Photo By Spc. Ryan Stroud | Col. David Sutherland, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and...... read more read more
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By Spc. Ryan Stroud
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
BAQUBAH, Iraq (April 09, 2007) -- "It is difficult to stand here knowing Sgt. Shaffer is no longer with us, but I take comfort in knowing that he's surrounded by those who loved him. He is in the ranks of the fallen heroes who now embrace him," said Capt. Alexis Rivera.
"Sergeant Shaffer had all the best Soldier traits," continued Rivera, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
"He was usually quiet, but aggressive when necessary. "He was great in everything he did and everyone in the company looked up to him.
"Because of those qualities, he brought to the Scout Platoon a personality that brightened the mood of all," Rivera said.
"He could always be counted on no matter how difficult the situation could be, yet he led from the front while never complaining," he said. "Never once through the entire time of my command had he ever complained."
Shaffer died from wounds received in combat, April 5. He is survived by his wife and family.
Soldiers gathered into Salie Gym at Forward Operating Base Warhorse to pay their last respects to their fallen brother-in-arms by rendering one last salute to a memorial of Shaffer's boots, his weapon and his helmet. Soldiers also spoke of memories of their lost comrade.
"I remember when we first came to the unit, three and a half years ago," said Cpl. Adam Dreher, HHC, 1-12 CAB. "There were five of us; all straight from Ft. Knox (Kentucky) and all five of us were [privates]. We found ourselves having to hit the ground running since the unit had already been issued orders sending us to [Operation Iraqi Freedom II].
"On our third day, we had an inspection on our [equipment and helmets]," he continued. "I watched as the platoon sergeant came down the row, checking everyone, and stopping once he got to us. We had just got the nameplates made up and held them in one hand, with our [helmet] in the other.
"The platoon sergeant nodded at first until he looked down at the end of the row and saw Sergeant Shaffer, then [private], with his [equipment and helmet nametapes] already sewn up, ready to go," Dreher said. "From that moment on, everybody knew that Sergeant Shaffer was in 'a league of his own.'
"Professionally, Sergeant Shaffer quickly became a subject-matter expert on any piece of equipment the platoon had," he said. "When we moved from an infantry battalion to a combined arms battalion and were given Bradley [Fighting Vehicles], the trend continued.
"It would take me the hands of everyone here to count the number of times someone would have a question about the Bradley itself and have it answered with, 'you have to get with Shaffer, he would know,'" Dreher said with a small smile.
"Sergeant Shaffer even brought his expertise from the civilian world into his military life," he continued. "Before Sergeant Shaffer joined the Army, he was a qualified EMT technician.
"He had a bag prepared that rivaled the aid bag that the medics carry," he said. "When his Bradley was hit by an [improvised explosive device] earlier in the deployment, Sergeant Shaffer professionally evaluated and treated his driver who had suffered a broken arm in the incident.
"Personally, Jason was always someone to look up to, someone you could always rely on when in a pinch," said Dreher. "Jason wasn't always the most talkative person; however, he was the old saying, 'Actions speak louder than words.'
"He was always prepared for anything to come his way and would never hesitate to help anyone out," he said. "He was a loving husband, father and friend."
As the memorial ceremony came to a close, the Soldiers said their last goodbyes to Shaffer and gave their regards to his family.
"I ask you to love each other," said Lt. Col. Morris Goins, commander of 1-12 'Chargers', to his group of mourning Soldiers.
"Open your hearts and let your hurt out so we can continue to make our families, our fallen, senior Chargers and our nation proud," he said. "Do nothing that will cheat the face in the glass."
"To Mrs. Shaffer and family, your husband will be missed by so many," Goins said. "You lost a husband [and] we've lost a brother."
"I am honored to stand here today to speak of his accomplishments and to have had the opportunity to serve beside him," said Rivera. "Whenever our guidon flies, our company will always remember his spirit.
"Sergeant Shaffer's place is in the Scout Platoon in the HHC family," he continued. "We'll miss him, our combat-in-arms, our friend, our hero.
"To my [Soldiers], we will remember Sgt. Jason Shaffer for his selfless service and we'll carry his memories forever," Rivera said.
"My thoughts go out to his wife and family," said Dreher. "Their loss is indescribable.
"My grief for this platoon is inexpressible, as we have lost so much," he added.
"Mostly, however, I mourn for those who never met Sgt. Shaffer," Dreher concluded. "He was truly a hero."
| Date Taken: | 04.11.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 04.11.2007 10:17 |
| Story ID: | 9863 |
| Location: | BAQUBAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 576 |
| Downloads: | 453 |
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