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Manuel Jefferson "Jeff" Bledsoe Jr.
Manuel Jefferson "Jeff" Bledsoe Jr.
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Manuel Bledsoe Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Danville Register & Bee (Danville, VA).
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James Vineyard
September 10, 2021
Without a doubt the absolute best First Sgt I had the honor of serving under while in the Army. Top cared about each and every one of us and made us better soldiers as a result. He was always the first to correct and teach and always the first to pat us on our backs for our accomplishments. He felt more like a father figure and protector than anything else. He taught us how to be real soldiers! He will always be missed and most certainly never forgotten.
Sharon Westover/Jones
December 31, 2016
My best memory of him was when we, the 209th MP Co, were at Corundu Jr High on the first night of Just Cause. It was night time and everyone was shouting and people were moving, bullets were flying, and here's Top standing out in the middle of everything yelling, I need a 60 over here, I need a 60 over there! No one looked at him but they jumped up with their 60's and went. It was like a movie but I was in it. It was so awesome to watch him in action. Through all the bullets flying and pinging on the ground next to my feet, he never got hit once. I knew that I would follow that man into battle anywhere and any time. I'm sorry to have to read this and my deepest sympathy to his family. Stand down Top. We got this!
Mary Ann Bledsoe-Pack
December 30, 2012
I just want to thank everyone for their kind words. It brings my heart joy to know my father touch so many peoples lives in such a positive way. I miss him greatly and I know he valued and treasured all his relationships with his family, friends,troops, superiors, and colleagues. With great appreciation.
Stephen Baldwin
October 24, 2012
Just found this while searching 209th MPs' RIP Top. Old soldiers never die. Every time I hear Lee Greenwoods' God Bless the USA, I think of you. Miss all you guys.
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Meeting 1SGT Bledsoe Met Up in Saudie...Wishing he was back at 209th with us
Mike "Augy" Agostinis
September 25, 2012
For a Great Man and Mentor, I will Not forget the leadership and example he set for us young soilders. 1st SGT. Bledsoe instilled in me a lifetime of how to act and live life as he did in setting an exaple for all of us to treat people and be professional. I set up this guestbook to be available on line forever. Those that stop in may read these respectful comments on the lives he influenced and the memories he gave us all in his life. Rest In Peace 1st SGT Bledsoe
Suzanne Compau
September 17, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the Blesdoe family. I had the privilege of working with Jeff for many years at Gwinnett Medical Center. He was hard-working, honest, honorable and dedicated to ensuring the safety of our patients and associates. I was proud to call him a colleague and friend.
Christy Spaulding (Bell)
September 16, 2012
The greatest in NCO I ever met, fierce and firm, yet gentle and kind....he taught so many of us how to be a soldier. I trusted him completely going into battle. TOP was a leader. I also got to see his soft side as a friend, he attended my wedding, and even helped me move! I will never forget 1SGT Bledsoe, and I am sure I am one of thousands....
James Vineyard
September 16, 2012
First Sergeant Bledsoe was the absolute best Senior NCO that I ever had the pleasure of serving under. He was always the first to be there to pat you on the back for a job well done. He took alot of young folks and turned us all into strong soldiers. You will never be forgotten and your influence will carry on for generations to come. My prayers go out to your family in their time of loss. My appreciation for having had, if only a moment in time under your mentorship, can not be measured. Thank you for everything TOP!
Kent Latimer
September 16, 2012
Jeff was my First Sergeant when I was a young NCO in the 209th MP Company at Fort Meade, MD. He was a GREAT leader and he quickly became affectionately known by all the Soldiers as "Top", a term of endearment and respect from Soldiers who recognized that we were among greatness. You see to Jeff we were more than just Soldiers in the company in which he he happened to be assigned as the First Sergeant...no he truly loved us - his Soldiers! Jeff became more to me than just another Senior NCO and First Sergeant. I'm not sure why but he took me under his wing and became a powerful mentor. We spent may hours together, valuable time that he used to teach me about leadership and discipline, and most importantly the human dimension. I went on to complete a 22 year career in the Army never forgetting those lessons I learned...some while in a combat zone in Panama, others while back at how station at Fort Meade in his office or during training or even during a morning run, and still others while spending countless hours on the golf course - I remember one marathon golf outing where we plays 54 holes of golf in one day. I will miss you Top, but I will never forget the lessons you taught me. RIP...I'll meet you on the battlefield!
Kent Latimer
September 16, 2012
Jeff was my First Sergeant when I was a young NCO in the 209th MP Company at Fort Meade, MD. He was a GREAT leader and he quickly became affectionately known by all the Soldiers as "Top", a term of endearment and respect from Soldiers who recognized that we were among greatness. You see to Jeff we were more than just Soldiers in the company in which he he happened to be assigned as the First Sergeant...no he truly loved us - his Soldiers! Jeff became more to me than just another Senior NCO and First Sergeant. I'm not sure why but he took me under his wing and became a powerful mentor. We spent may hours together, valuable time that he used to teach me about leadership and discipline, and most importantly the human dimension. I went on to complete a 22 year career in the Army never forgetting those lessons I learned...some while in a combat zone in Panama, others while back at how station at Fort Meade in his office or during training or even during a morning run, and still others while spending countless hours on the golf course - I remember one marathon golf outing where we plays 54 holes of golf in one day. I will miss you Top, but I will. Ever forget the lessons you taught me. RIP...I'll meet you on the battlefield!
Jerry Blake
September 16, 2012
Jeff was a true professional and friend of mine. We had some great times on the raquetball court and on the golf course. I remember going to Danville for a visit with him and his brother (Alan) on my way to Fort Bragg (1994) for my final 3 years in the Army. Rest is peace Jeff.
Jeff Zankel
September 16, 2012
I served with 1SG Bledsoe at FT Meade. And during the Gulf War
He was great and respected leader. RIP
Chaplain Richard Reuer
September 16, 2012
I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. On behalf of a greatful nation as an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one. (If you wish a personalized memorial card mailed to you with history of playing of taps, 21 gun salute, meaning of each fold of the flag as a keepsake, mail to: Chaplain Richard Reuer, Honoring Those Who Served Ministry, 1206 6th St SW, Minot, ND 58701. (This is a free service to fallen veteran families.) Please give name of fallen veteran. Thank you.
Command Sergeant Major Jason Wells
September 16, 2012
My deepest condolences for the family of 1SG Bledsoe. He was a very powerful figure in a lot of peoples lives in the Army.
209th MP Co - 1990
Jeff Shaw
September 16, 2012
Without a doubt the very best NCO I ever had the pleasure of serving with. I learned more from "Top" in 3 years then from anyone else before or since. He was a wonderful mentor and friend and will be dearly missed. Rest in Peace Jeff and Thank You -
Dave Vitrano
September 16, 2012
I am very sad to hear of 1SG Bledsoe's passing. I served with him with the 209th MP CO. Fort Meade, MD., during the time of the Panama and 1st Persian Gulf War. He was a great leader and friend. I was a better soldier for knowing him.God Bless his family.
Matt Dougan
September 16, 2012
My condolences to the Bledsoe family. I served as the combat Medic for the 209th MP company under 1SGT. Bledsoe at the time we deployed to panama for operation Just cause. Jeff was always cordial and kind to me and his southern accent went right along with mine...I remember him well. May Jeff R.I.P now his pain is over and may God bless he and his family. Sincerely, Matt Dougan
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215 West Main Street, Danville, VA 24541
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