Jennifer Christine Hunter

Jennifer Christine Hunter of Abilene, Texas, passed away at home Saturday, June 27, 2015 in Fort Carson, Colorado due to glioblastoma (brain cancer). Jennifer was born December 21, 1978 in Okinawa, Japan to Craig and Donna Kleman. After graduating from Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas, she enlisted in the United States Army on June 28, 2000, after serving in ROTC throughout high school. From her earliest years she showed a keen interest in serving in the military. Two of her great- grandfathers served during WW II, her grandfather during the Vietnam War, and her father during Desert Storm. She’s been stationed in various places around the world including posts in the United States, Germany, Italy, and two tours in Iraq and one in Kuwait. Jennifer’s awards include a Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, six Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, a Joint Meritorious Unit Award, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, three Army Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, an Iraq Campaign Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, an Army Service Ribbon and three overseas Service Ribbons. Anyone who knows Jennifer could describe a woman with a loving energy who cherished her family, always showed a zest for life with her laughter and sense of humor, had a genuine smile that was contagious, made it easy for others to relate to her with her authentic personhood, consistently showed care and thoughtfulness for others, had a generosity without flair, a tenderness and compassion for other’s life concerns, an unassuming character who somehow always stood out for the depth of her faith and trust in a God who she felt blessed her without fail her entire life. Jennifer’s survivors, who have been enriched and are better people for having known and lived alongside her include her devoted husband, Byron, loving sons Anthony and Adrian, daughter-in-law Denise and grandson Ryan Gabriel, parents, Craig and Donna Kleman, brother, Jonathan Kleman and wife Joy, niece, Kyla, nephew, Alec, grandmothers, Marilyn Skinner and Etta Mae Sellers, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Visitation/viewing will be at The Hamil Family Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m., with a Vigil/Prayer Service from 7-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Funeral Services will be conducted at Holy Family Catholic Church at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2015. Burial will follow at Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. ********************************************** Per The Family's Request The Following Is The Order of Service And Service Information That Was Held For Jennifer In Colorado MEMORIAL SCRIPT (This is the script from the Memorial Service held earlier in Colorado. The family requested that it be included on The Hamil Family Funeral Home website for others to read.) [Before ceremony] Audio Video [Play Hunter Memorial Video at 1430] [Mute sound approximately 1455 after next to last song] Pianist [Play music at 1455 when soundtrack is muted until the official party enters] USHERS [Distribute programs and seat people as appropriate] SPEAKERS [Line up in hallway outside side entrance of sanctuary] CHAPLAIN (FROM PULPIT) [Two minutes before Video stops] “Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats. The ceremony will begin momentarily. To maintain the dignity of this event, please turn off all cell phones.” [Chaplain joins speakers in hallway] SPEAKERS When all are seated Enter from side door in the order they will speak Proceed to seats behind the pulpit CHAPLAIN [Stands and approaches pulpit] “Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you to the Memorial Ceremony for Chief Warrant Officer Jennifer Hunter of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Our purpose here today is to honor her, to remember her life and service, and to pay final tribute. Please stand for the invocation.” CHAPLAIN Join Me in Prayer, I will pray in my tradition and invite to pray along with me in yours. Heavenly Father, We thank you for the life of Chief Jennifer Hunter. We thank you for her service to this great nation and defending our freedom. Father we pray for your comfort in these hours of mourning and sorrow. For her family, give them strength to continue on and use us as an instrument of hope to them. We pray your blessings upon this great nation and these soldiers. We pray this in your Holy Name AMEN “Please be seated.” SPEAKERS Wait for previous speaker to return to his seat. Then stand and approach pulpit. Order MAJ Christopher Richardson LTC Lanny Hogaboom SFC Moore Chaplain Wagner MAJ Richardson’s Comments Good afternoon Distinguished guests, Fellow Soldiers, family, thank you for attending today’s service honoring Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jennifer Christine Hunter. I am Major Christopher Richardson and I had the distinct pleasure of working alongside Jennifer this past year in the Support Operations Section for 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Jennifer had an honorable military career that spanned over 15 years of service. She first entered the military in 2000 as a signal Soldier. Jennifer was selected to become a Signal Warrant Officer and graduated from Warrant Officer Basic Course in 2010. Throughout the next five years, Jennifer accomplished incredible tasks. She attended the COMP TIA Advanced Security Practitioner Certification Course in which she was 1 of 2 Soldiers who successfully completed the course. This course has a 68% first time fail rate. This highlights Jennifer’s professionalism, drive, expertise, and ability to quickly grasp complex concepts. While assigned to the Raider Brigade, she displayed amazing leadership while leading a cross-functional section that consisted of logistical, signal and medical personnel. She was able to successfully manage and navigate an Army directive, which completely transformed the Brigade's Logistics Information Systems by converting from SARSS, a legacy system to GCSS-Army, which was no small undertaking. Her steadfast conviction and technical expertise led to a successful conversion that positively affected the brigade’s ability to deploy anywhere, anytime, and under any condition. Jennifer also planned and led the brigade's first STAMIS Gunnery, which ensured that every STAMIS in the BDE was 100% functional and maintained connectivity to ensure the brigade was able to execute uninterrupted sustainment operations. During her tenure, Jennifer, oversaw more than 560 Logistics Information System Trouble tickets. Her talents were present by ensuring each trouble ticket was resolved in a timely manner and to standard. Jennifer’s accomplishments were many and during her career, she was awarded the following medals and awards as a testament to her outstanding performance and leadership. She was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Jennifer’s personal accomplishments were just as exemplary as her military service. Jennifer was born 21 December 1978 in Okinawa, Japan. She comes from a family with a steep tradition of military service and is a 4rd generation to serve in the Armed Forces. In fact, her son is currently serving as the 5th generation and carrying on the proud tradition for her family. Jennifer was extremely strong willed and aggressively attacked all of her tasks with a smile. It was an honor to work with Jennifer. She was the type of person that made you want to be a better leader, Soldier, and person. She greatly influenced the section and left a lasting impression on the Brigade, her efforts and contributions have made 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team better. It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye, but I am thankful for the opportunity to offer my sincere condolences to Jennifer’s family. Jennifer is survived by her father and mother Craig and Donna (Clayman) Kleman, her brother Jonathan Klemen, her husband Byron Hunter and two sons Anthony and Adriane and grandson Ryan Gabriel. I wish you comfort in the knowledge that Jennifer is now free from pain and in a peaceful place. Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, it is not the length of life, but the depth. It is with great confidence that I say, Jennifer lived a rich and meaningful life; she was a great person, Soldier, and friend who will be deeply missed and long remembered. LTC Lanny Hogaboom’s Comments Good Afternoon Distinguished Guests, Soldiers and Friends of the Packhorse Battalion -- Hunter Family. Thank you for coming to Chief Jennifer Hunter’s Memorial and honoring her life and service to the United States Army and our Nation. As I thought about what I wanted to say and how I felt Jennifer would want to be remembered, I need look no further than her beautiful family sitting in the front row before us. Jennifer was all about family and I know many of us in attendance came to realize that more and more with each passing day. As I continued to reflect on Jennifer’s life and our interactions I looked to the words of the famed poet Maya Angelou-Sometimes the people whom we’ve known for only a short amount of time have a bigger impact on us than those we’ve known forever. When Carrie and I first went to visit Jennifer in the hospital, we were immediately met by her Father Craig and Mother Donna, -- who dropped everything they knew in Texas to be by her side. Shortly thereafter, her loving husband Byron came walking in, having recently returned from a trip to the store to find dry shampoo and nail polish. Jennifer wanted to be at her best. During this short visit, it was evident that she was surrounded by an extreme love and dedication to her family, and they to her, but what struck us even more was her infectious spirit, commitment to being the best and trust that God was in control and had a greater purpose for her. And she was the best. Jennifer came to us from 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team and made an immediate imprint on all those she came in contact with. Whether it was fixing a VSAT or running a STAMIS gunnery, Jennifer performed her craft with a diligence and grace I have rarely seen. She had a passion for soldiering that was simply inspiring. She cared about the Army and her Soldiers, being a Warrant Officer, being the best at what she did, and most importantly family. To know Jennifer is to know that she was a loving wife to Byron, mother to Anthony and Adrian, and daughter to Craig and Donna. She drew her strength from both her immediate family and her Army family. Jennifer was about family. You don’t receive that type of love and support unless you are modeled and give it. And that is what Jennifer did. I was inspired by Jenn that day, laying in a hospital bed knowing her time here was limited she resolved to live each day the best she possibly could. We all have so much to gain from Jennifer’s example. I challenge each of you carry on Jennifer’s legacy by adopting her spirit in the way you live and carry out your duties. Understand your purpose, -- don’t feel sorry for yourself, -- be the best at everything you do. Thank you Jennifer for showing all of us what is possible through hard work and commitment to the team, care and compassion for your fellow Soldiers, and your unwavering love and dedication to your family. The world is a lesser place without you in it, but we will remember you. We will remember you always being the best and we will always be your family. Maya Angelou was absolutely right. I may have only known you for a short time but I am forever grateful and forever changed. Thank you for your lasting impact. SFC Moore Scripture Reading I will be reading from Psalms 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. CHAPLAIN I first met Jennifer last summer after coming back from burying my oldest son Kirby, who passed away from a brain tumor, 1 July 2014. The first time I talked to her, I felt like I was the one speaking to a Chaplain. It can be sometimes hard to find someone who you trust as a Chaplain to talk to. I knew Jennifer was sincere. We used to talk about hunting in west Texas, where her family is from. My son loved that area of the state, he killed a 4x4 bull elk there in March 2014. Jennifer used to talk about her husband's passion of hunting, eating and taxidermy. She said "Chaplain you would love my husband Byron, that's all he talks about." She was right, I just don't like the way we had to meet. All of a sudden the tables turned and I had to be the chaplain. It was very hard to believe that this was happening to Jennifer. It's almost like God wants all of the sweet folks with him, and he leaves all the jerks down here. As I got to visit with her, she would say Chaplain, “I think about little Kirby every day.” I know this is hard on all, because Jennifer had so many friends and family that love her, but she shared a friend, that my son had also, and just like Kirby she couldn't wait to see him face to face. He is also my friend and because of that When the Role is called up yonder I'll be there to. So even though this is a sad time it's also exciting imaging what they both see right now and I would not wish to rob them of that joy today 1 July 2015. To Byron and the boys, Craig and Donna, I wish I could be with you all right now, but know that God's grace is sufficient. Remember Paul said "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Thank you CH Vidrine for your words of encouragement and faith. I sat with CH Vidrine many times as we talked about Jennifer and her strength as a person and her faith as a Christian. I know for a fact that he was very motivated and inspired by Jennifer’s daily walk with cancer and her walk with God. A hero does not have to be one that charges the machine gun or destroys the enemy. She is a hero for living her life in a way that her fellow man is inspired to go on and continue the struggle. Chief Hunter has motivated those around her to do better, even those who have met her for short period. Those of you who knew her, know that person, one of strong convictions and concern for those she met. Family, as you look around this room, here is your extended family. We are only a call away if you need us. The army truly is a small place and we know that in times of need, soldiers truly do respond and help one another and their families. BENEDICTION: “Now hear the benediction: The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen.” [Chaplain sits down] USHERS [Open the side doors for the Bagpiper to enter and leave the doors open] Bagpiper: Pikes Peak Highlanders [If bagpiper is being utilized: when Chaplain is seated, designated Soldier signals Bagpiper to begin playing “Amazing Grace” upon entering chapel and then playing “Going Home” as he exits chapel.] 1SG Fauska Final Roll Call: As the bagpiper exits the chapel, the NCO will enter the chapel thru the main entrance and walk to the top center of the aisle, faces audience (back to rifle stand), and begins final roll call. 1SG Fauska says: “Roll Call.” Rank and name of first Soldier Rank and name of second Soldier Rank and last name of deceased Soldier Rank, first name and last name Rank, first name, middle initial and last name 1SG Fausks says: “Please stand for military honors.” HONOR GUARD Firing of volleys: Usher or designated personnel cues honor guard NCOIC Honor guard NCOIC commences firing of volleys BUGLER [Sounding of Taps] 1SG Fauska does an about face, facing the memorial stand, and salutes as taps is being played CHAPLAIN [Chaplain approaches pulpit, official party remains standing] “Please be seated. This concludes the formal portion of our ceremony. After the family has departed , if you wish to pay final honors at the memorial stand, you will be guided by the ushers. You may also leave quietly through the main entrance of the chapel.” FINAL HONORS Official Party renders honors The honor platoon renders honors Escorts lead family to reception area. Those giving final honors will- 1) Approach the memorial stand with solemnity, no more than 4 persons at a time. 2) If presenting a coin or memento, the Soldier will respectfully step forward and place it on the lower portion of the memorial stand, returning to the main floor (with the others). 3) The group will then render a salute together (this is the only salute authorized, there is no need for rendering honors more than once). 4) Proceed to the left, down the hallway to the reception area to pay respects to the family or exit out the side door of Chapel. Order of final honors: Memorial Ceremony Participants on the Platform (i.e., CDRs; CSM/1SGs, Soldiers, Chaplain, etc.) Honor Platoon Family is escorted out [Ushers wait until the family is out of the chapel to proceed with final honors] Command Group Senior Leadership & VIPs All others as directed by the Ushers Music (or pianist) plays during final honors.