Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Brother Jacobsen, I am your interpreter Batenski, I am still keeping you in both my mind and my heart.
I was the happiest person with you I loved Jesus because of you.
I wished if I could tell you today that I am Christian now.
to Riika if you can contact me, please
strong.heart1989@gmail.com
I would know something about his kids
RIP brother"
Batenski of Iraq/Mosul/Sinjar

"Not one year goes by that I don't think of you on 12/21 and honor you as well as all those we lost that day! You were one of my favorite Captains to work with at 1st 25th INF Brigade PBO. We always laughed how you'd hit your head on our trailer door to my office! You are not forgotten. Rest easy Sir."
Deidre Connor (formally Sealey) of Puyallup, WA

"I had the opportunity to meet Capt Jacobsen during my deployment to Iraq. As Memorial Day is getting closer, I can’t help but think this great Army officer and all those service members that made the ultimate sacrifice. Please know that you guys are gone here with us, you are not forgotten. My deepest respect to the family of Capt. William Jacobsen and to the family of BMCS Terrel Horne form the USCG who also lost his life in the line of duty while supporting one of our Army missions. RIP"
Yader of Provo, Utah

"Sir i dont have to wait to be your anniversary, after all you still my captain. Today is not a good day, memories come and go and today is the day. God had a purpose for me and yours was to stay there. But for us is not easy. Your company misses you. And wounder what if it was me. Your kids are big i remember you a lot and miss you. Apache for life hoooaaaa duece four"
Arturo ramirez of San diego ca

"Dear brother Bill...
I want to take a minute and tell you thank you... thank you for the sacrifice of enlisting in the army to serve our country...
Thank you for carrying a bright torch, showing the way to lead and live...
Thank you for your devotion to our God and your family...
Thank you for being such a great husband to my dear Riikka...
Reading and learning about you makes me want to be a better man sir...
I hope one day when we meet you will throw your arms around me and tell me “it’s okay my brother!”
This I pray🙏🏽"
Anonymous of Earth

"Sir, im here again. Thinking of you and remembering the last time i saw you. It was a few hours before, we had a mission and diddnt come back till like 2 am in the morning of the 21st. Sadly that day you were gone. Miss you sir and will always remember you."
Arturo Ramirez of San diego ca

"Thank you sir, your sacrifice was not in vein to your family capt j, was my friend. A good man. And a great leader and today Memorial Day 2020 he was remembered as a hero. Because that's what he is to me"
Arturo Ramirez of San Diego ca

"Sir, its been a while but im here, memorial day is to honor heroes like you, that didnt think twice when our country made the call. Thank you and miss you sir 5/25/2020"
Arturo Ramirez of San diego ca

"12/21/19"
Thinking of you today Captain.

RIP Sir"
Busa of Idaho

"Dec 21st, 2018
The years pass and the loss is still just at great as always."
Busa of Nampa ID USA

"Bill,

If you ever check this space, I'm thinking of you this Memorial Day. To Bill's children, your father was my friend and brother in arms. A great man and a great soldier. God bless and never forget."
Harmon Esplin of New Plymouth ID

"Brother Jacobsen, the memory of you never fades. We miss you so much! You are always in our thoughts and our hearts and we will continue to honor your memory and tell your righteous story. We love you."
Paul Rangel of Elizabethtown, KY

"I was given William's name today as part of Mindful Memorial Day sponsored by Armor Down at Arlington National Cemetery. I am humbled to learn a little about him; I am thankful for his service to our country. God bless."
Jen Chappell of Alexandria, VA

"Memorial Day 2016,
You shall live on in all of those who were blessed enough to know you.
You are not forgotten and we will meet again."
Busa of Idaho

"Bill,

It has taken me eleven years to finally sit down and write to you.

The last time I saw you was the week before our finals in Dec 98 near the flag pole at the Y admin building. You were coming up the stairs on your way to work and I was rushing down them to class that brisk morning. We hadn't seen in each other in awhile between classes, work, and our beautiful brides. You excitedly told me that Rikka was pregnant again and your eyes and countenance glowed. We were days from finishing school, commissioning and moving on to the next step in our lives. We shook hands and said goodbye as we parted. This was the last time I saw you alive and my last of many great memories of our time at the Y before and after your mission. I left you with the same promise as always "that I would be overhead when you needed me."

True to my word I was over Mosul in December providing over watch. I was initially taken aback and devastated but was comforted and then reassured, which gave me great hope. In the eleven years since your departure I have chased down, hunted, and rooted out many Gadianton Robbers and others from their hiding places by the sword sending them home early for it is better this way than for them to continue in their ways. As you know we don't take joy in this and we pray for peace.

Until we meet again my brother in more joyful circumstances and the atonement shall "make all things right".

Adieu,"
GZilla of FOB, Overseas

"The years pass, and a day does not pass that you are not in our thoughts and prayers."
"Busa" of Idaho

"thank you sir on this veteran day you made the ultimate sacrifice miss you sir"
Arturo Ramirez of san diego ca

"Bill,
Memorial weekend and the holiday season are my most reflective moments of you and my concealment of tears. My third son reminds me of you. He is handsome like you (and looks a lot like you), caring of others like you, a warrior like you. He asks much about the war. I will introduce more of you to him for should he be like you I couldn't be prouder. To your family--may the Lord grant a measure of peace and His arms of comfort!"
Brian Pratt of Springfield, VA

"Sir/ Brother Jacobsen,
Ten years you were taken back home from this earth. I have thought about you every day since. I know this time away isn't permanent but it sure feels like it. My family remembers you each year, because it's impossible to forget about someone as great as you. You reminded me of Captain Moroni, leading us in prayer before each mission, leading us into battle in Mosul. Being righteous and humble each day. Your loss was devastating but I had the gospel to give me hope. You set a standard for others to follow and one I look for in people today, ten years later. We love you and miss you.
Brother Rangel."
Paul Rangel of Elizabethtown, KY

"capt j on your 10 yr anninersary i want to say thank you. to the best commander and friend you are not forgotten . your memory and lessons will always be in my heart thank you sir thank you."
arturo ramirez of san diego ca

"You are not and never will be forgotten. RIP Capt."
Busa of Idaho

"capt j on this day i remember you and your family thank you, you made the ultimate sacrifice, people thank me on this day but they have it wrong its you and your family who should be thank. sir there is no words just that i miss you and love you. you werent just my commander but a friend who i respected and cared thank you sir"
arturo ramirez of san diego ca

"capt j now that iraq is been invaded by the enemy people are starting to say it wasnt worth it for us been there, so if it wasnt worth it you making the ultimate sacrifice wasnt worth it. sir they will never understand the bond we had until they serve their country. your sacrefice was worth it and your name will always be called because you made a difference and your family should be proud because the army gave us the best commander we love you and miss you sir, apache for life hoaaaaaa"
sgt arturo ramirez sgtramirez1@yahoo.com of san diego ca

"sir,your brother bret e mail me and I was honor, he sounds like you. 9 yrs ago you left this world to be with our father where we will meet again tell all my brothers that I love them and from the bottom of my heart where all my deuce four bothers and commander live I miss you guys. America pls don't forget this heroes they gave the ultimate sacrifice"
sgtramirez@yahoo.com of san diego ca

"My Brother. My Hero.

I love you"
Brent Jacobsen of Charlotte, NC

"sir i remember you any day of trhe week seems like when i drink things get tuffer for me i miss you guys a lot and im not embarressed to say i cried i miss you sir"
arturo ramirez of san diego sgtramirez1@yahoo.com

"sir on this day i honor and remember you happy veteran day you earned it

sgtramirez1@yahoo.com"

"My Dear Friend Bill,

Me and my family's thoughts are with you this Memorial day, my friend. More important, your family is in my thoughts. I hope that they find at least a small measure of solace in the number of men who knew and admired you. Rest in peace, brother."
Mark Jensen of Kapolei, Hawaii

"sir thank you for your sacrifice on this day I honor you and your family. alpha co 1-24 infantry will never forget you sir"
sgtramirez arturo of san diego

"sir, tomorrow marks 8 years of your passing. but i still remember like if it was yesterday. sir you still the best commander and i was honered to be under your command rest in peace sir



sgt ramirez arturo
alpha co 1 -24 infantry"

"sorry sir a little late but i'm here happy v day and thank you for the sacrifice you and your family gave so that my family could live in peace. will never forget you apache leader and always the best commander sir


sgt ramirez arturo
apache 1-24 inf."

"Be at peace Bill. Lancers."
Ryan Gist of Seattle, Washington

"sir on this day, thank you and to your family thank you. i lost a good officer and a friend i will honor you sir you are not forgotten apache for life

sgtramirez@cox.net"
sgt ramirez arturo of san diego ca

"I thought of you today sir... I was wondering if it was the wrong Jacobsen in that chow hall, but for some reason the half of the platoon I was with was not the one at lunch. Instead, I was in the middle of Mosul staring at an MRE...

I was told by your mother when we came home to "have a good life" and I'm still not sure how to take that. I have been trying though, and this July I will be finished with my Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an Information Systems Security concentration. I hope working in information security is acceptable, since I'm not a grunt anymore, though I still enjoy getting dirty, bloody, and blistered.

I'll shut up now, but I miss you and our other fallen Deuce Four brothers.

Rest in peace, sir..."
Sgt. Jacobsen, Joseph (aka "Shaky Jake") of Ocean Shores, WA

"sir once again on your day i come to visit the only place where some people still remember you. you and your family are with me on this sad day will never forget. now that iraq is coming to a end what is going to happen to all this great heroes that never came home, honor them they will never die if you remember them. some where fathers , husbands, brothers and sons.

AMERICA WE DON'T WANT YOU TO PAY US FOR THE SCARS JUST REMEMBER THIS GREAT HEROES THAT TOUCH OUR LIVES AND NOW ALL WE HAVE IS MEMORIES

SINC. SGT ARTURO RAMIREZ A CO. 1-24 INF DUECE FOUR APACHE sgtramirez@att.net"
arturo ramirez of san diego ca

"I miss your friendship, today on Veteran's Day I took time to walk through Arlington National Cemetery and paid tribute. I also thought of our fallen brothers everywhere. We miss them all."
CW4 (Ret) Mike Stehn of Alexandria, VA

"sir happy veterans day thinking of you and your family on this day thank you for your sacrifice will never forget and like u use to say hoooaaa apaches duece four for life sir"
arturo ramirez of san diego ca

"sir happy veterans day thinking of you and your family on this day thank you for your sacrifice will never forget and like u use to sau hoooaaa apaches duece four for life sir"
arturo ramirez of san diego ca

"Bill,

My dear High School friend, you and your family are in my thoughts this Veteran's Day. It's been almost seven years since your passing and your memory continues to illuminate us. I was at a complete loss for words at your funeral. You have a beautiful family and I know that they miss you every day.

I have to chuckle a little when I think about all the trouble you and I used to get into. I definitely knew you at your worst. In fact, I think I can take credit for a lot of what you were in High School. I was that bad Catholic kid your parents didn't want you hanging out with. Even at your worst, you were thoughtful, intelligent, compassionate and just so damned human.

I wish I'd looked you up later in life. Sadly, you and I were stomping the same dirt; crossing paths all over the world and never linking up. It was only in your death that I came to realize how similar our paths were in adulthood. You are missed, my friend."
Mark Jensen of Kapolei, Hawaii

"Bill,
I remember you from BYU Army ROTC. You were preparing the layout for STX training in Camp Williams when we crossed paths. You were super intelligent beyond your years and I was impressed by your humble and happy good nature. I didn't think it was possible that people like you existed--like Angels in this life. You gave a lot of light and meaning to this dark world. Even now you remind me of my own calling in this life to be that light to others like you have been to me. God Bless your family and may angels be there continually watching over your family."
Tony Mendez of Indianapolis, IN

"I just read Capt Scott Smiley's book HOPE Unseen and learned of your loss... May GOD give you peace and hold you in his hand..."
David Cline of Boise, Idaho

"sir, like every year i dont forget this sad day that i lost the best commander and friend thinking of you and the other guys we lost but i know you are in heaven watching us till we meet again to have our own company again hooaa apache"
arturo ramirez of san diego ca

"Miss your words of wisdom Sir, I'll be drinking to you tomorrow night! Hooah!!"
SSG Rick Rivera (RET) of Summerville, SC

"Back in 2003 Bill and I worked together. My wife was pregnant at the time with our first child. Worrying about my ability as a soon to be father, I asked Bill for advice as he had 4 kids at the time. He told me “Ron, every time that I think I have something figured out with kids, the next one comes along and is completely different”, meaning that no two kids are alike and that you have to raise them from the heart. My son is seven now, and every time he gets into trouble I think of Bills words. I miss you Bill"
MAJ Ron Schow of Springfield Va

"A few weeks ago I completed the 2009 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC. At around mile 14 I came upon a young woman running with the picture of a handsome young soldier on the back of her running shirt. As I got closer I read the words - Captain William Jacobsen, KIA December 21, 2004, My Brother, my Hero. Of all the great moments of this patriotic marathon this is my most vivid memory. I went home and researched Capt. Jacobsen and learned of his love of running and his young family. I saw that his sister and mother had completed the 2009 Marine Corps Marathon and assumed they all were wearing that same shirt in memory of him. I honor the memory of William Jacobsen in having run the 2009 Marathon too and pray for his family's continued healing. Thank you to the Jacobsen sister who I saw along the course that day who brought meaning to my run and accomplishment. Thank you William Jacobsen for your service and for you and your family's sacrifice."
Alan Barnes of Madison, Mississippi, USA

"We have just learned of your husband, father, and son through our daughter in Charlotte, Melissa and Ryan Poulsen. She can only explain it as the most impactful, spiritual, and moving sacrament meeting she and her husband have ever attended. Our hearts are full as we express our appreciation for his life and example of the gospel. He is celestialized."
Mark Tingey of Timnath, CO

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,660 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Cpt Jacobsen, It was with honor that I served under you. There is not one night that I dont pray for you and your family. It has been four years since your passing and I still remember it like yesterday."
Gregory Myers of Corning, Ia, USA

"Sir, it is with a heavy heart that I write to you today. It's been over four years since I've last seen you. I miss you like I would my father. You've given so much to me and I never had the chance to tell you how much I appreciated EVERYTHING you've tought me; done for us as a company and me personally. I felt proud to be your Vehicle Commander. I will always stand ready for your next mission. I believe I speak for everyone who EVER served with you; that you live on in us, we are you. I promise I will keep my memory of you- your guidance; for as long as I live... A6N"
Richard F. Loepfe of Spanaway, WA USA

"Bill,
It has taken me several years to post this note. After losing men of my own in Iraq even in my arms, your death has been the hardiest to take. I recall your excitement for the birth of your first child while in school. You praised your wife over and over again. You were the best leader in ROTC; I always looked up to you. The world is worse with you gone, yet so much better to have known you. Whatever the future holds, I will take you in my heart always and strive to follow your example. Brother, I love you!"
Brian Pratt of Springfield, Virginia

"December 13, 2008
To the family of Capt. William W. Jacobsen, Jr.:
William gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"William is remembered at www.eaglescoutbadge.com"
DFM of Modesto CA

"Thank you Bill and Family for your sacrifice. Bill and I were good friends in high school and college. My favorite line of his was, "back your man!". I'm sorry for your loss but know that you will be reunited. We are indebted to you."
Jenn McCullough Andersen of Idaho

"Jacobsen Family,

I am truly sorry for the loss. I had the honor of serving with Bill way back when he was a 2LT at OBC. He was a great leader even then. He was always the guy who volunteered to carry the M60 or the Radio and he always did it with a smile. He had genuine concern for the rest of the men in PLT and learned his craft to perfection. He was one of the best LT's I ever had the pleasure of serving with. If he were still with us he would be here at Leavenworth now going to school.
I was in Iraq when Bill lost his life, but too far south to make it to the memorial service. I still regret that. I was talking with some of the Majors here at CGSC about Bill and I decided to Google him and stumbled upon this page. This page is AWESOME. I am glad that Bill had such a positive impact on the lives of so many people, Soldier and Civilian alike. It only makes sense knowing Bill. I never met any of Bill's family, but please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I know from experience how hard it is to lose a loved one in combat."
MAJ Jon Beddall of Fort Leavenworth, KS

"I still think about Captain Jacobsen, and all the other guys we lost in OIF III, with deuce four. It's been rough trying to deal with it, but now that I found this Web site... it's really hard to see the screen on my monitor. Healing takes time, but my memories are always there to remind me.
We miss you, sir."
Joseph Jacobsen (Sgt. Jake) of Ocean Shores, WA

"It was great to talk to you a couple nights before you left at Chuck E. Cheese with all your kids and mine running around. Watching you interact with a couple of your Soldiers who happened to be there made me believe that you were the kind of leader I hoped to be one day. Thank you for serving."
Seth

"A fellow Soldier prays for your Family. I typed my name in on Google to find that CPT William Jacobsen was Killed In Action in Iraq. I have lost many Friends in Iraq. Till this day, I don’t know how it is to loose a Family member. I hope and pray I never will. I may be going back to Iraq for a 3rd time. I hope my Family will never know that felling. CPT Jacobsen went to Iraq Because his Country asked him too. He did with Pride as with every Soldier. Soldiers like CPT Jacobsen is the reason we live FREE. Your Family is Proud of you.
Thank You"
SSG Jacobsen, William of FT Hood, TX

"capt.J is been 3 yrs and I still remember like if it was yesterday. I honor you everyday by looking at my right hand where a fadded bracelet holds your name and day when you died. you where the best commander and friend. i was honor to serve under the best officer the army could give.
we will meet one day and we will have our own company again. apache for life and punishers by destiny. hooooaaaa"
SGT. ARTURO RAMIREZ of SAN DIEGO CA.

"I can't believe it has been three years Bill. I love and miss you every day!"
Riikka

"To Captain William Jacobsen Jr.: I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you in this life. Right now I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU for the life that you lived. THANK YOU for the kind of man you were and are. THANK YOU for the ultimate price you paid in our behalf. You are a hero to all and certainly to me. You leave a legacy of love and you set an awesome example of true Christian living. I will never forget...THANK YOU"
anonymous of anonymous

"Brother Jacobsen, my best memories of you are when we went to church together at the FOB Marez chapel, and when you took the time to give me a blessing. I have yet to find a leader as righteous as you, and we (our family) miss you so very much. You held true to Heavenly Father in battle. Thank you."
Paul Rangel of Vilseck, Germany.

"Bill - I think about you and the other fallen soldiers of "Deuce-Four" all the time. I will always remember how much your soldiers admired you and the impact you had on all of those around you. May god bless your family and I'll see you someday."
MAJ Robert Gregor of Fort Irwin, CA

"Like everyday...I'm thinking about you."
Jessica Jacobsen of Phoenix, Az

"I never met Capt. Jacobsen. All I know of him is from the messages left by family and friends on this website. There is no doubt in my mind he was a great man, one worth my solemn admiration. And one day when I an commisioned an officer, I hope I will be as good a leader as he was - worthy to carry on his work. He is my hero. His family is my hero. I hope to meet him one day in heaven and trade war stories and thank him personally for his sacrifice.

Thank you."
Andrew Badger of Provo, UT

"I am missing you Bill. I will always love you!"
Riikka of Draper, UT

"Cpt J always placed his soldiers first mission second. He never walked by me without taking the time to ask how I was doing. He was a great man and I will always miss him."
SPC Rollins of FT Lewis, WA

"Sir, it is almost the second year anniversary of your death I still have a hard time coming to grips with your death. You were the BEST Company Commander I had ever had the pleasure of working for. I can remember walking the streets of Mosul and telling you to take more soldiers with you, your response was always okay, I would then turn my back and you'd be gone just you and your radio operator walking down the street. Sir the soldiers loved you. I had never seen a Commander looked up to as much as you were. I wish there was something I would have done differently maybe, just maybe you'd still be here. It is because of you I decided to stay in the Army. I owe you for your guidance, mentorship and most of all for your friendship. I just wish I could tell you this in person. We will meet again and then maybe I can tell you.
Apache 7"
SGM Robert Wright of Ft Bragg NC.

"Nov. 4th 2006
My Big Brother Bill,
I finally have the strength to write to you. I think about you daily and miss you greatly. I have tried to "come to peace," with things, but have a hard time doing so. Honestly, I still am very bitter at the world for taking you away from your loved ones.
Riikka is still as beautiful as she was the day the two of you married. Your kids are growing up fast; little Billy has quickly become the man of the house. They miss you. I miss you. It has almost been two years since you have past and the wounds have yet to heal. I wish I had told you more often how much I love and admire you. I love you.
Your little sis.,
Jess"
Jessica Jacobsen of Phoenix, Az

"To the best damn C.O. I ever had. He knew everyone by their first name. He really truly cared about each and every one of us, and we loved him for that.

see ya soon Sir,"
Dan Lama of Jefferson, Pa

"It’s 4th of July 2006. Investigations conducted by the Department of Defense Criminal Investigation Task Force, in concert with U.S. and coalition forces, captured and identified the men responsible for the bombing of the dining facility. These men are currently awaiting trial before the Central Criminal Court of Iraq. May God have mercy on their souls; for they know not what they’ve done.” God bless the family and friends of Army Capt. William W. Jacobsen, Jr. and his fallen comrades. And above us all, waves the American Flag! Amen."
anonymous of anonymous

"I'M VERY HONOR TO HAVE SERVE UNDER CAPT. JACOBSEN COMMAND HE WAS WHAT EVERYTHING OF HIM. I READ ALL THIS MESSAGES AND I'M VERY HONORED TO HAVE KNOWN HIM. A GREAT HERO YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEM I WEAR MY BRACELET THAT HONORS YOU, AND IT WON'T COME OFF. I WAS ONE OF HIS SOLDIERS AND RESPECTED HIM AND TRUSTED HIM. TO THE FAMILY GOD BLESS YOU AND I KNOW HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE WATCHING HIS SOLDIERS WHOOOOA APACHES WE WILL MEET ONE DAY.

SINC. SGT RAMIREZ ART
ALPHA CO.
1-24 INF BN."
RAMIREZ ART of SAN DIEGO CA

"I met Cpt. Jacobsen on when his Styrker Brigade escorted my company on a convoy to a FOB near Mosul, myself and the other NCO's were in awe of this man, he was a no BS officer who cared about his troops and whoever his troops escorted, he told it like it was and never lied to us, "If it looks like a threat...engage it, don't take any chances" and we didn't and we lived because of it. On the day he died sitting in the same chow hall was my friend of 30 years Chief Joel Baldwin, on that day, I lost to of my heroes, I will never forget you and your words of wisdom."
SSG Rick Rivera of Summerville, SC

"To the family of: William W. Jacobsen,Jr I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"MY TEARS NEVER STOP FLOWING FOR OUR SON. UNTIL ITS ANOTHER FALLEN SOLDIER THEN THE TEARS FLOW FOR HIM OR HER. AN OFTEN I THINK OF A SOLDIER LIKE YOU WILLIAM. FOR THINKING OF THE HOLIDAY'S I THINK OF MY SON. MANY FOND MEMORIES TO REFLECT ON. AN THAT'S A GOOD THING WILLIAM. YOU MADE MANY PEOPLKE SMILE,NONE MORE IMPORTANT THEN YOUR FAMILY. GREGORY AND YOU LIKE NEIGHBORS. SALISBURY NOT FAR FROM CHARLOTTE. AN NEITHER OF YOU KNEW ONE ANOTHER. YET, YOU BOTH HAD A COMMON BOND SERVING OUR COUNTRY. THANK YOU; YOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN! YOU ARE A HERO AND NEVER EVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN, NOT TODAY, TOMORROW OR EVER."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Our family ties to the Jacobsens go way back. I remember the first time we met in Germany in the 1970s where they had followed us into a military assignment and Bill, Sr. had followed me into a church assigment as Bishop of the Mannheim Germany Servicemen's Ward. Then both of our families were stationed together at Fort Ord where Bill, Sr. served with the 7th Infantry Division and I was attending language and graduate school. Then imagine our joy and surprise to cross paths again at Fort Leavenworth. Memories run deep and our feelings are tender as we contemplate with sadness and shock the news of Bill Jr.'s unfortunate death at the hands of cowards in Iraq. We feel so sorry for you, Bill and Vickie and your family and also for Billy's wife and little family. We can only imagine the pain of of your loss, but rejoice with you in a loving Heavenly Father's Plan that seals us together as families forever. Please know that we love you and know that we honor your son for his great life as has been so eloquently honored in other messages, for his dedication to his duty and for his willingness to pay the ultimate price for us to have the freedoms we love and hold so dear. We'll never forget any of you and wish we had lived closer so we could have supported you in this terrible tragedy. Just know that we care!"
The Neil and Sylva Lamont Family of Sheridan, Wyoming

"I met Billy in 1988, when my family moved to Kansas. We lived right down the street from them, we were in the same ward and I was in the same grade as his sister Jolin. I remember him sleeping in seminary and when the teacher would call on him, he would pull his long hair out from in front of his face, give his answer and go back to sleep. I remember when I grew my hair out, my first goal was to get it longer than Billy’s. we used to get pretty competitive on our ski trips, trying to outdo the other one, or see who could take the craziest runs. I remember being two years younger than Billy and watching him at church and secretly wanting to be like him. He was tall and the girls thought he was cute. I, on the other hand, was going through kind of an awkward phase. I really looked up to him, something I would never tell him. Today as I was working, I just had a feeling to type in his name on the internet to see what would come up and I found all the articles talking about what happened 8 months ago. I am so sorry to his immediate family and to his parents and his brother and sisters. I have 3 kids of my own, so I understand the kind of sacrifice that it takes to leave your family to undertake such a noble cause. I agree with what his wife said, that righteous people are not taken before their time. It seems to me that he made a great impact in Iraq, not only with the other soldiers, but with the locals as well. He was being a missionary with a message of comfort for everyone, and I know that he is continuing that now. I want his family to know that i love them, and I love his wife and his kids who I don't even know, because of what he has done, and what they have endured. I want them to know that this boy that I once looked up to, is now a man who has earned my respect and admiration. You should all be very proud, and I am grateful for the time that I was able to know him."
Matt Lamont of St. George, Utah

"Captain Jacobsen, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"I WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH BILL AND ENJOYED EVERY MOMENT WITH HIM. WE PLAYED BASKETBALL TOGETHER. GOOFED OFF IN PRACTICE AND IN CLASS. HE ALWAYS HAD A GREAT BIG SMILE ON HIS FACE FOR EVERYONE. HE WAS ALWAYS SO KIND AND HAD A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR. I WILL MISS HIM. TO THE FAMILY HE LEFT BEHIND I OFFER YOU MY CONDOLENCES AND LOVE FOR THE LIFE OF ONE OF THE BEST MEN I HAVE EVER KNOWN. THANK YOU BILL."
JEFF JOHNER of FT MYERS, FLORIDA

"Dear Friends,

Thank you all for your support and love for our family. We keep going taking one day at a time. I miss Bill so much and love him forever. He will always be our hero and I am comforted knowing that we will be together forever and that our Father in Heaven needed Bill. I am so proud of him and all that he accomplished here on the earth. He is an amazing husband and a devoted father and we will love him forever and ever!
Thank you again for all your kind words and your love.
We are in North Carolina now and will be living here. If you ever come this way, please, come visit."
Riikka Jacobsen of Charlotte, NC

"I met Bill and his beautiful family at Ft Knox, while he attended the Armor Captains Career Course and I served as a Basic Training Company Commander there. I met him again several times while I was a member of the OPFOR at Ft Irwin and he worked to build & train the new Stryker Brigades. He always impressed me with his quiet dignity and deep love & respect for soldiers. He was the ideal soldier and leader. While at Ft Knox together, I served as his family's hometeacher and if there ever was an eternal family, the Jacobsen family is it. My heart goes out to Riika, Billy, Sedric, Yonah & Avalon. Find peace in knowing that your beloved husband and father continues to serve the Lord and you are a forever family."
Keith Bardo of Bonaire, GA

"Elder Jacobsen is how I remember him best. He was a great leader and a great man. He was a great friend. His smile would light up the room. I remember his strength and great desire to do that which he loved, be in the Army. Sister Alakoski, Riika his wife was my mission trainer. I remember writing in her mission journal that she would marry Bill. We didn't talk of it after that till she was off her mission. However I knew that they were designed to be with one another. She and he have assisted me in more ways than I can express. I will always remember his great strength and devotion. My heart goes out to Riika. I love you and pray for you. I miss you and know of your great strength and courage. You are always a light to me, both of you. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with mine. I love you both more than words can express. May God bless you, comfort you, and bring you peace. I love you.
Monique, Sister Christensen"
Monique James (Christensen of salt lake city, Utah

"Captain William Waddoups Jacobsen, Jr. is one of the finest young men this country has ever produced. We love Bill, Sr. and Vickie Jacobsen, his loving parents, our good friends. We mourn this great loss with them and their beautiful family. Watching Bill Jr. grow up was a great adventure. You could not keep up with him. He is an Eagle Scout. We climbed the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, canoed the Current River in Missouri, canoed and portaged the lakes of Minnesota, skied Copper Mountain in Colorado, and attended the 1989 National Scout Jamboree in Virginia. Bill Jr. was always leading out enthusiastically and having great fun. He served his Heavenly Father, as a missionary on a voluntary two year LDS mission to Texas. Afterward, while attending Brigham Young University,he married his beautiful Rikkaa, also a returned missionary. They have four wonderful children. Bill Jr. followed in the footsteps of his father and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry by him, as he graduated from BYU. Captain Jacobsen was loved by his soldiers, peers, and commanders. He was considered a rising star in the Army, destine for high command. Our hearts are broken. He is dearly missed. But, his story does not end. He now serves with heavenly hosts beyond this earthly veil. We will see him, again, in that Kingdom he loved and served so well. Death has no power there. We love you Jacobsen family and extend our deepest gratitude for the tremendous sacrifice you and Captain Jacobsen have made for our country, our family, and our liberty. May God bless you with His choicest blessings."
Michael M. Robinson and Family of Lehi, Utah

"Riikka, and children,
There are no words. I have thought so much about you and have prayed for you every day. I will continue to pray for you and your children that you might find peace and comfort to get through this. I know that you know this is NOT the end, that you will be together again with Bill someday. He was a devoted child of God and a devoted husband, father, and warrior. His sacrifice will never be forgotten by our family. I have never forgotten your friendship when you were at Knox.
It seemed like you moved away so fast..
I regret that we didnt get to continue that friendship.
I love you Riikka......May God Bless you, Billy, Sedric,Yonah, and Avalon"
Melissa Hylander of Fort Knox, Kentucky

"I had the great pleasure of knowing Bill Jr in ROTC at Western Kentucky University. He was a great kid then, and I'm not surprised by the stories I have read that depict him as such a great father and leader of men. I offer my sincerest condolences to Bill's family."
Dave Johnson of Franklin, Tennessee

"Bill was a leader and an inspiration to me. Bill and I were roommates in college. He was optimistic, his smile was contagious, and his humor always made me laugh. I admired his drive to succeed. He continually pushed himself to be better, which inspired me to push myself. I’m confident that he had the same effect on the troops around him. In my opinion, America has lost one of its finest. He will be remembered for great things."
Michael King of Peoria, IL

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, William, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"I knew CPT Jacobsen while he was attending the CPT's career course at Ft. Knox, KY. During that time he volunteered to mentor and train future Ranger students who were at that time in the Armor Officer Basic Course. I was one of those students between the months of late August-November 02. CPT Jacobsen was our first Ranger mentor and he was someone who made a significant impact on our lives and training.
Many of us didn't know what to expect from this tough school and he was able to both allay those fears and train us properly so that we were successful. I'll never forget his laid back, easy going attitude, but moreover respect that he gave each and every one of us. Not only that but his incredible sense of humour. The stories that he told us about the school and the army were some that I'll never forget. Like how he still made it through Ranger school after being stabbed in the eye with a tree branch and finished the rest of the course with an eye patch. Or the time that he set up a stay behind ambush in the Mountains of Georgia that totally defeated the OPFOR. He was an inspiration to us all and I would have served under him without hesitation.
After completing Ranger school, I served in Iraq from July 03 to July 04 as a platoon leader and XO. A lot of the lessons I learend in Ranger school helped me be successful in taking care of my men.
My prayers are with the Jacobsen family, he was a great man, and he will be missed but never forgotten."
1LT John Kendall of Cheraw, SC

"When I met CPT Jacobsen at Fort Campbell I knew I had met a great soldier and more importantly, a good man. God bless you and bring you comfort."
kevin swanson of renton, WA

"To the Jacobsen family from the Wahl family. We are deeply sadden by your lost. Our heart and prays are with William and your family. From a fallen soldiers family, we share the same tears. William has touched many many lives. An he is the elite of all Americans. God Bless!"
leonard wahl of valley stream ny

"My thoughts are with you. May you find comfort in the messages from all the people who are thinking of you now."
Karen Jacobsen of Palatine, IL

"My heart goes out to Bill's family. I will remember him as a great guy. In highschool, we had classes together and he was intellegent, funny, and kind. Though I haven't talked to him since, he always impressed me with the faith that he pocessed, and I am sure that he passed the same faith on to his children."
Steven Hill of Alvaton, Ky

"There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Our heartfelt condolences to the family of William W. Jacobsen Jr. We cannot begin to appreciate your loss, but thank William for his selfless act and wish his family peace and comfort on this sad Christmas Day."
Walter of Yonkers, NY, USA

"Thank you William Jacobsen, Jr., you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Capt. William Jacobsen, Jr.:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless William for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Capt. William Jacobsen, Jr.:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of William, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia