George Edward Hammond Jr.

HAMMOND, George Edward Jr. passed away May 3, 2020 at the age of 81. He was a Tampa native, and a 1956 graduate of Hillsborough High School. After graduating from high school he entered the US Army and served as an enlisted soldier assigned to the Army 77th Special Forces at Ft Bragg. During the Vietnam buildup he served on Special “A” Teams as a medic and radio operator on missions to Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. After that tour, he returned to Tampa and graduated in the charter class of the University of South Florida In Dec 63. He received his BA and was commissioned in the Medical Service Corps in January 1964 and assigned to the 307th Medical Battalion, 82d Airborne. He commanded at all levels from Company to Brigade. He specialized in Medical Special Operations to include design and development of the first Delta Med Det, Delta Force, and commanded the medical support in the Iranian hostage rescue attempt. He was medical operations officer for HHC, 18th Abn Corps Surgeon’s Office and served as Battalion Commander, 307th Medical Battalion, 82d Airborne Division from June 1980-1983. Other assignments included the Dominican Republic, Vietnam twice, Germany twice in hospitals and then again as Commander 30th Med Group, Ludwigsburg, Germany 1987-1989. He was Deputy Commander for Administration for U.S. Army Hospital, Seoul, Korea and U.S. Army Hospital, Ft Carson, CO when they were building the new hospital. His last assignment was Deputy Commandant, Army Academy of Health Sciences, San Antonio, TX.

Col Hammond was a graduate of Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. He had a Master’s degree in International Relations from Boston University, a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration from Baylor University and was a Life Fellow and Certified Health Care Executive in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

His awards include the Bronze Star (1st Oak Leaf Cluster) and many many other meritorious service medals and accommodation medals, but he was particularly proud of his Combat Medic Badge, Master Parachute Badge, and Special Forces Tab. Col Hammond proudly served his country for 32 years and returned to Tampa in 1991 where he made a second career out of providing health care to the medically underserved and uninured. He administered the clinics at the Polk County Health Department, organized and directed the Hillsborough County Indigent Health Care Plan, and served as the Chief Operating Officer at Suncoast Community Health Centers. He retired in 2008 and served on their Board until last year.

Other accomplishments include: One of 9 founding fathers and life member of the Army Silver Caduceus Association for Medical Service Corps Officers and Warrant Officers. He served as the first Vice President of the organization and also served on the board of directors. His biggest contribution was managing the college scholarship program for 15+ years.

Life member Military Officers Assn (MOAA) and past president of the Sun City Chapter

20 year member of the Tampa Bay Rough Riders and served on their Board of Directors. He served in many positions in the organization but his favorite Rough Rider event was being the OIC of the Rough Rider unit in the Ruskin Veterans Day Parade.

Member Manatee Sailing and Power Squadron, the fun squadron, Member VFW and the American Legion. Paratrooper George loved running and parachuting with his troops. He was a member of the St Michaels Society, the Patron Saint for paratroopers.

Dad George enjoyed fishing and hunting pheasants, dove and quail with his two sons and their Brittany spaniels at Ft Bragg, He was the President of the Ft Bragg Rod and Gun Club, Granddad George loved taking the grandkids out in the pontoon boat, pulling them on a tube and fishing off our dock.

Predeceased by his parents: George Hammond Sr. and Amy Odom, his brother Donald and his nephew Brent Hammond.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Meredith. He was the love of her life, her best friend, her warrior and her hero. She has many cherished memories and stories of their time together; His service dog, Tucker who so loved his dad; Son, George Edward 3rd (Buddy) and wife Lisa + two grandkids, Garrett and Grace; Son, John Blake; Stepson, James Salling and wife Jennifer + two grandkids, Jenna and Julia; Stepson, Robert (Bo) Salling and wife Jessica+ two grandkids, Coen and Asher

Nieces and Nephews.

He was a great leader and mentor, but also an officer and a gentleman. He led by example with integrity, honor, and a big heart. He was loved and respected by many whose lives are better for having known him.

All the WAY

He will be buried with honors at Sarasota National Cemetery (pending). Celebration of Life at a later Date.