Andrew “Andy” Southard

United States Army Sergeant Andrew “Andy” Southard passed away on November 10, 2023 while in the line of duty.

Southard was born in Spokane, Washington where his father, a US Air Force Veteran, was stationed at the time. Upon his retirement, the Southard family relocated to Apache Junction, Arizona, his mother’s hometown, where they could be closer to family. Southard was a born adventurer. Growing up, he loved to hike with his mother, ride dirt bikes with his father, and was always looking for the next thrill of the outdoors. He had a happy soul from the beginning, having brought a smile to everyone around him. Additionally, Southard loved to fly fish, camp, hang out with his cousins, and attend concerts. Later on, he and his wife, Ashley, met through mutual friends who set the pair up on a blind date.

Having looked up to his father, Southard was inspired to enlist in the US Army in March of 2015. He loved the brotherhood, the purpose, and the honor of being a United States soldier. He embodied everything that patriotism should be and he took much pride in flying alongside the best of the best. Southard’s dream was to be a 160th Blackhawk Crew Chief, which he achieved just six months before his premature passing. Throughout his honorable career, Southard received numerous awards and decorations, including two Army Commendation Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, and a National Defense Service Medal, among many others. Southard tragically passed away while on deployment with Special Forces Unit 160th SOAR, where his helicopter crashed into the Mediterranean Sea during a refueling mission mishap. He passed fighting for his country, and more importantly, he passed living his dream.

Currently, Ashley and her children, Warren, Jack, and Hallie, live in Kentucky. She enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with her children. Additionally, she coaches her son’s soccer team and is an active member of several Gold Star support groups. In the future, she is excited to find new ways to honor her husband’s life by living the way he would want her to – with a passion for adventure and never taking a moment for granted. The donation of a mortgage-free home from Tunnel to Towers is providing Ashley and her children with a safe and stable home to peacefully mourn and honor the loss of their loved one. Finally, Ashley would like others to know that the only thing her husband loved more than his job was his family. He was the keeper of the magic for his wife and children and showed up in every moment without hesitation and full of grace. Southard was her best friend; their love radiated peace and transcended fairytales. Ashley asks to keep Southard’s legacy alive by living the way he would want us to: with an insatiable passion for adventure, an unforgettable love for those who mean the most, and an absolute reckless abandon for the thrill of being alive.

United States Army Sergeant Andrew “Andy” Southard is survived by his loving wife, Ashley, and his beautiful children, Warren, Jack, and Hallie.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Southard family with a mortgage-free home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.