Army Staff Sgt. John J. Cleaver

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. John J. Cleaver, 36, of Marysville, Wash.

SSgt. Cleaver was assigned to the 782d Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Nov. 19, 2009 in Zabul province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when a suicide car-bomber attacked his unit. Also killed was Daniel A. Frazier.

Cleaver joined the Navy in 1995 and was stationed on the U.S.S. Inchon at Ingleside, Texas, served in Kosovo, then PCS'd to Norfolk, Va., where he was a firefighter instructor for three years, then Seattle, where he set up a firefighter training school and was stationed on the U.S.S. Rodney M. Davis, soon deploying to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

After serving 10 years in the Navy, he reenlisted in the Army. Shortly after arriving at Fort Bragg, N.C., he was deployed to Afghanistan as a convoy commander and a medic.

Cleaver was deployed to Afghanistan again in July, his fourth deployment to a combat zone, stationed at FOB Apache. He was working a supply run to FOB Shajoy, they'd just unloaded the supplies and were ready to mount up and head back, when the truck pulled up and was detonated by the driver.

"Staff Sgt. Cleaver was one of the most disciplined paratroopers that I have ever had a chance to work with. He always set a standard and ensured that his paratroopers always meet that standard," said Capt. Burton Furlow, commander of Company E.

Cleaver's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Navy Unit Commendation with bronze oak leaf cluster, four Navy Efficiency Ribbons, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Battle “E” with silver wreath for four or more awards, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with bronze stars for 2nd, 3rd and 4th award, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Naval Reserve Sea Service Medal, Navy Pistol Medal with silver E for expert, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge and the Parachutist Badge.

Cleaver is survived by his parents, Ron and Teresa Cleaver, brother Ron, sister Rhonda, and 2 sons, Collin and Aiden, plus a plethora of extended family and friends.

In addition to his enviable military record, something he loved and gave his all, he was as great a person as anyone could have the honor to meet. He always back-burnered his life to handle the needs of his soldiers, friends, and even strangers. Always a can do, will do, did do guy. He was our best friend and we don't know of one single bad thing he's ever done. He loved his country, his family, his friends, the Army, and most of all his sons. Truly an asset to Ft Bragg, Fayetteville, and the World.

John, we love you and miss you. We cry every day. "No worries", brother.

Love,
J.R. and "Rae"

Dec 5, 2009
Amber Hoskins
SSG John J. Cleaver will live in our hearts forever. You are a true American Hero!!
Remember to save a dance for me!!

http://ourfallensoldier.com/CleaverJohnJ_MemorialPage.html

Army Staff Sgt. John J. Cleaver was killed in action on 11/19/09.