On the most difficult day, I woke to the news that my only son was killed in Afghanistan. He was due home in just 2 weeks. I already had his birthday present, planned to go to a baseball game like old times, cook his favorite foods, joke and tease and make up for lost time, but in the blink of an eye, we lost him. The denial and shock were crippling.
My first rational thought was, “Who will remember him when I’m gone”? He was just 21 with no children, and the notion that he might be forgotten brought an anxiety that I can’t articulate. Our family was grief-stricken and we learned in one moment what Memorial Day is truly about.
Jake was a Christian, a comedian, an athlete, a huge dog lover, an artist and the best son and friend.
I genuinely hope you all enjoy your long weekend, and if you don’t have a hero to remember, please remember mine. This is all we can do for him now.
If prompted to do so, please share him with the world. It would be a gift.
PFC Jacob H Wykstra
KIA May 28, 2014
Maruf, Afghanistan
He is forever loved and missed ♥️🇺🇸