Shiva for 2 More in Iraq
Along with the good news, there is unfortunately more bad news out of Iraq. Two more Jewish service members were killed in action recently.
Sergeant Howard Paul Allen was on a convoy mission when an IED was detonated under his vehicle. Sergeant Allen was a great Soldier, devoted husband, and father to four beautiful children. He was a Navy veteran who served aboard submarines, then joined the Arizona National Guard. Sergeant Allen was a brother and friend to many of the Jews at Camp Victory. He was a faithful Jew who kept up his Judaism even in the most difficult circumstances of being in a war-zone. His broad smile and easy nature made him everyone’s friend. Sergeant Allen was 31. He will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
There is an Arizona Central article about him, but it seems to focus more on a few statements he made expressing his dislike of the Iraq war. Most quotes were taken out of context, and his family has had some problems because of that. You can read his wife’s deployment journal and family website to see for yourself.
If you would like to pay your respects, you can go to the online obituary and leave a note in the guestbook for SGT Allen’s family.
Airman 1st Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson, 21, of Riviera Beach, Florida, was killed in action on Sept. 28 near Camp Bucca, Iraq. An improvised explosive device detonated near her convoy vehicle. Airman Jacobson was assigned to the 17th Security Forces Squadron. She is the first female Airman killed in the line of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
She was an outstanding Airman who embraced life and took on all the challenges and responsibilities with extraordinary commitment to her country, her comrades and her family, said Col. Scott Bethel, 17th Training Wing commander at Goodfellow.
There are a number of online articles about Airman Jacobson. There is an AF News article about the memorial service here, as well as one about her parents’ rally of support for the military here. There is also an interesting article about her family and her Jewish identity here.
As with SGT Allen, if you would like to pay your respects, you can view the online obituary and leave a note in the guestbook for her family.
May You Who are the source of mercy
Shelter them beneath Your wings eternally,
And bind their soul among the living,
That they may rest in peace. Amen
Hello, my name is Leonard Clark I was one of Sgt. Allen’s platoon members and for a short time one of the people he was in charge of as a team leader while serving in Iraq. I have never met a nicer person. Way back, while we were still training under terrible conditions in Louisiana, he offered me and another comrade his last two cold sodas that he had with him. He sacrificed his own thirst for that of his own comrades on that hot balmy day in Ft. Polk Ls.
I accompianed him that day he bought gifts to bring back to his children and family on leave. He was so focused on making sure that “daddy” brought back presents for his loved ones. It was also that day that he showed another place to go to buy a guitar so that men of our platoon could play soothing music to calm their hearts and souls. That little guitar gave much cheer to his comrades in 2nd platoon. GOD, how I miss him. At his memorial, I’m not ashamed to say that my tears flowed as I wept not only for him but for his little children left behind and his wife. To this day, I feel so guilty because I feel so lucky to have been allowed to come home and be with my little girl. I shall never forget my good friend and fellow soldier, Sgt. Allen. Please, my dear friend and comrade rest in peace and let our Almighty father carry you to a goodness and happiness unseen to mere mortal human beings.
ADIOS,GOODBYE and Shalom
P.F.C. Leonard Clark
formerly of the
860th M.P. CO.
Arizona Army National Guard
gifts for his children.
12-9-06