Jeffrey A. Ammon
LT, USN
Killed In Action: 20 May, 2008
by Injuries Sustained from IED
Afghanistan
"For him, it was never about the politics.
All he ever talked about was helping the Afghan people, especially the children.
He was always trying to find some way to help the children.
He wanted to do anything that he could to help them have a better life."
—Robert Ammon
Links
I found out about Jeff's death the day before Memorial Day in 2008. I had lost touch with him after talking to him a few times while we were both serving on submarines in Bangor, WA. In the short time since I found out, I have found out a lot that has impressed me. At Oregon State, I knew him. He was a great guy, a good example to the other active duty students and to the midshipmen. Reading articles online, I have been impressed by his sense of duty. As the Deseret article states, "Ammon had been in Afghanistan for 14 months when he was killed, having just extended his tour to continue helping the people fix their buildings, restock shelves and hire new employees."
It is always hard to hear about a loss, and I have not heard a lot about how his family is handling his loss. My thoughts are with them as they have to move forward. As far as I know, Jeff was the first submariner on IA to be killed. The submarine force is a small community, and his family is in Bangor, where he was stationed. There is a large, active submarine community in the Kitsap Peninsula there. I know that the local community has been and will continue to be very supportive and will offer as much help as they can in the difficult time to follow.
The following quote was posted by Jeff's older brother in response to comments made on an article posted on the Salt Lake Tribune's website:
Robert Ammon: 5/23/2008 11:02:00 PM
On behalf of my family, I want to thank those who have expressed sympathy and condolences. We appreciate those of you that have taken the time to write and letting you know that your thoughts are appreciated was the least that I could do.
My baby brother will sorely missed by all, especially our family. I know that my brother believed in what he was doing. For him, it was never about the politics. All he ever talked about was helping the Afghan people, especially the children. He was always trying to find some way to help the children. He wanted to do anything that he could to help them have a better life.
Thanks to each of you for your thoughts and prayers.
