04/10/2026
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ON THIS DAY WE REMEMBER: Staff Sgt. Jesse A. Ault, 28, of Dublin, Virginia, died April 9, 2008, in Baghdad, Iraq, from wounds suffered in Tunnis, Iraq, when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 429th Brigade Support Battalion, Virginia Army National Guard, Roanoke, Virginia.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11831
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Adjutant General confirms death of Virginia Guard Soldier - April 11, 2008
http://vko.va.ngb.army.mil/virginiaguard/news/april2008/ault.html
Maj. Gen. Robert B. Newman, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, confirmed April 11 the death of a Virginia National Guard Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Jesse A. Ault, 28, of Dublin, Va., died April 9 as a result of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle while conducting convoy operations south of Baghdad. His military specialty was motor transport operator, and he was assigned to the E Company, 429th Brigade Support Battalion based in Roanoke, Virginia.
“We have lost another brave Soldier who was courageously serving the cause of freedom in a foreign land,” Newman said. “We grieve for his family and his community, and we ask the people of the Commonwealth and his fellow Guardsmen to remember this tremendous sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Staff Sgt. Ault and his family."
Ault’s death comes less than a week after the loss of Virginia National Guard Soldier Staff Sgt. Jeremiah McNeal who was killed in an IED attack near Baghdad April 6.
“There should be no doubt that the Virginia National Guard has an important role in the Global War on Terrorism,” Newman said. “Now more than ever, we all need to strengthen our resolve and continue to stand behind our men and women serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. They need the strength and support of their families and communities now more than ever.”
The Virginia National Guard is providing the Ault family with comfort and assistance through the state chaplain office and local family readiness groups. “We are in direct contact with the family, and we will do everything we can to make sure they have whatever resources they need during this tragic time,” Newman said.
“Sgt. Jesse Ault was a father, a husband and a warrior,” said Maj. Timothy E. Eppele, the E Company Commander, “he volunteered to join the unit to serve with others that he had deployed with previously.”
“Sgt. Ault is the epitome of a Soldier and NCO,” said Spc. Tony Salas, “he was a beloved friend.”
“He was like family to me,” said Spc. Thomas R. Hollowell, “we did everything together, I am proud to be part of his team.”
“Sgt. Jesse Ault was the example of how a man is supposed to be created,” said Spc. Jeffrey A. McDaniel, “husband, father, friend; my wife and I are richer for having known him.”
Ault's home unit in the Virginia National Guard was A Company, 429th Brigade Support Battalion in South Boston. Soldiers from the South Boston unit were organized into Detachment 3 of A Company to serve with E Company for the mission.
E Company was attached to 1144th Transportation Battalion, Illinois National Guard. The unit is a medium truck company that hauled supplies in theater. The were assigned to 4 th Sustainment Brigade headquartered in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
Ault was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, and he will be recommended for the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Purple Heart.
Additional background info:
http://vko.va.ngb.army.mil/virginiaguard/news/april2008/aultbackground.html
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Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Mourn One of Their Own - April 22, 2008
Story and photos courtesy 4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Several hundred service members filled the chapel here, April 15 to pay their last respects to Staff Sgt. Jesse A. Ault, who died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle April 9.
Tears fell from the eyes of Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen who knew Ault, as they gathered to listen to several speakers at the memorial.
The ceremony began with a short prayer from Capt. Erik Grambling, the Joint Logistics Task Force 28 Battalion Chaplain, “[God] knew us before we were born, he knew our lives before we lived a single one of them.”
“We are not left alone in our grief and sorrow, but are confident [of God’s] desire to be with us now,” said Grambling.
Chaplain Grambling then introduced the JLTF 28 Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Christopher Benoit.
“I did not have the opportunity to know Staff Sergeant Ault beyond his firm handshake and smile,” said Benoit. “His death again reminded me of the great sacrifice we are prepared to make for one another, our families and our country.”
Ault, a native of Dublin, Va., was a husband, father and son. He previously deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom twice.
Ault, after being notified that his comrades from a previous deployment were mobilizing again, he pledged his services once more to the Virginia National Guard to take his wife’s place for deployment.
After, Lt. Col. Benoit’s comments, 1st Lt. Steven Thompson, Staff Sgt. Ault’s platoon leader, rose to the podium and stated that “Ault was a very squared-away non-commissioned officer by the way he presented himself and the appearance he portrayed as a professional Soldier.”
“One day, Staff Sgt. Ault approached me and asked to be considered for the lead vehicle commander.” said Thompson, “It was apparent with his prior experience in Iraq, determination, ability to navigate, and his desire to be in front; he was [the right person for the job.]”
“He was truly a family man,” said Thompson. “He was always there to help members of his platoon and did whatever had to be done to standard and without any hesitation.”
Ault was a motor transport operator, who was born Feb. 18, 1980. He graduated from high school in 1998 and enlisted into the Army Delayed Entry Program.
He finished his active duty tour in 2002 and volunteered to serve with the Virginia National Guard. Ault’s tour was nearly complete, when he volunteered to lead his fellow Soldiers again into Iraq.
“[Ault] had a dry sense of humor, but always knew when to throw in a joke to lighten up the mood,” said Staff Sgt. Jarrett Souza, Ault’s platoon sergeant. “It was an honor to have served with him and a privilege to call him a friend,” said Souza.
Two members of his company, Spc. David Teakell and Spc. Jeffrey McDaniel stood up and sang “Amazing Grace” leaving the chapel in somber thought.
Following the hallowed singing of “Amazing Grace”, Chaplain Grambling stood back up and said the memorial meditation. “One theme stood out from all the [stories] you’ve shared,” he said, “Staff Sgt. Ault raised the bar for many of us, he had served his time, done a deployment, but rejoined the Army to be with his buddies.”
“Though his unit’s time was short, he was doing his duty that night.” “Because he was there, one of you did not have to be.” “Jesse truly laid down his life for another,” said Gambling.
“May his sacrifice be a reminder of a God who didn’t just teach us, but showed us; that greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends,” he said.
Once completed, Sgt. 1st Class Frank Mitchell, the first sergeant for Echo Company, stood and said the role call. The final one did not reply.
Seven Soldiers, each shooting three times, honored Staff Sgt. Jesse Ault. One Soldier played “Taps,” the sound to lay the deceased to rest.
Editor’s Note:
Staff Sgt. Ault joined the Army in July 1999 and served as a motor transport operator. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Driver’s Mechanic Badge.
Ault is survived by his wife and three children.
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Honor the Fallen: Army Staff Sgt. Jesse A. Ault (Military Times)
http://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-staff-sgt-jesse-a-ault/3478450
Army Sgt. Jesse A. Ault remembered (The Associated Press)
According to his family, Jesse A. Ault re-enlisted in the Guard and took his wife’s place when she was recalled to active duty so she could stay home and care for their children.
“Her number came up to go back for another tour,” said his father, Ron. “At the time, they were trying to get pregnant. He thought the best thing for him to do for his family was re-enlist. He went back in her place.”
Ault, 28, of Dublin, Va., died April 9 from wounds suffered in an explosion in Tunnis. He was a 1998 high school graduate and was assigned to Roanoke, Va.
A few months before he was deployed, Jesse and his wife, Betsy, learned they were expecting their third child. Rachel Ault was born Jan. 17, and was greeted by her proud father, who was able to return home for the birth.
He also is survived by sons Adam, 1, and Nathan, 10.
He loved all things University of West Virginia and Jeff Gordon, cheered for the Broncos and Braves and liked fishing and golf.
Ault’s mother, Ginny, said he liked to do everything.
“He lived wide open,” she said. “He packed a lifetime of adventures into 28 years.”
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Ceremony in Dublin honors memory of Staff Sgt. Jesse Ault with General Assembly Resolution - May 20, 2009
http://vko.va.ngb.army.mil/virginiaguard/news/may2009/AultResolution.html
DUBLIN, Va. — Family, friends and Soldiers who served with Staff Sgt. Jesse A. Ault gathered with elected officials and members of the community of Dublin May 16 at the Army Reserve Center to honor his memory. Ault was killed in action in Iraq April 9, 2008, and members of the Virginia General Assembly presented two resolutions celebrating Ault’s life to his widow.
Del. Anne B Crockett-Stark of the 6th District of Virginia and Del Dave Nutter of the 7th District of Virginia presented the House Joint Resolution and Sen. Phillip P Puckett of the 38th District of Virginia presented Senate Joint Resolution to Ault’s widow, Betsy.
“It is my privilege to be here on behalf of Governor Kaine for the formal presentation these two memorial resolutions as we pay honor to and remember the dedication to duty, the dedication to service and the courage of Staff Sgt. Jesse Ault,” said Secretary of Public Safety John Marshall. “It is important that we be reminded that we should never take our Virginia National Guard for granted. We should never take for granted all that our Guardsmen do every day to protect us here in Virginia, across the nation, and when called upon, to protect our freedom all over the world.”
Marshall said that it is also important to take the time to say “thank you” to all the members of the Virginia National Guard, as well as their families, for their service and courage.
“It is proper and it is necessary to us to pause and honor Jesse Ault for his life and for his service,” said Maj. Gen. Robert B. Newman, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. “The best honor we can give him is to continue to fight the fight that he gave his life for, to win the victory and make sure each one of serves in the duties we are assigned to the best to the best of our ability.”
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 386
Celebrating the life of Staff Sergeant Jesse A. Ault.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?091+ful+SJ386ER
Agreed to by the Senate, January 29, 2009
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 6, 2009
WHEREAS, United States Army Staff Sergeant Jesse A. Ault, a beloved citizen of the Town of Dublin, was killed in the line of duty on April 9, 2008, while valiantly serving his country in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
WHEREAS, Jesse “Jess” Ault grew up in West Virginia and graduated from Tyler Consolidated High School, where he played football and baseball; and
WHEREAS, Jess Ault joined the United States Army, along with his best friend Travis, before they even graduated from high school; the two were as close as brothers, completing basic training and advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood and Airborne training at Fort Benning together, as well as serving four years on active duty and moving to Virginia to join the Army National Guard; and
WHEREAS, Jess Ault met his wonderful wife Betsy Allen, who is also a veteran, during military summer training in 2002, and the couple grew close and fell in love while their units were deployed in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, a conscientious and professional soldier and a devoted family man, Staff Sergeant Ault reenlisted and took his wife’s place when she was recalled to active duty so she could remain home with their three children, Nathan, Adam, and Rachel; happily, the family was able to be together in Dublin for the birth of their daughter in January 2008; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Ault was a motor transport operator assigned to E Company, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, Virginia Army National Guard, based in Roanoke; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Ault died on April 9, 2008, when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device as his convoy conducted operations near Tunnis, Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Jess Ault was an avid West Virginia University sports fan and an enthusiastic follower of Jeff Gordon’s NASCAR racing career, Denver Broncos football, and Atlanta Braves baseball; he also loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and golfing; and
WHEREAS, Jess Ault will be fondly remembered by his wife, family, and numerous friends as a loving and dedicated father and husband and a brave and loyal soldier; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Ault’s death is a reminder of the hazards faced daily by the thousands of Americans who serve in our armed forces overseas and whose devotion to duty places them in harm’s way; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a courageous and patriotic Virginian, Staff Sergeant Jesse A. Ault; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Staff Sergeant Jesse A. Ault as an expression of the high regard in which his memory is held by the members of the General Assembly and the citizens of the Commonwealth
