Captain Trevor T. Graves was born on November 29, 1982, in Anchorage, Alaska, and grew up there with his brother, Michael. He always loved his home state, its mountains and its wilderness. He learned to fish with his father and later, in the Army, learned to hunt. A very long-distance runner, he always felt compelled to reach for more and push beyond himself. He was an artist and a warrior, and he would do anything to help his friends while expecting nothing in return.
Trevor enlisted in the Army in 2001 and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). On his return he attended the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School and then the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating with the Class of 2009. As a second lieutenant he deployed twice to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division. He then completed Special Forces Assessment and Selection and the Special Forces Qualification Course and returned to the 5th Group at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After multiple deployments with the group, he served as executive officer of Company C, 4th Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, until January 2022. He then took a compassionate reassignment to the 11th Airborne Division in Anchorage so that he could care for his terminally ill father.
A man of exceptional intellect and passion, Trevor was fluent in five languages and loved deep, meaningful conversation. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, the Special Forces Tab and the Parachutist Badge.
After taking part in his first Run & Gun competition in 2017, Trevor saw what such an event could offer his 5th Group family. He recruited Trevor Saunders and Matt Stennett, and in less than four months from idea to execution they staged the first Legion 9/11 Memorial Run & Gun. The match, which benefits Special Forces Association Chapter 38, brings active-duty Green Berets, Gold Star and Surviving families, veterans and civilian shooters together to tell the 5th Group story, honor the fallen and give back to those still serving. Through it Trevor formed a deep friendship with the father of a fallen Green Beret, becoming his running companion, mentor and steadfast friend.
On March 27, 2023, one month before a well-earned retirement after more than 22 years in uniform, Trevor lost his battle with post-traumatic stress in Anchorage. He was 40. He was interred at Fort Richardson National Cemetery in Anchorage. CPT Trevor Graves’s life was one of extraordinary service and enduring impact.
Trevor was a soldier, a friend, a brother, a husband and a father. The Legion Memorial Run & Gun continues in his memory. He is survived by his wife, Clo; his daughter, Jeanne; his brother, Michael; and his mother, Merriel.
Sources
- West Point Association of Graduates: Trevor T. Graves 2009
- Steel Hearts Foundation: CPT Trevor T. Graves
- Legion Memorial Run with Special Forces Association Chapter 38
- Family-provided records on file with MVF: Trevor Graves bio
