Biff grew up in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, the youngest of three brothers. Quick-witted and full of laughter, he had an energy that drew people in. His favorite place to be was outdoors—especially when he was hunting or fishing. He enjoyed shopping and always made sure his clothes and hair looked just right.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating from Beaver Falls High School in 2002. Upon completing basic training, he was assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, stationed in Baumholder, Germany. As a combat engineer, he took on the dangerous task of detecting and disarming improvised explosive devices (IEDs). He earned the coveted Sapper Tab, awarded to those who complete the Army’s elite combat engineering course. On September 21, 2006, during his second tour in Iraq, he was killed by an IED while securing an area in Ramadi. He had previously survived at least two other IED attacks, including a harrowing incident on Christmas Day 2003, when he was the sole survivor, thrown from a turret during the explosion.

Biff’s legacy lives on through his family, friends, and fellow soldiers, who remember him as an inspiring leader—one who never backed down from a challenge and exemplified the courage and selflessness of a true hero.