Master Sergeant (RET) Derek Jon Gerdes' Celebration of Life will be held at Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko. (BHAWK) in Southern Pines, N.C. on Thursday, November 20, 2025. All who wish to express condolences are welcome to join the family from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. A private memorial will be held thereafter from 7:00pm to 9:00pm for the brothers he served alongside and their families. Derek will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, where his life of dedicated service will be honored.

Obituary