Honoring A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson

This article includes the oratory that was done to Honor my grand-daughter A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson at the ALS Graduation at Patrick Air Force Base. They had dedicated the graduation to Elizabeth and presented a flag to me. Two ALS graduates of the 45th Security Forces Squadron, SrA Christopher Ward who put this all together to honor Elizabeth and SSgt Hollie Null did the Flag Folding. I am printing exactly what was written, as they did all their own research to make this presentation. Much of this was obtained from the web site http://www.airmanjacobson.com.

It started like this: “Good Afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. This afternoon, Class 08-5 would like to Honor A1C Elizabeth Jacobson. Throughout this Nation’s proud history, it is the love of Country, Freedom, and fellowman that brought so many before us to make the ultimate sacrifice, and, it is with great Honor that we stand before you this afternoon, and proudly continue to defend this Freedom and our very way of Life.

FIRST FOLD: A1C Elizabeth Nicole Jacobson, a 21 year old from Riviera Beach, FL, joined our great Air Force after the September 11th terrorist attacks knowing we were at war fighting

global terrorism. This great warrior joined with one of our more direct combatant career fields, Security Forces, as a Defender – a Defender of Freedom.

SECOND FOLD: on December 9th, 2003, Airman Jacobson arrived at Goodfellow AFB. From the very first day, she was complimented on her positive attitude and her never ending smile. Airman Jacobson found herself on the gate more than she would really admit she wanted to be. She was always smiling, happy and full of energy, no matter the time of day or night, no matter what the weather.

THIRD FOLD: Airman Jacobson was the epitome of the Air Force Core Values, Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. The words can’t, won’t or impossible, did not exist to her.

FOURTH FOLD: In February 2005,a deployment tasking came down asking for a 13-person squad for duty at Camp Bucca,Iraq. It wasn’t hard to find one member of the team. Airman Jacobson approached the leadership requesting to go, saying “it’s my time”.

FIFTH FOLD: In April 2005, her unit underwent two weeks of combat training. Airman Jacobson, though neither the biggest, nor the strongest was definitely the toughest. She soon started doing jobs that others did not want to do. She never quit and was recognized as an informal leader among her peers.

SIXTH FOLD: In Iraq,Airman Jacobson kept her positive attitude and playful mood. She lived life to the fullest and never shunned away from any task. She asked to be placed on convoy missions to carry her weight.

SEVENTH FOLD: The ultimate sacrifice – Airman Jacobson was killed in action when her vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device while providing security for a supply convoy as a gun truck crew served weapons operator on a mission between Camp Bucca and Camp Navistar, Iraq, along the Kuwait-Iraq border. She gave her life in the defense of our Nation and for the freedom of the people of Iraq.

EIGHTH FOLD: Airman Jacobson’s death is an example of what the words written in Article 1 of the Code of Conduct means, “I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense”. She understood those words and lived by them.

NINTH FOLD: Airman Jacobson’s heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty in the service of her country reflected greatly upon herself and the United States Air Force. She was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for her meritorious service.

TENTH FOLD: Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson will be remembered as an American Hero. We all owe her so much. She was there for all of us, defending our freedom, helping us live in a safe country here in the USA, and helping to bring freedom to a country that has never known the freedoms we have here.

ELEVENTH FOLD: Airman Jacobson’s favorite quote reflects how she carried herself: “We’re only on earth for a little while, so live life to the fullest and carry a smile”,which she did on a daily basis. She touched many lives in the short 21 years she was with us on this earth, and lived life to the fullest every day.

TWELFTHFOLD: Airman Jacobson is the first Security Forces Member since May 12, 1975 to die in combat operations and the first and only security forces female to die in combat as a result of direct enemy contact. Let us never forget!

THIRTEENTH FOLD. This final fold is dedicated to Elizabeth Jacobson’s family. Her memory will be kept alive through the United States Air Force, Security Forces, and more importantly her family. She will always be remembered for her great attitude and devotion to her country.”

SRAWard then presented the Flag to me.

After receipt of their diplomas, I presented each graduate with an A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson coin designed by KV Coins and Proud Warrior, Eagle Chapter in appreciation of their dedicating this graduation class.

This was a great honor and one that I wanted to share with Jews In Green knowing that we all are one and one for all, and to show it is what a person is about in their Heart and in Pride of their Country and not just their religious beliefs and to Honor my Son, David Jacobson, Elizabeth’s Father