Former member of the U.S. Army and son of United For The Troops founders Luke Rathschmidt of Mahopac, New York has sadly passed away. He died while attending Bike Week in Myrtle Beach, S.C on Saturday 18th May 2024 leaving behind family and friends who will forever miss him. He was confirmed dead through a post share on Facebook on Sunday that says “Today, with the heaviest of hearts, the Carmel Highway Department learned of the passing of one of our own, Luke Rathschmidt. Luke was a great father, son, uncle, and friend to so many.”
Who was Luke Rathschmidt?
He valiantly protected his country in Iraq while serving in the US Army. Luke’s dedication to helping the armed forces went beyond his time in the military; he was the impetus behind the founding of United For The Troops, a nonprofit that provides consolation and assistance to soldiers fighting overseas. In May 2007, Luke Rathschmidt was deployed from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the rest of his battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army. The deployment marked a significant period in his military career, as he was sent to serve in the demanding and often perilous conditions of Afghanistan.
In response to Luke’s deployment, his parents, Jim and Patty Rathschmidt, took a proactive and heartfelt step to support not only their son but also other soldiers in similar situations. In 2007, they founded United for the Troops, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comfort and care to soldiers deployed overseas. The initiative began with a simple yet powerful gesture: sending a care package to Luke while he was serving in Afghanistan.
This small act of kindness soon grew into a larger mission to send care packages filled with essential items and reminders of home to countless soldiers, fostering a sense of connection and support from their communities back home. United for the Troops has since become a significant source of morale and comfort for many soldiers stationed in various parts of the world. The organization’s efforts are a testament to the Rathschmidt family’s dedication to supporting their son and his comrades in arms. By addressing the needs of those serving in the military, United for the Troops honors the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, ensuring that they are not forgotten and that their service is deeply appreciated.
Luke Rathschmidt GoFundMe
A GoFundMe has been created to support the deceased family in these trying times. A statement from the account says “On May 18, 2024, tragedy struck as we lost a loving member of our family Luke Rathschmidt. Luke was a cherished member of our community and his first priority was making everyone smile who was lucky enough to meet him. His life was a testament to service, sacrifice, and love.
