"This boy was totally dedicated to his job and loved his country," she said.

"He was one of the most honest people that I've ever met in my life.

He never pulled any punches."

 

The Columbus Dispatch -- Just a few days before he died, Brad Clemmons learned he was going to be a dad again. The 37-year-old Chillicothe airman called home from Iraq on Aug. 17 and heard the good news from his wife, Rebecca.

It was the last time they spoke. "He was delighted," a tearful Rebecca Clemmons said of her husband's reaction to the pregnancy. "He was such a doting father."

The U.S. Air Force master sergeant was killed Monday when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Iraq. He was part of a convoy headed to Taji.

Rebecca said she and her husband had lived in Alaska for the last eight months. He was stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, assigned to the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron. He was sent to Maryland in May for 2 months of training, then to Iraq, where he was going to stay until early next year.

 

Rebecca said that an e-mail from her husband on Sunday expressed optimism about the U.S. military's work in Iraq. "He wrote, 'We are making a difference out here.' He was a very positive person," she said.

His dedication to his country was rivaled only by his devotion to his family. Brad had a 2-year-old daughter with Rebecca, and two sons from a previous marriage.

When Rebecca talked to him by phone on Aug. 17, she confirmed what she already suspected, that she was pregnant with a baby due in April. They were happiest when they could spend time together doing ordinary things as a family, she said. "We just went to church and hung out with friends," she said.

 "We liked to sit around and play board games."

Brad grew up near Chillicothe and graduated from Southeastern High School. Haller Funeral Home in Chillicothe is handling arrangements for his funeral. No date has been set.

Pamela Clemmons, Brad's mother, said her son was an honor student who signed up for the Air Force before his 18th birthday.

"This boy was totally dedicated to his job and loved his country," she said. "He was one of the most honest people that I've ever met in my life. He never pulled any punches."

 

Brad's father, David Clemmons, of Latham, said his son knew right away that he wanted to make a career out of the military. Brad had about three more years to go before he retired.

"Military life is kind of tough for families. But he was a devoted family man," David Clemmons said. "He was really proud of his children.

"It's an awful loss," he said, his voice breaking.

Brad's way with children drew Rebecca to him. They had been married for four years.

"He wanted to be such an involved dad," she said. "And he was Uncle Brad to everybody."

She last saw him when she visited him in Maryland at the end of July.

"He was so happy to see us," she said quietly.