John was drawn to the military when he was just a young boy. He loved the idea of being a soldier. In fact, John replaced his bed with an Army-style cot and footlocker. He also painted his room black with netting on the walls. He even built a Quonset hut in the backyard, and dressed up in camouflage outfits to play Army.

Kevin Cross, a friend of John’s when they were teens, said this, “J.J. was my best friend as a teenager. I miss him. We always wanted to be in the Army. We had all the military gear. We would go hiking and pretend to be soldiers. I’m glad he fulfilled his dream.”

John’s family was his #1 priority. He also leaves behind a 9-year old daughter, Nicole. His mother, Jackie, describes John as a charismatic young man with a great sense of fun and who was taught to always look for the brighter side of a situation.

In a letter to me, his father, Battalion Executive Officer Major Stephen Peterson wrote. “Sgt. Savage was better than great; he was phenomenal. He acted much more like an officer than an enlisted soldier. On top of loving the Army and his job, he was brilliantly intelligent, articulate, outgoing, friendly and ambitious. He was always excited about life, his family and his friends. He made everyone else’s life better.”

John served two tours overseas. He was just four days shy of coming home when he was killed. It was his plan to go on a father/son trip when he got home, and then open an automotive business together. Because of John’s death, his step-mother and I are not only members of PCGSF, but of the Patriot Guard Riders, and are Peer Mentors of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S.) Seminars.