ELIZALDE, ADRIAN

Adrian M. Elizalde was born on January 30, 1977 in North Bend Oregon where he attended school and was a 1995 graduate of North Bend High School. While in high school he was on the variety football and wrestling team.  

Adrian was a strong, health and fitness conscious young man. He enjoyed wrestling, mixed martial arts and hunting. He started wrestling at age 8 and became a standout star. In high school, he won a district championship in the 126-pound weight class, qualifying for the state tournament. Close friends note that he still talked about wrestling moves and cardio fitness. He had talked about becoming a teacher after his time in the Army. He also talked about being a science teacher and possibly a wrestling coach.  

SFC Elizalde enlisted in the Army in May 1996, one year after graduating from high school. He was serious about his military career and served his first four years as infantryman and scout with 3rd Bn., 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment (AIR), and another three years as a Long-Range Surveillance Detachment team leader with Company D, 519th Military Intelligence Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. He later earned the coveted Green Beret after graduating from the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2005.  SFC Elizalde was assigned as an Engineer Sergeant to 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, Washington, 

SFC Elizalde was killed on 23 August 2007 when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle in Al Aziziyah, Iraq.  

Elizalde’s military education includes the Warrior Leaders Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Combat Life Savers Course, Long Range Surveillance Leaders Course, Basic Airborne Course, Military Free Fall Parachutist Course, and the Ranger Course. 

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device, Army Commendation Medal Second Award, Army Achievement Medal Third Award, Good Conduct Medal Third Award, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal.  

SFC Elizalde is survived by his daughter, Sydney Grace, his parents, Jorge and Terese Elizalde and his sister Rachel Elizadle. 

“In short, he’s the most wonderful man you’d want to have on your side,” according to his sister Rachel, “He stands up for what he believes in. He was a phenomenal father. He was the best.” 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SFC Adrian Elizalde for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that his life continues to inspire all who learn his story.