United States Army Specialist • Line of Duty Death: April 24, 2012

United States Army Specialist Bernard Hill Jr. passed away on April 24, 2012 while stationed in Germany.
Hill was born in Miami, Florida and grew up in a fun-filled home in the Perrine area of South Miami. He was primarily raised by his father and stepmother, along with his three biological siblings and seven step siblings. Throughout his childhood, he loved to spend time with his maternal grandmother, Wylene, whom he adored very much. He also enjoyed playing outside with his siblings, playing football, video games, and anime. Hill and his wife, Karen, met while both working at their local mall. The pair were later married and had their son, Berny.
Hill knew he wanted to serve his country from a young age. His original wish was to join the US Marine Corps when he was 17 years old, however, he ultimately did not enlist in the military until after he was married. Believing that the US Army would be able to provide a future for his family, Hill finally enlisted on June 18, 2008. He loved serving for a greater purpose and had a goal to become a warrant officer. Throughout his honorable career, Hill served in Operation Enduring Freedom as well as Humanities in Haiti. In 2012, he was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany. While driving to a two week field training to Grafenberg, Germany, the vehicle he and his team were traveling in was hit by a semi truck, resulting in his premature death.
Karen currently lives in Florida with her sons. She enjoys traveling and exploring new areas, attending her sons’ football games, and attending sporting events as a family. In her free time, Karen volunteers with her church as well as her son’s football booster club. In the future, she is excited to see the fine men her sons will grow into and how they will impact their communities. The support from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for the Hill family is relieving some financial stress from Karen as well as allowing her to focus on being the best parent she can be for her children. Finally, Karen would like others to know that her husband was immeasurably excited to be a father to Bernard Hill III, who was only three years old at the time of his passing. Hill’s heart was always with his family.
United States Army Specialist Bernard Hill Jr. is survived by his loving wife, Karen, and his son, Bernard III.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Hill family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.