A lot of guys would fight it, or hire a lawyer to get out of it, but he didn't He said, 'This is my duty and I'm gonna go.' He had no hesitation, which is a real tribute to how he felt about his country.
    — Ted Williams, George's West Point roommate

    George, 38, was among three soldiers killed May 21 when a roadside bomb exploded near them while they were on foot patrol near an outdoor market in south Baghdad's Dora district. Others who knew George recalled his quick wit, his devotion to his mother and stepfather and his affinity for American cars, the Dodgers and the California lifestyle. An Eagle Scout, George was appointed to West Point after spending his first year of college at Cal State Bakersfield.
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    15 memories of Jason E. George

    JG was a soldier through and through. He was using his skills from the civilian world to make an impact on the lives of the Iraqis - a truly noble endeavor. His passing conjures two strong thoughts. First, the enduring altruism of Soldiers like JG who commit themselves to making the world a better place. Second, the senseless acts of terrorism and violence that Americans committed to defeating across the globe.

    "For the whole earth is the tomb of famous men; not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them,
    graven not on stone but in the hearts of men." ~Pericles (c. 600 B.C.)

    — Brett Sylvia
    May 25, 2009 at 6:09 a.m.

    JG is a great American and Patriot who has given that last full measure of devotion for generations of free men and women around the world. During our Plebe year at West Point JG and the rest of our classmates were required to take a poetry course. One of the poems we studied which JG embodies is Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

    "How dull it is to pause, to make an end." JG was always looking for next new opportunity which would allow him to share his talents to impact the lives of those he encountered on a daily basis.

    The poem concludes, "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." JG spent this life reaching, searching and finding myriad successes which only fueled his quest for new opportunities. Jason would not yield to obstacles or adversity, it was that example and leadership that empowered and inspired those of us who were fortunate enough to know him.

    Be Thou at Peace and thank you for your devotion, example and sacrifice.

    — Shawn N. Olds
    May 25, 2009 at 3:20 p.m.

    I fell in love with Jason when my family and I met him on the day we took our son Spencer to West Point. I watched JG grow into a truly kind, considerate, and totally genuine young man in those next four years, and then afterwards into a fine and capable Army officer. The last time I saw that brilliant smile of his in person was at Spencer's wedding last summer....as usual he was happy, working the crowd, flirting, and having the time of his life in the midst of both old friends and new-made ones alike. He was a universal man, and a good friend to so many who will now sorely miss his presence on this earthly plane. Heaven has indeed gained a new star....and I shall treasure the thought of seeing him again there one day. My heart aches for the sadness his parents must endure....may the Lord numb your pain, and fill your hearts instead with fond memories of your much-loved son. May God bless you at this sorrowful time. I hope it helps to know that I am but one of so many who will miss beyond words our incredible JG .....

    — Sherry Kympton
    May 25, 2009 at 4:05 p.m.

    Jason was a man in full. His honor, intelligence, competitiveness, loyalty and humor are unmatched. The United States has given one of its best with his passing. May God bless and comfort his family, friends and fellow soldiers. Rest in Peace, Jason.

    — Justin Gernot
    May 25, 2009 at 6:59 p.m.

    MAJ George guided me through the West Point admissions process and showed confidence in me when I needed it the most. He went out of his way to listen to me and my family years after I'd been accepted and beyond his responsibility. He was always quick to offer great advice and much needed words of encouragement. "Be thou at peace"

    — Alex Pappas
    May 26, 2009 at 5:17 a.m.

    I am deeply saddened that such a beautiful man, inside and out, has been taken from our grasp. God Bless you Jason. Your commitment to service is why I am able to see my children and family every day. Words cannot express my gratitude. Your beautiful smile, your commitment, will never be forgotten.

    — Julie Benz Sanchez
    May 26, 2009 at 8:25 p.m.

    I had the all to brief opportunity to serve with this great American as a member of the West Point Field Force in Chicago. His memory will serve as an inspiration to all who are in any way a part of the Long Grey Line. May he rest in peace.

    — Terrence J. Benshoof
    May 27, 2009 at 6:22 p.m.

    I knew Jason well- when we were assigned to Fort Riley as lieutenants together in the mid-90s.

    His engineer platoon supported my tank company at NTC and as the breach PL, Jason and I worked closely together.
    Later, we went to Bosnia together as part of TF 1-41- he was the battalion engineer and I was the Alpha Co. (tank) XO.

    I'm stunned and in shock as I read this- God Speed, Jason- a great man and Army officer. You are deeply missed, my friend.

    — Major Kirk Luedeke
    May 28, 2009 at 9:59 a.m.

    I met Jason in 8th grade - what seems like so long ago - and he was a wonderful young man back then. Not surprisingly he became an exceptional man, soldier, and hero. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

    — T. Chulyak
    May 28, 2009 at 8:43 p.m.

    My deepest sympathy goes out to Jason family and friends,God promise that he will wipe out every tear from our eyes,and death will be no more,neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.The former things have passed away.

    — Hope
    May 29, 2009 at 12:35 a.m.

    As a vetern but having never met Jason, I say thank you for serving this county. Thank you Sir.

    — D.R.Mc Curdy
    May 29, 2009 at 2:28 p.m.

    I'm a Viet Nam veteran and I know the pain of losing someone you served with. Major George did not run from his colors, he served honorably and gave his life for his country. Rest in peace Major Jason George and may God be with you and your family.

    — Dan Wallis
    June 17, 2009 at 3:55 p.m.

    I met MAJ George at Fort Bragg, NC we shared a tent togther and we were both volunteers for this deployment he from Cali and i from Virginia i then deployed with him an outstanding soldier and officer and he his deffinetly going to be missed by the 252 CAB. you are a hero to us all and we all wish for you the best...HOOOAH SIR!

    — SPC Cook Brian
    August 4, 2009 at 9:35 a.m.

    We miss you and thank you for your sacrifice. May your family find peace in knowing you were doing what you loved, serving others. I will forever remember your smile. Godspeed Major Jason George

    Classmate
    Tehachapi, CA

    — Nancy Brady
    January 22, 2010 at 7:54 p.m.

    A man of high moral character and good nature,
    Major Jason George was an outstanding man and an excellent officer. His approach to life was something to be admired and one in which I aspire to achieve daily. I had the fortune of meeting and serving with him during pre- deployment and deployment to Iraq in 2009 and in an environment that was high stress, his smile and cool demeanor was a welcomed change. We remember and will never forget. May his family know that he walked softly upon this Earth, but left a footprint that will last forever.

    — 1LT Ellis Parks
    May 10, 2011 at 9:34 a.m.

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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 736 California servicemembers and 490 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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