A Soldier's Death Ties His Family to His Army Family | Article

ORLANDO, Fla. – “With the unfortunate passing of Staff Sgt. (Dante) Bell, it has brought our unit and our team members closer together and given us confirmation on things we already knew about each other,” said Maj. Ricardo Delbrey, team chief, 3rd -347th Training Support Battalion, 85th US Army Reserve Support Command. “Letting (Bell's family) know that the support will be there for their family and seeing the unit come together without hesitation to do so fills my heart.”

Soldiers from the 3-347th Training Support Battalion and its commanding general, Brigadier General. Gen. Michael Shanley, 85th USARSC, conducted a memorial ceremony Nov. 3, 2024, for Bell, who died in a training accident last month.

“Everyone who knew Sergeant Dante Bell knew he was a sweet and loving soldier and a believing soldier,” said Carolyn Davis, Bell’s mother. “He wore a smile that would brighten your day.”

Even though Bell had just been promoted to the unit, many of his fellow soldiers did not have the opportunity to meet him in person, but since his death they have learned so much about Bell and developed a bond with his family.

“I just want him to be remembered as the person who smiles every time you look at him. “You can’t be mad at him because he won’t let you go to bed angry,” giggled Cordelia Bell, Bell’s wife. “I love him and his unit is a great asset because he would have created great memories with this unit.”

While mentally processing Bell's death and dealing with the logistics of moving to a new home, the community was hit by Hurricane Helene and then Hurricane Milton. Fortunately, the family did not suffer any major damage. The soldiers of the 3rd-347th However, TSBN were quickly on the scene to help the family with whatever they needed.

“We had about 25 Soldiers pick up (the family) in a moving truck and transport them away within about five hours,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Hudnet, command sergeant major, 3-347. TSBN. “We went back a few days ago and helped with (home projects) like new lights and installing ceiling fans and things like that. We had contacts with the family and invited them to our upcoming events because they are now a part of our family.”

Shanley attended the memorial ceremony and participated in honoring Bell and highlighting his accomplishments and legacy.

“Staff Sergeant Bell began his service 21 years ago, shortly after the events of 9/11, and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan,” Shanley said. “He was an exemplary (non-commissioned officer) and did the best for the development of future soldiers. Because of his leadership, character, courage, competence and commitment, he left a lasting legacy that lives on with us today.”

In his role as a father, Kaiya Bell, Bell's daughter, shared how she would like to think of her father.

“I want my father to be remembered as someone who is kind, patient, very cheerful and also a hard worker,” Kaiya said. “I want his laughter, his smiles and his hugs to be something that people remember fondly.”

As stories about Bell were told throughout the day, the constant message was that he connected this Army family to his own family.

“The family and the brotherhood and sisterhood that we have is strong,” Delbrey said. “And I just want every soldier to know that, especially every soldier’s family members.”