Community Corner

Tyrone Woods Is Named IB Patch Person of the Year in Online Vote

A father of three, Tyrone Woods saved the lives of consulate staff in Benghazi, Libya before his life was taken during the terrorist attack.

Tyrone Woods, whose name has become synonymous with hero locally and nationwide, has been named Patch Person of the Year by IB Patch readers.

With 61 percent of the vote, Woods beat out Navy SEALs and Serge Dedina to posthumously earn the title.

Woods perished along with three other Americans during an attack by terrorists in Benghazi, Libya on Sept. 11.

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He was a Navy SEAL for two decades who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is also the former owner of The Salty Frog on Palm Avenue and lived across the street from the beach, pier and Surfhenge at Pier Plaza.

Click here to hear bar patrons share their thoughts on his death.

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Accounts from consulate staff and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton say the father of three and other private security contractors saved lives.

Woods and Glen Doherty, also a former SEAL living in the San Diego-area, were safely inside an annex location away from the consulate but rushed back to save consulate staff.

Following his death, Woods' remains were flown back to San Diego. A ceremony was held at the Naval Air Station North Island chapel then at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary.

Billy Helmers, owner of IB Fitness who served with Woods in the Navy, said he remembers him as a quiet professional and true warrior with a good spirit.

"We all are walking the razor's edge a little bit," Helmers told IB Patch in October. "It's real easy for people to fall off that thing, but he was able to maintain and stay on it his entire career."

Shirley Nakawatase owns an accounting firm near Woods' home.

"Ty had an infectious zest for excitement, and enjoyed his life immensely, while
fiercely loving his home, dogs, wife and country. He was a joy to be around and so full of energy you felt better after talking with him," Nakawatase told IB Patch two days after his death.

Friends establishd the Ty Woods Memorial Fund to raise money to benefit his family and four-month-old son Kai.


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