DOB/DOD: March 30, 1983 (New London, CT) – October 30, 2011; 28 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: Phillips Street; Waterford
ENLISTMENT: October 2004
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 63W10; Wheel Vehicle Repair
UNIT: Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division; Fort Drum, New York
FAMILY: Born to Benjamin D. (1958-) and Robin E. Cornele Cullers (1959-). Stepfather, Tim Forsyth (1962-). One brother, Jacob [Air Force veteran] (1986-).
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, four Army Achievement Medals, Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, three Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Medal (Service), Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons, NATO ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) Medal – Afghanistan, Combat Action Badge, and the Driver and Mechanic Badge.
CIRCUMSTANCES: Died October 30, 2011, in Ghariban, Afghanistan, of injuries caused by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade.
OTHER: Ari was a Red Sox fan and loved the New York Giants! He loved fishing and went many times with his stepdad Tim! He loved nature, so camping and fishing were what he would do with his free time. He loved to gather with family and friends. Ari always got people laughing, including his battle brothers. He would imitate his aunt’s dance moves, which made everyone laugh. He was always the life of the party. He always wanted to be a GI Joe. [From Ari Cullers’ mother, Robin]
Waterford High School Class of 2001
From The Day (New London, CT) on November 6, 2011
WATERFORD — Staff Sergeant Ari Richard Cullers, 28, of Waterford, died on Sunday, October 30, 2011, in Afghanistan due to injuries received. He was born in New London on March 30, 1983. He attended Clark Lane Middle School and graduated from Waterford High School in 2001. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was soon to finish his second enlistment. He is survived by his mother, Robin E. Cornele of Waterford; his stepfather, Tim Forsyth (Sergeant First Class, retired, Army National Guard); and his brother, Jacob Cullers of Waterford, who served in the Air Force from 2005 until 2009 and served seven months at Camp Bucca in Iraq. He is also survived by four uncles, Daniel Coleman of Niantic, Kimball Poletti of Salem, Shawn Cornele of New Haven, and Jeffery Epperson of Florida; four aunts, Carol Coleman of New London, Pamela Coleman of Waterford, Kathy Coleman of New London, and Patricia Burt of Norwich. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Madeline Epperson. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from noon until 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, at Camp Niantic. A service will be conducted at 3 p.m. by Rev. Joseph Castaldi. Interment will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarrior.org). The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Avenue, New London, is assisting the family and invites you to visit www. neilanfuneralhome.com for directions or to leave a condolence message for Sergeant Cullers’ family.
From tributebook.com
We are the parents of the other soldier, Todd Lomax, who was with Ari when the accident occurred. We met Ari last year the day the platoon was deploying. The last thing Ari said to us was that he would bring our son home safe. Our hearts are so sad for Ari’s friends and family. We wish we could be there to express our condolences; however, we are in Maryland at the hospital where our son is recovering. He has a long road ahead of him but will be ok physically. Losing his sergeant and friend will be in his heavy heart forever. His grandparents will be at the service to represent us. God Bless. You are in our daily thoughts and prayers.
— Todd and Sonya Lomax
Staff Sergeant Cullers is buried in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, 600 Jefferson Avenue, New London, Connecticut; Section SSM, Lot A25, Space 5.
