Salute a fallen Soldier – Fort Lee/Petersburg Virginia June 2

One of the benefits of my job is that I get to work directly with the U.S. Armed Forces on a daily basis. And, as a result of this, I am also all too aware of what happens in theater. Sometimes our children, our parents, our friends, our neighbors, and family members do not come home. Please feel free to share the following information with your  network, especially those in the central VA area who love and support our Troops, particularly around Prince George County and the Tri-Cities area. This is a native son, coming home to rest after the ultimate sacrifice. I would love to see a huge turnout for Jesse. The Patriot Guard will be riding in support of the family.
 
This morning I arrived at work to find this email:
 

To my Military family,

It is with great sadness that I inform you that my son, CPT Jesse Aaron Ozbat was killed in Afghanistan on 20 May 2012. Words can not describe all the emotions and the STING of death our family feels. He was a Man of Honor and Integrity. He was 28 years old. He graduated from Prince George High School in 2002 and from Virginia State University in 2006. He was the kind of Man you would want your daughter to marry. So much more than that….

 But I want you to know that I know, I will see him again. Our conversations over that lase few years have been about the Lord and especially the last several months. We was at Fort Sill in August and Jesse and his wife were home for Christmas. We spent some quality time in God’s Word and in fellowship. Before they left from Christmas vacation I hugged him, kissed his neck, and told him I love him and I will see him again.

 Again, two day before he left for Afghanistan I called him and we talked and we prayed together. I encouraged him to strengthen his relationship with the Lord, to draw close to the Lord and He would draw close to him. We prayed and asked the Lord to strengthen Jesse to assure him that where ever he goes the Lord Jesus is with him; you take him with you. Again I said, I will see you again.

This separation is temporary. I will see him when I get home. Please remember his wife, his High School Sweetheart, Danielle. There are many tough days ahead. Please remember the other Soldier Killed also, 2LT Alexander. Others were also injured but we have not been given much information concerning the details of this incident.

CPT Jesse Aaron Ozbat will be buried in Blanford Cemetary on 2 June 2012. All the particulars have not been locked in yet but will be forthcoming.

This Memorial Day is up close and personal for me, my family, his wife’s family and all that knew Jesse personally.

I want you to know I appreciate all that you do and have done wearing the uniform of our country. For standing up and defending and sacrificing for freedom. Freedom has a high price and there are few who are willing to pay that price. My son was one who gave all. Let us never forget him. Let us never forget your service and why you/we did what we did and why you do what you do and what may be required, even your life. I will never forget…

Aaron Ozbat

1SG, Retired

Since his father wrote this email, we have learned that Jesse, who is from Prince George County, was killed in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan when enemy forces attacked his unit with an IED.
 
I know this is short notice, but if you could find time in your day on Saturday to help us line the route between the Memorial Chapel on Fort Lee to Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, VA where Jesse will be laid to rest, it would show his family that his death did not go unnoticed and that his sacrifice – and theirs – is appreciated. You will only need to be in place until the procession passes.

The route will start at Memorial Chapel on Fort Lee at approximately 11:00 a.m. (Funeral is at 10:00 for anyone who would like to attend)
It will proceed through Fort Lee exiting through the Mahone Gate on Hickory Hill Road.
From Hickory Hill Rd, it will turn right onto Route 460 West
From 460 West the route will bear right onto Winfield Road
Stay straight on Winfield until the stop sign
Turn right at Crater Road
Follow to Blandford Cemetery on the right
 
You may gather at any of these locations to show your support. If you wish to attend the service, the Memorial Chapel is located at 1901 Sisisky Blvd on Fort Lee.