Ben graduated from St. Philomena in 1986. He attended Mt. Rainier High School graduating in 1990. He joined the army and became a member of an elite special forces unit after attending OCS and becoming an officer. He met his future wife Jill, married, and became a family man and a father of two daughters. Jill is expecting their third daughter in December of 2003.

Sadly, Ben lost his life in the service of his country on November 1, 2003, while serving in Iraq. Three different memorial services were held in Ben's name. One by his commanding officer in Iraq, one in Aurora, MO, home of his wife Jill, where she is now living, and the third at St. Philomena Church on November 29th. Reportedly there were 700 people in attendance at the church and at the reception in his honor at John F. Kennedy High School. Ben was much loved by his family and many, many friends. He will be greatly missed.