Curtis grew up in Athens, Ohio, and attended Alexander High School, where he was active in Future Farmers of America and the Forestry Club. He graduated in 2002 from Hocking College’s School of Natural Resources with degrees in wildlife management and aquaculture. He loved fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. Known for his constant smile and towering height—just over 6 feet 6 inches—he earned the nicknames “Moose” and “Oaktree.”

Driven by a strong sense of duty, Curtis enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003. After basic training, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. As a Fire Support Sergeant with Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), he deployed to Afghanistan. On November 29, 2010, he was among six soldiers killed in a Green-on-Blue attack in Nangarhar Province, when an Afghan police trainee opened fire on U.S. forces.

Curtis’s legacy lives on through his wife, Brandy; his children, Mia and Bradley; and his extended family, friends, and fellow soldiers.