Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember the many of days I spent with SSG Balcombe in Ft Lewis, WA. I became a member of the family when she brought me (PVT Whisler) to her parent's house (Oregon) for Christmas. When we deployed to Panama, she was my husband's Platoon Sergeant. I loved her leadership style; firm but fair. I will never forget the many times she would "smoke me" because of my sarcastic personality as a private. I owe my military career to her great mentorship!

Mike Balcombe was asked twice to promote me. I was promoted to SSG in Hawaii and SFC in Virginia. Jeanne Balcombe will always be my hero and Guardian. Her mother came down to visit me and my husband in Hawaii. We had the time of our life. I pray everyday for Jeanne's family.

SFC Lisa Kirk
friend and my Guardian Angel

May 24, 2007

SFC Balcombe arrived on the same flight I did to S. Korea on April 19, 1999. She approached me during in-processing to let me know I was going to be assigned to her platoon. She made me feel like she really cared about me. That was just the beginning. We were a very close-knit platoon because we were the only platoon of MP's at Camp Red Cloud. What happened to her changed my life. There were several of us young soldiers who cared about SFC Balcombe very much and we respected her. It is hard to put into words how big of a loss this was for her family and for everyone who knew her.

I still think of her often and I still feel very sad. I am a mother of a three year old now and I don't think any child should grow up without their mother. SFC Balcombe was very brave so of course I was proud of her. However, for me, the loss was terrible. It is almost seven years later and I still get upset when I think of her death.

God bless her family. I wish them the best. My thoughts and my prayers will always be with you.

Former MP Angela Gudahl

April 22, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Sergeant First Class Jeanne M. Balcombe and her fellow officers with the U.S. Army Military Police Corps:

On this the seventh anniversary of Jeanne's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember her today. Jeanne's professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will her patriotism to our country.

In reading the loving reflections left by her friends and co-workers I can see that she was very well respected and is sorely missed. I hope that God is holding her in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

To her daughter Alice, your reflection made me feel so sad. It is horrible that you are having to grow up without your mother, and I can see that you miss her so much. My grandson Cody is having to grow up without his Dad, and it seems so unfair that stupid criminals, through their senseless violence, can deprive so many children of their parents. If you ever would like to talk to someone who always cherished being a mom, I am available to listen.
My e mail is [email protected].

I am so sorry that Jeanne was robbed of her life so tragically, but through her heroism and the profound sense of duty with which she lived her life, she made an immeasurable difference. May her spirit continue to soar and may her memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Jeanne gave to her community and the citizens of our country as well as the foreign lands in which she served, and for the supreme sacrifice she and her family made on August 21, 1999.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 21, 2006

Wanted to leave a reflection to let you know that you have not been forgotten nor will that ever happen. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. I know you and my son must have a ton of war stories because he was also an MP with the 55th and was stationed in Korea prior to his becoming a police officer. Say hi to him for me.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 20, 2006

I never got to meet Alice's mother (SFC Jeanne M Balcombe) but if I did from what I've heard about her she sounds like a great mother, great friend to everyone and a hard worker. She's in our prayers and we miss her dearly. R.I.P. SFC Balcombe. <3 Brie Pusey

Brie Pusey
Her youngest daughters friend

May 16, 2006

I had the honor and privilege of being with the US Army Military Police from 1985 through 1989. I served with the 55th MP Company and the 3rd MP Detachment while at Camp Red Cloud, Korea. I am now a civilian police officer. When I first learned of SFC
Balcombe's death while at MILITARYPOLICE.COM, I was saddened and shocked. Although I did not know her, I felt the commonality of having served at the same base (essentially the same "police department").

SFC Balcombe's death was senseless and tragic. I grieve for her and her family and know that words will never take away their pain and suffering. For those of you who ever thought M.P.'s were not real cops, I hope you change your mind. I recall the murders, crashes and violent deaths. I remember the dual role M.P.'s played as both defenders of Democracy and defenders of law and order. Working in far away lands, third world countries and other hot spots, M.P.'s "walk a very unique beat".

From the distinct sounds of it, SFC Balcombe was a significant cut above the rest. I would have proudly served with her had I the opportunity. As we all know, there is no doubt she walks the Heavenly beat now. To her family, I offer you this: She will forever be in my thoughts and prayers and I save for her a special place of remembrance in that hallowed part of my heart. Girls, may you always be the part of your mother to always bring a smile to your father's face...."Let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithfully parted, rest in peace, Amen".

Lex et Ordo (Law & Order)
"Of the Troops & For the Troops"

Police Officer (& Proud Former MPI)
New York State

March 19, 2006

Thank you for your service Sgt. Balcombe and for being a hero! You will not be forgotten.

Officer
Maryland

February 10, 2006

Well SFC Jeanne M. Balcombe was my mother, she died about 7 years ago. it was pretty hard on me and my family (mostly my father). I was 7 years old when she was brutally murdered by an underage drunk. It is incredibally hard growing up without my mother. But I know that she was a wqonderful person that always put herself before others. But all I really know is that I miss her and love her and miss her... she will always be loved and missed... RIP i love my mom

Alice Balcombe

December 12, 2005

You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. My son was also an ex MP, Airbonre, he also served in Korea at Camp Page. He was killed in the line of duty on 8/8/04. Keep watch over your family.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

August 21, 2005

I just happened on your site when I
was doing the "today in history" trip.
Your life was senselessly cut short and this is truly a tragedy. I'm sure all the wonderful things said about you are true. Thank you sacrificing your most precious gift, your life. My heart goes out to your husband and kids and all those that love and miss you.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

August 21, 2005

You will never be forgotten. Thank you for all you have done. You are truly appreciated. I will be thinking of your family and loved ones today.

August 21, 2005

Gone but not forgotten...May her Family, Fellow Army MP's, and her Friends have found Peace..May God Grant them the Serenity to accept the things they cannot change, the Courage to change the things they can, and the Wisdom to know the difference...Rest in Peace Warrior..

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police Dept. Lewisburg, Pa.

August 21, 2004

hope you have good memorial day

mary cocke Civilian
u.s.p.p

May 31, 2004

Jeanne and I were stationed together in Camp Ames in Korea. I was assigned at a Squad leader, SAACT5, She was a great Lady and a great Soldier. She was the type of NCO To do the right thing at the right time, no matter what the cost....She will be missed. To mike her Husband, I am so sorry for your loss.

Jon

Supervisor Jon A. Underwood
US Customs and Border Protection

October 30, 2003

You did your job well, protected my country well.
As you now know, Jesus Loves You. So do we.

Retired Officer RB Wade
Richmond, VA Police

August 31, 2003

SFC Balcombe,

I just found out about your death via the ODMP. My heart is sad. As a former MP, I left my barracks everyday not knowing whether or not I would return. You are my hero and I am proud to have been a fellow MP. God bless you!

Jonathan D. Phillips
3rd Platoon, 4th MP Co., Fort Carson, Colorado

I guess you're with the True Patrol Sup now..

A Soldier
Military Police Corps Ft. Lewis

SFC Balcombe,

My heart goes out to you and your family. Your husband all too well knew the risks you faced day in and day out. Not only as part of the thin line that keeps the civil from the uncivil but also on the line of democracy in Korea.

Having retired from the Military Police Corps you have my respect as both a fellow Non-commissioned Officer and a fine police officer. May God bless your husband and daughters as they try to continue their lives without you.

SFC William L. Farrell, Ret
Military Police, Retired

JEANNE,

I ALWAYS KNEW YOU TO BE THE ONE WHO WOULD DO THE RIGHT THING.  YOUR DEATH, THOUGH TRAJIC, IS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF A TRUE HERO AND A DAMN FINE POLICE OFFICER.  I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT IF I AM PUT IN A SIMILAR SITUATION I WILL DO THE SAME AS YOU.  I WILL SORELY MISS OUR USUAL LUNCHES AT THE BOWLING ALLEY.  MY SINCEREST REGARDS TO YOUR FAMILY.

SPC JOHNATHAN A. STILLEY
FT. LEWIS TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS

SFC Balcombe

I have been a member if the Indiana Army National Guard for seventeen Years. I have been a member of the Huntington County Police Department, IN for twelve years as a reserve police officer. I did not know you, but reading the reflections left by your closest friends lets me know what type of NCO you were. An NCO who was fair. An NCO who was compassionate. An NCO who took care of her soldiers. Many NCO's in the military today should take notice of your traits. A true loss was felt the day God decided to take you into his arms. May you rest peacfully and keep the streets of Heaven safe. Drive on war eagle!

SSG Philip S. Zahm
Co D, 1/293 Inf Bgd (SIB) Indiana Army National Guard

SFC Balcombe,

I did not serve with you, but I proudly served with the Military Police
Corps from 1992-1999 going to Korea, California, Georgia, and New Jersey. I
have had to respond to the "Officer Down" call before, doing everything
humanly possible to get to my "brother or sister" who needed help.

I have stood over my friend and sergeant who was layed out on the ground in
a parking lot, thanking GOD that he looked up at me and said "hey Nick get
me outta here". Unfortunately you didn't get that back-up officer in time.

As an ex-active duty MP and now as a Reserve MP working as a State Officer
in Florida, I am deeply saddened by the loss of a fellow NCO MP who was
taken from the earth. Everyday we honor the creed to guide and teach our
soldiers, now we have a leader of soldiers in heaven.

Keep 'em in line up there Sarge.

SGT Heath Nichols
Florida Capitol Police

I really hate to see such a fine NCO, get deprived of her family and future like that. I did not know her but as a fellow Noncom, soldier, and Police Officer, I felt the impact too. May God watch over her family and justice brought upon those who seek it.

SFC (R) E.D. Sierra
Virginia State Division of Capitol Police

SFC Balcombe,

May God watch over you as you did for your fellow soldiers and civilians. Thank you for doing a job that is often very thankless. Your actions made the MP Corp proud. You will be missed.

Bobby Douglas
Former Military Policeman

SFC Balcombe,

First off, I miss you.  I worked for you for about three years.  The thing that sticks in my mind the most about you is simply, you cared.  You are the epitome of what we (LEO's)should strive to be like.

You stand your ground when you knew it was right, even if it wasn't the popular opinion of some of the other leaders.  You never asked anyone to do anything you wouldn't do or have not done.  You always took the time to help someone out who needed it and I never saw you roll your eyes when asked "Sarge, I gotta question".

There is no amount of words that can accurately describe you.  But if there is one that's close..........Hero, is the one I choose.  Thank you for all your help, thanks for being a friend and a leader.  Save me a good seat in guardmount.

Thank you, again.  I'll always remember you.

W. M. Neff
Overland Park (KS) Police Dept

SFC Balcombe,

My heart sank the day I heard the news. Even though I never worked directly under you, I worked with you many of times. You always were on top on things, and took care of and stood up for not only your soldiers, but the community of Ft Lewis as well. You will never be forgotten.

Mark Holthaus
51st Military Police Det