Joint Base Lewis-McChord Holds Memorial for Staff Sgt. Hagemann

A memorial ceremony was held for Staff Sgt. Jared A. Hagemann yesterday at the Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel.

Hagemann, assigned to 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, died June 28, 2011. A recently completed investigation concluded that Hagemann took his own life.

The ceremony was attended by his widow, Ashley Joppa-Hagemann, his parents, Stephen and Janea Hagemann, and Rangers of 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.

"Simply put, Jared was one of our nation's best," said Maj. Tony Keller, commander of Company A, 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, during the ceremony. "He signed up to serve his nation and protect his family during a time of war."

Hagemann joined the Army in April 2006 and completed six combat tours, four in Afghanistan and two in Iraq. During his most recent deployment, which ended in February, he re-enlisted for six additional years of service with the 75th Ranger Regiment.

"Remember him for his actions overseas while he defended this great country and remember him as a loving father to his sons," said Keller.

Hagemann was buried with full military honors in his hometown of Ripon, Calif., July 15, 2011.

The Rangers of 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment returned from Afghanistan to Joint Base Lewis McChord last week after completing the unit's 15th deployment since Sept. 11, 2001.