Legacies Alive

Today marks the 14th angelversary of 1LT Stephen Chase Prasnicki, U.S. Army.

Chase grew up in Lexington, Virginia, where he spent much of his time outdoors—fishing, camping, and playing sports with friends and family. He loved nearly any activity involving a ball and stayed active year-round, playing softball, soccer, football, and basketball. He graduated from Rockbridge County High School in 2006, where he focused on football and strength training and excelled academically. Recruited by numerous colleges, he chose the United States Military Academy at West Point, proud to play football for Army and honored to serve his country. He graduated in 2010 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant.

After graduation, he completed Ranger School and Airborne School, then was assigned as a platoon leader with the 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based in Bamberg, Germany. On June 22, 2012, his unit deployed to Wardak Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Five days later, on June 27, Chase was killed when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.

He was a charismatic leader—tough, kind, and selfless. His legacy lives on through his wife, Emily, and the many family members, friends, and comrades who honor his memory. The Army football team presents an annual award in his name. Chase and his friend Drew Ross—also a graduate of Rockbridge County High School and West Point—were both killed in Afghanistan by improvised explosive devices. In tribute, their high school renamed its field Prasnicki-Ross Field at Veterans Stadium.