HAUGEN, COURT

Court D. Haugen was born on May 24, 1985 and was raised in the greater Wenatchee area attending both Wenatchee High School and Westside High School where he earned his GED in 2005. Court didn’t allow one hobby to hold his interest long, he loved to try everything. His favorites were snowboarding Mission Ridge, hiking #2 canyon, mountain biking Sage Hills Trail and dirt biking the Spanish Castle Dunes. He was also a great sketch artist and was pursuing film making. 

PFC Haugen joined the United States Army in August of 2005, and after Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training to become an infantryman, he was assigned to the 2nd Stryker Cavalry at Fort Lewis WA. In June of 2007, PFC Haugen left Ft. Lewis for Vilseck Germany and then on to serve a 15-month deployment to Iraq where he would spend his time patrolling the streets of Baghdad looking for insurgents. While stationed in Germany he had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe including places such as Onslo, Norway and Dublin Ireland, his family’s homelands.  

Court was known for his tender-hearted personality, his love for the great outdoors, his compassion for others and his aloof teen years which changed into a mature Soldier once he joined the Army. 

PFC Haugen passed away on March 11, 2009 when he was struck by a train in Germany. Court was preparing for his second deployment to Iraq. Washington Governor Chris Gregorie ordered all state buildings to fly their flag at half mast and wrote letter to Court’s family which stated “We are humbled by Court’s willingness to put himself at risk to protect tour nation’s cherished freedoms…He will always be a hero in our eyes.” 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers PFC Court D. Haugen for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.