Roll Call Tribute
Alexander Jones '18 February 23, 2017 8:42 AM updated: March 27, 2017 8:14 AM
(Published in) The Battalion (on) February 22, 2017
Campus mourns death of incoming Band Commander
By Luke Henkhaus | Posted: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 11:52 pm
[Photo caption.]
Alexander Jones
Alexander Jones was a political science junior and the 2016-2017 Aggie Band Command Sergeant Major.
Alexander Jones, 2016-2017 Aggie Band Command Sergeant Major and incoming combined Band Commander was pronounced dead after a collision with an 18-wheeler on the evening of Feb. 18. As news of 20-year-old Jones’ death has spread across campus, several prominent figures within the Corps of Cadets and the Aggie Band have released statements describing the magnitude of the loss, the person Jones was and the commitment to stand together in the face of tragedy.
In a statement released Monday, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets Joe E. Ramirez confirmed Jones’ death and expressed a sense of mourning and remembrance on behalf of the Corps.
“All who knew Alex remember him as a sociable, confident young man who had a resilient work ethic and a good sense of humor,” Ramirez said. “He was a very well-liked young man, and his loss will affect all of us for a long time to come.”
Ramirez extended condolences to Jones’ friends and family and emphasized the value of camaraderie in the face of such a loss.
“We all stand together as Aggies today as we mourn the loss of one of our own,” Ramirez said. “Alex Jones will be missed by all of us. As an Aggie, I hope the Jones family will take solace in knowing that Alex will never be forgotten, and that the unique Aggie spirit of camaraderie that is such an integral part of Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets will hold fast to support them in this very difficult time.”
Aggie Band Director Timothy Rhea said Jones will be remembered by his fellow band members for his commitment and compassion.
“His reputation as a person of integrity, his strong work ethic and his leadership in the Aggie Band will define our memories of him, only to be topped by the fact that he was a caring human being who set a fine example to all,” Rhea said. “We are grateful for the time we had with him, and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
Jones was a member of the Ross Volunteer company which, among other duties, serves at both the Silver Taps and Muster ceremonies. Assistant Commandant of Operations and Training Colonel Glenn Starnes said Jones will be greatly missed within the company.
“He was preparing for the Ross Volunteers company’s participation in the King Rex parade next week,” Starnes said. “We are sorely missing him.”
As Jones’ loss is felt by many, several Aggies are expressing their grief over Facebook, including 2015-2016 Corps Commander Alyssa Michalke, who recalled Jones’ dedication to the service of others.
“Although I received word of Alex’s passing yesterday afternoon, it still doesn’t seem real that a young man with such an outstanding character, a servant’s heart, and a positive attitude would be taken from us so soon,” Michalke wrote. “I had the privilege to talk with Alex numerous times throughout his sophomore and junior years, and he always asked me for advice on how to serve others better so they could grow and develop. His selflessness and maturity always blew me away, and it was my honor to become friends with such an exceptional Aggie.”
Junior Yell Leader Cooper Cox described Jones’ hardworking spirit and emphasized the need to remember the life he lived.
“Alex was a son, a friend, member of the Corps of Cadets, member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and a Ross Volunteer that strived for excellence in everything he did,” Cox wrote on Facebook. “I do not understand how or why such an exceptional soul can be taken so soon. The only thing I can do is say ‘Here.’”
___________________________________________________________________________
Published in (San Antonio) Express-News on Mar. 26, 2017
Alexander Stefan "Alex" Jones(1996 - 2017)
AUGUST 8, 1996 - FEBRUARY 19, 2017
Alexander S. Jones, beloved son, brother, and friend, died in a tragic automobile accident in Bryan, Texas on Sunday, February 19, 2017. Alex was born in the US Army Hospital, Yongsan Army Base in Seoul, Korea on August 8, 1996. He and his family later moved to Stuttgart, Germany then to Augusta, Georgia and finally to San Antonio in June 2007. Alex graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ronald Reagan High School in May 2014. He entered Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets in August 2104 and played the trumpet in the Fighting Aggie Band. First, as a trumpet section line leader, he was later selected to be the Corps Bugler '15, then the Combined Band Sergeant Major '16 and had just been named as the incoming Combined Aggie Band Commander '17 at the time of his death. He maintained a 4.0 GPA and was majoring in political science, economics and international studies.
As an Air Force ROTC cadet, Alex excelled in his studies. Alex completed 22 hours of private pilot training in hopes of getting a pilot training slot in the Air Force. On 16 February 2017, Alex was notified that he had been selected for pilot training upon his graduation and commissioning scheduled for May 2018. He was also honored by being selected as the AFROTC Region 5 Cadet of the Year for 2107. On 14 March 2017, his parents received word, that despite his death, Alex had been named the Air Force Association's Cadet of the Year.
On Alex's top list of things he appreciated, he first mentioned God's great plan for him and Jesus' sacrifice for all of us, followed by his parents, siblings, and friends, the opportunities at Texas A&M University, the Corps of Cadets, and the Fighting Aggie Band. He also appreciated the Aggie Band leadership and staff.
Alex was excited about his future in the Air Force and the ability to serve his country, as well as the leadership opportunities he had received so far. Alex loved traveling and enjoyed representing A&M during sponsored trips to Europe and the Far East.
Alex's motto was: Life's a team sport, where everyone is supposed to give the best of themselves to make the world a better and happier place for all. If you give your best, then you have done your part and have nothing to worry about.
He is survived by his parents, Burt and Bettina, his siblings, Maxwell and Katharine, of San Antonio, TX, his sister Stephanie and her husband, Cameron of Atlanta, GA and his maternal grandparents, Oma Katharina and Opa Stefan Huber, Bolheim, Germany.
Alex's compassion, his sense of humor and his zest for life will be in our hearts and souls forever.
Alex's parents and the Texas A&M foundation have established the Alex Jones '18 Memorial Corps of Cadets Scholarship. Those wishing to contribute to the Scholarship fund can make donation to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Dr., College Station, TX 77840, Texas A&M Foundation please note on the donation that it is for the Alex Jones '19 Memorial Fund. For more information on how donate on-line go to https://www.txamfoundation
.com
Campus mourns death of incoming Band Commander
By Luke Henkhaus | Posted: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 11:52 pm
[Photo caption.]
Alexander Jones
Alexander Jones was a political science junior and the 2016-2017 Aggie Band Command Sergeant Major.
Alexander Jones, 2016-2017 Aggie Band Command Sergeant Major and incoming combined Band Commander was pronounced dead after a collision with an 18-wheeler on the evening of Feb. 18. As news of 20-year-old Jones’ death has spread across campus, several prominent figures within the Corps of Cadets and the Aggie Band have released statements describing the magnitude of the loss, the person Jones was and the commitment to stand together in the face of tragedy.
In a statement released Monday, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets Joe E. Ramirez confirmed Jones’ death and expressed a sense of mourning and remembrance on behalf of the Corps.
“All who knew Alex remember him as a sociable, confident young man who had a resilient work ethic and a good sense of humor,” Ramirez said. “He was a very well-liked young man, and his loss will affect all of us for a long time to come.”
Ramirez extended condolences to Jones’ friends and family and emphasized the value of camaraderie in the face of such a loss.
“We all stand together as Aggies today as we mourn the loss of one of our own,” Ramirez said. “Alex Jones will be missed by all of us. As an Aggie, I hope the Jones family will take solace in knowing that Alex will never be forgotten, and that the unique Aggie spirit of camaraderie that is such an integral part of Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets will hold fast to support them in this very difficult time.”
Aggie Band Director Timothy Rhea said Jones will be remembered by his fellow band members for his commitment and compassion.
“His reputation as a person of integrity, his strong work ethic and his leadership in the Aggie Band will define our memories of him, only to be topped by the fact that he was a caring human being who set a fine example to all,” Rhea said. “We are grateful for the time we had with him, and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
Jones was a member of the Ross Volunteer company which, among other duties, serves at both the Silver Taps and Muster ceremonies. Assistant Commandant of Operations and Training Colonel Glenn Starnes said Jones will be greatly missed within the company.
“He was preparing for the Ross Volunteers company’s participation in the King Rex parade next week,” Starnes said. “We are sorely missing him.”
As Jones’ loss is felt by many, several Aggies are expressing their grief over Facebook, including 2015-2016 Corps Commander Alyssa Michalke, who recalled Jones’ dedication to the service of others.
“Although I received word of Alex’s passing yesterday afternoon, it still doesn’t seem real that a young man with such an outstanding character, a servant’s heart, and a positive attitude would be taken from us so soon,” Michalke wrote. “I had the privilege to talk with Alex numerous times throughout his sophomore and junior years, and he always asked me for advice on how to serve others better so they could grow and develop. His selflessness and maturity always blew me away, and it was my honor to become friends with such an exceptional Aggie.”
Junior Yell Leader Cooper Cox described Jones’ hardworking spirit and emphasized the need to remember the life he lived.
“Alex was a son, a friend, member of the Corps of Cadets, member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and a Ross Volunteer that strived for excellence in everything he did,” Cox wrote on Facebook. “I do not understand how or why such an exceptional soul can be taken so soon. The only thing I can do is say ‘Here.’”
___________________________________________________________________________
Published in (San Antonio) Express-News on Mar. 26, 2017
Alexander Stefan "Alex" Jones(1996 - 2017)
AUGUST 8, 1996 - FEBRUARY 19, 2017
Alexander S. Jones, beloved son, brother, and friend, died in a tragic automobile accident in Bryan, Texas on Sunday, February 19, 2017. Alex was born in the US Army Hospital, Yongsan Army Base in Seoul, Korea on August 8, 1996. He and his family later moved to Stuttgart, Germany then to Augusta, Georgia and finally to San Antonio in June 2007. Alex graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ronald Reagan High School in May 2014. He entered Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets in August 2104 and played the trumpet in the Fighting Aggie Band. First, as a trumpet section line leader, he was later selected to be the Corps Bugler '15, then the Combined Band Sergeant Major '16 and had just been named as the incoming Combined Aggie Band Commander '17 at the time of his death. He maintained a 4.0 GPA and was majoring in political science, economics and international studies.
As an Air Force ROTC cadet, Alex excelled in his studies. Alex completed 22 hours of private pilot training in hopes of getting a pilot training slot in the Air Force. On 16 February 2017, Alex was notified that he had been selected for pilot training upon his graduation and commissioning scheduled for May 2018. He was also honored by being selected as the AFROTC Region 5 Cadet of the Year for 2107. On 14 March 2017, his parents received word, that despite his death, Alex had been named the Air Force Association's Cadet of the Year.
On Alex's top list of things he appreciated, he first mentioned God's great plan for him and Jesus' sacrifice for all of us, followed by his parents, siblings, and friends, the opportunities at Texas A&M University, the Corps of Cadets, and the Fighting Aggie Band. He also appreciated the Aggie Band leadership and staff.
Alex was excited about his future in the Air Force and the ability to serve his country, as well as the leadership opportunities he had received so far. Alex loved traveling and enjoyed representing A&M during sponsored trips to Europe and the Far East.
Alex's motto was: Life's a team sport, where everyone is supposed to give the best of themselves to make the world a better and happier place for all. If you give your best, then you have done your part and have nothing to worry about.
He is survived by his parents, Burt and Bettina, his siblings, Maxwell and Katharine, of San Antonio, TX, his sister Stephanie and her husband, Cameron of Atlanta, GA and his maternal grandparents, Oma Katharina and Opa Stefan Huber, Bolheim, Germany.
Alex's compassion, his sense of humor and his zest for life will be in our hearts and souls forever.
Alex's parents and the Texas A&M foundation have established the Alex Jones '18 Memorial Corps of Cadets Scholarship. Those wishing to contribute to the Scholarship fund can make donation to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Dr., College Station, TX 77840, Texas A&M Foundation please note on the donation that it is for the Alex Jones '19 Memorial Fund. For more information on how donate on-line go to https://www.txamfoundation
.com
505 George Bush Drive
College Station, TX 77840
(979) 845-7514
When Aggies see a need, their energy and their selflessness draw others into the cause, and good things happen.
© 2024 The Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University, All Rights Reserved