Welcome Home SSG Jeffrey Hall
June 7th, 2009 by Admin
SSG Jeffrey Hall returned home today after a long trip from Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the trip was not a joyous one. On Jun 1st, he was killed by an IED in Afghanistan. Today, the fallen hero's body arrived here in Huntsville from Dover AFB.
Photo courtesy of Robin Conn of the Huntsville Times
At 0800 this morning, I joined a group of fellow patriots in greeting the plane carrying his body in order to escort him to the funeral home and then to his final resting place. I joined approximately 60 motorcycles, mostly fellow members of the Patriot Guard Riders, and about 300 Huntsvillians at the airport. At almost 1000, the plane landed. Seven Soldiers in Class A uniforms were in already in formation in preparation of the taxiing airplane's arrival. It seemed as if the entire Huntsville and Madison County Police Departments had come out to show their support. TSA, local Fire Departments, and other agencies also paid their respects. Vets With Vettes, a group of veteran Corvette owners, lined the route on I-565 with flags and honor.
With almost precision-like perfection, the Soldiers removed the casket and marched the thirty feet or so to the hearse. As they did this veterans, Soldiers, and patriots either saluted or had their hands over their hearts in honor of this brave warrior who gave his life for his country.
Photo courtesy of Robin Conn of the Huntsville Times
Huntsville City and Madison County law restricts the number of vehicles in a funeral procession to 25. Motorcycles count as one, so our numbers were limited. Once the family members and friends were counted, only ten bikes were allowed in the procession – six up front and four in the rear. The rest of us stood on line saluting the passing caravan until the last police car had passed. We formed our own caravan and followed the procession to the funeral home.
The line of vehicles seemed to go on forever, at least a mile or more. Cars pulled off the road on respect as SSG Hall's body passed them. The local newspaper had publicized his arrival and encouraged the public to honor him. Honor him they did. Likewise, the weather couldn't have been more perfect. The piercing blue sky was dotted with clouds that seemed to follow us from the airport to the funeral home while being careful not to obscure the beautiful sunlight highlighting the arrival of an American hero.
At the funeral home, a group of PGR riders had left earlier to provide a flag line through which SSG Hall and his family passed upon arriving. The riders stood at attention, holding large American flags attached to PVC pipe and gently fluttering in the light breeze. The day couldn't have been more perfect for his arrival and it was my honor to escort this hero to the funeral home.
SSG Hall, 28, was married to his wife, Allison, and had an 11-month-old daughter named Audrey Faith whom he last saw when she was six months old.
Tags: afghanistan, fallen hero, ssg jeffrey hall
Posted in America's Finest, Military Perspective
Thank you CJ for a wonderful tribute to a fallen Hero!! My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Thank you CJ for a wonderful tribute to a fallen Hero!! My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Sorry… forgot to say great post – can't wait to read your next one!
What a beautiful tribute to another Hero. SSG Hall you will not be forgotten. God Bless the Hall family and may he rest in peace. My heart and prayers are with you.
That just brings tears to you eyes.
Welcome home, Staff. Prayers are for you and your family.
NY-David
God Bless SSG Jeffrey Hall and his family!!
Thank You CJ for this post and to all of you for making his homecoming one of respect for him and what he stood for in fighting for this great country!!
God Bless SSG Jeffrey Hall and his family. Your world has stopped, and God Bless everyone who stopped with you. Thank you for your service and sacrifices. You're a hero and a patriot, SSG Hall. God is sure to send you on a new mission in angel wings. Peace be with you all!
I'm glad they brought you home in style, SGT. You are were the best Squad Leader I have ever, and will ever have. Rest in peace.
First I would like to say that this man was one of the most loyal, dependable and trustworthy friends I have ever had. I will truly miss him but I am grateful for all the memories we made over the past 9 short years. I know that nothing I say on this blog will pay tribute to his memory the way he deserves so I will leave it at that. By the way, Jeff's daughter's name is Audrey Faith, not Audrey Rose, as indicated previously on this site. Thank you, Jeffrey. Rest in peace. Rangers lead the way!
SSG Michael Wood.
I'm married to Shane Richard. He was with you and SSG Hall @ Dahlonega. He is currently on his third deployment and told me of the news and how he knew SSG Hall. They were buddies through PRP and Ranger School. He is eager to touch bases with you. His yahoo is spartan96857@yahoo.com and AKO is Shane.Richard@us.army.mil
God Bless
Laura
WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT A TRUE AMERICAN SOLDIER YOU PICTURE A MAN JUST LIKE JEFF. HE ALWAYS CARED FOR HIS BUDDIES AND SOLDIERS BEFORE HIMSELF,I WILL NEVER FORGET THE DAY I MET HIM BEFORE WE WERE SENT TO DAHLONEGA 9 YRS AGO, HE WAS FILLED WITH MOTIVATION AND FIRE FOR THE JOB. NOW I KNOW HE IS UP ABOVE IN AN OVERWATCH POSITION PULLING SECURITY FOR US, THANK YOU BROTHER AND WE'LL SEE YOU ON DOWN THE ROAD. RLTW AATW
What a moving tribute to a great american hero. My prayers and thought are with his family and friends.
After reading the moving story about SSG Hall, I feel compelled to share with everyone a great website that was founded by John Nagele, a former police policeman and EMT who saw the need to help families of loved one's who were injured or gave the ultimate sacrifice such as SSG Hall did.
This innovative fundraising idea get cash money into the hands of families in a time of need. If you would like more information, please visit the site http://HonoringHeroes.com
Again, my heart goes out to those who have lost family members in the line of duty. They are true heroes.
I opened the Army times today to see a friends face, instantly my HEART sank to the ground on why his picture was there. I never expected to see a dear friend on those pages. I first met Jeff in Dahlonega where we were stationed together in the RSE platoon. We have remained friends since that day. There is no words to decribe how I feel. The world is a less bright place without Jeff. Jeff was a dear friend I will miss him everyday and his memory will always be in my life. Thankyou Jeff…. Hall family I am ever sorry for your loss. 706-482-8133
I remember when his dad, my co-worker, first mentioned that his son was signing up for service, and getting a lump in my throat. Just knowing that a young man has it in him to sign up for such duty always impresses me. Thank you, SSG Hall, and bless Charlie, Annette, and Emily, and Alison and Audrey with whatever comfort and pride they can find knowing that Jeff sacrificed all for millions of us.