Trent Schmidt, 1975-2011

Trent Schmidt, 1975-2011

We have recently received the heartbreaking news that SGT Trent Schmidt, brother of our own Todd Schmidt was killed in a car accident February 11, 2011. Trent had returned from deployment in Afghanistan in November and was visiting family before reporting to Special Operations Command at Ft. Bragg, NC.

Trent Schmidt was born in Johnson County on November 25, 1975 and lived in Greenwood, Indiana most of his life, graduating from Greenwood High School in 1994. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree at IUPUI and continued his education at Indiana Bible College as his interest turned toward the Christian ministry. In 2003 he was elected Senior Pastor of Triumph Church of Greenwood, In., serving four years.

In August 2007, Trent Schmidt resigned his leadership of Triumph Church and enlisted to serve the nation in the Army, Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Bamberg, Germany, recently completing a combat tour at Combat Outpost Charkh in Logar Province, Afghanistan. While in Afghanistan Trent served as a contact for Operation Dreamseed, and helped hundreds of children in need.

Trent’s combat and service awards include the Combat Action Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge.

Trent Schmidt is survived by his parents, Stephen and Wendy Schmidt, his brother, Major Todd A. Schmidt, and his sister, Tara Noel Schmidt.

The Operation Dreamseed family extends our deepest sympathy to the Schmidt family. Trent was an outstanding Soldier and a wonderful contact for ODS. His efforts with the children of Afghanistan will be a lasting legacy. Trent, may you rest peacefully in the arms of God.