Driven by a desire to serve his country and build a better future, Ben Fugate joined the U.S. Army at just 18 years old. Following in his family's tradition of military service, he began his career as a Cavalry Trooper with the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment, specializing in tank operations.
In 2007, Fugate deployed to Iraq, where he spent more than a year supporting combat operations, protecting civilians, and helping identify and capture terrorist threats. During his deployment, he worked alongside infantry units, tanks, and Apache helicopter crews while facing the realities and sacrifices of war firsthand.
After returning home, Fugate trained soldiers at Fort Knox before serving with the 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment in South Korea, where he helped safeguard the border between North and South Korea.
Following his active-duty service, Fugate continued serving through the Indiana National Guard, assisting communities during major emergencies, including the 2014 Polar Vortex.
Though his years of service took a physical toll—resulting in multiple surgeries and a hip replacement—Fugate remains grateful for the opportunity to serve. Today, he continues to embody the resilience, sacrifice, and commitment that define America's veterans, making an impact both nationally and within his local community.