We are saddened to hear of the passing of long-time Democrats Abroad member Gene Gerth in 2024. We have just learned this sad news. As such, the Democrats Abroad (DA) Global Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus honors the life and legacy of one of its own: Sergeant First Class Raymond “Gene” Gerth, U.S. Army, retired. Gene was a Tennessee UOCAVA voter, a resident of Busan, South Korea, and one of the founding members of VMF.
Before he was overwhelmed by health issues, Gene was an active Democrat, and he happily participated in get-out-the-vote (GOTV) activities for the Busan chapter of Democrats Abroad South Korea, in addition to helping educate VMF members on the intricacies of using TRICARE from overseas locations.
During his time in uniform, Gene was a talented musician who performed in various military bands for decades. He excelled at playing the French horn and happily chatted with others about musical pieces in Facebook groups.
VMF remembers Gene in the VMF Virtual Museum Project. Some of those who knew him and worked with him have provided their thoughts below:
“Gene Gerth was an important Founding member of the first Steering Committee of DA’s Global VMF Caucus representing the Pacific region. He was funny, wise, and hardly ever missed a single meeting. We relied on Gene especially for his experience in GOTV-ing within the military community, as he was very keen and knowledgeable. Rest in peace, our dear friend.” – VMF Member Anna Marie Mattson
“Gene Gerth was a veteran who lived with his wife in Busan. He was passionate about democracy and the role that veterans play in preserving it. His voice will be dearly missed.” – VMF Member Erin Watson
“I would like to add my condolences and my thoughts of Gene. I remember him on our Caucus calls - he was the eldest of us, and with him living in Korea, it was pretty interesting to hear about that. His dedication to getting military members to vote was precious. Thank you for your service, Gene!” – VMF Member Susan Fitoussi
“This is sad news. I met Raymond (“Gene”) at the 2011 Seoul Global Meeting. I knew him, as we were all in the Asia Pacific region. I had been organizing China, and he was based in Busan, Korea. We were friends on Facebook for years. He was a spirited guy, a music professor, had been an Army Veteran, Eighth Army Music Director, Ret., and member of the Eighth Army Band, Ret. As a veteran, he was absolutely outraged by Trump and Trump supporters – and that was the first term. I know he would want us to do everything to stop Trump and that he remains with us in spirit, that fighting spirit.” – VMF Member Ada Shen
“Gene was an outstanding veteran through and through. He served in uniform and later extended his patriotism through public service as a civilian in the government sector. He was such a fantastic person to talk to about how to navigate the TRICARE Overseas process. Unfortunately, I never got to shake his hand or buy him a beer. I’ll really miss this role model.” – VMF Member Michael Ramos
U.S. citizens living abroad, both civilian and military, are highly encouraged to check your voter registration status and request your ballot for any upcoming elections in your home voting state that you are eligible to vote in.
The VMF Caucus, proudly consisting of veterans, military family members, DoD civilians, and strong allies of veterans and military family causes, has a membership of approximately 1,400 members located in dozens of countries.
For questions pertaining to this statement, please reach out to