John Crosby

John Crosby, a proud veteran of the Army/Army National Guard passed away Wednesday August 13, 2025, after a courageous battle against liver disease. 

John is survived by his mother Tami Burroughs, stepfather Andrew Burroughs, sister Britani Morgan, brother-in-law Mike Morgan, nephew Francis Morgan, nephew Milo Morgan, brother Daniel Nestel, and additional extended family.

He was born in Des Plaines, Illinois on July 19, 1984, and raised in Lombard, Illinois and then Portland, Oregon. His education was obtained through the Army and University of Phoenix.

Deeply affected by the events of 9/11, Crosby joined the Oregon National Guard in 2005 as a 68W, Combat Medic Specialist. Crosby later changed his MOS to 46Q, Public Affairs Specialist in order to deploy with the 115th MPAD. In country, John supported the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division at Taji, Iraq. He wore his 2ID patch with pride.

During his 2007-2008 deployment in Iraq, Crosby was awarded the bronze star due to his selfless act of applying aid in combat. Though he was deployed as a photojournalist, he still ran into fire when he heard the shouts for a medic. Additional medals earned during his deployment were the Combat Action Badge and 5 Army Commendation Medals.

Upon his return from Iraq, Crosby continued to serve in the National Guard on active duty in the Public Affairs Office. Crosby captured the training and lives of the deploying and returning Soldiers during the Iraq surge, and was awarded Military Photo of the year, U.S. Army Photojournalist of the Year and U.S. Army Commentary of the Year. He was honorably discharged from the Indiana National Guard with the rank of SGT.

In 2015, Crosby began working with the American Legion Department of Indiana as their Communications Director. He went on to serve as Assistant Adjutant then Adjutant. Crosby was the youngest Adjutant in the country at that time. Crosby devoted his life to serving our country and the veteran community.

His photos were shared on news broadcasts and websites across the country, as well as being published in many major media outlets. His work was also highlighted by the Department of Defense (DoD) on their official website.

“Telling the Soldier’s story was a passion and career,” said Crosby. “When it came time to take off the uniform of our nation for the last time, the opportunity to tell the veterans’ story on a whole was a natural progression. But to serve our Hoosier Legionnaires in support of our mission to make a direct and positive impact on the veterans’ community is an absolute honor of a lifetime.”

Crosby retired as a 100% service-connected disabled veteran to Bloomington, Illinois where he was close to his family.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in John’s name to The American Legion, or to your local veteran agency.