Sergeant 1st Class Jeffrey Kenneth Griffey, age 37, a member of the United States Army for the past 19.5 years, stationed at Fort Bragg, NC died unexpectedly on Friday, December 7, 2012. Jeff was born on January 28, 1975 in Chicago, IL to Kenneth and Rusty (Agnes A. Moore) Griffey. The Ken Griffey family moved to Michigan, November 1, 1985. Jeff joined the U.S. Army in July of 1993 and completed his basic combat training and advanced individual training at Fort Hood, MO. He arrived at Fort Bragg's 82nd Airborne Division in 2006, where he served as a senior maintenance noncommissioned officer in charge, platoon sergeant, maintenance supervisor, maintenance control sergeant and motor sergeant. Jeff served on two combat deployments: he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003 to January 2004 and Operation Enduring Freedom from January to October 2007. He was currently serving as an air movement liaison with the 782nd Brigade Support, 4th Brigade Combat Team. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with service star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, The Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War of Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, The Armed Forces Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge with Bronze Service Star and the Pathfinder Badge. Jeff was an enrolled member of the Oneida Tribe of Indians in Green Bay, WI. Jeff was an active member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association - CVMA 15-3 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #4524 of Spring Lake, NC. Surviving is his wife, Kimberly M. Griffey (Batog); his three children, Clarissa June, Casey Ryan and Jeffrey Cage Griffey, all of Southern Pines, NC; his mum, Rusty Griffey of Byron Center (New Salem), MI; father, Ken Griffey; sister, Heather A. (Doug) Frank of Zeeland, MI; his brother, Bill M. (Cori) Griffey of Richland, MI; two nieces, Kristine Main and Emma Griffey; two nephews, Ryan Lowing and Mikey Griffey; three aunts, four uncles, numerous cousins and a host of friends. Family will receive friends on Sunday, December 16, 2012 from 2:00PM to 6:00PM at Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037. The funeral services to celebrate Jeff's life will be held at the funeral home on Monday, December 17, 2012 at 10:00AM with Chaplain Colonel Will Henson, officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI with full Military Honors bestowed by the United States Army Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Griffey Children's Educational Trust Fund, in care of Chemical Bank of Michigan. Friends may send condolences or share a memory at baxterfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service (269) 788-9800
Published in Grand Rapids Press on December 14, 2012
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FORT BRAGG, North Carolina -- Paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division came together to pay tribute to one of their fallen comrades, Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Griffey, during a memorial service held Jan. 15, here at the All American Chapel.
He was assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th BCT and deployed twice during his 19-year career, once to Iraq and most recently to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Master Sgt. Jerry Hanshaw, from Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is currently assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th BCT. He served as Griffey's first sergeant for almost three years. Hanshaw said Griffey left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
"He was a leader who led with passion and emotion," said Hanshaw, who spoke on Griffey's behalf during the ceremony.
Hanshaw continued, saying that Griffey always went out of his way to ensure that his troopers were taken care of and that he guarded them as if they were his own children.
Another paratrooper who worked closely with Griffey also spoke on his behalf during the service.
"It was truly an honor to know, serve with and call Jeff a true friend," said Sgt. 1st Class William Holman, from Fayetteville, N.C., currently assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th BCT.
Griffey's three children: Clarissa, Casey and Jeffrey, were the main priority in Griffey's life, said Holman. "He was the father that I only wish I could be," added Holman.
Holman had a close relationship, both personally and professionally with Griffey. The two served together as jumpmasters in the division and Griffey was the best man in Holman's wedding.
"As a friend, Jeff was the only guy I could always count on," said Holman. "He was still recovering from an accident during my wedding and had to use a cane to walk but he was willing to crawl down the aisle if he had to, just to stand by my side," he added.
During the service, the 82nd Airborne Division's All American Chorus sang Amazing Grace and a 21-gun salute was rendered in Griffey's honor.
Emotion filled the room as the service concluded. Those in attendance had the opportunity to pay their final respects as they saluted a memorial display consisting of a picture of Griffey, jump boots and an M-16 rifle topped with a maroon beret: symbolic of a fallen paratrooper.
Afterward, Hanshaw said that what stood out most about Griffey was that he always remained positive, even in the worst of times.
"He had a great attitude because he was doing what he loved to do, which was being a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division," said Hanshaw. "We were a hell of a team."
****************
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Published in Grand Rapids Press on December 14, 2012
*******************
FORT BRAGG, North Carolina -- Paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division came together to pay tribute to one of their fallen comrades, Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Griffey, during a memorial service held Jan. 15, here at the All American Chapel.
He was assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th BCT and deployed twice during his 19-year career, once to Iraq and most recently to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Master Sgt. Jerry Hanshaw, from Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is currently assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th BCT. He served as Griffey's first sergeant for almost three years. Hanshaw said Griffey left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
"He was a leader who led with passion and emotion," said Hanshaw, who spoke on Griffey's behalf during the ceremony.
Hanshaw continued, saying that Griffey always went out of his way to ensure that his troopers were taken care of and that he guarded them as if they were his own children.
Another paratrooper who worked closely with Griffey also spoke on his behalf during the service.
"It was truly an honor to know, serve with and call Jeff a true friend," said Sgt. 1st Class William Holman, from Fayetteville, N.C., currently assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th BCT.
Griffey's three children: Clarissa, Casey and Jeffrey, were the main priority in Griffey's life, said Holman. "He was the father that I only wish I could be," added Holman.
Holman had a close relationship, both personally and professionally with Griffey. The two served together as jumpmasters in the division and Griffey was the best man in Holman's wedding.
"As a friend, Jeff was the only guy I could always count on," said Holman. "He was still recovering from an accident during my wedding and had to use a cane to walk but he was willing to crawl down the aisle if he had to, just to stand by my side," he added.
During the service, the 82nd Airborne Division's All American Chorus sang Amazing Grace and a 21-gun salute was rendered in Griffey's honor.
Emotion filled the room as the service concluded. Those in attendance had the opportunity to pay their final respects as they saluted a memorial display consisting of a picture of Griffey, jump boots and an M-16 rifle topped with a maroon beret: symbolic of a fallen paratrooper.
Afterward, Hanshaw said that what stood out most about Griffey was that he always remained positive, even in the worst of times.
"He had a great attitude because he was doing what he loved to do, which was being a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division," said Hanshaw. "We were a hell of a team."
****************
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Sergeant 1st Class Jeffrey Kenneth Griffey, age 37, a member of the United States Army for the past 19.5 years, stationed at Fort Bragg, NC died unexpectedly on Friday, December 7, 2012. Jeff was born on January 28, 1975 in Chicago, IL to Kenneth and Rusty (Agnes A. Moore) Griffey. The Ken Griffey family moved to Michigan, November 1, 1985. Jeff joined the U.S. Army in July of 1993 and completed his basic combat training and advanced individual training at Fort Hood, MO. He arrived at Fort Bragg's 82nd Airborne Division in 2006, where he served as a senior maintenance noncommissioned officer in charge, platoon sergeant, maintenance supervisor, maintenance control sergeant and motor sergeant. Jeff served on two combat deployments: he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003 to January 2004 and Operation Enduring Freedom from January to October 2007. He was currently serving as an air movement liaison with the 782nd Brigade Support, 4th Brigade Combat Team. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with service star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, The Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War of Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, The Armed Forces Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge with Bronze Service Star and the Pathfinder Badge. Jeff was an enrolled member of the Oneida Tribe of Indians in Green Bay, WI. Jeff was an active member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association - CVMA 15-3 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #4524 of Spring Lake, NC. Surviving is his wife, Kimberly M. Griffey (Batog); his three children, Clarissa June, Casey Ryan and Jeffrey Cage Griffey, all of Southern Pines, NC; his mum, Rusty Griffey of Byron Center (New Salem), MI; father, Ken Griffey; sister, Heather A. (Doug) Frank of Zeeland, MI; his brother, Bill M. (Cori) Griffey of Richland, MI; two nieces, Kristine Main and Emma Griffey; two nephews, Ryan Lowing and Mikey Griffey; three aunts, four uncles, numerous cousins and a host of friends. Family will receive friends on Sunday, December 16, 2012 from 2:00PM to 6:00PM at Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037. The funeral services to celebrate Jeff's life will be held at the funeral home on Monday, December 17, 2012 at 10:00AM with Chaplain Colonel Will Henson, officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI with full Military Honors bestowed by the United States Army Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Griffey Children's Educational Trust Fund, in care of Chemical Bank of Michigan. Friends may send condolences or share a memory at baxterfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service (269) 788-9800
Published in Grand Rapids Press on December 14, 2012
*******************
FORT BRAGG, North Carolina -- Paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division came together to pay tribute to one of their fallen comrades, Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Griffey, during a memorial service held Jan. 15, here at the All American Chapel.
He was assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th BCT and deployed twice during his 19-year career, once to Iraq and most recently to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Master Sgt. Jerry Hanshaw, from Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is currently assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th BCT. He served as Griffey's first sergeant for almost three years. Hanshaw said Griffey left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
"He was a leader who led with passion and emotion," said Hanshaw, who spoke on Griffey's behalf during the ceremony.
Hanshaw continued, saying that Griffey always went out of his way to ensure that his troopers were taken care of and that he guarded them as if they were his own children.
Another paratrooper who worked closely with Griffey also spoke on his behalf during the service.
"It was truly an honor to know, serve with and call Jeff a true friend," said Sgt. 1st Class William Holman, from Fayetteville, N.C., currently assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th BCT.
Griffey's three children: Clarissa, Casey and Jeffrey, were the main priority in Griffey's life, said Holman. "He was the father that I only wish I could be," added Holman.
Holman had a close relationship, both personally and professionally with Griffey. The two served together as jumpmasters in the division and Griffey was the best man in Holman's wedding.
"As a friend, Jeff was the only guy I could always count on," said Holman. "He was still recovering from an accident during my wedding and had to use a cane to walk but he was willing to crawl down the aisle if he had to, just to stand by my side," he added.
During the service, the 82nd Airborne Division's All American Chorus sang Amazing Grace and a 21-gun salute was rendered in Griffey's honor.
Emotion filled the room as the service concluded. Those in attendance had the opportunity to pay their final respects as they saluted a memorial display consisting of a picture of Griffey, jump boots and an M-16 rifle topped with a maroon beret: symbolic of a fallen paratrooper.
Afterward, Hanshaw said that what stood out most about Griffey was that he always remained positive, even in the worst of times.
"He had a great attitude because he was doing what he loved to do, which was being a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division," said Hanshaw. "We were a hell of a team."
****************
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Published in Grand Rapids Press on December 14, 2012
*******************
FORT BRAGG, North Carolina -- Paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division came together to pay tribute to one of their fallen comrades, Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Griffey, during a memorial service held Jan. 15, here at the All American Chapel.
He was assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th BCT and deployed twice during his 19-year career, once to Iraq and most recently to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Master Sgt. Jerry Hanshaw, from Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is currently assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th BCT. He served as Griffey's first sergeant for almost three years. Hanshaw said Griffey left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
"He was a leader who led with passion and emotion," said Hanshaw, who spoke on Griffey's behalf during the ceremony.
Hanshaw continued, saying that Griffey always went out of his way to ensure that his troopers were taken care of and that he guarded them as if they were his own children.
Another paratrooper who worked closely with Griffey also spoke on his behalf during the service.
"It was truly an honor to know, serve with and call Jeff a true friend," said Sgt. 1st Class William Holman, from Fayetteville, N.C., currently assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th BCT.
Griffey's three children: Clarissa, Casey and Jeffrey, were the main priority in Griffey's life, said Holman. "He was the father that I only wish I could be," added Holman.
Holman had a close relationship, both personally and professionally with Griffey. The two served together as jumpmasters in the division and Griffey was the best man in Holman's wedding.
"As a friend, Jeff was the only guy I could always count on," said Holman. "He was still recovering from an accident during my wedding and had to use a cane to walk but he was willing to crawl down the aisle if he had to, just to stand by my side," he added.
During the service, the 82nd Airborne Division's All American Chorus sang Amazing Grace and a 21-gun salute was rendered in Griffey's honor.
Emotion filled the room as the service concluded. Those in attendance had the opportunity to pay their final respects as they saluted a memorial display consisting of a picture of Griffey, jump boots and an M-16 rifle topped with a maroon beret: symbolic of a fallen paratrooper.
Afterward, Hanshaw said that what stood out most about Griffey was that he always remained positive, even in the worst of times.
"He had a great attitude because he was doing what he loved to do, which was being a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division," said Hanshaw. "We were a hell of a team."
****************
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
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