Thomas Amen

Thomas Amen is an Army sergeant who serves as Jerry Jaax’s partner during the hazardous work inside the Reston monkey house. His role is practical and close to the action: he helps restrain animals for anesthesia, watches for danger in the crowded rooms, and accompanies Jaax during the search for the loose monkey that delays the operation’s conclusion.

Role in the Monkey-House Operation

Amen enters the building with Jaax after the pair put on protective suits and pass through the air lock. Inside, they find rooms left in disarray, with hungry monkeys confined in their cages. As the response shifts to anesthetizing the animals, Amen uses a mop handle to hold a monkey in place while Jaax administers an injection through a pole syringe. The task requires them to work together at an open cage, where an animal might rush toward the opening or escape.

The same procedure is repeated across the rooms. Amen pins monkeys while Jaax gives the injections, including at the lower cages where Jaax must kneel to reach the animals. Their cooperation makes Amen an essential partner in a process that is both physically demanding and dangerous. Jaax later reminds the team to check one another’s suits and take regular rest breaks, underscoring the risks surrounding their work.

The Search for the Loose Monkey

When a monkey remains loose among the cages, Jaax enters the room with a catching net and Amen follows, carrying a pole syringe loaded with drugs. Jaax warns him to stay clear of the cages and avoid being bitten. The monkey is difficult to locate and moves rapidly through the room, while the protective faceplates and dim light hamper the search. Amen’s role is to support Jaax with the means to drug the animal if they can bring it within reach; the account does not describe him as taking the lead in the pursuit.

The Operation’s Conclusion

The loose monkey takes hours to capture. On December 7, after Jaax has spent two or three hours chasing it, it becomes trapped in a narrow space behind a cage. Amen administers a large dose of anesthetic to its exposed tail. About fifteen minutes later, the animal is still, and the team removes it with the others. The last monkey is reported dead, allowing the operation to move toward its close. Amen’s documented contribution is concentrated in these paired tasks: helping Jaax anesthetize the caged animals and assisting in the final, prolonged effort to capture the one that remained loose.