08/16/2026
Two years ago today, on August 16, 2024, Army Staff Sergeant Kyle Kotzen, 29 years old, tragically lost his life in an accident, leaving behind a loving family and countless friends. Born at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina in an Army family, Kyle spent much of his childhood at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where his father served as a career soldier in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. In high school, Kyle participated in track, cross country, and the JROTC program.
In 2015, Kyle enlisted in the Army. During his nine years on active duty, Kyle served as an aviation crew chief with the 101st Aviation Division and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. His professionalism, courage, and commitment were rewarded and recognized in numerous military awards and commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat Device, the Air Medal with Combat Device, the Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device, the Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge, and others. Kyle’s positivism, sense of humor, and ability to operate in high-pressure environments made a lasting impact on all he touched.
Kyle’s legacy lives on in the love he had for his family. He was a devoted son to Craig and Kim, a close-knit brother to Doug. He was a loving husband to Brittani, who had traveled the Army journey with him, marrying the same year he enlisted. Butmostly, Kyle was an involved, caring, dedicated father to Kaleb, who was six, and Kaylee, who was four. DWYERFIRE is grateful to play a small role in supporting the sports and fitness activities of these two resilient athletes. Today – and every day— we honor their father, their Fallen Hero, Kyle Kotzen, for his dedicated life of unwavering service.
