Jordy Soesbe served in the Army, the National Guard for 20 years and was deployed to Afghanistan twice. He was a soldier at heart, and even in passing, he chose to serve and save others.
It wasn’t just in his lifetime where Soesbe sacrificed so much. He proved himself to be a real soldier.
A selfless man whose example led to this beautiful, bittersweet moment.
“In the military, you have a mission but really it’s about the person next to you,” Matt Veal, who served with Soesbe said. “He was a larger than life character. He always dreamed of being a soldier.”
Nick Mayer is part of that same group of soldiers who served and spent time with Soesbe in Afghanistan.
Soesbe, like any well trained soldier, came prepared. He was always prepared.
“Like for Afghanistan when we packed, we were supposed to pack two duffels and a large ruck. He took 6 duffels and two rucks cause you never know what you’re gonna get into to, you never know,” Mayer said.
Soesbe knew the risks and he accepted them all. He wanted to fight for his country, and that meant putting his life on the line.
“Even over in Afghanistan, if we were to get blown up in convoys, we wouldn’t want to be in a vegetative state. If something happens to me don’t let me go back home capable,” said Jeremy Stauffacher, another soldier who served with Soesbe.
When Soesbe had to be taken into the hospital, it was to be his last battle.
“One of the other soldiers called me and said, ‘Matt, Jordy’s in the hospital and he’s not doing good,'” said Veal.
Soesbe suffered a massive stroke. Chances of recovery was low but like his attitude on the battlefield, he came prepared.
“He had it in writing and so he knew that if he died, this is what he wanted. He had the right paperwork in place, which was really awesome cause most people his age, our age, we don’t think about that, paperwork is second, live life go prosper,” said Mayer.
Soesbe knew he didn’t have much of a chance so went ahead and he fulfilled one final service. It’s called an “honor walk,” with all his comrades, officers, and hospital staff lined up to salute Soesbe.
“Even in the end, he’s saving people. He went overseas to save people and in the end, he got to save people,” said Mayer.
Everybody present stood on the sides as they watched the flag-draped gurney being wheeled to the surgical room. Soesbe became an organ donor.
Even in the end, he thought of others.
People he never knew. But they’ll know him. They will know who he was and what he stood for.
A true soldier to the very end. And his example left an impression on everyone involved.
“Because there is a cost to be paid to serve in the military and that’s one of the things that Jordy did year after year for the vast majority of his life is that he served,” said Veal.
Soesbe saved at least 3 lives after donating his organs. Rest in peace, soldier.
See the touching moment when Soesbe takes his honor walk in the video below.
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