Gregory Russell Ponci

On December 18, 2023, United States Army Sergeant Gregory Russell Ponci passed away due to stage IV colon cancer resulting from toxic exposure to burn pits during his service in the United States Army.

Ponci grew up in Orland, California where he enjoyed football, swimming, and the rural lifestyle. His first job was at his father’s welding shop, Ponci’s Welding. His upbringing in the welding shop led Ponci and his father to rebuild a 1957 Chevy truck in preparation for his 16th birthday. He enjoyed working on his truck. He also was an avid hunter and fisherman as a young boy. He loved his friends and spent a significant amount of time exploring the local foothills, mountains, rivers, lakes, and creeks both as a child and adult.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Ponci enlisted in the Navy in 1998, completing Basic Training at Great Lakes. He served as an Aviation Machinist Mate with HC-8 Dragon Whales, working on CH-46 Delta Sea Knight Helicopters aboard the USS WASP. After his Naval service, he earned an Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences and re-enlisted in the Army in 2008 as an Infantryman. He completed Basic Training at Fort Benning and served with the 101st Airborne, 1st Battalion 3 BCT 1-187 Leader Rakkasans, stationed at Fort Campbell. He deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Throughout his military career, Ponci received numerous awards, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge. He often said his military experiences shaped his disciplined and dedicated character. Ponci served his country with honor and distinction, dedicating five years to the Navy as an Aviation Machinist Mate and three years to the Army as an Infantryman with the 101st Airborne, 1st Battalion, 3 BCT 1-187 Leader Rakkasans.

Bethanne, Ponci’s wife, currently resides in a historic neighborhood in California with their children, Aurora and Weston. In addition to her work as a Healthcare Technician, Bethanne volunteers at her local hospital’s cancer center, advocating for patients. She is actively involved in her children’s activities and receives the loving support of Ponci’s family and her mother, Martha, who provides daily help with the children.

Bethanne expresses deep gratitude for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The Foundation’s support has enabled her to remain in her family home and maintain their connection to the community they love. This assistance has significantly reduced her financial stress, allowing her to focus on providing for her children and alleviating some of the trauma experienced following the loss of her husband.

United States Army Sergeant Gregory Russell Ponci is survived by his loving wife, Bethanne, and their beautiful children, Aurora and Weston.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Ponci family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.