Tehachapi News

Community honors fallen warrior

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The Tehachapi community remembered Maj. Jason George Tuesday, June 2, in a service that saw colleagues, friends and family arrive from far and near to honor a man who left an indelible impression on everyone he met.

“I never met Jason, but his passing has left a profound impact on me,” said Radar Pratt, who officiated the non-religious service.

As he learned more about George, Pratt said, “I feel that I have been affected in a way I never have been before. To be affected by a total stranger is a measure of his character.”

A native of Tehachapi, George, 38, was killed in Baghdad May 21 on his way to a meeting with local Iraqi businessmen in his role as a civil-military officer.

Two other U.S. soldiers and several dozen Iraqis died in the bomb explosion.

The West Point graduate was called back into active service in Jan. 2009 after a military career and subsequent entry into private business in Chicago.

Mourners filled the Wood chapel and hundreds more sat on folding chairs outside the building, listening to the 10 a.m. service on speakers.

Those seated outside were able to see the photo tribute to George after the service.

Tehachapi police closed the entire block of West F Street in front of the funeral home, and Kern County Fire Department ladder truck 21 out of Taft raised its 25-by-38-foot United States Garrison flag 60 feet above the entrance to honor George.

Those in attendance were welcomed to visit with George's family following the service at the home of his parents, Hugh and Candy Mason of Golden Hills.

Finding joy

George's brother Mike Mason said it was a miracle of God to have created such a “gentle, humorous, intelligent man.”

“JG believed and was committed to freedom and fairness,” Mason said. “He was a true old-fashioned gentleman.”

Mason said that George made everything fun, even digging a hole.

George was always “seeing the good in everything and finding joy in every project,” Mason said.

“He was a great listener and unselfish. He had the wittiest sense of humor and could lay you down with one of his one-liners.

“He was adept at keeping in touch. Jason was the glue. We need to find some more glue now.”

Mason quoted one of the hundreds of condolence messages on George's Facebook page: “You made the world smile.”

Mason said that the family was grateful to have had George's presence at a vacation last summer at Lake Coeur d'Alene, saying they miss not only George but those who never will be.

“We miss his future wife. We miss his future children,” Mason said.

Mason said those gathered must take JG's spirit, heart and love and must take his courage.

In honor of his fallen brother, Mason asked that everyone honk twice when arriving home, and “Don't worry about your cranky neighbor. Life is too short.”

Eagle Scout

Dr. Curt Madding, George's mentor and Scoutmaster who led him through to Eagle Scout and the Order of the Arrow, said he remembered George's reaction when he mastered the mountaineering skill of belaying.

When George came down the rope successfully the first time, Madding said, “That's when I saw that smile explode. He had to do it many times because he loved it.”

Madding said the Arrow ceremony was based on Native American ideals and included a dialog with an Indian grandfather figure to whom the boys appealed: “Grandfather, help us to know and to do what is morally right.”

Athlete

Tehachapi High School football coach Steve Denman described George's life as “always a positive force. He seemed to bring out the best in all of us.”

George was the team kicker.

Denman recalled how George, with a confident demeanor, kicked the winning goal in a crucial game against Bishop to secure the league championship in 1987.

Denman said that when he was talking to the team, he had to be careful what he said because “I figured some of those guys were a little bit brighter than I was. Jason was one of those kids.”

Calling George “a good and decent man,” Denman said that when he cautioned his athletes to remain decent in the heat of competition, those words were not directed at George.

“I knew he was a character guy who would always do the right thing by himself and make the right decisions.”

Denman credited the solid foundation George's parents gave him.

“He was a warrior on the field. He was a warrior in our community. He was a warrior overseas,” Denman said.

Gave his best every time

Brigadier General David Jennette, Armed Forces Commander of the North Carolina National Guard, said he was honored to pay tribute to George.

“Everyone has something to give. Major George gave his best every time.”

He said the Army recognized George's talent in connecting with people and placed him in the civil liaison job as “a perfect fit.”

George was responsible for building relationships with the local businesses and government, Jennette said.

He was on his way to attend a meeting in Baghdad with a local business association similar to a Chamber of Commerce when he lost his life, Jennette said.

Col. Michael Meese, professor and head of the social science department at West Point, said that as a faculty member, he was assigned to sponsor George during his plebe year, offering hospitality and guidance.

“Jason had genuine joy in being a cadet,” Meese said.

George majored in Environmental Engineering, he said, and earned a spot on the Dean's List in seven of the eight semesters he was there. 

He stayed in the reserves because he was dedicated, and was active in recruiting for West Point, Meese said.

It was “quite a shock” when he was mobilized last Thanksgiving, Meese said, but George quickly focused on how he could leverage his experience and masters degree in business to contribute to the mission.

Major Brett Sylvia, who went through West Point with George, said his friend “was always genuinely unafraid to enjoy life.”

“He immersed himself in people,” Sylvia said. “They were his priority. It's what made him a good friend and leader.”

Sylvia said George's mission in Iraq was to help the people stand on their own, guiding them in gaining better water, electricity, education and other services.

He was charged with helping the local economy, to take young men off the streets.

“It was a noble and Herculean mission,” Sylvia said. “I am honored and humbled to have known him. He embodied selfless service.”

Sylvia said that George is the first person in their West Point class to die in combat.

“JG, I'll see you on the high ground,” Sylvia said.

Doves

Following the speakers, George's parents were escorted to the outside area to see the release of 21 white doves.

Prior to their release, Candy Mason gently accepted one dove, which she held up to her face, closing her eyes for a moment.

She let it go and watched it fly freely to the sky.


 

Posted online June 3, 2009; print edition Vol. 110, No. 9, June 10, 2009