Sgt. Derek Peter Schicchi, 27 of Spring Hill, Florida gave his life for our country July 19, 2010. Sgt Schicchi was actively serving at the base in Fort Hood, Texas.
He served in the United States Navy from 2001 to 2005, aboard the U.S.S. Washington, and was deployed twice to the Persian Gulf, after which he received an honorable discharge. Sgt. Schicchi then enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country while in Iraq from August 2007 to January 2008 and again from January 2009 to January 2010.
My son, Sgt. Derek P. Schicchi, was an amazing person right from the start. He was born on January 27, 1983. As a very young child, he never was a problem. I was blessed with such an easy baby to care for, and as he grew, it was easy to see he would be very special. A sensitive child who grew to be a loving, generous adult. He always stayed away from trouble, and spend many hours at home playing his favorite video games. Derek loved his family; he became the awesome big brother and wonderful son every parent hopes to have. He was a protector.
In high school, he decided he wanted to be in law enforcement. He took special classes in the field, in New York they called it BOCES. He did so well, his instructor, an ex-FBI agent called me to say that Derek was CIA material. Derek came home with a medal from that class. As high school neared it's end, Derek then decided to join the Navy because he did not want to continue to college which is a prerequisite for becoming a police officer in New York. He joined the Delayed Entry Program for the Navy. He had been signed up to enter in November of 2001. Then 9/11 happened. The Navy called him in early, so he went in on September 26, 2001. He was assigned to the U.S.S. George Washington, where he served his 4 years, and deployed twice to the Persian Gulf. When he tried to re-up, and was told there was no room in Aviation Ordinance, he took his honorable discharge, and tried civilian life.
One day he told me "Mom, I can't do this; (civilian life) the military is the only thing I know", and joined the Army. Derek loved his MOS ....he was in tract vehicle repair. He was also a gifted mechanic! While in the Army for those 3 years, he was deployed twice to Iraq. On his leaves, he would fix the family's cars, and love doing it. He used to buy the most expensive parts to change my oil, or fix my breaks. I would tell him not spend so much money on my repairs, but he would insist.
Then, on July 19, 2010, the absolute worst day of my life, came the knock on my front door. My most beloved son was gone. My family and I were left with the most indescribable pain anyone can ever experience. Any comfort these days comes from the opportunity to honor Derek's memory, as this tribute for him is doing. Writing this tribute helps me think about the good memories I do have of my son. Not only that, but sharing Derek's story with others is extremely comforting. It keeps his memory alive.
Gold Star Mother to Sgt. Derek P. Schicchi
Donna Hernandez
Awards and Decorations:
Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster (1)
Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster (2)
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal Iraqi Campaign with 2
Bronze Campaign Stars
Global War on Terrorism Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Ribbons:
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service
Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar
Overseas Service Bar, 4
January 27, 1983 - July 19, 2010
KIA
Ft. Hood, Texas
