CPT Grassbaugh was a student at Johns Hopkins University and a member of the Blue Jay Battalion (BJBN) from 1999-2003. He commissioned as an Active-Duty Armour Officer and went on to become a beloved husband. He became an Army Ranger in April of 2004 and was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and the 82nd Airborne Division in Ft. Liberty, NC. Tragically, on April 7, 2007, CPT Grassbaugh was one of four soldiers who died from an improvised explosive device while conducting a combat logistics patrol. He was 25 years old at the time.

Each year we honor his legacy of selfless service, leadership, and heroism by conducting his memorial workout. 82 burpees to represent his time spent serving in the 82nd Airborne Division. Then 4 rounds of 7 pull-ups, 25 hand release push-ups, and a 400m run. This honors the day and month of his passing, his age at the time, and the other lives lost that day. Finally, a 2007m run done with his memorial plaque proudly hung in our building and three additional sandbags to honor all those lost that day, and the year of their passing.

CPT Jonathan D. Grassbaugh was a friend and hero. To this day, even 17 years after his passing, CPT Grassbaugh continues to inspire us to live by his motto Non-Sibi, Latin for “Not for Oneself.”

I’ll Lead !