IN MEMORY OF OUR FRIEND JEFF ROGERS, US Army Captain (Retired)

In lieu of flowers, the Jeff Rogers Creative Legacy Fund has been established with his wife (US Army Major Noella Rogers) to support VME member film projects.

Jeff Rogers was a truly good man.

Jeff Rogers will be deeply missed by his fellow VME members, especially the volunteer team running VME's programs behind the scenes. A long-time member, Jeff was always willing to help at events around the country. During COVID, he would regularly send messages of support and encouragement to VME volunteers and fellow members, which were simple acts of kindness that meant so much to us.

A man of service, courage, and good nature, Jeff was often playfully compared to the comic book hero Steve Rogers, "Captain America," who also happened to be a hero to him (and to so many in our group). Like Captain America, Jeff constantly sought ways to serve others through military service, volunteering with VME, coordinating logistics for the Navajo Nation during COVID, and assisting Afghan refugees since the fall of Kabul.

Jeff was passionate about the creative arts, including his love of acting, theater, and filmmaking. He was driven by his desire to inspire others to do good works through storytelling and loved being part of a creative team.

In honor of his memory, and with the support of his wonderful wife, Noella, VME has established a donation page for Jeff Rogers. Funds donated will be directed to help VME members working on 48-hour film or short film projects. This way, we can carry on Jeff's mission to support our military and veteran community through his love of the arts.

How We Will Honor Jeff Rogers (48 Hour Film Project & Short Film Fund)

VME, in collaboration with Jeff’s wife, has established the Jeff Rogers Creative Legacy Fund to honor his passion for acting and love for being part of a creative team. This fund will support aspiring veteran filmmakers within the VME community, continuing Jeff’s legacy of creativity and service.

Donations will be aggretated into grants of up to $250 per project. The grants will be given via two key initiatives: covering application fees and costs for VME members participating in 48-Hour Film Festivals, and offering financial assistance for short film projects by VME members.

- About 48-hour Film Festivals. Jeff loved participating in 48-Hour Film Festivals, where teams write, shoot, and edit a short film (typically 4-7 minutes) within 48 hours. These fast-paced events, with application fees ranging from $150 to $250, foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Films are judged on originality, technical quality, and adherence to specific rules. Winners may even advance to prestigious screenings, like the Cannes Film Festival.

- About Short Film & Creative Projects. Jeff appreciated the hard work and creativity required to make these films. VME will provide grants of up to $250 for VME members working on short film projects, from thesis films to independent shorts. These funds will help cover production expenses, enabling veteran filmmakers to bring their unique visions to life.

Note: VME will establish an application process by Veterans Day 2024, and recipients will be asked to share a link to their final projects with VME and Jeff's wife, Noella Rogers.

VME Board Members Karen Kraft (Army) and Tom McCafferty (West Point) have already pledged a matching fund of $1000.

About Jeff Rogers, U.S. Army Captain (Retired) - Obituary

Capt. (MD) Jeffrey W. Rogers served in the Maryland Defense Forces since 2023. He was a cyber operations officer assigned to the 256th Cyber Defense Unit and currently served with the Maryland Cybersecurity Task Force on state active duty until his sudden passing from natural causes this week. He previously served four years in the U.S. Army and deployed to Afghanistan. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and more. He also worked as an actor and had his private pilot license.

Captain (Retired) Jeffrey William Rogers, “Jeff,” passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 3rd, 2024, in his home in Elkton, Maryland. Jeff was ardently curious, dedicated to service, and a loving husband. Jeff lived a life of service to his community and cared deeply about empowering anyone who was marginalized. While Jeff left us far too soon, he will be remembered by the impact of his service, his keen intelligence, and above all, his kindness.

Jeff was born on February 6th, 1987 in Long Beach, California to Mary and David Rogers. Growing up in California, Jeff remained a dedicated Angels, LA Kings, Beach Boys and In-N-Out fan his whole life. There he developed his passion for aviation, joining Civil Air Patrol (CAP) where he bonded with his best friend, Kevin Holbrook. Jeff also developed an appreciation for theater arts, serving both on stage and behind the scenes in local theaters, Disneyland and Medieval Times. He began his military service in the California State Defense Force as a Public Affairs specialist. Jeff earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Biola University in 2011 and then commissioned into the U.S. Army in 2012.

While stationed in Colorado, Jeff deployed to Afghanistan as a platoon leader; he considered bringing all his troops home his proudest accomplishment. Later while assigned to Army Space and Missile Command, he earned the Space Enabler badge, fondly referred to as the “Space Shuttle Door Gunner” qualification. Jeff met his wife, Noella, in Colorado bonding over the outdoors, the arts, the army and an enduring patience for her puns. They were married on June 27th, 2015.

Shortly thereafter, an unexpected chapter of Jeff’s life began when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease related to service in Afghanistan, which resulted in his medical retirement from the army. While this transition was unwelcome, Jeff met the challenge with determination and grace, continuing to support Noella while she served on active duty. Together they moved to Georgia, Colorado again, and Maryland. Jeff supported Noella despite moves and deployments and sought opportunities to serve his community wherever he was.

Jeff’s life was all about service. He always stepped up during a crisis, including coordinating medical logistics for the Navajo nation during COVID and assisting in the evacuation of hundreds of Afghan refugees to safe havens. Jeff contributed to many service groups such as the American Legion, Veterans in Media & Entertainment, the Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus, the Order of the Eagle of Georgia, Free Masonry and Civil Air Patrol. Jeff returned to government service in the Maryland State Defense Force and Department of IT, working on improving cyber security for critical infrastructure.

Jeff still found time to pursue his passions. He returned to acting, appearing in multiple plays, TV shows and film festivals. Jeff was a brilliant and motivated student, earning two master’s degrees, an MA Organization Leadership and an MS in Space Studies! He earned his private pilot’s license, relishing the chance to fly friends and family. Jeff also competed in historical fencing, enjoyed experimenting in 3-D printing, and taught himself computer coding to build a smart house system. He was genuinely a modern-day Renaissance man.

Jeff loved spending time with his family, playing with his dog, and discussing all things space and aviation. Jeff is survived by his loving wife Noella; parents David and Mary; brother Aaron, sister-in-law Kaylee, and nephew Noah. Jeff is deeply missed by so many people for his kindness, creativity and determination.