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DEDICATING THE EAST HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE
POST OFFICE IN HONOR OF CAPTAIN JONATHAN D. GRASSBAUGH
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. |
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