Eddison Hermond

HERMOND, EDDISON A. 

On Tuesday, May 29, 2018, Staff Sergeant Eddison A. Hermond passed away in Ellicott City, MD, in a heroic attempt to save lives during a detrimental flood. Staff Sergeant Eddison is survived by his loving parents, Eddison A. Hermond, Sr. and Cleola Thompson; beloved son Jayden Cornell Jenkins and devoted sister Alicia Joeselle Armstrong. 

Staff Sergeant Eddison Alexander Hermond, Jr. was born on August 15, 1978 in Brooklyn, NY to Eddison Alexander Hermond, Sr. and Cleola Hermond (née Gibson) at The Brooklyn Hospital Center. Eddison was a bright, warm, and engaging child.  He spent his early childhood in Brooklyn, educated at Bellevue Day Care Center.  In 1989, he and his mother moved to San Diego, CA. There Eddison developed an interest in sports, participating in Little League, YMCA swimming, karate and football. Eddison was a fierce competitor, but a gentle soul. He believed he could do anything, but not at anyone’s expense.  It was not unusual for him to check on an opponent after a game with a pat on the back or give an encouraging word.

Eddison’s kind, easy going nature was a surprising contrast to his fearlessness. If an occasion warranted action, the boy Eddison was there looking danger in the eye. When the wind carried his favorite baseball cap into the Pacific Ocean while on a navy ship, he didn’t waste any time. Eight-year-old Eddison jumped right into the water and got his hat (not without rescue and rebuke from the naval crew). When he wasn’t being a courageous superhero, Eddison tried to be a normal kid.  

He attended primary school in San Diego at Birney, U.S. Grant, Agat and Harry S. Truman Elementary Schools and Wilson Academy of International Studies and developed a reputation for his kindness, service, and leadership.  In 1988, he was rewarded by the Junior Police League for his service and conduct. In 1989, he received a good citizenship award. In 1991, he participated with the San Diego Police Athletic League and won the National Team Spirit Award, which recognized his ability to work well with others, his infectious enthusiasm, positive attitude, and mental toughness. 

Eddison attended Roosevelt Junior High School and Southwest High School. Not only was he well liked, but he also excelled in academia and athletics. He was on the varsity football team and received various accolades, including the Coaches Award. He considered collegiate football but decided to pursue a military career after he graduated in 1996. He sought the advice of his mother and took stock of each branch before choosing to enlist with the Air Force. He dedicated more than 10 years to the Air Force, with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, before serving in the Army National Guard of the United States in 2009 (Camp Fretterd in Reistertown, MD).

As a Guard Soldier, Eddison was a member of the infantry and was trained to respond in national disasters. He worked to stabilize riots in Ferguson, MO in 2014 and Baltimore, MD in 2015. In 2016, he was on call during the Ellicott City flooding.  He took special pride in working on search and rescue missions. He never wavered in his duty.  He rose to the occasion despite deadly circumstances. Eddison was passionate about the lives of others.

His passion went beyond his military career. Eddison (“Eddie”) was a friend to everyone. His ease, wit, and charm were qualities that endeared so many to him. As a friend, he was fun, loving, kind, sacrificial, and thoughtful. To his customers at the Victorian Gastro Pub in Columbia, MD, he was a confidante after a rough work week. To his community, he was a helping hand, always volunteering for fundraisers. To his aunts and uncles, he was both a little shadow and light- following in their footsteps in the military while making his own bright path.  To his single mother, he was a rock, who attempted to shield and protect; and a trusted companion who took walks with her over the phone.   To his sister, Alicia (11 years junior), he was a wonderful blend of big brother, father, and friend, teaching her about the inroads of life, service and commitment.  To his son, Jayden, he was what he is to so many today- a Hero.

Eddison lived as a hero and died as a hero.  His attempt to save a stranger during the Ellicott City flood on Sunday, May 27, 2018 places him in rare and elite company of men who died so that someone else might live.

Eddison leaves to mourn his passing, his mother Cleola Thompson (Fayetteville, NC), and father Eddison Hermond, Sr. (Bronx, NY) and sisters, A1C Alicia J. Armstrong (Mountain Home, ID) and Kamalya Hermond (Brooklyn, NY)  son, Jayden Cornell Jenkins (Sheridan, AR). He also leaves his maternal grandmother, Mary Cooper (Raeford, NC) and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Countless friends (especially Tariq Williams and Joseph Lopez) also grieve over the loss of such an extraordinary man.  

A public visitation will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 10:00-10:30AM at The Church at Severn Run 8187 Telegraph Rd, Severn, MD 21144. Funeral service will begin promptly at 10:30AM and will conclude at 12:00PM. Interment will follow to Maryland Veterans Cemetery Crownsville 1122 Sunrise Beach Rd, Crownsville, MD 21032. Services will include military honors.
 

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