Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I met SSG Balcombe while stationed in Germany with the 630th MP Company. We shared a common bond as I was from Oregon. Even though I didn't work with her as I was sent to an outlying Platoon she always remembered me when I saw her. I was greatly saddened by her sudden death.

Sgt Kirk Cromwell/former MP
Medford Police Department

July 31, 2013

SSG Balcome was my squad leader in the 170th at Ft. Lewis when we deployed to Panama. I was her team leader and we had a tight nit group of great soldiers. I was sadden to here of the tragic incident. Sometimes it's hard to put into words of the great loss Mr. Balcome and his daughter endured. God bless you and your girls. It was great to know and serve with a true hero.

Sgt Tomas Romero / former MP
Douglas Police Dept

February 28, 2013

Sgt Balcombe was an outstanding NCO and Leader. Our prayers are with Mike and Family. Forever be remembered

MSG (R) Richard Perdue
Fellow NCO at Ft McCellan, Al.

December 26, 2012

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 15, 2012

May you Rest in Peace Sgt. Balcombe. I certainly miss you! You were such a genuine person and great NCO! I enjoyed working for you!

Officer W. M. Neff
Mission Police Department, Mission, KS

December 8, 2012

Gone, but not forgotten. I just popped in and wanted to tell Mike and the rest of the family that I still think about her. She was a great NCO, and I still miss her.

Doug Wietlisbach
former MP

May 24, 2012

I was on state active duty as a NC Guard MP on storm detail when this tragedy occurred. In mysubsequent active tour at Bragg, I worked with fellow MPs who serrved with you. You were, are now and will always be revered as a poster MP Soldier and NCO. RIP Sarge, we still miss you. My condolences to the family, friends and colleagues.

Master SGT John Millan (RET)
US Army Millitary Police

February 18, 2012

Thank you for your service. You were a good soldier, a great MP and a really great NCO. You took the motto:
"Of the troops and for the troops" to heart. God bless you for your sacrifice and courage. May you rest in peace.

Military Policeman
US Army

November 28, 2010

Unbelievable courage! SFC Balcombe is a fine, very fine, example to every U.S. service member. She stood between the attacker and her fellow soldiers and assumed her responsibilities as a leader.

I am so sorry for her husband and family.

Best regards and sympathy,

Lamar Miller

Lamar Miller
MSgt, USAF, Ret '88, VN Vet (AP, SP)

March 23, 2010

Been several years since I have been here. Life goes on, but memories live forever. 10 plus years since my mife and hero was taken. I have read may reflections from people that did not know her, and I am overwhelmed. God bless you and all of us.
And Jeanne, as I know you see, our daughter Kris is on her 2d combat tour. She is a proud soldier as you and I are! Your legacy lives on daily in todays Army thru her.
I miss you so much...

SFC Mike Balcombe
US Army (Ret)

February 3, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 10th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

I hope to one day meet some of your family at a COPS function. Until then, I hold them in my heart's embrace and ask God to watch over them and grant them solace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

Anonymous

August 21, 2009

I knew Jeanne and Mike for quite sometime when they were stationed in Bamberg Germany. In fact we bowled on the same league for several years together. I often think of Jeanne and Mike. The last time I saw Mike he, and my son all went to a Foreigner and Doobie Brothers concert. I wish Mike and his kids the very best and do miss Jeanne.

Steve

Steve Audritsh
Friend of the family

July 8, 2009

I was one of sergeant Balcombe’s last soldiers. I was KATUSA (Korean Augmentation to the United States Army) served in the Army from 1999 to 2001. Right after army camp, I was sent to 1/55 MP Co. She was my first platoon sergeant and mother for our entire platoon.
I cannot forget the Sad Saturday morning. After she was taken from us, we planted Evergreen tree in front of the hospital. It becomes almost 10 years I first met her.

Yosung Chang
One of her Soldiers (1/55th MP Co.)

May 6, 2009

I am a retired MP Master SGT, a former active MP, a retired NC cop and now a cop in AK. I was a NC National Guard MP Co. OPNS NCO when this happened and I was sick about it. Reading her husband's reflection makes me so sad but proud at the same time. Reading her child's post breaks my heart but also makes it swell with pride. To the PATHETIC POS disgrace to the uniform who did this cowardly act, too bad you didn't have the guts to let the KP's gun you down like the useless piece of grabage you were, are and forever will be. I hope you are rottting in misery in prison at Leavenworth you sad, pathetic little scumbag. As for a hero like SFC Balcombe, know that you truly were an example-setter to all of who wear the crossed pistols. God Bless and RIP. We are with your family always. Hooah!

MSG (RET) JA Millan, US Army
US Army MP Corps

April 10, 2009

I remember SFC. Balcombe while I was stationed at Ft. Lewis Wa.I was a PFC. and She was my Platoon Sergeant. SFC. Balcombe was a hard worker and always took care of Soldiers. I learned alot from her. SFC. Balcombe will be missed by everyone who knew her. She will always be my hero.
"Gone but not Forgotten"

SSG. Shawn Beaty
Military Police

February 24, 2009

Jeanne, girl I miss you so much. It's amazing Kris is following in your foot steps....what a stellar example you have always been. Lisa and I talk of you every time we see each other or email. Sometimes she is the spitting image of you. Mike, brother, I hope some of your pain has eased. You have so many reasons to be proud of all three of the wonderful women in your life. Knowing you're watching over us all makes the memeories blessed. 'till we meet again my old friend.

CSM Ricky Haralson

August 31, 2008

Rest in peace SFC Balcombe. You will always be missed but never forgotten...

"Blessed are the Peacemakers For they shall be called Sons Of God."
Matt.5:9

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD

August 21, 2008

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones and close friends on this day and every day. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those in uniform across the world. You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service to our Country.

Bob Gordon
Father of Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 21, 2008

Sergeant Balcombe, I salute you for your willingess to serve your fellowman and our country. Reading the reflections about you tells me that you were the kind of NCO that I would have been proud to have served with. You are a hero. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my sister.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C State Constables & LTC, USA, Rtr

August 21, 2008

Sergeant First Class Jeanne M. Balcombe,

It is with sadness that I read the circumstances of your death. First, you were a soldier sworn to the duty of protecting all that we cherish as a free country. A country whicy is the envy of all. You also were a military police officer sworn to be of the troops and for the troops. It was your duty to make a safe world for those who kept the our world safe. It was you, as a senior non-commissioned officer, who would strive to set the example for all those of lesser rank. That another who also wears the uniform of the United States of Amnerica, sworn to protect our country, would take your life is an abominable an act as can possibly be. But you have not been defeated. You have not been erased from the world, as each of us wearing the badge of the military police shall keep your spirit alive. And this will never be defeated.

I am certain that you have joined the ranks of heros who have worn a law officer's badge and loss their life doing their sworn duty, and that they have received you with open arms. When others look to the sky and see only a spanse of stars, your brother and sister officers everywhere see a legion of heros. The brightest among them will be the badge of the last hero to join them. I write because the "star" I observed this night was yours. Well done, Sergeant First Class Balcombe, .... well done.

1SG Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
United States Army Reserve - MP

July 3, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 12, 2008

My prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

October 31, 2007

I have not looked at this page for a LONG time. Even after all these years it is still very painful.
To all of you that have left reflections and words for my family, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. We lost "Mommy" that day in the physical sense. But we have gained a guardian angel. Our oldest daughter, Kris, is now a soldier on her way to Iraq. I know Jeanne is so proud of her, as I am. I know that Jeanne will watch over Kris as she has always done.
I love and miss you so much.

SFC(R) Mike Balcombe
Husband

September 14, 2007

Sergeant Balcombe,
Today is the 8th. anniversary since you were called home. You will never be forgotten, no matter how many years go by. Thank you for leaving a lesson to us about true dedication and of courage.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 21, 2007

SFC Balcombe,
On today, the 8th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

August 21, 2007