Major Benjamin James “Ben” Thirey, 41, of Lebanon, Ohio (formerly of Wilmington) passed away 10:05 AM, Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at the Dayton VA Medical Center. His wife, Tricia Walsh Thirey, survives. They were married May 28, 2006. He was born January 10, 1976 in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, son of Harold and Amy Dunn Thirey of New Vienna.
Major Thirey was a graduate of New Beginnings Home School and earned a commission as an infantry officer in 1998 from Cedarville University. He graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics. After completing initial training, he was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. He served in several different positions as an officer in the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment which included Rifle Platoon Leader, Rifle Company Executive Officer, and Headquarters and Headquarters Company Executive Officer. While assigned to 1-32 IN as the HHC XO, Major Thirey completed a rotation to Kosovo. He also completed several deployments to the National Training Center and the Joint Readiness Training Center while assigned to the 10th Mountain Division.
After completing the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms Staff and Service School, the Special Forces Qualification Course, Russian language training, and Level C SERE, he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group in July 2004. While assigned to Alpha Company, Major Thirey completed a deployment to Iraq in support of OIF as a Special Forces Company Executive Officer, and two deployments as a Special Forces Team Leader working closely with the Iraqi Counter-Terrorist Force.
Following his assignment at 5th SFG, he attended the Georgia Institute of Technology and earned a Masters of Operations Research and a Masters of Business Administration. Major Thirey’s follow on assignment was an instructor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences where he taught calculus and statistics and served as the OIC of the Combat Weapons Team, a competitive shooting cadet organization. He was subsequently promoted to Assistant Professor and served as the course director for integral calculus. He was also the guitarist for the Army Math Band.
Major Thirey was subsequently assigned to 2nd BN, 5th Special Forces Group. Before returning to complete a second term at West Point, he was medically retired from the military in July 2016 and moved back to Ohio with his family.
Major Thirey’s awards include the Meritorious Service Metal, two Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device, Army Commendation Medal (with 4 OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and NATO Medal. He was authorized to wear the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Ranger Tab, and Special Forces Tab.
In addition to his wife and parents, Major Thirey is survived by his three children, five year old twins, Joshua David Thirey and Savannah Grace Thirey, and three year old, Kinsey Faith Thirey; three brothers, Micah Jacob (Elizabeth) Thirey of Wilmington, Ohio, Daniel Paul (Chrissy) Thirey of Wilmington, Ohio, and Nathan David (Sarah) Thirey of Wilmington, Ohio; two sisters, Rebekah Marie (Dan) Painter of West Carrollton, Ohio and Hannah Ruth Thirey of New Vienna, Ohio; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry and Darlene Walsh of Wade, North Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Not only did Major Thirey dream big dreams, but he reached for them, grasped them, and accomplished them. Even in adversity and trial, he managed to find humor and spunk, fighting the good fight to the very end. He is now liberated from struggle and pain, embraced in the loving arms of his savior Jesus Christ, and free to inquire from our Creator concerning the mysteries of this universe.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 19, 2017 at the Solid Rock Church, 903 Union Road, Lebanon, Ohio with Rev. Jim McAtee officiating. Burial will be in Sugar Grove Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army. Friends may call from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Friday, August 18, 2017 at Solid Rock Church, Lebanon, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, a trust fund for his children has been established. Donations can be made to the Benjamin Thirey Memorial Fund, c/o Wilmington Savings Bank, 184 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio 45177.
Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home, Wilmington, Ohio is serving the family. For more information or to sign the registry of condolences visit www.smithandsonfuneralhomes.com.