SFC Jonathan David Langford US Army
September 14, 1978 – April 7, 2022
OIF (Iraq) OEF (Afghanistan)
3 Time Purple Heart Recipient
Jonathan’s write up from the Weekend to Remember – Halo for Freedom Warrior Foundation:
I joined the Army on 19 NOV 1997 from Leesburg, Florida. I enlisted as a cargo transport specialist and was assigned as a mechanic in the 331st transportation company at Ft. Eustis, VA. I met my wife, Kristina, and left the military in March of 2002 with an honorable discharge (ETS) and moved to Florida to start my family. I reentered the Army in DEC 2003 as an Infantryman 11B. I was in a scout platoon in C company 1-61 Calvary and made my E-5 shortly before deployment to Iraq in November of 2005. While on a dismounted patrol along the Tigris River my team came into contact with the enemy, and I was struck with an anti-personnel mine IED on 15 August 2006. Upon the blast I was knocked to the ground and received a blast concussion.
I deployed to Afghanistan in NOV 2009 as a Platoon Sergeant in the Battalions support company. On 9 FEB 2010, we were conducting security for a supply convoy in the Tangi Valley of eastern Afghanistan. Our vehicle was struck with an IED. My injuries were three broken ribs, and I lost consciousness.
I returned to Afghanistan to work in the tactical operations center (TOC) in April 2010. On 21 June 2011, our element came under Taliban small arms fire. I was thrown into the air and escaped only with shrapnel wounds and an injured back. This was the end of my combat duty. I was medically retired on June 27, 2013.
3-time Purple Heart recipient honored at retirement ceremony
WESH Channel 2 News reported by Dan Billow
A three-time Purple Heart recipient received a heartfelt retirement “thank you” from comrades and fellow citizens in Melbourne on Friday. Sgt. First Class Jonathan Langford still carries a piece of shrapnel in his leg. It was one of three separate times, in three separate tours of duty, that he was hurt while serving the U.S. The final time he served was in 2010. “It was all about reaction time. And we reacted, and I made it through it,” Langford said. “[I was] busted up, broke a couple ribs and some bones, but overall walked off the battlefield that day blessed to be alive.”
Friends and fellow citizens held a retirement ceremony at Florida Institute of Technology to honor Langford for 13 years of military service. He’s a Florida native now living in the Melbourne area. “Wearing the uniform for 13 years, it was such a sense of pride that I had. The brotherhood and camaraderie with the guys that I’ve met,” Langford said. “I miss it every day. I miss the Army and all my boys.”
Langford has lasting symptoms of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. “It’s been a really difficult transition adjusting to civilian life. Every day that passes it gets better and better,” Langford said. Langford called the ceremony welcome and needed closure to a military career that his friends said deserves special recognition.
Shared by his mother, Amy:
Just as the Bible says in 2 Timothy 4:7: Jonathan has fought a good fight. He has finished his course. He has kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give him at that day.
He was and will always be an American hero. He fought for his country and his family. Let us always remember what he has done for all of us. As a soldier he committed to the task without compromise. He was unrelenting in his devotion to the standards of duty, honor, and courage, with absolute loyalty to others, not letting the task go until it was done. Jonathan had a heavy heart and many scars, but we will forever be thankful for all the many sacrifices he made for our country.
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Jonathan has been welcomed into heaven. Let us keep in our hearts the true, deep love he had for us. His contagious smile and laughter brought out the best in people. His witty spirit and giving heart – he had love for everyone.
The time has come for our dear Jonathan (son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend). Your tour of duty is through; you have given as much as anyone could be expected to do. You clearly gave it all and through your selfless actions, others will hear the call. So, take your place of honor among those who have gone before and know you will be remembered for now and evermore.
Jonathan’s absence will be felt by many. He is greatly missed by his only brother, Justin, whom he loved so much. He will never be forgotten. Fly High Sky Soldier.”
Jonathan is from Florida. He loved the ocean and loved to surf.
Final Rest: Arlington National Cemetery
