Sunday, June 9, 2013

They all have names

This past week was an exciting one for several of my West Point classmates. After sixteen years of active duty service, we celebrated some promotions to Lieutenant Colonel. 

It was especially gratifying to see pictures of one of my female classmates' promotion ceremonies. There were fewer than 100 of us women who graduated in the Class of 1997, and I think less than ten of us are still in uniform. To see Robyn in her dress uniform with the new silver leaf of an O-5 was a thrill for me. As Justin and I sat at the dinner table one night talking about the promotions, we talked about the few women who are still in. One of those women was Jaimie Leonard. 

Today, I learned that Jaimie was killed in Afghanistan yesterday. 

The shock of learning a classmate has passed never lessens, even though you know there is always a chance of the bad news when people are deployed all over the world at any given time. There had been an article in the paper this morning about three American soldiers killed in an attack by an Afghan soldier. They were trainers, and there had been an argument. 

Three American soldiers. No names - just American soldiers. 

And one of them was my classmate. 

We don't hear regular news stories about battles or skirmishes any more. There aren't uplifting stories about free elections, stable governments, or economic recovery from Iraq or Afghanistan. There are just occasional headlines and stories stuck toward the back of the front section in the newspaper giving the perfunctory details of attacks by individuals. I've always said a quick prayer for the families, especially the mothers, of those killed when I see these stories. I'm doing the same today, adding a prayer for all of the members of the Class of '97. 

When you're a West Point graduate, when it comes to your classmates - whether you were good friends, casual acquaintances, or just familiar with a face - you're all part of the Long Gray Line. So once again we grip hands though it be from the shadows, and we say:

Well done. Be thou at peace.


Update: Honoring the life of LTC Jaimie Leonard, USMA Class of 1997. On June 8, 2013, LTC Jaimie Leonard was killed in action while serving with the US Army in Afghanistan. The Class of 1997 has set up a memorial fund with the West Point Association of Graduates (AOG) to purchase a four-person shell (rowing boat) and to dedicate it in her name for the use of the Army Crew Team for years to come. The Army Crew Team’s boathouse will also display a box with pictures and narratives of Jaimie’s service to the nation. The fund requires $25,000. Upon fulfillment, the Class of 1997 will plan a dedication ceremony at West Point, possibly in May of 2014 or fall of 2014. Any person wanting to support Jaimie’s legacy in this way, may do so. 

All donations are tax deductable. Checks should be made payable to the West Point Association of Graduates, with “DCA Crew Team—in Memory of Jaimie Leonard” in the memo line or in an accompanying note. Gifts can also be made online at www.westpointaog.org/givetoWP or by calling 845-446-1658. AOG mailing address: Gift Operations Department, West Point Association of Graduates, 698 Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996. If you give online, please ensure that you go to the link on the left that says "ways to give" and make sure to indicate that its for "DCA- Army Crew IMO Jaimie Leonard". In addition, many companies match funds, so please provide your employer information so that AOG may determine whether matching funds are available.

Please direct financial questions to the AOG. All other questions contact Pam Long, ’97, at rypamlong@comcast.net. Pictures of rowing shells are posted on the West Point Crew Team facebook page.

18 comments:

  1. I'm sorry for your loss. Hugs to you.

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  2. May it be said WELL DONE! I am sure she is drinking a cold one at Benny Havens along with the other members of the Long Gray Line. Be thou at peace!
    Proud member of USMA 1993 - Defenders of the Free

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  3. Thank you for writing this. We are good friends with Jaimie's sister, Liz. I searched online to find some article that might explain what happened. I came up empty. No wonder-I had used Jaimie's name. Our courageous Servicemen and Women deserve better than this. Rest in Peace, Jaimie.

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    1. Please remember, names are not released until notifiacations are made concerning all service members involved. They are not being forgotten or overlooked. Families need to be notified in the correct way and not through media channels. Unfortunately it can time in some cases to track people down and deliver the awful news. Prayers for her family and friends.

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  4. I too had tried to find out what happened to Jaimie we had gone to school together. Please give condolences to Liz. I am so sad for her!!

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  5. I was Jaimie's Staff Group Advisor at CGSC 2009-2010.

    Found out about her death from one of her classmates and found your blog on Google.

    Very sad news and quite a reality check. She was an outstanding student and well respected. None of us know how many days God will give us.

    Prayers and condolences for her family.

    USMA '82

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  7. Prayers for her and her family. I lost my sister a few months ago, class of 07' who was a part of the long gray line. They all have names and they all have amazing stories and families and friends. It is our job to keep their stories and spirit alive. God bless!

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    1. I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you, as well. Grip hands.

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  8. Thanks for your post. I was working with Jaimie (very tangentially) when I was in Stability Division at Regional Command - South in Kandahar. She was a lovely women, no nonsense, and a big lateral thinker. It was a pleasure to have known her, however briefly. I know many of my Australian compatriots would feel the same way. It just shows the power of allid operations, when the impact of one person, no matter how small, can cross oceans and disregard borders.

    Jaimie will no doubt be missed by many.

    DD

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  9. I knew Jamie, and my girlfriend Lisa Lourey is Jaimie's best friend. Lisa is in New York with Liz helping the family through this horrible time and tragedy.

    The funeral is Wednesday the 19th with full honors at West Point.

    Jaimie was an amazing person and a true hero. She will be missed.

    Ben

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  10. Jamie was an incredible young woman when I knew her. We were fairly close for a very short time. I haven't spoken to her in 20 years. That is a great regret. My thoughts go out to Liz and Hannah and the rest of her family. Considering the pain that I am feeling--their's is unimaginable.

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  11. Thank you for your blog. I was Jaimie's tactics instructor at CGSC. She was a superstar, a great officer, but even more importantly, a great person. My prayers go out to her family.
    D Spencer

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  12. Thank you for sharing this Amanda. You guys from the Class of 97 were Great! I am honored to have shared time at our Rock Bound Highland Home! Thoughts and prayers go out to Jamie's family and friend. Sammy

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  13. I must correct myself, the funeral has been moved to Thursday at 1330.

    Ben

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    1. Thanks for letting us know, Ben. I think several of my classmates are making an effort to attend.

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  14. Anyone who would like to leave a testimonial for MAJ Jaimie Leonard can do so at http://apps.westpointaog.org/Memorials/Article/54315/

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    1. Thank you! I'll share this info on our class page.

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