Brigadier General John Hunter Kern U.S. Army (Retired)

Jack, you will be missed.

Heartfelt Sympathies to the family of a such an honored man.

Dear Jack,

Thank you for your kindness, good humor, the sailing, skiing and golf lessons, the light and dark steaks and not to forget, a good cigar and Scotch on the balcony in Bryce while listening to the tree frogs singing and discussing topics of the old and new world. You were, are and will always be part of our family and we are proud that we had the chance to get to know and enjoy you. As a good soldier you had a significant influence on our younger history and we will remember you as a good friend and role model. We all will miss you and as you have taught us when sailing along we have to look up - to you - to find the right wind to stay on course.

God's blessings to you and the entire family,
Philipp, Sallie, Christopher, Stuart and Minnette Flaig
Neuhausen, Germany

Dear Jack,

Thank you for your kindness, good humor, the sailing, skiing and golf lessons, the light and dark steaks and not to forget, a good cigar and Scotch on the balcony in Bryce while listening to the tree frogs singing and discussing topics of the old and new world. You were, are and will always be part of our family and we are proud that we had the chance to get to know and enjoy you. As a good soldier you had a significant influence on our younger history and we will remember you as a good friend and role model. We all will miss you and as you have taught us when sailing along we have to look up - to you - to find the right wind to stay on course.

God's blessings to you and the entire family,

Jack Kern was a good man, fine officer, just an excellent person. He was a friend , mentor, Commander. He served his Country well... I will miss him.

We honor our times together with Jack. He was a the total "gentle man". God Bless him and his dear family.
Paul and Andree Severance

I was blessed to have know him for a short time as a nurse in Inova Alexandria Hospital. He touched my spirit. Truly an inspiration.

Nurse Manager CVICU

Sir

A mentor, fellow Special Forces soldier, Civil Affairs soldier and friend. Time will not diminish your impact on my professional and personal life. You are the consumate quiet professional and leader. On the culmination of a great military and civilian career to be cut short in the prime of life reminds us all how finite life really is and to not miss a moment to live fully.

De oppresso libre and bless you for a life well lived.

One more manifest call and will see you on the drop zone.

"We're moving out. We're moving in." Till our next Post, Sir.

The Annapolis Composite Squadron was fortunate to have Jack Kern speak to our unit on 12/1/09. His speech about his career and time in the Special Forces made a significant impact on the cadets and adults alike. I was saddened to read about his passing today.

Sir,

Someday those of us who worked with you will also "cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees."

We'll all have stories to tell and more than a couple of mine involve you.

You are missed.

Jack was a leader of Soldiers, and one of the best men we ever met. Husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him. We will miss him for sure, not only did our Country lose a great leader, but our world lost a great friend!!! Our hearts and thoughts go out to Melanie and the entire family in their time of grief. Godspeed to all.

Our condolences to the family. Keeping all in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. May the memories of happier times console you. Marcia Enyart and Erin Blood

Jack touched a great many soldiers and left them all the better.With respect I can say that Jack will always live in the hearts of many. Charles R Thomas,Whiteford,MD

Rest in Peace. Condolences to his family.
Robert C. Kerecz
Colonel, Infantry USAR
VMI 1983

We all know that the General's service to his country meant many days, nights, weeks and months away from his loved ones. Our condolences on your loss, ours, our Nation and yes, the world's.
George Palazzo
CPT 11th & 19th SFG(A) Retired
Chapter 48, Rhode Island SF Association

Our hearts are saddened by the loss of your kind and dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.
Jack's presence on the slopes at Bryce gave my family and friends a sense of security, as we instinctively knew that Jack would help out in any situation.
We pray that Jack's family is comforted by the knowledge that his life touched so many people, and that God's love comforts you during this difficult time.

Your neighbors at Bryce,
Lynn, Kira, and Kristin Zimney

Jack was a man of honor and distinction. He will be sorely missed and this world is a lesser place because of his passing. My condolences to Melanie and the rest of his family.

Jack, your Warlord Loop colleagues regret that a bad ticker put you out of commission before you began to share invaluable insights with them concerning national security affairs, especially your unique civil affairs experiences. The good news is that legions of long dead warriors have welcomed you royally into Valhalla. God bless, Jack. Your were a class act from start to finish. I salute you one last time for all of your family and friends. JOHN COLLINS (AKA WARLORD)

I did not know Jack Kern in the capacity of soldier, mentor or leader. To me, he was just Jack, my sister Melanie's beloved husband and best friend. What do I say to her, Jack? What words will comfort her as she holds out her arms to the emptiness before her........as she leans over to kiss you Good Morning and you are not there? Love never dies, I tell her. You must be patient, I tell her. But all she knows is that you are gone; gone from her sight, but never from her heart. You of all people knew that her heart is huge and has the capacity to love so much. What do I say to her in her heartbreak and in ours?
I'm sure you were a terrific soldier, a great mentor and good man, but to us you were just Jack........and we will miss you terribly, brother.

Much love,
Mary Cleve

Our condolences to the family -another Army family, we lived down the street in Kirkside. Kathy was my babysitter, and I send my love to her too. My brother Jim, is also Groveton Class of 1966. So sorry for your loss of an admirable man and soldier. Fleur Duggan

The many fond memories I have of Jack will forever remain in my heart. Mel, my deepest condolences to you, your family and the Kern family. The below poem, perfectly describes Jack and his time here on earth. The words came to my mind soon after I heard of Jack's passing from our earthly world into the arms of God.

"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory is a benediction." Jack, you led an extremely successful life. Mission accomplished. RIP my friend.

Melanie, It was such a shock to see Jack's obituary in the Washington Post. I saw Jack shortly before I retired in May and there was no hint of any health concerns. I have many fond memories of Jack, and you as well, in the halls of the Pentagon. My prayers are with you and your family.

Jack was always so kind to me and my family, he made us feel that we were part of the Kern family from the first time we spent time with the family up at Bryce. Over all the many years I was fortunate to share time with him and his family for whatever the occasion it was always a pleasure. Sending my condolences to all of his family.

Kern Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on Jack's passing. Jack and I served together for many years in the 11th Special Forces Gp. Jack was an outstanding soldier, a gentleman and a friend. He will be sadly missed from our ranks.
Sincerely,
Dick Nazzaro

Dear Kern Family. Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Jack. I got to know him well during his assignments in the 11th Special Forces Group (Abn) and we kept in touch after he went to the 352d CACOM. He was the example of the "Quiet Professional" and was a friend and mentor to all who knew and worked with him. He will be missed by his many friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace and God bless.

Our heartfelt condolences to Melanie and family on the loss of the man we came to know as "Big Jack". He was definitely a big man with a big heart, a big sense of duty to his country and a big love for his family. We loved seeing him in the neighborhood, and we loved seeing him on the slopes at Bryce. We always knew we were safe when Jack was on duty. He will be truly missed and remembered.
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."

"Death is opposite of birth. Death is not opposite of life. What takes birth dies but the life continues."
?Anonymous

Jack will always be remembered as being an upbeat leader and a positive influence for many; his legacy will live in others. But our most precious memories of Jack will be as a friend.

Great Greetings of Sorrow
Please accept Jan and my deepest sympathy and most sincere condolences at your bereavement and loss. Words are inadequate to console you during times like this, but I hope that you'll find some peace of mind in the coming days.
It is such a shock that God called Jack to be with him because he looked so vital and vivacious at the 352 CACOM Dining In party just a few weeks ago.
Jack was the consummate quintessential paragon of the Special Forces and Civil Affairs officers. He was universally respected by all and did his best to do his duty no matter the daunting exacerbating perturbation.
We shall always remember Jack as the finest friend, gentleman, and officer.
Thank you.
To contact me, please use:
V/R
/S/
S.J.Whidden MD. PhD
[email protected]

Great Greetings of Sorrow
Please accept Jan and my deepest sympathy and most sincere condolences at your bereavement and loss. Words are inadequate to console you during times like this, but I hope that you'll find some peace of mind in the coming days.
It is such a shock that God called Jack to be with him because he looked so vital and vivacious at the 352 CACOM Dining In party just a few weeks ago.
Jack was the consummate quintessential paragon of the Special Forces and Civil Affairs officers. He was universally respected by all and did his best to do his duty no matter the daunting exacerbating perturbation.
We shall always remember Jack as the finest friend, gentleman, and officer.
Thank you.
To contact me, please use:
V/R
/S/
S.J.Whidden MD. PhD
[email protected]
Phone:703-865-5121
12510 Flatwood Cir.
Fairfax, VA. 22033-2448

Taps
Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest
God is nigh.
Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar, drawing near
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise for our days
Neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky
As we go, this we know
God is nigh.

Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the skies
All is well, safely rest;
God is nigh.

Then goodnight, peaceful night;
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright.
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, goodnight.

Love, sweet dreams!
Lo, the beams of the light Fairy moon kissed the streams,
Love, Goodnight!
Ah so soon!
Peaceful dreams!

Fading light
Falling night
Trumpet call, as the sun, sinks in fright
Sleep in peace, comrades dear,
God is near.

Great Greetings of Sorrow
Please accept Jan and my deepest sympathy and most sincere condolences at you bereavement and loss. Words are inadequate to console you during times like this, but I hope that you'll find some peace of mind in the coming days.
It is such a shock that God called Jack to be with him because he looked so vital and vivacious at the 352 CACOM Dining In party just a few weeks ago.
Jack was the consummate quintessential paragon of the Special Forces and Civil Affairs officers. He was universally respected by all and did his best to do his duty no matter the daunting exacerbating perturbation.
We shall always remember Jack as the finest friend, gentleman, and officer.
Thank you.
To contact me, please use:
V/R
/S/
S.J.Whidden MD. PhD
[email protected]
Phone:703-865-5121
12510 Flatwood Cir.
Fairfax, VA. 22033-2448

Taps
Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest
God is nigh.
Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar, drawing near
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise for our days
Neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky
As we go, this we know
God is nigh.

Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the skies
All is well, safely rest;
God is nigh.

Then goodnight, peaceful night;
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright.
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, goodnight.

Love, sweet dreams!
Lo, the beams of the light Fairy moon kissed the streams,
Love, Goodnight!
Ah so soon!
Peaceful dreams!

Fading light
Falling night
Trumpet call, as the sun, sinks in fright
Sleep in peace, comrades dear,
God is near.

Jack was a soldiers' general and a good friend. Our friendship started while many who knew Jack we were deployed together in Bosnia on peacekeeping duty in 1996. Barb and I offer our heart-felt condolences to Mel as well as his and her families...We will fondly remember the you, Jack!

Iggi & Barb Husar (Trent Wood, NC)

I was shocked and saddened by the untimely loss of General Kern. He was a fine officer and I was priviliged to have served under his command in war and peace. Our country has lost a great leader. I hope his family can take some small measure of consolation in their hour of grief that their loss is shared by so many that his life touched.

We were so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He was such a professional and very passionate in everything he did. A first class soldier and a first class man.

Jack was a great mentor and friend, and will be truly missed. Amy Blumenthal, Petersburg, VA

Jack Kern was a wise leader, a mentor, and someone whose regard and friendship I always sought. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. God bless.

On Behalf of Lieutenant General Jeffrey Talley, Chief, Army Reserve and the United States Army Reserve Ambassador Corps, please accept our most profound condolences on the death of Jack Kern, a true officer and gentleman in every sense of the word. As a General Officer, Jack was a true leader and most valuable mentor; as a Special Forces/Operations Officer, he was always the Quiet Professional; and as a friend, always willing to listen. He will be truly missed by all. God Bless him and his family always.
Chuck Trombetta, Ambassador Emeritus to the Chief, Army Reserve
(Derwood, MD)

Jack,

You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave. God speed to you and strength to your family.

Bill Strouse, Odenton, MD

A true "Trooper" and a great leader.

Jack was a fine officer who served his country with honor. I extend
My condolences to his family for their loss.

Jack Kern was a good man. He was a superb leader and one of the finest soldiers I have ever known. I would have followed him anywhere and I am proud to have known him as a friend and a leader.

The last time I saw Jack was during Operation Desert Shield/Storm we were both at the Pentagon. He was always the quiet professional and I valued his friendship dating from the 11th SFG to the present. God Bless you my friend and have a great journey...see you later...
LTC Mort Smedley

Jack was a very good man, leader and a gentleman. He will be missed.

Mentor, Leader and Friend to many, he is the true epitome of a Quiet Professional. I valued his advise in peacetime and during our time in Iraq. The lessons I learned from him will continue to serve me for a long time to come. Meet you on the High Side Sir!

We honor the memory of Jack and all of the ideals that he stood for and dedicated his life to preserve. He was a fine officer, gentleman, civil servant and friend who leaves behind a wonderful loving wife and family that adored him. We salute you, Jack. Rest in peace.