Sgt. 1st Class Peter Tycz II was born in Cheektowaga, NY and graduated from Tonowanda High School in June 1988.

He began his career as a Fire Support Specialist when he enlisted in and served in the active-duty Army from 1988-1990. He transitioned to the Army Reserve, where he served three years before coming back on active duty in 1993. In 1997, he completed the Special Forces Qualification Course and was assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).

SFC Tyzc’ military education includes the Fire Support Specialist Course, Basic Airborne Course, the Special Forces Qualification Course, the Special Operations Medical Sergeant Course, Spanish and French Language School, Dive Medical Technician School, the Primary Leadership Development Course and the Basic and Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course. His civilian education includes the Emergency Medical Technician Course, the Basic Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support Course, and the Advanced Trauma Life Support Course.

SFC Tycz’ awards include the Bronze Star for valor, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters), Good Conduct Medal (with 4th award), National Defense Service Medal (with star), Southwest Asia Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the NATO Medal. He also earned the Combat Medical Badge, the Special Forces Tab, the Parachutist Badge and Dominican Republic Jump Wings.

SFC Peter Tycz is survived by his wife Tami and their five children: Felecia (10), Faith (7), Tiffany (5), Samantha (3) and Elizabeth (1).