Steve Dwyer approached life with an unparalleled intensity and determination to excel in those areas that were important to him: family, friendships, and fitness. To his family, his wife Allie, and three sons, Landon, Duke, and Brody, he was the loving force of light that brightened the world. To his friends, he was loyal, easy-going, and always there for them. In fitness, he was nothing short of legendary.
 
Raised as an Army brat, Steve's upbringing was marked by constant change, moving eleven times before high school graduation. He embraced every new location with an intense passion for sports. From baseball to soccer, basketball, and football, he excelled, notably shining as a regional all-star quarterback by the time he reached middle school. He discovered lacrosse in high school, while continuing to shine in football and picking up the javelin as well, achievements that underscored his athletic versatility. His prowess in lacrosse led him to play for the United States Military Academy Preparatory School. Then, at West Point, Steve discovered rugby, his true calling.
 
In rugby, Steve harnessed his brute strength, relentless endurance, keen tactical decision-making, and teamwork into an unstoppable force on the rugby pitch. Showcasing his leadership abilities, Steve inspired and mentored his teammates and formed unbreakable friendships. The Army Rugby “Brothers,” an honorable title given to members of the Army Rugby Team, formed a bond like no other as they shed blood, sweat, and tears on their pitch of friendly strife.
 
Throughout his life, Steve worked out at an extraordinary level. It was important to Steve to show his boys what hard work looked like, and he loved working out with them in the garage as they “lifted” with daddy using their kid's weights made of foam. He raced to their practices after work and coached Landon’s flag football team. He wanted his boys to understand the importance of teamwork, grit, and resilience. He believed sports and fitness were critical building blocks to positive well-being and a happy, healthy future.
 
Steve shined in his career, first as a decorated Field Artillery Officer. Earning the coveted Ranger Tab and completing his first combat deployment to Iraq, Steve set a standard for his peers and subordinates that inspired excellence. After returning to West Point to serve as an Army Rugby Coach, Steve mentored future generations of Army Rugby Brothers, continuing to inspire all those around him to be the very best they could be. After coaching, Steve was accepted to pursue his lifelong dream of flying helicopters. He resigned his commission to become a warrant officer and graduated from flight school as a Blackhawk pilot. He deployed twice overseas flying Blackhawks, earning combat awards in Afghanistan, before being selected to join the ranks of the most distinguished aviation unit, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), the legendary “Night Stalkers” known as the best pilots in the world.
 
When Steve died on November 10, 2023, in a helicopter crash over the Mediterranean Sea, we felt called to continue his legacy. Steve is irreplaceable; we know that. But we will do our best to pick up where he left off. We must ensure that his boys — and all Gold Star Children — continue to be mentored and supported in sports and fitness.