324th TRS dedicates training complex to fallen Airman Published April 7, 2025 By Logan Steele 37th Training Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- The 324th Training Squadron held a Remembrance Ceremony and Building Dedication in honor of Airman 1st Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson, April 4. The Remembrance Ceremony and Building Dedication memorialized Jacobson by officially renaming the 324th Training Squadron Complex to the Jacobson Training Complex and culminated in the unveiling of a plaque dedicating the building to her and her legacy. Jacobson’s family was in attendance. Defenders from across Joint Base San Antonio stand at a memorial to honor Airman First Class Elizabeth Jacobson April 4, 2025, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Jacobson was the first Defender killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 324th Training Squadron complex was dedicated with a memorial in her honor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “There’s no more important building to dedicate to a fallen Airman than a training complex here at Basic Military Training,” said Lt. Col. Charles Dieterle, Commander of the 324 TRS, during the ceremony. “This is a foundational place where all Airmen learn about the Air Force.” Jacobson was a security forces Airman who answered the call of duty in 2003 and started her career as a trainee in the 324 TRS. On September 28, at the age of 21, Jacobson was killed by an improvised explosive device while providing security on a convoy in Iraq. She was the first security forces Airman killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ceremony focused on Jacobson’s legacy and impact at the 324 TRS. Her story continues to be part of the identity and culture of the training squadron, being taught to every trainee that is assigned there, serving as a shining example of the qualities that all Airmen should strive for. “Elizabeth’s legacy continues to inspire and remind us of what values she embodied,” said 324 TRS Senior Enlisted Leader, Chief Master Sergeant Tiffany Jackson-Foster, during her remarks, “Her discipline, dedication, and grit serves as a beacon of strength and honor for all of us to follow.” Jacobson's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Combat Action Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal. 250404-F-JH281-1027 Lt. Col. Charles Dieterle, commander of the 324th Training Squadron, speaks during a building dedication on April 4, 2025, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to honor Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson. Jacobson was the first Defender killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 250404-F-JH281-1030 Family members of Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson point to items in a memorial to honor Jacobson on April 4, 2025, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The 324th Training Squadron complex was dedicated with a memorial to honor Jacobson, who was the first Defender killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 250404-F-JH281-1021 Lt. Col. Robert Chance, commander of the 343rd Training Squadron and Chief Master Sgt. Wes Lawrence, Senior Enlisted Leader of the 343rd Training Squadron present a gift to the family of Airman First Class Elizabeth Jacobson, April 4, 2025, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Jacobson was the first Defender killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 324th Training Squadron complex was dedicated in her honor with a memorial. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res