Mitchel A. Tisdell

Cadet Mitchel A. Tisdell 19 August 1986 – 19 January 2008 The world was blessed on the 19th of August 1986 when Mitchel Alan Tisdell (8 lbs and about 20 inches long), a gift from God, graced everyone with his presence. Although he was born in Enid, Oklahoma Mitch was raised in Texas. He loved being a part of his Grandfather’s ranch where he could help in any way. He loved to fish, play in the hay bails, ride around on the 4-wheeler, or wrestle with six mean bulldogs. Mitch from the age of four to twelve lived in Jackson, OH and Murfreesboro, TN. His accomplishments in those states were perfect attendance at school, never receiving a grade lower than an A, winning medals and trophies in every sport he competed in (throwing most of them in the trash), and lasting friendships. He attended middle school and high school in Penn Laird and Bridgewater, VA and Littleton, CO. Mitch was a member of his high school wrestling team (Turner Ashby and Bear Creek) in which he was a vital part of the district champions, regional champions, and runner up in the VA state championship. He finished High School with a GPA over 4.0. Mitch’s goal was to become a cadet at West Point and he accomplished that goal (just like every other goal he wanted to accomplish). Mitch was always a family man. A son any mother and father would be proud to have and a brother that his older siblings looked up to. Cadet Tisdell began his military career when he attended the United States Military Academy Cadet Basic Training on 27 June 2005. Mitch was a member of Hotel Company, Second Regiment. He lived the ethos of Happy Deuce and always had a smile on his face. When not striving for excellence in class or on the sports fields, he was quick to make people laugh. During his Plebe year, he was a member of the Corps Squad Strength Team and the Brigade Championship H2 Intramural Wrestling Team. Mitch was undefeated during his wrestling season. This past semester, Mitch was an integral member of the Ultimate Frisbee Team and Intramural Football Team. Additionally, he was a vital member of a small group of cadets who kept the company spirits high with weekly videos to help keep H2 “Happy as Hell.” Mitch held many positions while at West Point. He started his career as a 4th class cadet. After expanding his leadership capability as a team leader, he helped mold the class of 2011 saw a Squad Leader during their Cadet Basic Training. Cadet Tisdell was currently serving as the Platoon Sergeant for 3rd Platoon, Hotel Company, Second Regiment. Everyone around Mitch knew he had more than enough potential to become a great General. His family always knew that he would be a soldier because of his favorite toys and his actions. At a young age Mitch could always be found playing in water puddles, wearing a cape, holding a gun or sword, wearing cowboy boots, or fighting an imaginary army. Mitch was always an amazing person however the friends he made at West Point opened Mitchel up like no one else could and turned him into a ‘MAN”. Mitchel Tisdell is survived by his mother, Vicki Tisdell, father, Mike Tisdell, sister, Amanda Tisdell, and brother, Michael Tisdell. Mitchel’s Favorites and Interests Favorite Food- Steak, fried chicken and Garlic knots Favorite Dessert- Mom’s cakes, cookies, and pies and Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Favorite Sport- Wrestling in which Mitch had many accomplishments including winning individual honors as a District Champion and finished in the top 8 in both Colorado and Virginia. Favorite Team- Green Bay Packers Favorite Athlete- Brett Favre- Mitch loved the passion Brett had for the game of football. He idolized Brett’s leadership ability, athletic ability, and how Brett was a real man off the field. Favorite Coach- John Fincham, wrestling coach at Turner Ashby Baseball- Growing up Mitch admired Pudge Rodriguez of the Texas Rangers. Mitch, #19, was the best catcher in the league, and he was a lefty. ATVs – Mitch and his family would go ATV riding throughout the mountains of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. His fearlessness is what led to his father’s L3 vertebrae break. While Mitch easily climbed a steep hill on an ATV his father then tried to follow Mitch only to end up rolling back down the hill. Snowboarding- Mitch lived in a resort area in Virginia where he and his brother would always have fun on the slopes of Massanutten. When looking back at his sons experiences skiing and snowboarding Mitch’s father said “For a while, me walking in the emergency room was like Norm walking into Cheers.” Favorite fishing spot- Any spot where his friends wanted to go and the fish were biting Favorite music group- Bob Segar, Johnny Cash, and Fleetwood Mac Favorite color- Green Favorite actors- Will Farrell, Robert DeNiro, Bruce Willis and Brett Farve Favorite cars- Muscle Cars Favorite moments of laughter- His dad always made him laugh a lot. He loved old slapstick and comedies. The times he spent with his family. He would also laugh with his friends while watching TV/movies, acting/directing/creating movies, and road trips. Movies – old classics to new releases. Favorite TV shows- Office and Sapranos Happiness- Whether it was a home cooked meal, a football game, family, friends or a corndog (Coors Original) was all it took to make Mitch happy. How he lived- Everything Mitch did, he did it full speed. Life wasn’t a practice run for Mitch; he would always give 100% to everything he did. Message to family and friends- In the words of Will Ferrell in Old School “You just got to keep on trucking”. Thanks for everything but, you’ve all done enough. I love you all!! Go Packers!!