Jeffrey A. Pulskamp, 47, of Pace, Florida and formerly of Batesville, passed away on May 21, 2022. Jeff was born August 19, 1974, the son of Linda (Swain) Pulskamp and the late Leon Pulskamp.
After graduating Batesville High School, Jeff fell in love with flying and earned his private pilot certification. He attended and graduated from Purdue University with his degree in Aviation Administration and was a well-known brother of Alpha Kappa Lambda (AKL) fraternity during his time as a Boilermaker.
Jeff served honorably in the United States Marine Corps as a pilot for 23 years, including five years of foreign service. His love and loyalty for his Marine Corps brothers ran deep which became a phenomenal network of friends and colleagues that spanned decades and a multitude of assignments. Jeff achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel prior to retiring in 2018.
Beyond flying, other specialties included FWD Air Controller/Air Officer and Weapons and Tactics instructor.
He participated in both Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom in Kuwait, OIF 5-7 in Southeast Asia/Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Inherent Resolve.
Jeff received numerous medals and commendations during his service including:
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, 2 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Presidential Unit Citation-Navy, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal along with additional commendation and badges.
After his service he was happy to continue flying in the private sector for FlexJet and most recently, as a First Officer with NetJets.
Throughout his career, he became certified in flying 10 different aircrafts including the Cessna 150, Piper Cadet, T-34C Mentor, T-2B Buckeye, T-45 Goshawk, AV-8B Harrier II, the UC-12W, the UC-35C, the PC-12 NG, and his favorite, the Challenger 350.
Jeff was best known for his big smile and his “always up for it” attitude. And he loved his two daughters deeply, beyond words. He will be terribly missed by all who knew and loved him as he left this world far too soon.
Jeff is survived by daughters, Evelyn and Aurora Pulskamp of Pace, Florida, fiancé, Audrea Dawn Cooley of Pace, Florida, mother, Linda Pulskamp of Batesville, sister, Julie (Chad) Abel of Gerrardstown, West Virginia, sister, Jill (Tim) Weberding of Batesville, nephews, Jude and Max Abel of Gerrardstown, West Virginia and nieces, Ellie & Sadie Weberding of Batesville. He was preceded in death by his father.
The family is holding an open celebration of life gathering for family and friends who loved Jeff and wish to honor him and share memories on August 13, 2022 from 1-5 p.m. at VFW Post 3183 at 132 East Boehringer Street, Batesville, Indiana, 47006.
In lieu of flowers the family requests all memorials be made to support current military members and veterans through The Gary Senise Foundation. For online condolences, go to www.weigelfh.com.