Honoring and Remembering Major Sean Maples

MAJ Sean Christopher Maples, born in Toms River, NJ and a resident of Seaside, CA, passed away on October 14, 2018 surrounded by his family after a courageous eight-year battle with melanoma. He was known to his friends and family for his epic pig roasting skills, fantastic sense of humor, practical jokes, and his ability to bring people together. Most of all he was an amazing friend, a dear son, the greatest brother, an adoring husband, and a fantastic father who cherished his children and a proud soldier. MAJ Maples was a dear friend of Jason's. Sean and Jason shared a strong bond from West Point throughout their military careers. They shared a sense of humor in making difficult times fun.

He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in May 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Geopolitics. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry. After completing the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Ranger Course, Air Assault School and Airborne School, MAJ Maples was assigned to 1st BN, 501st IN (ABN), 4th BDE, 25th ID at Fort Richardson, AK. MAJ Maples deployed as a Rifle Platoon Leader to Paktika, Afghanistan in 2009.

MAJ Maples entered the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) in 2012 and on completion of the SFQC, he was assigned to 3rd BN, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Washington, where he served as a Detachment Commander for multiple overseas deployments. He was selected to attend the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, and received his Masters of Science in Defense Analysis in 2018.

MAJ Maples' multiple awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab, and Special Forces Tab.

He is survived by his loving wife Katie Raychel; three children, Cillian (6), Nora (4) and Nessa (1); his mother, Virginia Maples, Beach Haven West, NJ; sister Taragh (John) Mulvihill, Chandler, AZ; sister Bernadette (John) Campbell, York, PA; father in law and mother in law, Jerry and Mary Lou Raychel, Willow, AK; brother in law Jeremy (Alaina) Raychel, Fairbanks, AK; and his nephews and nieces Shane, Erin, JT, Claddagh, Rahla, and Jeremy.

MAJ Maples we honor you and we remember.