Capt. John "Hans" F. Kurth Memorial Fund
Purpose
This Memorial Fund in Hans’ memory has been created to lend a hand to Hans’ Brothers and Sisters who have returned Home as Veterans and in need of assistance in successfully adjusting back into “civilian life." The assistance may take different forms: Mental health treatment – individual, family; Employment, re-training, vocational counseling; Re-introduction into community, socialization skills; and Housing needs. Hans was a beloved son, brother, father, friend, and soldier. One of his comrades described him as “a superior infantryman, officer, friend and man. He was physically impressive, morally straight, extremely funny, incredibly smart and tremendously disciplined.” Hans was raised in rural Columbus, WI. Throughout his youth he displayed a sense of humor, a curious and adventurous nature . . . loved fishing, hunting, wrestling, football. Hans had a flair for writing with a lively imagination. While in high school he was voted Jr. Class Prom King on a lighter note, and the Leadership Award by his peers on a more serious note. All these attributes would prove to be transferable on a much grander scale – that of Leader in the US Army, a mission he had dreamed of from age six. Following high school graduation in 1991, Hans received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. After following a rigorous course both physically and scholastically, he graduated in 1995 with a BS in International Relations, and entered the 82nd Airborne Division with a Ranger Tab. His training earned him many awards and decorations and many friendships from all ranks of the military, both officers and enlisted soldiers alike. One fellow comrade put it simply . . . “There was never a time when he didn’t lift the spirits of all those around him.” In February of 2004, Hans’ final call took him to Tikrit, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was serving as Bravo Company Commander (The Bushmasters), 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One) . . .his most coveted assignment. Three weeks later on this mission, the Humvee he was in with a Fellow Brother, Jason Ford, was hit and destroyed by an IED. Hans’ mission was completed that day on 3/13/2004. Hans lives on in loving memory by his family, John and Retta, Brian and Mandy Kurth Swomia, Haley and Sydney, relatives, and all who knew and loved him . . . and through his son, John Aleksander. Rest in Peace, Hans. Well Done. . . …this Fund, established through the Madison Community Foundation, March 2022, is made possible by “Aunt Barby” Schley and Hans’ Grandpa, Emerson Schley (1913-2001), by whom he was dearly loved.
This Memorial Fund in Hans’ memory has been created to lend a hand to Hans’ Brothers and Sisters who have returned Home as Veterans and in need of assistance in successfully adjusting back into “civilian life." The assistance may take different forms: Mental health treatment – individual, family; Employment, re-training, vocational counseling; Re-introduction into community, socialization skills; and Housing needs. Hans was a beloved son, brother, father, friend, and soldier. One of his comrades described him as “a superior infantryman, officer, friend and man. He was physically impressive, morally straight, extremely funny, incredibly smart and tremendously disciplined.” Hans was raised in rural Columbus, WI. Throughout his youth he displayed a sense of humor, a curious and adventurous nature . . . loved fishing, hunting, wrestling, football. Hans had a flair for writing with a lively imagination. While in high school he was voted Jr. Class Prom King on a lighter note, and the Leadership Award by his peers on a more serious note. All these attributes would prove to be transferable on a much grander scale – that of Leader in the US Army, a mission he had dreamed of from age six. Following high school graduation in 1991, Hans received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. After following a rigorous course both physically and scholastically, he graduated in 1995 with a BS in International Relations, and entered the 82nd Airborne Division with a Ranger Tab. His training earned him many awards and decorations and many friendships from all ranks of the military, both officers and enlisted soldiers alike. One fellow comrade put it simply . . . “There was never a time when he didn’t lift the spirits of all those around him.” In February of 2004, Hans’ final call took him to Tikrit, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was serving as Bravo Company Commander (The Bushmasters), 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One) . . .his most coveted assignment. Three weeks later on this mission, the Humvee he was in with a Fellow Brother, Jason Ford, was hit and destroyed by an IED. Hans’ mission was completed that day on 3/13/2004. Hans lives on in loving memory by his family, John and Retta, Brian and Mandy Kurth Swomia, Haley and Sydney, relatives, and all who knew and loved him . . . and through his son, John Aleksander. Rest in Peace, Hans. Well Done. . . …this Fund, established through the Madison Community Foundation, March 2022, is made possible by “Aunt Barby” Schley and Hans’ Grandpa, Emerson Schley (1913-2001), by whom he was dearly loved.