Jeffrey L. Bannister, 57
Major General – US Army
Born April 7, 1961
Died Sunday, May 27, 2018, of natural causes.
Major General Jeffrey L. Bannister, 57, died of natural causes in Columbia, SC on May 27th. Major General Bannister was born in Coalinga, Cali., to Betty (Johnson) of Cleburne County, Ala., and L.T. Bannister of Rome, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents.
He is survived by his wife LTC (Ret) Trese (LaCamera), and their daughter, Lindsey. Five brothers, Jerry, Donald and Michael from Rome, Ga., SGM Ronald (Ret) from Sanford, N.C., and Roger from Jackson, Mo., and two sisters, Kimberly Wilson and Karen Sergeant, who reside in Lexington, S.C.
Major General Bannister attended Pepperell High School in Lyndale, Ga. He enlisted in 1979 and began his 37 year military career. He received his GED prior to enlisting in the US Army. After a 3 year enlistment in the 82nd Airborne, he attended and graduated from Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC, where he was commissioned in 1984 as a Distinguished Honor Graduate and US Army Infantry Officer through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program.
As a commissioned officer, he served in the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, N.C.; the 1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, GA; 2nd Infantry Division in the Republic of Korea and then returned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He commanded at every level from company (X2) through division level. He commanded his battalion and brigade in Germany (2000-03) and Fort Carson, CO (2005-08), respectively. He served as the Deputy Commanding General for Operations, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY (2009-11); Deputy J3 at Central Command in Tampa, FL (2014-15); Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, NY (2015-17). He recently served this past year at US Army Central Command as a Special Assistant to the Commanding General, as he prepared for transition to retirement.
He deployed overseas on numerous occasions in support of Operation Joint Guardian in the Balkans,(1998), Operation Essential Harvest in Macedonia (2000-01), 3 tours to Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, and 3 tours to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom Sentinel in Afghanistan.
He was a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Airborne, Pathfinder, and Ranger schools, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and National War College, and earned a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. His awards and decorations included the Expert and Combat Infantryman Badges, the Combat Action Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and Pathfinder Badge. His medals include, Distinguished Service Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Superior Service Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Legion of Merit (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal (with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster), Joint Service Achievement Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), and Army Achievement Medal (with 2 Silver Oak Leaf Clusters).
Major General Bannister will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Ceremony.
The family will receive guest from 4pm to 8pm Monday, June 11, 2018 with an awards service at 6pm, at Cunningham Turch Funeral Home, 811 Cameron St. Alexandria,VA 22314. Funeral Services will be held at 2:45pm Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at the Memorial Chapel at Arlington National Cemetery, followed by interment.
Offer Condolence for the family of Maj Gen Jeffrey Bannister
811 Cameron St. Alexandria VA 22314
06/11/2018
4:00pm - 8:00pm
our paths have finally crossed <8) know that eye sea u, comfort to all , we are in the home stretch : )
I just came across the sad news of MG Bannister’s death. I served with then-COL Bannister in Baghdad in 2007. His support and encouragement in those tough days were appreciated in ways I cannot adequately expressed. Your family will be in our prayers.
Paul A. Driscoll
COL (ret.), USAR
To the family of MG Bannister, (Jeff). I am sure you have received many memories of your husband, father, brother and son. I was fortunate to be at Campbell University with him, before anyone (perhaps except himself) knew what a outstanding Officer and Warrior he would become. I remember him as not only serious about our craft (far more than myself), but also humorous and good natured. I pray your only memories are of love given and received.
Thank you sir my condolences to family
My condolences to your family,I’m so sorry for your loss,it is truly a difficult thing,I pray for you all and eventually some version of peace ,I hope to hear from you,meeting you at the park that Thursday was a day that I won’t forget,your family is so beautiful and full of love,just know your brother is watching over the family,stay strong.
Trees and Linsey my thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.I shall always remember the enjoyable time I spent with Lindsey, Emma and Eva wil I visited Ft.Drum. The memorial service today was very beautiful. My daughter and I want you to know we as well as Bryan and Aniko wil think of you often. May God bless you.
Trese,
I’m so sorry to hear about this tragic loss. Jeff was a great man and a great leader. I will always remember him with great respect and admiration.
Warmest regards,
Greg
My heart and prayers are with the family
I served on an ePRT under General Bannister’s command at FOB Loyalty in Eastern Baghdad. I have never seen a more professional and competent leader in any setting in my entire life. I came to my clinic this morning with General Bannister on my mind and so I searched for him on the internet. I was devastated to find out that he had passed. My heart goes out to his wife and daughter and entire family. Those of us who were blessed to have served under General Bannister are forever grateful for his leadership, guidance, patriotism and love for America. A true Patriot like no other that I have seen. God Speed Sir!!!
I don’t even have words. I’m just gutted. I served with him, for him. I’d wade through hell to steal the devil’s pitchfork if he asked me. A mentor, a coach, a teacher, a friend. He was the consummate professional and the definition of a true warrior. May he forever find rest in Valhalla. Those boys have no idea the fury that’s coming. RLTW
We were so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. We hope you find comfort in your family & friends.
Rest peacefully Jeff. You were loved and remembered by many from your hometown, Rome, Ga. I’m so very proud of the man you grew to be. Brave and True ! My heart goes out to your wonderful wife,Tracy, and precious little Lindsey. at this very difficult time. You left us all too soon, but left a legacy that will continue to shine on always. Good bye my friend! Very Respectfully.
Fly High Jeff
Prayers for Jeff’s family & friends. So proud of him for all his accomplishments. A true hero!
Jeff and my oldest brother, Ricky, were very close friends growing up in Rome, Ga. I remember his brothers and sisters and mine all played together back in the early to mid ’70’s. As we got older, before Jeff joined the Army, we would go fishing all night at the lock-in-dam in Rome. I have a lot of very good memories of Jeff and will miss him greatly. My condolences to his family.
Trese, Lindsey and the Bannister Family,
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your husband, father and family member. Jeff was a genuine person, the kind we rarely meet in our lifetimes. He was an extraordinary, courageous Soldier with a gentle soul, and he was so very proud of his country and his family. He will always be remembered in our hearts, here at Fort Drum and in the North Country, as a true American Hero. God Bless – “Que Dieu vous bénisse”.
F. Anthony Keating, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, New York (North)
Jacqueline D. Keating