William Kyle Middleton, of Norfolk, VA. was born and raised in the Richmond area. He graduated from L.C. Bird HS in Chesterfield, VA in 2002. He played soccer for several years with FC Richmond Magic.
He was accepted to an England College where he pursued his love of soccer. He had competed internationally in soccer since he was young and wanted to play professionally. When a knee injury put an end to that dream, he returned to Norfolk and finished his degree in communication at Old Dominion University in 2007. He minored in marketing and studied film while also a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.
"He knew what he wanted to do and he did this with the possibility that this might happen. He was just a great guy." Tony Wittrien, friend.
"He was a a great soldier, a better friend, and an even better man." Andrew Zehnder, friend.
"He was always genuinely interested in where you were at in life. He was one of those all-around good guys. There aren't many of those." Bret Kelly, fraternity brother.
"He was an involved student and was very pleasant to work with." Carla J Harrell, professor, communications, Old Dominion.
Following graduation, Kyle continued to bartend in Norfolk while striking out for a career in the Film industry. While looking for a meaningful challenge, he enlisted in the Army in April 2009 as an Infantryman.
"You could hear it in his voice: He was finally doing what he wanted to be doing over there." Diane Middleton, stepmother.
"He wanted to be a warrior and he died trying to save the life of a wounded Afghan soldier. I am proud to be his father." Hank Middleton, father.
Middleton was an Infantryman assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He joined the Army in April 2009 and arrived at Fort Campbell in August 2009. His awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; NATO Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Air Assault Badge and Combat Infantryman Badge.
Middleton is survived by his father, Clarence "Hank" Middleton and wife Diane of Amelia, Va. and his mother, Marlene Blackburn of Richmond, Va., and brother, Zachary Middleton.
He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetary December 4, 2010.
If you personally knew Kyle and have stories to share of his Humor, his Honor, his Valor, of his life, please contact us so that we can update his post.