Kindergartner receives dad's medal honoring fallen solider

WEST HAVEN — Young Jase Spargur wiped away a tear Wednesday morning when he was given the Silver Star medal earned by his father, a soldier who died in Afghanistan last year.

The months since July have been tough for the 6-year-old, who has had to grapple with the loss death brings and doesn't always understand why Dad can't come down for a few minutes to play.

"So many people hear about a death in the war, and they go on with their lives," said Jase's mother, Lindsey Spargur. "But our pain continues."

Despite that pain, soon afterward Jase — with all the resiliency and innocence of the very young — was playing, laughing and smiling, charming family members and strangers alike.

It was a ceremony of smiles, memories and, yes, tears that unfolded at Kanesville Elementary School, where the actions of Army 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Brostrom were honored.

Brostrom was killed July 13, 2008, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces.

According to military officials, Taliban activity was observed outside of a forward operating base in the Wanat Province of Afghanistan. Under enemy fire, Brostrom assembled a "hasty force" for the battle and was fatally wounded. He was credited with saving several fellow soldiers from the attack.

Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, praised Brostrom's bravery.

"It was a very, very tough moment last July," Tarbet said. "He served bravely, with distinction, and he did it at great cost. He was, in every sense of the word, a hero."

Tarbet also commended the young boy for his bravery, for his sacrifice and said Brostrom had carried on a distinguished tradition, with both of Jase's grandfathers sharing a combined six decades of military service.

"It's good for Jase to see his father honored in this way," said grandfather David Spargur, retired Air Force. For him, however, it was bittersweet to watch a video presentation featuring pictures of the young boy with his father.

"It's mixed emotions. It brings up old memories, of things that will never be again."

The Silver Star medal, the third-highest medal for valor, is awarded for "gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States," while in combat with a foreign force, according to the military.