Join us and Steel Hearts in a heartfelt tribute to honor the legacy of Master Sgt. Gregory R. Trent with our special memorial bracelet.
At the Green Beret Foundation, we believe in the power of community and the importance of our sacred duty and privilege to serve the families and loved ones who have lost a Special Forces soldier. The final sacrifice of a Special Forces soldier causes us to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the freedoms we hold so dear.
It is with immense pride and a deep sense of honor that we announce our partnership with Steel Hearts as we come together to pay tribute to a remarkable individual who has left an indelible mark on the hearts of his loved ones and our nation.
Master Sgt. Gregory R. Trent, a beloved hero, husband, and father, dedicated his life to the service of our country. On August 8, we tragically lost a true American patriot, as Master Sgt. Trent succumbed to wounds inflicted by small-arms fire on July 31 in Shindand Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Company B, 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C., and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This marked his fifth deployment in support of Overseas Contingency Operations.
Today, we join hands with Steel Hearts to celebrate the life and legacy of a dedicated soldier and an extraordinary man whose memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
For every bracelet sold through this partnership, $10 will be donated to the Green Beret Foundation in honor of Master Sgt. Gregory R. Trent. This charitable contribution will support the incredible work we do at the Green Beret Foundation to assist the families of Special Forces soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as programs and services that cater to the needs of Green Berets, their families, and caregivers.
Eulogy by Beth MacDonald: A Tribute to Master Sgt. Gregory R. Trent
In the words of his devoted wife, Beth MacDonald, Master Sgt. Gregory R. Trent was more than just an extraordinary soldier; he was a man of grace, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to those he loved and served. Beth’s eulogy beautifully captures the essence of a remarkable individual:
“Greg Trent was an incredible soldier. But aren’t they all? That’s why they put their lives on the line for every one of us. They go out there thinking WE are worth dying for.
What set Greg apart was much more than being an incredible soldier, leader, and hero. He would tell you his hair was ‘the thing.’ Maybe there was something to that; he was really handsome. But Greg was a genius. He never made anyone feel stupid in his presence, though. In his brilliance, he would leave people wondering how he accomplished something, yet never make them feel less intelligent for explaining it. It wasn’t humility. It was grace.
He was fun. People will tell you he was funny – but not in a comedic sense. He was just fun to be around. The kind of fun that made your spirit feel lighter. He took care of people. He took care of his soldiers and his family before he took care of himself. When he loved, he loved well. He didn’t ask for much. He rarely even asked for anything. When he did say something, it was profound. It was memorable. If Greg asked something of you, it was worth doing twice.
Greg enlisted in the Army, thinking he would have a chance to see the world. He did. During his enlistment, he married, had a beautiful daughter, and traveled to many places he dreamed of. Afghanistan was not one of them, but he did as he was told and did it well. His Army career started in the Artillery, where he served in D/319 AFAR before he earned his Green Beret, graduating in the top 10 of his class (because, of course, he did). He chose 18E as his first MOS but quickly fell in love with 18F and eventually became the 18Z. He earned 2 Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with Valor on his last deployment, among many other awards during his career. He was so proud to be able to show his intelligence and ability with the respect earned by regimental colors. He was the epitome of ‘the quiet professional.’
Greg’s final deployment was in 2012. He was injured in the Shindand province of Afghanistan. He was taken to Walter Reed, where he was able to die surrounded by family, held by his wife, who loved him endlessly, just as he had asked. Today, Greg is remembered and honored for his love for his family, the legacy he left as a leader, and the joy he had for a life well lived.”
We invite you to join us in this meaningful endeavor as we honor his life and legacy and contribute to a cause that is close to our hearts. Together, we can make a difference.
Memorial Bracelet
