Jeff Fortenberry: “on July 21, Sergeant Jacob Schmuecker was killed in Balad, Iraq, when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle. Jacob…”

“on July 21, Sergeant Jacob Schmuecker was killed in Balad, Iraq, when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle. Jacob leaves behind his wife and their children, 4-year-old Dillon, 3-year-old Kierstan, and 19-month-old Bryce, along with his parents, Rodney and Patricia, four brothers and three sisters. Sergeant Jacob Schmuecker grew up in the Nebraska towns of Atkinson and Norfolk. He attended West Holt High School and Northeast Community College. He felt a calling to serve, and at the age of 21 enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard. In September of 2006, Jacob's unit deployed to Iraq. Jacob, the recipient of numerous decorations for outstanding service, was second in command. In speaking with Jacob's mother, Patty, last week, she told me that in Jacob's last e-mail he prayed, if something had to happen, that it would happen to him and not one of his fellow soldiers. Perhaps God answered Jacob's prayer. In the infinite mystery of life and death, what is clear is a life worthily lived is marked by selflessness and sacrifice. Sergeant Jacob Schmuecker gave the ultimate sacrifice out of duty and love of country, and America is forever indebted to him.”