Airman at heart of remembrance ceremony

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jeff Clark
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  More than 300 U.S. military members and multinational partners gathered by the base flagpole Nov. 10 to honor U.S. veterans, specifically Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson.

Airman Jacobson was killed while on a convoy near Camp Bucca, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2005, when her vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. She was the first female Airman and the Air Force's first security forces member killed in the line of duty supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The tribute included a retreat ceremony, a memorial and emotional words from Col. Paul Curlett, the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander.

"Article one of the Code of Conduct states '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.' This reminds us that while many will give some, Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson gave all," Colonel Curlett said. "Remember her and all veterans."

The ceremony continued with a small group of security forces members placing boots, a helmet with Airman Jacobson's name, and an M-4 assault rifle in front of a Code of Conduct plaque. One member of the group, Senior Airman Nykita Stoudemire, deployed with Airman Jacobson last year, was at the ceremony.

"It means a lot to me to be here and be able to be a part of this," Airman Stoudemire said. "It's especially important to do it for Veterans Day."