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<p><em>Almost heaven, West Virginia</em> (John Denver) </p>
<p><em>Jack Donnelly Crabtree II </em>was born in West “by God” Virginia and blessed with three sisters who smothered him with their affection and social guidance. Much of this polishing endured, though not always obvious to the casual observer. A sense of humor exhibiting loads of laughter, a mischievous grin amplified with a unique giggle, and an intense competitive spirit that was readily apparent all characterize Jack’s approach to life. </p>
<p>Jack attended Linsly Military Academy in Wheeling, WV, where he excelled in football (QB and punter) and baseball (shortstop). Jack did well academically and militarily, thus earning his appointment to West Point, joining the Class of 1966. </p>
<p>Jack dealt admirably with the rigors of plebe year, a challenging Beast Barracks followed by the intense academic load. Relief was obtained on the “Fields of Friendly Strife” with corps squad football and baseball, along with seeking out lovely ladies and sharing loads of laughter with friends. His independent nature, self-confidence, and ability to not take himself too seriously were the keys to navigating the challenges of cadet life. </p>
<p>Upon learning that Coach Dietzel was searching for a punter, he went out to the Plain and practiced his kicking relentlessly. Not chosen, he transitioned to challenging his friends and many P’s with his strong conservative political views. He even laughed at himself when exhorting “non-believers.” </p>
<p>As a firstie, Jack coached and recruited for the D-1 “almost award-winning football team.” Jack was also an avid bridge player, a game for which logic, good listening skills, probability theory, and good memory are a necessity, skills that served him well later in life. Jack’s hand was usually aces and kings, with an abundance of queens. </p>
<p>After earning airborne wings and his Ranger Tab, Jack was ready for the Army’s rigorous demands. His first assignment was in Panama as an airborne platoon leader. His leadership of troops was outstanding; however, his Spanish was laughable. Jack then moved on to the live-fire problem, serving with the 4th Infantry Division. He suffered an “injury” after three months in country. His platoon was in an intense firefight, and, as the enemy threat closed, Jack espied a berm for protection and leaped over it. The cliff on the other side was a rude awakening. His injuries forced evacuation to Japan and then to Walter Reed Hospital for treatment of osteomyelitis. He believed this injury was his fault, thus undeserving of a Purple Heart. This perspective spoke volumes of his sense of humility. </p>
<p>While at Walter Reed Hospital, Jack memorized two treasured Kipling poems. One was “If” (his epitaph) and the other was “Tommy.” The former focuses on life’s possibilities, while the latter espouses societies’ views of the military, which were especially apparent in America in the sixties. </p>
<p>After recovery, Jack returned to Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, serving first as battalion S-4, then as a company commander fighting in the Ashaw Valley, and finishing as brigade S-4 before returning to Fort Benning, GA for the Infantry Officer Advanced Course. While there he updated the “Pathfinder” handbook. Next on his agenda were fixed-wing flight training, rotary-wing qualification, and a master’s degree at the University of Georgia.</p>
<p>Jack returned to West Point as a tactical officer and had a positive impact on future officers. He found time to assist with coaching baseball. One of his former cadets described him thusly: “Major Crabtree was my D-3 TAC officer. He took personal leadership in my challenges with the Dean. My West Point and Army career are attributed to this great American soldier.”</p>
<p>While assigned to the Academy, Jack was noted for his competitiveness in intramural sports. On the racquetball court, he was dangerous to both his partner and opponents alike. Diving for stray balls and hitting balls full force characterize his play as a “search and destroy” mission, not recreation.</p>
<p>After West Point Jack was off to Baumholder, Germany. There he met the most special lady of his life, Beverly Arneson. Bev was teaching at an AFB nearby when they met. Jack’s tenacious pursuit was followed by 40 wonderful years of marriage together.</p>
<p>Jack was then off to the Naval Command and Staff Course and then to Fort Bragg, NC and the 82nd Airborne Division. Jack was the division G-4 for the invasion of Grenada. He was integral to the mission’s success. </p>
<p>With Jack’s background, he was the perfect choice for NATO support commander in Brussels, “a horribly tricky command,” a colleague remarked. A highlight of this assignment was escorting the wife of President Bush when she visited. </p>
<p>After 23 years of service, Jack retired as a lieutenant colonel. He earned a Bronze Star with “V” device, along with other commendations. He found his life’s work to have been rewarding. Post retirement he engaged in the civilian workforce. Eventually, he and Bev returned to a life of service, working for the Missile Defense Agency in Washington, DC, then relocating to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL before retiring in 2011. </p>
<p>Jack and Bev were then able to spend more time with their daughter, Crysta; her husband, Ajay Rupramka; and two grandchildren, Jaxon and Knox. Their visits made retirement better. </p>
<p>Jack continued to show his athletic prowess by playing competitive tennis, and he shared his conservative social bent in lively discussion groups (solons) locally. Jack was always well prepared for both. Bev challenged him in fitness and tennis, remaining the love of his life to the end. Everyone exposed to Jack savor fond memories of him. </p>
<p><em>Country roads, take me home, to the place I belong…</em> (John Denver)</p>
<p>“Well Done; Be Thou at Peace.”</p>
<p><em>— Brad Hartley and Phil Trella, Classmates and Friends</em></p>
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