SOCRS107- Jill Stephenson- "The Heart of a Ranger's Mother"

Straight Outta Combat Radio-Honoring Combat Wisdom

Jill Stephenson spent over 20 years in corporate leadership positions. Little did she know, her life events would steer her down a different career path.

In her eyes, being a mother to Benjamin Kopp was her largest blessing and gave her life meaning. At age 13, Ben vowed to serve his country and expressed this with such determination. She knew then, that her son was destined for greatness. As a result of his determination, Ben became an Army Ranger and served with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. On July 10, 2009, Jill received a phone call that would change her life forever.

During his third deployment, but first in Afghanistan, Ben saved the lives of six of his fellow soldiers before being wounded during a firefight. He survived his injuries long enough to make it back to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Due to the severity of his injuries, Ben was unable to overcome the trauma. He was then declared brain dead and removed from life support. Before his death, Ben ensured his living will state that he donate all of his organs, including bone, skin and tissue. His donations saved or enhanced the lives of 60 people. His heart still beats in a woman who resides in Winnetka, Illinois.

Jill formed a friendship with news reporter Bill Lunn, who was moved by her son’s heroic story. In collaboration with Jill, Bill Lunn was able to publish his first book, “Heart of a Ranger”. A book that outlines Ben Kopp’s legacy, before and after death. They jointly conduct readings and book signings across the country.

Jill speaks nationwide and is an active advocate for organizations such as the ILMFR, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and American Gold Star Mothers. Jill is able to provide peerless wisdom that exudes strength and encouragement because of her experiences in her career and personal life. Through her adversities she has found the hidden blessings. She draws on her strength and has made it her mission to instill positivity, motivation and hope to all who experience hardships and difficulty moving forward. Jill knows how to grasp what life throws at us. She takes that energy and turns it into drive, motivation and success. Her voice speaks to a variety of audiences allowing her to be a featured speaker for Proctor & Gamble, the University of Minnesota and the US Army.

Her story has been featured on the Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, the Hallmark Channel, The World News, Independent Journal Review & more.

Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp, was a rifleman assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga. He was born on Jan. 20, 1988, in Minneapolis, Minn.

Kopp was seriously wounded during a combat operation in southern Afghanistan, July 10. Kopp was medically evacuated through Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany to Walter Reed Medical Center,Washington, D.C., where he died as a result of his wounds July 18. His unit hadattacked into a Taliban safe haven where they fought a determined enemy from multiple directions for several hours, resulting in the killing of more than 10 Taliban fighters.

Kopp was on his third deployment in support of the War on Terror with two previous deployments to Iraq.

After graduating from Rosemount High School, Kopp enlisted in the U.S. Army from his hometown of Rosemont, Minn., July 2006. He completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning Ga., as an infantryman. After graduating from the Basic Airborne Course there, he was assigned to the Ranger Indoctrination Program also at Fort Benning.

He graduated from the Ranger Indoctrination Program and was then assigned to Company C, 3rd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment June 2007 where he served as a Rifleman.

His military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Ranger Indoctrination Program, and the U.S.Army Ranger Course.

His awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, Army Achievement Medal with two awards, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge. Kopp was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal.