He spent 18 months in Iraq ... he returned home to his wife and three young children a month ago ... he survived war. But on Sunday he was struck down by a heart attack that killed him.
His name was Lt. Col. Jeff White.
Many tributes are coming out of Harrisonburg today. This one, by Valley Family Forum leader Dean Welty, said it well:
A Mighty Warrior for Family, Faith, and FreedomRay Schneider, Harrisonburg GOP secretary and newsletter editor, sent out the following information:
We were deeply saddened to learn yesterday of the death of Lt. Col. Jeff White, a resident of the Valley and a close friend of the Forum who had just returned about one month ago from an 18-month tour in Iraq.
Jeff was struck by a massive heart attack while singing in the choir of his family church in Texas where he had just been re-united with his wife Jocelyn and their three children: Jane, Jeanine, and Jedediah.
His contribution of service to his Lord, his country, and to all who knew him exceeds our ability to measure or to fully appreciate. He was a devoted husband, father, and loyal friend whose bold and uncompromising commitment to biblical values and to the enduring principles of our nation’s founding was an encouragement, an inspiration, and a challenge to all of us.
We will miss him greatly, and ask that you remember the family in your prayers.
In Sorrow for Our Loss but with Deepest Gratitude for a Race Well Run, a Life Well Lived, and a Rich Legacy of Service for Us All.
Dean
Jeff's funeral will be in his home in Tullahoma, Tennessee where his mother lives. The family has asked that flowers be directed to the Tullahoma Funeral Home where the point of contact is Bob Burt at 931-455-4567.God bless this family at a time of such grief. Who knows God's plan ... to allow this man to survive war only to return home and die this way? Our prayers and thoughts are with Jocelyn and the children ... and our eternal thanks to this military man who served his God, served his family, and served our nation. He is truly an American hero.
I have forwarded emails of condolence sent to me to Jocelyn White and she asked me to thank you all for your prayers and your caring.
Updated 3-4-09 - from Dean Welty:
Jocelyn White has informed us that the funeral for Lt. Col. Jeff White will be held at his mother’s home in Tennessee on Saturday. There is no word yet on whether there will be a later memorial service in the Valley.Update: Harrisonburg Daily News Record editorial remembers Jeff White.
She has also advised that instead of flowers, friends can make a contribution in Jeff’s memory to the Centurion Bible Society of the Shenandoah Valley, which he founded four years ago to raise money for ROTC graduates from JMU, or to the Valley Family Forum – “two organizations that were close to Jeff’s heart”.
You may send your condolences with enclosed gift if you so choose to 1739 Massanetta Springs Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Humbled by Jeff’s heart.
Dean
3 comments:
I had the privilege of serving with LTC Jeff White in Baghdad this past year. He was a bold man of conviction and frequently at the center of vigorous discussions...It was a tough deployment and invariably our conversations would turn to what matter most in life: God and family. LTC White was a man who cared deeply for his fellow Soldiers and I will always owe him a great debt for assisting me in my journey back to faith and a family-centered life. In fact, his humble but unwavering devotion to Jocelyn and his children was an inspiration to everyone. He will be missed in a way that words can not adequately describe.
I knew Jeff in his formative years. We were high school classmates and sweethearts for awhile. We voted together for the first time in a Presidential Election and celebrated Ronald Reagan's victory in 1980. We were young and the world was ours for the changing. Jeff, with his massive energy and enthusiasm for all things American, Good and Right was a formidable opponent. You just knew that he was going to accomplish much in life. My thoughts and prayers go to his wife Jocelyn and their children she must now rear alone. I pray for her strength and solace.
Kathryn from Franklin County, Tennessee the place he loved to call home.
I was deeply saddend to find out that LTC White is no longer with us. I had the wonderfully amazing opportunity to sing Christmas carols around the division with LTC White (2008), and I was absolutely shocked by his singing talent. He knew all the little doo-wap parts, and the back-up parts, and it was truly, TRULY a pleasure to sing with him. I was an instant fan. Also, I will never forget his wit and charm - He was always coming up with clever sayings. A good man is forever at rest. God bless you LTC White.
Post a Comment