KIA Honorees
SGT. SETH KRISTIAN GARCEAU
NOVEMBER 14, 1982 TO MARCH 4, 2005 AGE 22
KIA RAMADI IRAQ
SGT. SETH KRISTIAN GARCEAU graduated from Oelwein High School in 2001. He enlisted in the 834th Engineer Company of the Iowa Army National Guard in Davenport in March 2000 and was qualified as a heavy-construction equipment operator and combat engineer. He was mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom with Company A, 224th Engr. Bn. in October.
SGT. SETH KRISTIAN GARCEAU was posthumously promoted to sergeant in a private ceremony with his family and senior Iowa National Guard members. The Department of Defense also will honor him with the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Iowa State Service Ribbon and the Armed Forces Service Medal with "M" device for mobilization.
Survivors include his mother Lori; father Rick; and sister Tess, all of Oelwein.
SPECIALIST PHILLIP JOSEPH PANNIER
DECEMBER 5, 1987 TO JANUARY 8, 2008 AGE 20
KIA SALAH AD DIN, IRAQ
SPECIALIST PHILLIP JOSEPH PANNIER began his military career with basic training at Fort Benning, Ga. He achieved his rank of private first class, serving his home post at Fort Campbell, Ky. an infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division, was killed at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Samarra, Iraq, along with two other members of his infantry unit.
"Upon graduation, he volunteered to defend our democracy. I think that it was clear to me, just reading about his life, that he had a servant’s heart. From Future Farmers of America to playing on the football team to helping people in the community, he was a special young man that we should remember," Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn said.
SPECIALIST PHILLIP JOSEPH PANNIER survived by his parents Donald and Robyn Pannier of Washburn; two brothers, Dan (Karin) Pannier of Benson and Benjamin Pannier of Jacksonville, Ill.; one sister-in-law, Tanya (wife of the late Dale Pannier); six nieces and nephews, Kaitlyn, Karly, Kiefer, Jessica, Colton and Dalana; and his fiancée, Jennifer Held of Metamora.
Mental Health Honoree
MARINE PFC Tristan M. Hughes
FEBRUARY 12, 2001 TO APRIL 19, 2025 AGE 24
PFC Tristan M. Hughes, age 24, of Durant, Iowa, currently stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
A proud United States Marine, Tristan served his country with honor, forming lifelong bonds within the brotherhood of the Corps. His heart was as strong as his spirit, and his dedication to service was matched only by his devotion to those he loved.
Tristan loved people. His infectious laugh, his unforgettable smile, and his knack for making everyone around him feel at ease were true gifts. Most of all, Tristan loved spending time with his siblings, family, and many friends. Though his time here was far too short, Tristan lived a life defined by service, passion, laughter, and love. His memory will forever echo in the hearts of all who loved him.
Tristan will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Jason and Kristen Schlapkohl; his father, Allan Camplese; three younger siblings, Kayley, Brianna, and Jaydon Schlapkohl; his grandparents, Brian and Kay Schlapkohl, Charles and Angela Hughes, and Cherie Walter; and great-grandparents, Barbara and Douglas Pickett and Billie Defenbaugh.