The Epitome of Selflessness
“I feel we should be doing something,” was a statement often made by SGT Eddison Hermond, the Maryland Army National Guard Soldier who passed away Memorial Day weekend attempting to save a life.
His trademark words rang true through his actions in both his military and civilian life. Born in New York and raised in California, SGT Hermond had a reputation for kindness, service and leadership from the time he was a child. As noted in his obituary, while attending Roosevelt Junior High School, in 1991 SGT Hermond participated in the San Diego Police Athletic League and was honored with the National Team Spirit Award, which recognized his ability to work well with others, his infectious enthusiasm, positive attitude and mental toughness.
Continuing on a path of service, SGT Hermond joined the Air Force in 1996 – right out of high school. After serving 10 years as an Airman – completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan – he settled down in Maryland and joined the Maryland Army National Guard in 2006. Renowned for always putting others before himself, SGT Hermond was known to be a selfless and caring person.
The Friday before Memorial Day 2018, he took time to remind friends of the importance of the holiday.
“Okay kiddos, it’s Friday and the start of Memorial Day weekend,” SGT Hermond wrote in a Facebook post. “Let’s get the hate out of our hearts. Focus on the positives and let’s all, for once, enjoy life as it’s meant to be enjoyed … We’re free because people gave their lives for us to live this way.”
The 39-year-old took his own advice that following Sunday by enjoying the company of his friends at a restaurant in downtown Ellicott City. As he was celebrating the holiday, rain in the area abruptly turned into torrential storms, creating deadly flooding within a matter of just three hours. Water levels reportedly rose as high as 15 feet. Rushing through the streets of downtown Ellicott City, the water collapsed buildings and overturned cars, prompting Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to declare a state of emergency in Howard County, Maryland.
As the threatening floodwaters gained power, SGT Hermond noticed a woman just a few yards away. The woman, Katie Bowman, was holding her cat and was trapped by the rising currents. As he and his friends stood outside of the restaurant, SGT Hermond shouted to Bowman to stay where she was so he could come to her aid.
“It was like nothing I’ve experienced in my life,” Bowman told the Washington Post. “I was floating all over the place. It was like someone was pouring buckets over my head. [SGT Hermond] was trying to keep me calm. He was trying to save me.”
But as he took a step toward her, the rushing waters overcame him.
“He just stepped over the ledge, and he was immediately washed away,” Bowman said.
Bowman was able to find higher ground and make her way to SGT Hermond’s friends to tell them what happened. After two days of searching, SGT Hermond’s body was found by rescuers on Tuesday, May 29, in the Patapsco River. Some of his rescuers were fellow National Guard Soldiers. They immediately draped his body with an American flag.
Following his death, SGT Hermond was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.
SSG Hermond’s death came as a shock to his family and friends, but his willingness to put the life of someone in need above his own did not.
“The situation that ended up causing him to put his life at risk indicated how unselfish he was and how he sacrificed himself for others,” said SGT Eric Johnson of the 110th Information Operations Battalion, Maryland Army National Guard. “He truly cared for other people.”
When SGT Johnson met SSG Hermond in 2011, SSG Hermond’s warm personality stood out to him.
“He was very down to earth and kind,” SGT Johnson remembered. “He cared about the people that he worked with. He was always willing to help.”
After working with SSG Hermond for a year at Maryland Army National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters in the Human Resources (HR) systems division, SGT Johnson left for a second Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS) tour overseas in Germany. The two Soldiers kept in contact during that time and often discussed their similar ambitions.
“We both had the same career aspirations,” SGT Johnson said. “We both wanted to become full-time active duty Soldiers in the Maryland Army National Guard.”
After learning of open active duty opportunities in Maryland, SSG Hermond contacted SGT Johnson to ensure he did not miss out on the opportunity due to his deployment.
“He called to let me know that there were positions open, so he and I both interviewed for active duty positions at the same time,” said SGT Johnson. “That was an example of him looking out for his friend. He very well could have not [told] me when that opportunity came up, but he did. That made me realize that he really cared about his friends and his fellow Soldiers.”
CSM Perlisa Wilson, G1 Sergeant Major for the Maryland Army National Guard, commented about SSG Hermond’s compassion and dedication to helping his fellow Soldiers.
“He always cared about the Soldiers that he worked for, the Soldiers he worked with and the people that he served under,” CSM Wilson noted. “SSG Hermond was one of those people who believed in serving down, but also in serving up. He did his best to take care of everyone no matter what rank they were. Everyone received the same respect. That had a lot to do with his own personal character.”
After years of working with SSG Hermond, CSM Wilson said she noticed the unwavering positivity with which he carried out his work.
“SSG Hermond was a technician with us for about three years, and he served on active duty special operations work for two years. He liked to laugh and joke and do exercise challenges with the other staff members. He never seemed to have a bad day. If he did have a bad day, he never let it get him down.”
SSG Brandon Jeffers of the 200th Military Police Company knew SSG Hermond for 10 years and could only recall one moment when SSG Hermond was not in good spirits.
“The only time I remember him being sad or down was when he missed a PT [physical training] test by seven seconds,” SSG Jeffers explained. “He always had a positive outlook and looked at the best in every situation.
“His positivity was infectious,” continued SSG Jeffers. “He always trained to standard and above. He was a great Soldier, but an even better human being. He definitely impacted a lot of people.”
SSG Hermond’s kindness saw no bounds as he surrounded himself with a diverse set of individuals.
“He wasn’t a person who limited himself to making friends or associating himself with one particular type of person,” SGT Johnson said. “He had open arms for people of all backgrounds, cultures and socioeconomic statuses. He didn’t exclude anyone from his circle of friends.”
SFC Willie Brown met SSG Hermond when SFC Brown was sent on ADOS orders to work in HR systems at the Maryland Joint Force Headquarters. As a full-time technician, SSG Hermond reported to SFC Brown for two years, beginning in 2014. The two Soldiers often worked side by side and over time formed a bond.
“He was a super nice guy who was always willing to help,” said SFC Brown. “He worked for me helping to build packets and coordinating promotions across the State. We hung out a couple times at social events in Maryland. My wife thought he was super friendly. She was glad to see that I surrounded myself with good people.”
SFC Brown went on to recall SSG Hermond’s dedication and commitment to his work.
“He was very patient with seniors, subordinates and peers,” he said. “He led by example. He was always focused on being efficient. He took initiative to go above and beyond. We both loved reaching out to Soldiers and he’d even go to Facebook to reach out to let them know the good news of being selected for a promotion.”
When SFC Brown was working on promotion boards for their largest E4 population, he knew he would need to put in extra hours to complete the task. Without hesitation, SSG Hermond offered his assistance.
“I told [SSG Hermond] he could go home and since he was a tech, he didn’t need to worry about it,” SFC Brown noted. “He said, ‘No, we’re a team. We got this!’ He felt that he needed to stay. We worked together and put in some extra time to make sure we had everything ready. That stood out to me.”
“Whenever it seemed like something wasn’t right or he felt like he had the capability to make a change, he would say ‘I feel we should be doing something,’” SFC Brown continued. “He would probably want to be remembered by those words. And I think that’s how I’ll remember him.”
SSG Hermond’s charisma and dedication to his service left a permanent imprint on those lucky enough to have known him. His passion for helping others was palpable up until his final moments. He will be memorialized for his generosity and gallant service.
“He had a great spirit and a strong willingness to help and sacrifice,” said CSM Wilson. “We miss him. We are very proud of him and are honored to have known him.”
By Staff Writer Tatyana White-Jenkins
