Steve began his military career enlisting at the age of 17. As an enlisted Soldier, he served in the Special Forces as a Ranger. He successfully completed Sapper, Diver, and Airborne training as well as going on to become a Jumpmaster and Master Parachutist. He continued his service transitioning into Aviation as a Warrant Officer, earning his pilot wings and going on to serve as both a MEDEVAC pilot as well as an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operator. During this time, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His love for his fellow Soldiers inspired him to transition into the Medical branch. He direct commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant as a PA. Upon his retirement, over 20 years of service, he had served 4 combat tours and over 2 dozen deployments across the world. His awards include 2 Air Medals, 5 Army Commendation Medals, 9 Army Achievement Medals, 2 Army Good Conduct Medals, 2 National Defense Service Medals, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze service star, the NATO Medal, the Expert Field Medical badge, and the Expert Marksmanship badge for both rifle and grenade.
When Steve retired, he kept faith with his fellow Soldiers by continuing to serve them through his tenure as a PA in the Vascular Surgery Department at the Veteran’s Hospital in New Orleans, LA. He was working on his PhD to be the best ‘Doc’ he could be to the service members he spent his life fighting alongside.
Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Sheila Roper and his grandparents, Fletcher and Louise Roper. He is survived by his cousins, Duane Pique, Nancy Tarto and Mark Tarto, Jr. in addition to his many devoted friends.
A Celebration of Steve’s life will be held at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie, LA on Friday the 4th of February 2022 from 9:00 - 11:00 AM followed by a service.
He will be laid to rest, with full military honors, in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Dr., in Slidell, LA.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com for the Roper family.
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