Ben Kopp became an Army Ranger as a result of his respect and admiration for his great grandfather, who served in WWII. After 9/11, at the age of 13, Ben vowed to serve his country with determination and pride.

Ben arrived in Ft. Benning, Georgia one month after his high school graduation. His tenacity made him an accomplished Army Ranger only eight months later. The daily challenges of being an elite Army Ranger do not come easy, but turns "boys" into "men". Ben was no exception. On his first visit home, the change in him was not unnoticed and it was apparent he was doing exactly what he was meant to do.

Ben maintained his childhood friendships from his hometown of Rosemount, but also established new friendships within his fellow his brothers of the the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He became known for his fearless attitude, crooked grin and his charm with the ladies. Ben had an infectious personality and all would agree he was a best friend to many.

Ben did two tours in Iraq before his third tour in Afghanistan in May of 2009. On July 10th, during a firefight with the Taliban, he saved the lives of six of his fellow Rangers before being shot in the leg. Unfortunately, recovery from the trauma his body endured from the gunshot wound and surgery was not a reality. Ben Kopp died on July 18, 2009 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. Prior to his death, Ben ensured his living will stated that he donate all of his organs, including bone, skin and tissue. Ben's organ donation saved or enhanced the lives of 60 people and his heart still beats in Judy Miekle of Winnetka, Illinois.

In life and in death, Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp was and still is a hero today.

Jill's first time speaking publicly was at a national organ donation conference. This was just six weeks after Ben died. After receiving a standing ovation, members of the audience approached Jill and asked how she got through her speech without crying...it was an empowering, warm, surge of energy that came over her. She refers to this feeling as Benergy. His energy remains and continues to touch the hearts of all.