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Goodfellow hosts annual Jacobson Ruck

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Williams
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

On Wednesday, September 28, 2005, an improvised explosive device hit a vehicle in southern Iraq. At the age of 21, Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson, 17th Security Forces Squadron defender, paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting her country.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Evan Adkins, 17th Security Forces Squadron resource protection noncommissioned officer in charge, takes a knee in front of Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson’s memorial during the Jacobson Memorial Ruck at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 28, 2023. Jacobson was 21 years old when her convoy was struck with an improvised explosive device, in which she paid the ultimate price while protecting her country. Members rucked from the 17th SFS’s building to the Jacobson Gate and passed Jacobson’s memorial on the way to the finish line. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)

Goodfellow hosts annual Jacobson Ruck

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Evan Adkins, 17th Security Forces Squadron resource protection noncommissioned officer in charge, takes a knee in front of Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson’s memorial during the Jacobson Memorial Ruck at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 28, 2023. Jacobson was 21 years old when her convoy was struck with an improvised explosive device, in which she paid the ultimate price while protecting her country. Members rucked from the 17th SFS’s building to the Jacobson Gate and passed Jacobson’s memorial on the way to the finish line. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)
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The 17th SFS hosted their annual ruck to commemorate Jacobson at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 28.

“Jacobson volunteered,” said Staff Sgt. Evan Adkins, 17th Security Forces Squadron resource protection noncommissioned officer in charge. “She knew the dangers, but she still volunteered and that’s bravery. It's important to remember  our job is not easy and it’s not safe, but we are in the military, and it’s our job to lay down our life to protect the people of this base and the citizens of the United States.”

Members of the 17th Training Wing participate in the Jacobson Memorial Ruck at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 28, 2023. Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson was the first security forces Airman and the first female service member to die in the line of duty supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)

Goodfellow hosts annual Jacobson Ruck

Members of the 17th Training Wing participate in the Jacobson Memorial Ruck at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 28, 2023. Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson was the first security forces Airman and the first female service member to die in the line of duty supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Jacobson was the first security forces Airman and the first female service member to die in the line of duty supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her bravery has since been memorialized at multiple bases all over the world.

“Today, we do this ruck to remember her legacy of service and the way she served with honor and dignity,” said Maguinness. “As we get ready to make the walk down to the Jacobson gate, the gate that bears her name, let’s take a moment to reflect on her and the various service members from all of our branches that have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom and protection of the Constitution of the United States.”

Members of the 17th Training Wing do push-ups before the Jacobson Memorial Ruck at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 28, 2023. Seventeen push-ups were performed by the participants in remembrance of fallen defenders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)

Goodfellow hosts annual Jacobson Ruck

Members of the 17th Training Wing do push-ups before the Jacobson Memorial Ruck at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 28, 2023. Seventeen push-ups were performed by the participants in remembrance of fallen defenders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Aaron January, 17th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent, directs participants during the Jacobson Memorial Ruck at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 28, 2023. Members rucked from the 17th SFS’s building to the Jacobson Gate and passed Jacobson’s memorial on the way to the finish line. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)

Goodfellow hosts annual Jacobson Ruck

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Aaron January, 17th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent, directs participants during the Jacobson Memorial Ruck at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 28, 2023. Members rucked from the 17th SFS’s building to the Jacobson Gate and passed Jacobson’s memorial on the way to the finish line. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
U.S. Air Force Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Wing commander, gives opening remarks before the Jacobson Memorial Ruck at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 28, 2023. Every year, the 17th Security Forces Squadron hosts a ruck to commemorate Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)

Goodfellow hosts annual Jacobson Ruck

U.S. Air Force Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Wing commander, gives opening remarks before the Jacobson Memorial Ruck at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 28, 2023. Every year, the 17th Security Forces Squadron hosts a ruck to commemorate Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res