A1C Jacobson: Gone, but never forgotten

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Carissa Lee
  • Public Affairs
It has been a year since the Goodfellow AFB community got the devastating news that one of its Airmen was killed in action defending her country. Airman First Class Elizabeth Jacobson may not be with us any longer, but her legacy and her memory will live on forever, thanks to a memorial that was placed in front of the 17th Security Forces Squadron building Sept. 29. 

In a short, but poignant ceremony, a large memorial rock, donated by the United States Air Force Security Police Association was unveiled with a plaque featuring Jacobson's likeness etched on it. Heartfelt words were spoken by the squadron's first sergeant, Senior Master Sgt. Phillip Neal, who shared his personal thoughts on Jacobson with the crowd. He recalled her as being a person who "Always said thank you, please and I'll help." 

Although he never met her personally, Col. Scott Bethel, 17th Training Wing commander, said he felt like her knew her because of her "infectious personality and the legend she left behind." He was one of three speakers at the memorial service. 

The special guest speaker was retired Col. Jerry Bullock, former deputy chief of security police. He authored the "Security Police Prayer" in 1980, a prayer that is still said today. 

Bullock read the poem aloud, and asked the members of the audience to recite it with him. He said that although he never had the chance to meet Jacobson in person, he felt a kinship with her, "...a special bond of brotherhood and sisterhood that only security forces members understand." 

Jacobson lost her life Sept. 28, 2005 when an improvised explosive device exploded while she was performing convoy security duty outside Camp Bucca, Iraq. At the time of the explosion she was a passenger in a HUMVEE. According to reports, she and the driver were killed instantly. She was the first female Air Force Security Forces Airman to lose her life in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Although short, the ceremony was a bittersweet reminder of the dangers military members put their lives in on a daily basis. Jacobson's legacy will live on, and she will never be forgotten.