Fallen Soldiers and Heroes

June 5, 1966 - November 3, 2008 AMC LSE - TF Victory US Army DOD My brother Sgt. Jeffrey L. Elsberry served in Kuwait 2002-2003. He spent a total of 14 years in military service. In April of 2008, Jeff became associated with a civilian company and went to Bagram, Afghanistan. His goal was to help train soldiers to maintain their equipment and do their jobs to the best of their ability. November 3, 2008 just 2 weeks prior to his scheduled return home, Jeff went to be with the Lord at the age of 42. Jeff is survived by 2 children, 2 grandchildren (and one expected in February), his parents, his fiance and lots of friends and extended family. He was my only brother. Just before Jeff left for this tour, he talked with me quite a bit. You see, for most of his adult life, Jeff had made bad choices that seemed to carry him further and further from the Lord. In 2005, our Dad had to have open heart surgery. Dad had never even spent a night in the hospital so this was very traumatic for our family. The night before surgery, Dad gathered us in and said "I want us to have prayer meeting". He went around the room and asked each one "If something were to go wrong, will I see you again in heaven?" This really had an effect on my brother. From that point on, my brother was a different man. A short time later he made peace with God and for the last 3 years, we have been very close. After Jeff's death, we received a packet of letters from men and women he was serving with. Each letter expressed what a giving person he was and how he was always looking after his soldier's. Making sure they were provided with what they needed to do a good job. But they also shared how his christian example had touched their lives. We attend a church that will seat approximately 400 people. When we held Jeff's Memorial service, there was standing room only. He was proud to serve his country and I believe people new it. I am so thankful for the time we had together. When I think of Jeff, I always remember the title of that old song "I have more to go to heaven for than I had yesterday". That is true for me. I so much appreciate our soldiers and the sacrifices each one and their families make for this country. God Bless You All Janet E. Davis