GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Security Forces Squadron hosted a ruck to commemorate Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson, a fallen defender who was assigned to the 17th SFS at Goodfellow Air Force Base from 2003-2005.
The four mile ruck involved over 150 members from different squadrons and branches.
In 2005, Jacobson deployed with the 586th Expeditionary SFS at Camp Bucca, Iraq. On Sept. 28, 2005, at the age of 21, Jacobson was killed when an improvised explosive device struck her convoy. She was the first security forces Airman and first female service member to die in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Retired Senior Master Sgt. Russ Weatherby, prior security forces member, deployed to Iraq with Jacobson in 2005.
“Elizabeth lived life as a warrior that smiled in the face of adversity,” said Weatherby. “On the day of her death, I prayed that her name would never be forgotten, and today I am so very grateful her legacy continues to live on.”
Tech. Sgt. Aaron January, 17th SFS anti-terrorism program manager, helped organize the ruck.
“I hope that everybody understands that even if you are the one that pays the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country,” said January. “I hope you know that we will always remember you and keep your memory alive, just like A1C Jacobson.”