Specialist Adam Scott Hamilton, 22, beloved son of Scott and Connie Hamilton of Kent and Nancy Krestan, of Mantua, died courageously in battle during a night mission on May 28 in Afghanistan. Adam died while serving valiantly in the U.S. Army in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he was a leader for those in his Unit, as he was throughout his life. He served in the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division based in Fort Riley, Kansas. He was one of the top marksmen in his unit and was assigned as a sniper. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and NATO medal. Since joining the U.S. Army in March, 2009 Specialist Hamilton has also been awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Combat and Special Skill Badge Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Bar rifle expert and the Overseas Service Bar. Adam was a 2007 graduate of Kent Theodore Roosevelt High School, where he excelled in sports and made a great number of close friends, as he did wherever he went. He was a loyal friend, stood up against any injustice, was the protector of anyone in need and always brought laughter to those around him. His great loss is mourned by friends, teammates, coaches, administrators, teachers and many community members who had watched him excel on the football and lacrosse fields and in the hockey rink. Adam earned All American Honors in 2007 in lacrosse and was the Northeastern Ohio Offensive Player of the Year. He led the state and set a school record for assists in his senior year and was team Captain.  He was injured part of his Junior year, still earning accolades and as a sophomore led Roosevelt to the state championship game in Division 1B. His memory as a warrior on the lacrosse field was honored at the state championship qualifying game June 2 where his parents received a plaque extolling his lacrosse accomplishments. His jersey will be retired. He was a four-year letter winner and starter in lacrosse and hockey. He was named the MVP in hockey for two years. Adam holds the career scoring record in hockey at Roosevelt, amazingly netting 138 goals in his career. In football, he was an outstanding wide receiver and outside linebacker on the undefeated 2006 Roosevelt football team, swarming in to make a tackle, or making an unbelievable catch. Watching Adam play any sport with the drive, excitement, talent and enthusiasm he showed, was an entertaining experience. He made players around him better, showed leadership, determination, and made every game fun. He also leaves to cherish his memory and all the happy times they shared, brothers Brandon Hamilton and Nick Krestan, sisters Shawney and Taya Hamilton, grandparents Carol Daszcko, Mary Ann Howe and Marge Kropac, and many Aunts, Uncles and cousins as well as his many close friends who loved him. He will be received in death by grandparents Joseph Daczko, John Hamilton and John Kropac. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Adam Hamilton Memorial Academic and Athletic Scholarship Fund, which they have created to keep his memory alive through recognizing major accomplishments of other Kent Roosevelt students. Donations will be taken at Portage Community Bank in Kent and Ravenna. Calling hours will be from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM Wednesday, June 8, 2011 in the auditorium of Kent Roosevelt High School, 1400 N. Mantua St., Kent. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 9, 2011 in the auditorium. Adam will be buried in a full military service with honors at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent, across the street from Roosevelt High School where he loved excelling as a Rough Rider.  

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