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The first time I met Captain William Jacobsen was at a family support meeting for our unit right as they were due to head out to Iraq.2
His sincerity about doing everything he could for our men stuck in my head along with a nasty thought of "that's what they all say".3
When Javier was shot Bills voice was the second I heard that day. Right after my husband passed out from Morphine. He kept me calm in that strong manner that I came to get used to. He never wavered when telling me it is bad but not lethal. 4
The last time I spoke to him was after Javier had arrived home Capt J called by satellite phone just to ask me if I was okay. 5
Now here he was in the middle of war and he actually worried about my state of mind?6
I am going to flash forward to December 22, 2004.7
Javier and I were sitting watching TV, well he was lying down with his leg propped up when our local news broke in to say there had been a chow hall bombing in Mosul.8
I wish I could make you see how white my husband got.9
All he could say was "Please God" .10
Immediately I got on the computer to see what I could find out, I had received a email from Riikka, Capt J's wife.11
We couldn't instant message one another but we could send emails back and forth. 12
She had started to get worried and by any chance had I heard something? No I emailed back but the minute I do will call you I promise.13
I later learned I was the last person she spoke with, while we were talking the Chaplain and Mary Paige Kurilla were enroute to her house with bad news.14
Bill was dead.15
It seems he was able to get up and walk around barked orders and helped evacuate a few people when suddenly he collapsed. 16
On the way to the hospital he had several seizures and died. 17
We found out later that he died from massive brain trauma.18
My insides crushed I tried to hold my husband who was so shocked he couldn't speak.19
His Leader and Friend was gone in the space of minutes.20
I wanted to write about him to let people know I have not Forgotten this man.21
How he reached out to me in my hour of need and embraced me from Iraq to Washington.22
I am all teary eyed and it's hard to breath right now, thinking how he won't be home for Thanksgiving.23
We had our unit Formal and redeployment ceremonies just recently. The rest of the unit is home.24
When I saw Riikka at the Memorial Ceremony she like her husband was the strong one, while I hugged her with tears in my eyes.25
I don't know how she does it, faces each tomorrow knowing he won't be there at the end of a long day to make the sorrow go away.26
But he would be proud of the Lady she is.27
Strong and beautiful even in despair she sets the bar for others to follow.28
Just like he did.29
Rest in Peace Capt J, I miss you.30
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Author notes
I felt so compelled to just get this out this morning I have to go to yet another Unit function and knowing he won't be there just hurts.
www.25thida.com/kiamideast.html My husbands Unit.. A List with pictures of those who died in Iraq.
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Comments
1 - 13 of 13
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Haaaaaaaaaaah!
Good one! Nice! -
This is a very touching write for me as tears stream down my face, I remember praying that day, As I also searched the internet of signs of what unit and from where.. My heart ached that day.. And I was scard out of my mind because a mess hall only meant one thing lots of people... My husband was not at that mess hall that day. But was in one later on that was hit by a motar no one was hurt in that one, I had countless calls from family and friends and was weak at the knees as I was at work and had not heard of it, until the calls started,
I can understand your fear and your husbands fear, And I will keep this Man in our thoughts and prayers, I was releived that day to hear it was not my husbands unit but I cried for all the countless others that were not going to be coming home.
Thank you for sharing this with us and keeping this Mans memory
alive. And Thank Javier from this Military family.. I hope he is doing well, warm thoughts
FrozenTears -
This is very sad. One of my friend's husband's just got two weeks leave to come home and see his newborn baby, then back to war
His two year old did not even remember him 
It is not right what war does to families.
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how touching a tribute to an obviously tremendous person. Too often those of us on the outside hear the news and then dismiss it from mind, not least those governments who sent the guys out there in the first place. It is in the hearts of the family and friends such as you that this gallant people will be remembered and through this fitting tribute more of us across the world will know of this terrific guy, my respects to you and his family. Also we will not forget the sacrifice of your own husband. Take heart and be proud.
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"Oh my hodstock, I am..sorry to hear that. That is very' sad, wow... I know the lose of a loved one, don't let it get to you though. Everythin' will be alright, just..remember him. Because to be forgottin' is worse then death. Just remember him, smile to his picture, I will give this story to a couple of my friends. Meh', goodnight and goodluck." - Lance Ryan Williams; Your don't feel loved and wanted, you ARE loved and needed.
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This brought tears to my eys, and I know none of you. Can't imgine wha it's like for family and friends. We've had too much of this over the past year and who know how much longer this will go on. Thanks for sharing.
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PS, I am sorry for the loss of this exceptional soul.
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I got chills reading this, and there is a lump in my throat. I abhor war. It takes able young men and maims them for the rest of their lives, physically and emotionally. It takes husbands and fathers and sons away from their loved ones, and for what? It is a very noble thing to say we are fighting for democracy, or against terrorism, but in the end, what is really accomplished? War breeds more hatred, which in turn breeds more war. I can't help but wonder, if we took the billions of dollars and all the energy that was put into war, what we could really accomplish? Maybe we could develop an alternitive fuel, so that these battles in the Middle East would not be necessary. Maybe we could cure cancer and AIDS, or discover that we really aren't alone in the universe. Maybe I'm just a dreamer.
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"Teary eyed" doesn't even begin to describe the depth of emotion I felt while reading this; wow! Poignant, tender, awesome...this is all this and more. My deepest condolences to you and yours on your loss
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oh... i'm so sorry this happened... i don't know much about military and army stuff, still being a high school student, but this is really quite touching. i know how it feels to have to go somewhere knowing someone who is usually there is gone forever... a guy who used to hang around with my group of friends died earlier this year, and just looking at the place in the morning where he usually sat just tore me up. the paragraph where you talk about how he won't be home for thanksgiving really just rips at the heartstrings. it makes me wonder how the family can think about being thankful when there is an empty place at their table. this man was obviously very close to you and your husband. the cloud of grief will pass eventually. excellent write.
best wishes to you -
Ok, now I'm teary eyed. A well written tribute to an exceptional leader. One I would have proud to salute.
Cpl John Mail
Canadian Forces Radio Operator
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