You may have heard of the heroism of former Coast Guardsman Jerry Avant at the tragic nursing home shootings in North Carolina Sunday. There was great Coast Guard representation at his funeral and the below condolence letter was sent to his family and read at the service.
To the Avant Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Jerry's death. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on behalf of my wife, Pam, and the entire Coast Guard family. There are no words to ease the pain of losing a family member, but I want you to know how much we appreciated Jerry's contributions to our Service.
He was a model Coast Guardsman who served with distinction as an Avionics Technician for nearly 10 years. His compassion for people was highly regarded within the Coast Guard and during his subsequent career in the medical profession. He dedicated his life to helping those less fortunate and to protecting his patients from the physical and emotional pain wrought by chronic illness. In the Coast Guard, we call this type of person a Guardian - one who is willing to protect the weak, defend the frail, and save those in peril. On that fateful day, he was a true hero as he willingly sacrificed his own life so that others may live. As a son, fiancé, and sibling, he will be dearly missed but his courage will continue to remind us of the goodwill that resides in all of us. We will honor his legacy by aspiring to the ideals that Jerry lived by - those of a Guardian.
Be assured that the men and women of the Coast Guard have your family in our thoughts during this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
T. W. Allen
Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard
