TUFF was established after the passing of Warrant Officer John Wirka in January of 2021. John was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group Green Berets, and was killed in a non combat related incident in El Salvador.
John enlisted in the United States Army in February of 2010. He was deployed multiple times in support of The United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), The United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was commissioned as a Special Forces Warrant Officer in 2020 and was assigned as the Assistant Detachment Commander for SFOD-A 7215. His military education and awards were extensive, including two Bronze Stars. John was a devoted family man who left behind a legacy of LOVE and HONOR serving the United States of America.
John is survived by his wife, Erica, their daughter, Audrey, parents John and Allison, brother Daniel, and sisters Christina and Julia.
In the wake of John’s passing, his family and friends came together to see what they could do to honor his memory, and to help support the veterans and the families like his. The idea of TUFF was born.
TUFF is committed to help support and serve the children and families who have lost a parent or loved one in the line of duty.