Tehachapi News

Maj. George remembered around the world

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Jason George's life is written on the hearts of his friends.

“The memorial pages and comments on Facebook are a testament to the kind of person he was,” said George's friend Jay Wells. “He was friends with everybody. He got along with everybody.”

George was always striving for greater things, Wells said, always wanting to be the best.

“Mere words cannot describe the profound effect that one person can have on so many others' lives,” Wells wrote on the memorial page. “I admire the accomplishments, determination and courage that you exhibited every moment here on earth.”

Christy Boyd, another friend who knew George since elementary school, said, “He never required attention yet was always in the midst of it. He was brilliant and at the same time well-rounded.”

She said that during the popularity of the movie “Top Gun,” his resemblance to Tom Cruise brought a lot of good-natured ribbing.

Old friends were happy to have seen him at the 20-year high school reunion during the 2008 Mountain Festival.

“I am so glad I got to see you at our reunion last summer and got the chance to tell you 'Thank you' for fighting and protecting mine and my family's freedom,” wrote Aushia Kruse on George's Facebook page.

“I am heartbroken,” wrote Susan Buffington. “Your kindness to me when we got back in touch through the classmates website meant more to me than you will ever know! You were and are a very classy guy.”

“Hearing the words right from you that you weren't afraid to die for your country still amazes me…I am so proud to call you my friend,” wrote Maria Jacovino.

“I remember so many happy times as we grew up together in Tehachapi,” wrote Nathan Schultz. “I don't think I ever saw you get angry. You are a good-natured soul, and it is an honor to know that you are a hero too though I am sad now that you are gone. God bless you Jason George.”

George's far-flung circle of friends received these final messages from Iraq:

• May 9, 4:34 a.m. - Jason George is waiting for a helicopter to take him back to the  FOB [forward operating base].

• May 4, 12:18 a.m. - Jason George is packing up for the trip “up north.” Definitely looking forward to accommodations other than sleeping on a cot and sharing a big open tent with 75 snoring muldoons.

Memorial in Baghdad

Following his sterling military career during which he saw duty in Bosnia and Kosovo, George had found success in the corporate world when he was called back to active duty in January 2009. Maj. George served as civil-military officer for the 252nd Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

While on foot patrol, he, two other soldiers from the battalion and a number of Iraqi civilians died in an explosion May 21 in Baghdad's Rasheed District.

At a memorial service at Forward Operating Base Falcon in Baghdad on May 29, George was remembered as someone who believed he could change the world, one small piece at a time.

“He wanted to improve the present in order to impact history,” said Capt. Kyle Carone. “He was successfully able to adapt to any environment. He had the uncanny ability to discuss, understand and develop actionable items to enhance the economic, political and sociological issues impacting Iraq.”

Each of the three soldiers posthumously received the Army's Combat Action Badge, a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

On May 26, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger ordered Capitol flag to be flown at half-staff in George's honor.

“Major George was a courageous soldier who dedicated his life to serving his fellow Americans,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement. “His loyalty and dedication to our country is an inspiration to all of us and we are forever indebted to his service. Maria and I send our thought and prayers to Jason's family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time.”

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Funeral to accommodate all

A memorial service for Maj. Jason Everett George will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 10 a.m. the Wood Family Funeral Service, 321 W. F St., Tehachapi.

Because the Wood chapel is not expected to hold all those who wish to remember and honor Jason George, seating will be set up outside, said Funeral Arranger Sally Periman. Speakers will carry the audio from the service in the chapel.

The City of Tehachapi is providing assistance in traffic control.

Posted June 1, 2009; Volume 110 - No.8, print edition June 3, 2009.