DEDICATING THE EAST HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE
POST OFFICE IN HONOR OF CAPTAIN JONATHAN D. GRASSBAUGH
Mr. President, On behalf of Hampstead, New Hampshire middle school
students, school board officials, board of selectmen, and residents,
I rise to honor a fallen hero, United States Army Ranger Captain
Jonathan David Grassbaugh, by introducing a bill to designate
the United States Postal Service facility at 59 Colby Corner in
East Hampstead, New Hampshire, as the “Captain Jonathan D. Grassbaugh
Post Office.”
Jon, as he was called by his family and friends,
moved to East Hampstead, New Hampshire, from St. Marys, Ohio,
in 1989. He attended Hampstead Central Elementary School and Hampstead
Middle School where his mother, Patricia, is principal.
Jon graduated high school from Phillips Exeter Academy,
in Exeter, New Hampshire, where he was a four-year honor student
in the Class of 1999. Jon left a remarkable impression on the
Phillips Exeter community; remembered for his manifestation of
the motto “Non Sibi” or “Not for Oneself,” a Latin phrase inscribed
on the Academy’s seal. Jon exemplified his passion for life through
his persistent dedication to his studies, tireless volunteer efforts
in school and the local community, commitment to the Academy’s
radio station, Grainger Observatory, and the school’s Washington
Internship Program.
Jon’s illustrious high school years were prologue
to a promising future, full of infinite potential. Jon enrolled
at Johns Hopkins University where he graduated in 2003, earning
a bachelors degree in computer science from the renowned Whiting
School of Engineering.
At a young age, Jon’s family instilled in him the
importance of volunteerism and service to the United States. Jon’s
father, Mark proudly served three and a half years as an Army
Ranger during Vietnam, and his older brother, West Point Alum
and Dartmouth Medical School graduate, Army Captain Dr. Jason
Grassbaugh, is currently serving as an orthopedic surgeon in Fort
Lewis, Washington. Jon continued this family tradition of service,
joining the Johns Hopkins Army ROTC Program, and eventually becoming
battalion commander his senior year. He also became a proud member
of the Pershing Rifles fraternal organization, captained the Ranger
Challenge Team, and won the national two-man duet drill team competition.
In a storybook setting, Jon met Jenna Parkinson,
a freshman ROTC cadet from Boxborough, Massachusetts, during his
senior year. Jon and Jenna slowly grew closer, watching movies
together during spring break, sharing flights to and from school,
and attending the military ball. A few short years later, Jon
proposed to Jenna on April 30, 2005, and the young couple subsequently
married on June 9, 2006, in a Cape Cod ceremony. Prior to their
wedding day, Jon and Jenna filled out a questionnaire for their
officiate which asked, “Where is a sacred spot, a place where
you feel most connected, most at peace and most inspired?” Jon’s
answer came in three loving words: “With my wife.”
Following graduation, Jon completed U.S. Army Ranger
School in April 2004 and served his country both at home and abroad.
He was assigned to the 7th Cavalry in The Republic of South Korea
and served as a member of the Army Hurricane Katrina Relief Team.
Later, Jon was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg,
North Carolina, where he and the now U.S. Army 2nd Lieutenant
Jenna Grassbaugh would reside.
Shortly after Jon and Jenna were married, he was
deployed for a second tour of duty in Iraq. Tragically, on April
7, 2007, Jon was one of four soldiers who died while conducting
a combat logistics patrol in Zaganiyah, Iraq. Throughout Jon’s
distinguished military service, he received a number of accolades
and commendations, including: the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart
Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint
Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense
Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service
Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal,
Army Service Ribbon, Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, and Parachutist
Badge.
Jon is remembered as a confident and mentally strong
leader, whose poise under pressure, intelligence, compassion,
and love for God, country and family transcends his passing. His
valor on the field of battle was equally as impressive as his
undying loyalty to and love for his squadron. One well-known anecdote
recalls a combat operation in which Jon had pizza flown by helicopter
from 100 kilometers away to where his troops were conducting combat
operations in an effort to lift morale. Jon left a legacy that
continues to inspire our nation’s future leaders from Hampstead
and Exeter, New Hampshire, Johns Hopkins, and those he proudly
served beside in Iraq.
On a deep and personal note, for those who had the
sincere privilege and honor to meet Jon, it was evident his exuberance
for life and new experiences, ingenuity, and academic acumen destined
him for greatness. By the time of his death, Jon had achieved
more than most individuals do in a lifetime, a testimonial to
his family’s love and guidance through his young life, and Jenna’s
warmth and support as he fought for our nation.
Today, Jonathan Grassbaugh rests in peace at one
of our nation’s most hallowed and sacred grounds, Arlington National
Cemetery – his rightful place among generations of brave Americans
who sacrificed their lives in defense of this country. His loved
ones will forever remember him as a loving husband, son, brother,
and friend. Let it be known, the citizens of New Hampshire and
our nation are eternally in debt to Jonathan David Grassbaugh,
an honorable son of New Hampshire, an American Patriot, and a
guardian of liberty.
Mr. President, I would like to ask unanimous consent
that a copy of the Hampstead, New Hampshire Board of Selectmen’s
letter of support to dedicate the East Hampstead, New Hampshire
Post Office, as the “Captain Jonathan D. Grassbaugh Post Office”
be inserted in the Record following my statement.