PLUMONDORE, ADAM JAY October 5, 1982 - February 16, 2005. All of us and the world lost a wonderful young man on February 16th. Our 22 year old son, Sgt. Adam Plumondore was killed in Mosul Iraq while on patrol with his platoon, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his Stryker vehicle. He was at the time in one of the upper weapons positions that unfortunately leave a small portion of your body exposed. This is one of a couple exposed, but necessary, positions to help insure the safety of the remaining crew and any fellow soldiers outside. Adam was born in Portland and lived in the same house in Gresham all his life. He graduated from Gresham High School in 2001. He enlisted in the Army just after graduation and went to basic training in October 2001. His military career has been exceptional. During basic training, he was given the position of Platoon Guide and never relinquished it; He earned his Weapons Qualification Badge (M4-Expert) for rifle and grenade during basic training; he was chosen Soldier of the Cycle for his company for which he received an "Iron Mike" infantry trophy and his first Army Achievement Medal. Upon completion of Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training he was attached to the 1st Battalion 24th Infantry Regiment 1st Stryker Brigade 25th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington. He earned his Expert Infantry Badge just as he began his second year of service; He graduated from Sniper School, placing second in his class, within his first 18 months of service; He placed Third in the International Sniper Competition held at Fort Benning, Georgia just after his second military anniversary. Adam was promoted to Sergeant within approximately 30 months. The military honors he has earned are listed as follows: Medals earned and presented posthumously: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart. Earned during his career: Army Accommodation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon. Adam was one of those few people you meet in life that you will never forget. He stood over six feet tall and very muscular but his older brother called him "A Gentle Giant". One of the first things you recall when you think of Adam is him in his black wrangler jeans; cowboy hat (black or straw); boots; a T-shirt and his wonderful smile. The second pictures that come to mind is of him jumping up into his "Silver Bullet" pickup and turning up the stereo so he could sing along. And the music…sometimes just country, but most of the time…It was George Strait. The running joke was: "If you don't like George, don't even get in the truck!" John Wayne movies were always a favorite to watch, even if he had seen them often enough he could recite the dialog. He was smart; honest; had a great sense of humor; had integrity; stood for what was right even if that wasn't the popular choice; and loved life. He would always try to find the positive in any situation. Life was meant to be enjoyed. He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman. He loved having fun with family and friends. Hunting, fishing, riding dirt bikes and quads, snow and water skiing, crabbing at the beach, or just sitting around the campfire poking it with a stick were things that he loved doing in his free time. A good cold beer; A shot of Pendleton's; Or a huge margarita weren't bad things in his book either! During high school Adam played varsity football and was on the track and field team where he threw javelin and discus. He also played baseball from the time he was 5 years old. You could often find him swimming in the backyard pool with family and friends or sitting in the hot tub while it was raining, holding an umbrella over himself and whomever else was there. Singing kareoke was always a fun way to spend some time with family and friends. On the "off" chance that he wasn't doing too well on a particular song, (one that wasn't a country favorite) he would use his excellent sense of humor and turn the whole thing into a poor lounge act putting the mike in an audience members face and asking "Where Ya From?" All the while…We are all laughing with him and the music continued to play! After getting out of the Army, Adam had plans to go to college and then work on becoming a police officer. SWAT was his goal…And if he set a goal…You could count on him accomplishing it. He and his Dad and Brother had been planning the building of a light aircraft; trailer to haul it; and getting their pilot license. He joked at home that they would probably build it in the back yard! Restoring his pick-up truck was also on his mind. After all, he would tell us just about each time he called, "I got money burnin' a hole in my pocket, 'cause there isn't any where to spend it here!" The newest items to purchase upon arrival home were a new quad and a John boat to turn into a duck blind. Many parents are not fortunate enough to have children that they love not only because they are their children, but also because they are friends. We spent as much time together as a family as was possible. To say that we are "tight" is an understatement. Anyone who knows us can attest to this fact. We truly enjoy being in each others company. We could have fun whether we were working hard on a project; playing; or just hanging out. Adam was the kind of person that always looked for the positive in any situation. If we could find a positive in this one…it would be that you were able to touch so many lives, in such a positive way, in such a short amount of time. That is something not all of us will be able to say when all is said and done. Our Precious Son and Brother: There are so many things about you that we are going to miss. We will miss seeing your handsome face and wonderful smile in person. You could light up a room by just walking in. We will miss seeing you jump out of your pick-up truck wearing your cowboy hat; Winchester T-shirt; Gresham high football shorts; and flip flops. We will hear your voice each time one of us repeats a favorite phrase you had used. We will always remember your jovial attitude and easy going gentle nature. The contagious laugh you had when something or someone tickled your funny bone. The way you could meet a stranger and make them feel comfortable. Not only were you an amazing member of our family, you were also an amazing solider. You did your utmost to always protect your men…even if you were under heavy fire yourself. We have been proud of you from the minute you were born and that pride only grew as you grew. You have given us unforgettable memories and honor by becoming the wonderful person you were while with us on this earth. We promise to be worthy of the ultimate sacrifice you have made. You will live in our hearts and minds forever. We Love You More Than Life Itself. "You always wanted to fly Babe…Do so now with Angels Wings."