My walk today was dedicated in honor to:
Army Spc. Jason K. Edens, Age 22 of Franklin, TN.
Died Apr. 26, 2012 from wounds suffered in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
He was assigned to 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas
Jason was wounded on patrol on April 15, 2012 by small arms fire in Laghman Province Afghanistan. He was an Infantry mortar soldier. His unit started taking on fire and he was returning to the vehicle to get the mortar when he was wounded. He was shot in the head and the damage was too much for him to be able to recover. He was first flown to Germany, where we were able to join him, and then on to Walter Reed. As a family we chose to remove life support and he lived two days afterwards.He was 22 years old and 85 days away from returning from his first deployment.
Jason was born in Nashville Tennessee and grew up in the Nashville area. He was living with his father in Franklin, TN when he joined the Army.
His awards and decorations include Purple Heart, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge Expert with Rifle.
Jason was survived by his wife Ashley, parents Janet and Mike Crane, Jim and Jan Edens, half-brother JR Edens, step sister Kelly Crane, step brother James Crane.
Had a great 5.42 mile walk today. It was almost noon when I left the house so a little later then normal but wow, I had great support out there today. I want to thank everyone that honked their horns and waved in helping me honor this hero today. You all are amazing. I want to thank Firestone on main street for the nice patriotic ball cap that they gave me. Got to meet a few people and shake a few hands on my walk today. Thank you so much.
