In Memoriam

Jeff Duff

1976-2010

 

by Dave Morehouse, Vice President-Operations, DMI

 

Isaiah 6:8, Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"  And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

 

I am of an age where the notion I might write a eulogy for a young man such as Jeff is a rare and passing thought.  I know that we are in the midst of a war now ten years long; and, I see the thousands of young faces each turn of time brings to us as students.  The sting of the realization they might not come home is tucked away in a safe place within me.  I protect myself by speaking about it without ever bringing the thought close enough to feel.

 

I see the men and women of this company as safe; somehow, insulated from the reality of war, or death's door, or fate, or anything that might take them from us.  I see them as having been there, of having given nothing but their best--always.  I see them as having honored the gifts given them in this life, and I am lulled into thinking that in some way insulates them from being called away from us.

 

I forget, and I am now reminded that we are not the keepers of the gateway; we do not choose the time or place.  All we can do is live this life to the fullest, and know that God calls, and when called, we are ready.

 

I believe Jeff knew this.  I believe Jeff was ready.  I believe Jeff powered himself through his young life by an aching sensation of destiny, and in so doing amassed a list of great achievements.  Jeff was not a man content with a common life.  He possessed no illusion of vanity that permitted him to compensate for any gaps or boundaries that might limit his imagination.

 

Jeff was a tremendous presence in DMI; an almost spontaneous presence, with a desire to be a personality everyone would remember--and we shall.

 

He was a loving son, brother, husband, and to each of us a friend, and fellow warrior.  He was a fierce competitor.  He was a testament to the true definition of originality.  He was one of those people, you could only tell stories about for people to understand the boldness and uniqueness of his character.

 

His brutal honesty and keen sense of duty and sacrifice was unparalleled. He frequently agitated and pushed us to make us stronger, not to be a menace or bend us to his will, but because I believe people like Jeff have discovered the potential within us all.

 

Spending time with Jeff, you felt life on the edge just being with him.  I once said to him, that his life was a novel yet to be written.  He flashed that sly grin we all remember and looked at me as if to say, "I agree, but I am still living; someone else can do the writing."  His story, like so many of you who serve in DMI is one that should be considered among the greats.

 

It is not easy to find in one person all the virtues found in him.  It is not easy for a person to be able to unexpectedly develop a personality like his.  He became the type of man who is difficult to equal and challenging to improve upon.  But I would also say that men like him, in each moment, are able with their example to help the rise of other men like him--which is why he was such a good instructor, such a great friend, and tremendous colleague.  I know that this company is filled with men like him, which is why Jeff found his way here.  Greatness attracts greatness, and Jeff reflected the best in each of you, just as each of you now carries forward in memory and deed, the best of him.

 

He achieved more in his young life than many can hope to accomplish in two lifetimes.  His life experience ranged from the French Foreign Legion, to combat medical instructor, to security specialist, entrepreneur, and business visionary--he never stopped looking or moving forward in his life.  Whoever renders service to many, puts himself in line for greatness.  Jeff showed us that reinventing yourself was never impossible, as long as you stick persistently to your dreams--you cannot fail.

 

Jeff touched the lives of many from all spectrums of life.  This is a difficult task, one that takes great determination.  Jeff valued the time that he was given with his family and friends, creating lasting memories and stories, which is another reason we remember him now.

 

Through Jeff's passing we are reminded of the limited time we have on earth to live with endearing love and action.  The end of life is life--we know this.  We also know that "Life" is action, the use of one's gifts.  And to use them to their height is our joy, and our duty.  Jeff did not speculate on duty--he simply did it.  He lived a life that reminds us that we all owe something to this existence.  Jeff's memory is a wing, and his life, a life of contribution that will forevermore remind us that no one lives for himself, and no one dies for himself, but in both life and death we belong to each other--we belong to God.

 

I end with the borrowed words from a play I once read, the author of which I cannot remember; however, the words are jewels to me; "All your noble deeds shall be writ in water, but your life, your courage, your spirit, your contribution is etched in our memory and sealed to our souls forever."

 

Rest in peace, Jeff.

 

Parting messages from friends and colleagues:

please send your messages to memorial@deploymentmedicine.com

 

Jeff enjoyed life to the full; work hard, play hard.  God Bless.

 

Dave Derbyshire, Captain (Retired) British Army

 

 

It was a pleasure to have known you brother, the time spent with you showed me a man that truly lived life to its fullest.  The lives of every DMI employee and every student you have taught have been forever touched by the friendship and knowledge you have shared.  Thank you for your time, dedication and commitment to always pushing us to be our very best.

 

Jeremy Hyldahl, Vice President-Support, DMI

 

 

Jeff was an exceptional person in many ways.  The intensity he brought to his life and work is a example to us all.  Jeff lived his life to the fullest and that is a rare thing in this world.  Jeff, you will be missed brother.

 

Rhys Williams, Deputy VP-Operations, DMI

 

 

Jeff, I only worked with and knew you briefly but it was a personal and professional honor to do so.  I am deeply saddened by your untimely and far to early passing, your extraordinary example and knowledge was an inspiration to all who knew you or had the privilege of being touched by your presence. “Fair Winds and Following Seas mate.”

 

William Gentry, DMI Instructor

 

 

Jeff, may you find rest our dear friend, where you now sleep with the courageous. Though moments in the past may fade with time, we promise to continue to think and remember you fondly until the end of the ages.  For you are loved and that will never change, in life and in death, forever.

 

Angelina R. Leve, RN, LNC

 

 

Unfortunately, I only had a couple of opportunities to work with and get to know Jeff. So what speaks in volumes to me about the kind of person and professional he was, is how many people who spoke so highly of him not just now, but prior to his passing as well.  It is obvious that you will be greatly missed Jeff, may you truly rest in peace brother.

 

Jeb Stratton, IDMT, NREMT-P, CCEMTP

 

 

Rest assured that Jeff was a man of integrity...I saw that in him early on as one of my students.  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

 

Giulio Novarese, MD, PhD, DMI Instructor

 

 

Jeff, I remember when we first met you shared with me how much you enjoyed seeing the closeness and camaraderie within the DMI "family".  You melded right in and quickly were seen as a leader among an already impressive team.  You were such a positive force and you raised the bar on the standard of excellence for us all.  I can only imagine how many lives you've impacted and saved both directly and through your teaching.  I am proud to have known you and called you friend.  You now wear real wings, Brother.  Bravo Zulu, Jeff Duff.  Mission Accomplished.  Well Done.

 

Steven Colby, EMT-P, Fire Lieutenant, Corpsman, DMI Instructor

 

 

There are simply not enough superlatives to describe Jeff – all I can say is he inspired me like no one else. When I reflect upon Jeff’s actions and life story I am reminded that anything is possible. He was not one to settle for second-best in anything he did. Helen Keller’s famous quote captures the essence of his indomitable will and spirit: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing”.  Thank you for being my friend, Jeff. Though the intersection of our lives was brief, you changed the trajectory of mine forever. And for that, you have my most heartfelt thanks.

 

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.  Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.  At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them.” (Laurence Robert Binyon)

 

Jason Jarvis, 18D, DMI Instructor

 

 

OK Jeff, So we part ways for now, but I expect to see you on a drop zone somewhere other than this earth. I can’t say enough about the times we had out on Avocado, both good and bad, and will never forget the call you gave me from Africa a few months back- very classy move on your part. I don’t doubt that you pulled every trick out of your hat to survive this last mission, and know that if you couldn’t do, almost no one else could. I think about you and it makes me smile, so thanks for that, and hope that you are smiling back .

 

Greg Hadfield, PA-C, PJ, DMI Instructor

 

 

Jeff, I am sad that our time together here on this earth was cut so short.  You have definately left an indelible mark in my spirit.  I have hope and faith that there is a plan for everything, even though it is difficult for those of us left behind to understand.  You are the consummate warrior and it was an honor to know you here.  There is a Tibetan proverb that I would like to share, "It is better to have live one day as a tiger than 1000 years as a sheep".  From having known you during our short friendship, conversations about life, and the people around you, you lived everyday of your life as a tiger.  You will be truly missed.

 

Stephen Braucht, Policeman, DMI Instructor

 

 

Jeff, I will miss your energy, your friendship, and your enduring spirit.  I know we will all meet again in the next life.  Thank you for all that you taught me, and for all that you taught the young warriors in our courses.  God bless you and Eva.

 

Jose Casanova, DMI West Coast Logistics Manager

 

 

Jeff's character and courage will live on with all of those he came in contact with.  The lives he touched; from family and friends, to co-workers and students, are blessed for having known this extraordinary young man.  There are few people that pass through our lives who make such a noteworthy impact as Jeff did here.  God Bless you brother, we are truly privileged to have been a part of your incredible life.

 

Chris O'Brian, GySgt USMC, EMT-P, DMI Instructor

 

 

I only had the opportunity to work with Jeff a couple times. What I took away from those times could fill volumes, Jeff was the best of us. Within minutes of meeting Jeff you wanted to perform better just to keep up with him. He led by example, doing what was right and fully expecting (tho never pushing) everyone around him to do the same. We would all do well to remember Jeff's example and strive to meet his standard. God Bless Jeff and his family.

 

Gerald Holt, 2nd Ranger Battalion, DMI Instructor

 

 

Jeff was a very close and dear friend.  Like always, he was doing his mission and as always doing it to his fullest potential.  In the company that we work for now and our sub-contractor company he had achieved a high level of respect and admiration by all.

 

He would always go out of his way to ensure all OPERATIONAL Systems were followed in a meticulous and professional manner. The day before the mission that took his life, he called me at the forward base, where he and the executives were flying.  In his usual "JD" manner he asked if I was ready to "make out with him".  He always made me laugh with comments like that.

 

Anyone else would have planned to follow the executives back to Cameroon and stay in comfort.  But Jeff...he told me, "To hell with that, I'm staying with you, it's not always I get to spend time with true friends.  I'll sleep in a hammock if I have to."

 

It was that sort of kindness and camaraderie I will never forget.  Jeff always had high hopes of helping everyone at DMI because the team helped him.  Not only to have a job, but all the medical skills that he stole from every single one of us, and all the special friends that he made in the company.  He knew that he could always count on us if he needed anything, and he would always try to go out of his way to help his friends.

 

I will truly miss his smiling face, his arrogance, and high stepping attitude. He always found a way to make me smile; to cheer me up even after spending long days in this jungle.  He would always ask me "Do you Miss me?" or " Do you love me more?"  My answer would always be "YES" and it will continue to be that way for the rest of my time.

 

Please have a toast of red wine for him "Shiraz" was his favorite.  Please pray really hard for his wife to get through this.  Most of all keep up the standards of excellence you all have, even in times like this.  Jeff would have wanted that.

 

Jesus (Zeus) Garcia, Friend, 18D, DMI Instructor

 

 

Jeffrey, Jeffrey, Jeffrey.....what a gift of friendship we all received from you. I don't even know where to start. Do I start with bragging about what an amazing instructor, comrade, jokester, prankster or funny man you were? I don't have the words to say how proud I always was when I could stand at your table watching you teach and listening to you speak and seeing how passionate you were to teach your students. You always took the time and care with each and every student ensuring they received all the knowledge you could possibly fit into their heads. You would make us laugh so hard we'd cry and I will never forget that great spry little smile and that silly little cock of your head, as if to say "HA!  I gotcha again!"  We will continue to talk about you fondly, we will toast to the memories and you will forever be in our hearts. I will miss my brother, my buddy, my pal and my friend.  God Bless You Jeff, We love you.

 

Rebecca Majerle, Veterinary Technician, DMI

 

 

I had the privilege of meeting Jeff during my first couple of months at DMI. It was during our first introduction that Jeff invited some of cadre over to his home for dinner and such; without hesitation, Jeff looked to me and asked if I would care to join him and the other cadre for dinner. Jeff did not care if you were a stranger or someone he knew personally; Jeff welcomed everyone regardless if he knew you or not, because at the end of the meeting  it did not matter in Jeff's eyes. Once again Jeff, I thank you for the spaghetti dinner.

 

"Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition." (Abraham Lincoln)

 

Jarred Boyer, DMI Instructor

 

 

Jeff's strong work ethic, joy of educating soldiers, and enthusiasm for life, I will always remember and admire.  I assisted Jeff on one of his assignments in Cameroon in the summer of 2009.  In return Jeff got me into the "Hennesy Hammocks".  They were expensive, my wife was aghast, but I bought two!  So whenever I camp out with my kids in the Hennesy Hammocks I think of Jeff.  My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff and his wonderful family.

 

Bruce Cummings, D.O., FACEP  Los Angeles, CA,  DMI instructor

Bonjour.  J appris la mort de Jeff seulement hier le 17 aout avec une grand tristesse.  J étais son chef de groupe SNIPER au 2 RÉGIMENT ÉTRANGER DE PARACHUTISTE.  Il étais un bon soldat.  Repose en paix Jeff ton amis,

SCH Ludovic Maquet

Bonjour, je viens d'apprendre la mort de mon camarade et ami Jeff Duff. J'ai fait l'instruction à la Légion Etrangère avec lui en août 2002 puis le stage caporal.  C'est un de ses camarades du 2ème REP qui m'a transmis l'information aujourd'hui (12 avril 2011). Je vais suivre une formation aéronautique au mois de septembre à Arlington, Texas.  J'ai l'intention de rendre visite à sa mère au Texas, donc si quelqu'un à un message à transmettre à sa mère ou bien des photos de lui, n'hésitez pas à me contacter bonnetvictor2002@yahoo.fr 

Repose en paix mon frère

  

Hello, I just learned the death of my comrade and friend Jeff Duff. I made the French Foreign Legion basic training with him in August 2002 and the corporal rank course. One of his comrades in the 2nd Foreign Paratroopers Regiment sent me the information today (April 12, 2011). I'll make a flight formation in September in Arlington, Texas.  I intend to visit his mother in Texas, so if someone get a message for his mother or pictures of him, do not hesitate to contact me bonnetvictor2002@yahoo.fr

Rest in peace my brother

BONNET Victor  (BRINDEAU Nicolas)

"All your noble deeds shall be writ in water, but your life, your courage, your spirit, your contribution is etched in our memory and sealed to our souls forever."