The Lieutenant Edward L. Sherwood III Memorial Fund
We established this new memorial fund in our son’s name to support Armed Forces Mission (AFM) suicide prevention training for military service members, veterans, first responders, and others. Individuals, community organizations, businesses, schools, and churches are encouraged to participate in training and support AFM with their gifts.
On October 22, 2019 in a difficult period in our son’s life due to PTSD and related matters, he died taking his own life. His death was a great shock and caused deep sorrow for all who knew him. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, and father. A friend to many.
Our son was well-known for his ready smile, lending a helping hand, and encouraging those he served. In remembering him, we now better know that like most first-responders, soldiers, veterans, and others - - he carried within an unresolved, emotional struggle with the trauma and difficulties he encountered in life. Unfortunately, like many others, he did not open up his internal strife to others.
May his life be a reminder that the struggles of life can overwhelm loved ones, friends, and others we know. Timely, caring intervention in their lives is something that each of us must learn to do. In memory of our son’s life of service to others as a firefighter, paramedic, and US Army combat veteran, we would like others to have the opportunity to be trained in recognizing and intervening in the lives of those who are facing similar struggles.
On October 22, 2019 in a difficult period in our son’s life due to PTSD and related matters, he died taking his own life. His death was a great shock and caused deep sorrow for all who knew him. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, and father. A friend to many.
Our son was well-known for his ready smile, lending a helping hand, and encouraging those he served. In remembering him, we now better know that like most first-responders, soldiers, veterans, and others - - he carried within an unresolved, emotional struggle with the trauma and difficulties he encountered in life. Unfortunately, like many others, he did not open up his internal strife to others.
May his life be a reminder that the struggles of life can overwhelm loved ones, friends, and others we know. Timely, caring intervention in their lives is something that each of us must learn to do. In memory of our son’s life of service to others as a firefighter, paramedic, and US Army combat veteran, we would like others to have the opportunity to be trained in recognizing and intervening in the lives of those who are facing similar struggles.
Thank you for your support,
Lieutenant Colonel (US Army, Ret.) Ed and Jackie Sherwood
Lieutenant Colonel (US Army, Ret.) Ed and Jackie Sherwood
Edward L. Sherwood III
A Life of Service to Others, 1983-2019
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Our son Edward, was born September 2, 1983 in Columbus, Georgia while we were assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia. We adopted him at two days old after years of prayer for another child.
■ Edward grew up in Peachtree City, Georgia, a happy child with our two girls. He was a delightful son and one of our greatest blessings. Edward’s heart was always open to God as a child and he received Christ as his Savior at age eight. Like many boys, he played Little League baseball and enjoyed Cub Scouts. Later, he went on to become an Eagle Scout. As he grew older, he wanted to be known as “Ed.” |
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■ In 2002, he graduated from McIntosh High School. He was a gifted musician and enjoyed being a band member throughout his school days. He also played his trumpet in our church’s worship services.. After graduation, he briefly attended Georgia College & State University.
■ In 2004, he completed Emergency Medical Technician training and joined the Fayette County Fire & Emergency Service. He faithfully served his community for over fourteen years until 2019. Despite long hours assisting others, undergoing trauma, and life-threatening circumstances, he loved his work as a firefighter and paramedic. A recognized leader, he achieved the rank of lieutenant early and had prepared for and would soon be considered for Captain. |
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■ From 2010 to 2016, Ed had dual service with the Georgia Army National Guard. In 2010, during entry-level, infantry training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was the top “Soldier of the Cycle” with C Company, 1st Battalion 19th Infantry, 198th Infantry Training Brigade, Afterwards, he completed airborne training.
■ In 2013, as an infantry soldier, he took leave of the fire department and deployed to Afghanistan with the Georgia Army National Guard’s 848th Engineer Company. His unit was assigned to road clearing operations searching for deadly Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). As a gunner on a Mine-Resistant, Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, he sat on his medical bag and when needed, performed double duty as a paramedic with advanced life-saving skills. ■ In 2017, promoted to Sergeant, Ed completed his military service with Company H, 121st Infantry Long Range Reconnaissance & Surveillance (Airborne) and received an Honorable Discharge for his faithful service. He truly lived a life serving others. With many good memories of his life,
Ed and Jackie |