Troy Carlin Linden

Troy Linden grew up in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota — graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 2002, and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army.

He served in Charlie Company, 54th Engineers Battalion, alongside Sinuhe Montoya. By every account Troy was the kind of soldier — and person — who showed up for others. Reliable. Generous. The kind of guy who would switch shifts so a fellow soldier could catch a break.

On July 8, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq, Troy switched shifts with Sinuhe. An IED detonated near his vehicle. Troy Carlin Linden was killed in action. He was 22 years old.

“He switched with me that day. I've carried that with me ever since. I named my son Troy Linden Montoya in his honor. This recreation center is the permanent expression of that.”

Troy was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, along with the Army Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Combat Action Badge.

He left behind his mother MerryLee Linden of Rochert, Minnesota; his sister Sarah Linden Hudson; and his brother Ryan Linden. In October 2025, the Minnesota Vikings and Adam Thielen honored the Linden family at a game in London — a testament to the lasting impact Troy left on those who knew him. Sarah organized a car show fundraiser in 2025 to keep his memory alive.

Why propose his name?

I started this website because our city wasn't moving and someone had to. Since I seem to be the first to organize this effort online, I felt I owed it to everyone to be transparent about where this name comes from — and why I'm the one proposing it.

Troy didn't die so his name could appear on a plaque. He died because he was the kind of person who put others first — every day, in small ways and in the most consequential way imaginable. A recreation center named in his honor would be a place where families gather, children play, seniors stay active, and the community comes together — year after year, for generations. That's not a memorial. That's a living tribute.

The 20th anniversary of Troy's death is July 8, 2026. That is our target date for putting a proposal in front of the Twin Falls City Council. But this isn't my center — it's Twin Falls'. The name should belong to the community too. Tell us what you think when you sign.