Saul Fabian Gonzalez
Staff Sergeant, United States Army
December 30, 1998-June 17, 2025
Age – 26
Pullman, Michigan
Operation Inherent Resolve
D Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade,
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY
Died in a fatal non-combat incident while on duty in Erbil,Iraq
Gonzalez joined the Army in February 2018. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with “C” device, Army Achievement Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with a bronze clasp and one loop, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Aviation Badge and the Army Air Assault Badge, officials said.
Saul was born on 12-30-1998 to Pauline Zurwalski-Peña and Ruben Gonzalez in Holland, MI. After Saul graduated from Bloomingdale High School in 2017, he went on to enlist in the United States Army in February 2018. He proudly served for over 7 years.
While serving in the Army, Saul easily moved up the ranks by impressing his peers and gaining the respect of his superiors. Saul was recognized for his hard work and dedication being promoted to Staff Sargeant while being deployed. Not only did Saul moved through the ranks but also in his field starting off as an Apache mechanic and ending as a technical inspector. Saul served with honor and bravery driven by a deep commitment to the future life of his family. His courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Although we are proud of Saul’s service, he was so much more than the uniform he wore every day! From an early age, everything Saul did was with pride and purpose. Whether it was to gain a laugh or lend a helping hand, he had a plan. Saul was known for his big smile, ruthless sarcasm, contagious laughter, and charming good looks! He was truly one of the funniest people you could meet. When you didn’t find Saul hanging from a “bird”, in the gym, or under the hood of his beloved truck, in his spare time he was an avid gamer who loved connecting with friends online. He was also an expert marksman, who loved his guns and worked hard to perfect his skill. Whether behind a controller or on the range, Saul approached his hobbies with the same passion and dedication that he brought to every part of his life.
Family meant everything to Saul! He was a devoted father who dreamed of giving his children a life full of opportunities, love, and security. Every sacrifice he made, every decision he took, was guided by fierce commitment to his family’s future.
“The 101st CAB mourns the loss of Staff Sergeant Gonzalez,” Col. Tyler Partridge of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, said in a statement provided to WOODTV. “His journey with the 101st, from Private to Non-Commissioned Officer was one of commitment, grit, and honor. His service will forever be etched in our memories, and his legacy will ride on with the spirit of the Cavalry in the hearts of all who served alongside him.”
The community and his fellow soldiers are mourning a soldier described as being marked by resolve and distinction. The emblem of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) will bear his memory.
Pauline Zurwalski-Pena reflected on her son’s love for his family:
“My son was a great son. He always looked out for everyone. He made time for everyone especially his nieces and nephews, when he was younger he played nonstop with them making sure they all felt important to him.
He would always tell me when (he) grew up, he was going to build a house for all his family to live together. Family was important to him! Even when he grew up and had a family of his own, he still made sure he took care of his family.
My son is one of the best people in world I know. His kind heart, loving soul, his character, there is no one like him. He would make you laugh and he would also tell (you) directly what he was thinking whether you liked (it) or not. I have been truly blessed with him. Now I am not sure how (to) be without him.
My daughter in law and my 3 grand babies that he gave me will be his legacy. As I look on Facebook, I see how he made wonderful impressions on alot people’s lives and how loved he truly was from family to friends to his military buddies. It makes proud to know how amazing my son was. My heart is so broken right now. I love you and miss you so much Saul!”