Servicemembers pay respect to fallen Airman

  • Published
  • By Capt. Michael G. Johnson
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  More than 225 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and multinational partners crowded the new base chapel Oct. 6 to pay their final respects to their comrade in arms, Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson.

Airman Jacobson was killed on a convoy near Camp Bucca, Iraq, on Sept. 28 when her vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. She is the first female Airman killed in the line of duty supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The final tribute ceremony included a firing party, a roll call acknowledging her absence and emotional words from friends and colleagues.

“For those of you who didn’t know Airman 1st Class Jacobson, she was more than another article in the papers, she was more than the first female Airman to have fallen in Iraq, she was more than a hero. She was my troop, my friend and a person only few have been lucky enough to know,” said Staff Sgt. Katrina Hunt, of the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.

Col. Timothy Hale, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, spoke about Airman Jacobson’s courage, dedication and the unanswered questions filling the space where a young Airman once stood.

“Of course, we don’t have any of those answers. But because we have the questions, we clearly have a responsibility to stand in the breach for her,” he said. “We are not just the beneficiaries of her bravery; we are the stewards of her sacrifice.”

Lt. Col. David Briar, 586th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron commander talked about his conversation with Airman Jacobson’s father.

“I spoke to her dad the day after. We both grieved and then he told me how she was excited to be (deployed) and working on convoys,” he said.

As the ceremony continued, a small flight of her security forces comrades stood at parade rest until all the remarks were complete. Then NCO in charge of the flight called them to attention and began a roll call. Each name was called and each Airman responded with “here,” until Airman Jacobson’s name was called out.

“Airman Jacobson,” the Sergeant said.

No reply.

“Airman 1st Class Jacobson,” he said again.

No reply.

“A1C Elizabeth Jacobson,” he said finally.

No reply.

Then as bag pipes softly played “Amazing Grace” over the chapel speakers, a solitary security forces Airman slowly carried a folded flag forward and placed it in a memorial display near the inverted M-16, helmet and boots.

Through the open chapel doors, the voice of a firing squad team leader gave commands. Following each series of commands, the crack of synchronized rifles firing single shots echoed through the doors. Then, from a distance, a single bugler played “Taps.”

The final ceremonial tribute came from a letter Airman Jacobson had written for family and friends which was read aloud by Sergeant Hunt. The short letter ended with, “I also believe in love and here is my quote. We’re only on Earth for a little while, so live life to the fullest and carry a smile.”