Jonathan Pemp

Jonathan Pemp was born Oct. 17, 1983, in Bonners Ferry to Joseph and LaTresa Pemp. He spent his youth outdoors, fishing, camping, four-wheeling, climbing, hiking and hunting, as well as participating in 4H and baseball. He loved the outdoors, and had many lively stories to tell about his adventures.

At 17 he joined the Idaho Army National Guard, attending basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Jonathan returned home for his senior year of high school, and then returned to Missouri for engineer training.

While a member of the 116th Cavalry (Engineers), Pemp volunteered for active duty immediately following 9/11 to serve a two-year Homeland Security tour. He was stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base as part of their security forces and trained as a sniper.

In the fall of 2004, he volunteered to deploy to Iraq for his first tour with his original Bonners Ferry group. During this 18-month tour, he was wounded in action twice and earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

He came home to Bonners Ferry, working as a personal trainer at Mike’s Gym then volunteering for a second mission in Iraq.

After his second tour of duty, Pemp was stationed at Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas, to recover from injuries related to his service where he met the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

He also received numerous awards and commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for courage under enemy fire and Soldier of the Quarter.

Pemp passed away on April 25, 2009.