Overview of Jonn's Life add your text. |
Jonn was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on January 3, 1981. Jonn's family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming when Jonn was six weeks old and did not relocate again. Jonn was very active as a youngster. The word youngster is used because Jonn was never a child. He was always mature beyond his years and grew up very quickly. Jonn was continually organizing games of laser tag, camping in the windbreak, building snowball forts, and playing paintball. Jonn started playing soccer in third grade and later played on a competitve team. He loved competitive games and not just ones that involved running. He enjoyed a good match of chess, Chinese Checkers, and Monopoly. He would play until he won and he did not grow out of that as an adult. Perhaps Jonn had been training to be a Ranger since childhood. Jonn graduated from Cheyenne East High School in May 1999. He entered the US Army in Denver, Colorado on July 20, 1999. He attended One Station Unit Training, Airborne School and the 75th Ranger Regiment's Ranger Indoctrination Program at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was assigned to Bravo Company 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia on December 16, 1999. Jonn returned to Cheyenne, Wyoming in December 1999 where he married his best friend and soul mate, Anne Costello on December 27, 1999. Jonn and Anne returned to Fort Benning in January 2000. Jonn moved up efficiently as a Ranger. He graduated Ranger School, straight through, on March 16, 2001. He was always sure to tell people that he couldn't have done it without the letters and food from his wife. After Ranger School, he moved up to Gunner Team Leader in 1st Platoon Bravo Company. Jonn enjoyed the Ranger life, and he also enjoyed his life at home. Jonn and Anne loved to travel and were able to visit many places including Jonn's favorite, Washington D.C. and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina in July 2001. Jonn also adored his two four-legged children Darby, his dog, and Aspen, his cat. Jonn volunteered at Anne's jobs at the Benning Animal Hospital, Columbus Health Department, and SafeKids of Columbus as much as possible. He really enjoyed the simple pleasures in life such as going for walks, yard work, barbecuing, watching movies, stargazing, and watching the sunset. Jonn left his familiar and happy life at home in early October 2001 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Jonn was sad to leave Anne and his normal way of life, but he was anxious to make a difference for his family and country. Jonn died in a Black Hawk helicopter crash on October 19, 2001 in Pakistan. Jonn has touched many lives in both life and death. Jonn is not a hero because he died, he is a hero because he lived. He is an outstanding American and US Army Ranger. Specialist Jonn Edmunds' awards include the Army Service Ribbon, the Parachutist's Badge, the Ranger Tab, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star. lick here to add your text. |
Click here toCopyright 2002 Anne L. Edmunds add your text |
