| Jarod Cravens October 29, 2011 Afghanistan |
| Jarod Keith Cravens , Age 32, October 29 2011 died as the result of injuries sustained when a suicide car bomber attacked the armored personnel carrier in which he was traveling in Kabul, Afghanistan. Jarod enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, after graduating from Cedar Hill High School in 1998 and served his country proudly until his honorable discharge in 2006. During his years of service, Jarod earned a number of honors including being awarded the Navy Commendation Medal by the Secretary of the United States Navy in 2002. He was awarded this medal in recognition of the decisive and immediate action he took in saving the life of a young boy who was drowning in a pool near the home Jarod shared with his family while he was stationed in San Diego, California. At the time of his death, Jarod was working for Fluor Corporation in Kabul, Afghanistan as part of their work with the U.S. Army's Logistics Civil Augmentation Program IV (LOGCAP). By providing contractor support and logistics work for U.S. military troops stationed in Afghanistan, Jarod felt as though he was able to continue giving himself to the fight for freedom he believed in so strongly, while also providing for the family he adored. A lover of life, Jarod was always in search of the next great adventure. The thing he loved, second only to his family, was spending time with them making memories. He did just that when he spent the two weeks prior to his death at home enjoying such things with them as trips to the State Fair of Texas, Six Flags Over Texas, game 4 of the World Series, an obstacle course endurance race, and the list goes on. The gift of those memories is priceless and will be treasured and remembered always. Jarod, Until we meet again Semper Fi! Jarod leaves to forever cherish his memory, his beloved wife, two precious children, and numerous other family members and friends. |
| “In February 2013, the Secretary of Defense is awarding Jarod, posthumously, with the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom. It’s the civilian equivalent to the Purple Heart for DoD employees injured or killed while serving our country in hostile situations. His wife and children will accept the medal on Jarod's behalf.” |
| “Little would we know as we watched the twin towers fall how much 9/11 would affect our family in years to come. The ripples from 9/11 hit home for us when Jarod and his convoy were hit by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. As we sipped our coffee or hot tea, drove our children to school, and spoke with our co- workers little could we have imagined that we were just minutes away from a calculated terrorist attack that would change our lives and the lives of those around us forever. Little did we know that the day would result in so much death, sadness, loss and tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost a loved one in the fight to defend our country.” Jarod's Family |
