TOP CHARACTER STRENGTHS

LOVE OF LEARNING - CURIOSITY - TEAMWORK

Captain John Tinsley was killed on August 12, 2009, from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was conducting a mounted patrol in the Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. He was serving as an Operational Detachment Commander while assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Although John was only 28 years old at the time of his death, he was beyond his years in character and integrity. John was someone you wanted to be around. You could hear his laugh from a mile away! His passion for life and drive for personal excellence was contagious. John was a loyal friend and a selfless man, the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back.

John was a professional and took great pride in his work. Throughout his military career he underwent plenty of training, military schools and deployments. Along the way he received medals and awards, but John was more interested in the personal relationships he built within his Army career and personal life. He was always challenging himself to become a better leader, a better man. John spent much of his free time reading, teaching himself languages, training for triathlons, competing in shooting competitions and spending time with his family. Within his short life, John set and accomplished a multitude and variety of personal goals. Always striving to move forward, he remained grounded and balanced in life. Even when he became a father, a joy that was apparent for all to recognize, he continued to push himself. John was an endearing and engaging father. Watching him interact with our daughter put a smile on anyone’s face! Now, looking back on the years spent by John’s side, the smiles and laughter come a little easier and the heartache of “what would have been” has lessened. Thankfully, that laugh and determination can still be found in our funny and creative daughter, Isabella.

John was born in New Jersey and graduated from Florida State University in 2002. It was also then that he was commissioned a US Army Infantry Officer. Five years later, John was selected for and entered into the Special Forces Qualification Course. He earned his ‘Green Beret’ in January 2009. Our paths crossed in the Fall of 2005 when a mutual friend introduced us one evening. After that night, we were inseparable, minus the two hour drive between us and his deployment to Iraq. We married in August 2007 and welcomed Isabella into our lives in November of that same year. 

So many memories of John are full of happiness, and time shared together as a new little family. He was such a loving Daddy and wonderful husband. It can seem unimaginable that someone so full of life has died, but the memories are much more sweet than bitter these days. John is also survived by his parents, John and Debra Tinsley, and brother Paul Tinsley, all of Jacksonville, Florida. John’s final resting place is in Arlington National Cemetery. 

John Tinsley touched so many lives, and my wish is that his passion for life lives on in the hearts and memories of all those who love him.

Character Strength Story:

LOVE OF LEARNING - I was always impressed by John's love of learning. I remember his flashcards for Spanish that sat on the nightstand. Later, he bought CDs to play in the car to start learning Pashto before he deployed. He also loved to push himself and try new physical challenges. During our time together, he started to train for triathlons. He competed in a few sprints and he truly enjoyed them!

CURIOSITY - John was always open to new experiences. Together we shared little adventures exploring new places. Whether it was finding new trails to hike, staying at historical bed and breakfasts or walking around a new city and popping into the local pub for a pint, we always enjoyed discovering something different and new!

TEAMWORK - John was a team player. He was the kind of guy who would lift you up when you were having a hard day. He could always find the positive in any situation and make you laugh. John would give you the shirt off his back. He loved being a part of his SF team and loved his teammates like brothers. It's one of the things that has brought me solace over the years—knowing he died doing exactly what he loved to do with people he truly loved and cared about.

—Submitted by Emily, Surviving Wife