About Captain Weikel

ABOUT OUR NAMESAKE: Ian Weikel
 

• September 2009, FFC8's Board of Education unanimously voted to name the newest elementary school on Fort Carson in memory of Ian P. Weikel.
   

• Weikel Elementary will be a place of excellence, mission, and character. When you enter this school, may you not just think of a local son, a fallen soldier, but also a student who served his community and led by example.
   

• Ian graduated from Fountain-Fort Carson High School in 1993 as Valedictorian of the senior class. Ian was recognized throughout his high school career including, “Gazette’s Best & Brightest Teenager”, Trojan of the Year 1992-1993, quarterback of the football team and student body president.
   

• Following graduation, Ian attended the United States Military Academy, receiving his commission from West Point in 1997 and graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. As a cadet, he was assigned to companies H4 & B4, earned his Air Assault Badge and joined the USMA-Rugby Team. Captain Weikel served as an Armor officer in the United States Army and was stationed with 4th Infantry Division based out of Fort Hood.
   

• Captain Weikel held many leadership positions while serving in the Army including: Tank platoon leader, scout platoon leader, executive officer, and squadron maintenance officer in 2nd squadron, 3rd armored Cavalry regiment from 1998 – 2000. While stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, Cpt. Weikel served his country overseas while deployed to Bosnia in 2000 with 3ACR in support of SFOR7. While stationed at Fort Hood, TX from 2002 – 2006, he worked in G3 operations for 4th Infantry Division and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 1. He assumed command of G troop, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade in 2004 which was later reflagged to A troop 7-10 Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
   
• Cpt. Weikel deployed to Iraq a second time on Dec 9, 2005, and was killed in action by an improvised explosive device on April 18, 2006 in Balad, Iraq. He was survived by his loving wife Wendy and son, Jonathan, whom he adored. He left behind loving parents, Dave and Beth Weikel, and a brother, Chad Weikel. For his heroic dedication he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
   
• Ian is remembered as a man of great integrity and grace. He was a man of God, and one who lived by his faith. Ian was the first born to Dave and Beth Weikel. Ian means “God is gracious,” and Patrick is a family name, which means “noble” and “one who does the right thing, and often not the easy thing.” He was a man who lived up to his name. He served others, made difficult choices, and displayed a heart and mind that was always learning and growing. Ian was born to be a learner, servant, and a leader, qualities that were apparent at an early age and bloomed as he grew.