can see him again in heaven. He will be buried alongside the other hundreds of thousands of great men and women - heroes of old - at Arlington National Cemetary this Friday on April 18, 2008.



There is an Anthony Capra Memorial Fund for anyone who'd like to contribute. The money will go towards college funds for Tony and Angie's 5 children. If anyone would like to contribute, please contact me at tricia_capra@hotmail.com and I'll give you more information.

To close, I want to add one of my favorite quotes. It applies to all service members (Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers).

"The only people willing to sacrifice their lives for you are Jesus and The American Soldier.
One died for your salvation, the other for your freedom."

When you think of Tony, remember his fellow servicemen who are in harm's way. Please keep them - as well as the families of the fallen - in your thoughts and prayers.