Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Spc. Jacob C. Palmatier

29, of Springfield, Illinois.
Palmatier died in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 3d Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Georgia. Died on February 24, 2005.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Spc. Jacob C. Palmatier.

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"I was in Washington Park today with my grandchildren and passed by Jacob's memorial lane. I had the pleasure of working with Jacob at IDNS and was privileged to write him a recommendation for law school. He could have been anything and he chose to be a soldier. Jacob, you are still missed."
Sheryl Klein of Springfield, Illinois

"Remembering Jacob today, and praying prayers of comfort for all of his loved ones."
Amanda Rawlins Reeves of McDonough, GA

"It's been years, but I think of your family all the time. My brother,Scott, was close to Jacob and they served together at the time of Jacob's passing. Scott speaks of Jacob often, and tells us how intelligent he was. Jacob's death has been very difficult for my brother, and I know even more difficult for all of you. I want you to know that we remember. Everyday, we remember. We honor Jacob every Memorial Day in some way, and every ordinary day in our hearts, minds and speech."
Amanda Rawlins Reeves of McDonough GA

"I had the distinct honor and privelege of working with Jacob at the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety. He was one of the most intelligent young people I had ever met. I recall a conversation with him when he announced he was joining the army. I asked him, "Why, when you can do anything, would you want to do that?" His response was (paraphrasing), "Because I can be really good at it." My reply was that I had no doubts. Even now, it is so incredibly hard to believe that this smart, funny, caring, Captain of our bowling team ("Dr. J and The Women")has been taken away from us by a group of fundamentally backward, spiritually dead, extremists bastards!
I want to thank Bridgett, Jake's parents and family for the supreme sacrifice you made in giving Jacob to America so that my own children can enjoy their rights & freedoms. My prayers and gratitude are with you all - ALWAYS! God Bless Jacob Palmatier and God Bless America!"
Gayle Swinburne of Lovington, IL/Moultrie

"To Jacob's family: My son Dwayne served with Jacob in Iraq, and Jacob is one of four named in the dedication page of the book we published in 2009; "A Soldier's Questions, His Pastor's Answers." If you would contact me I would like to send you a copy mendoncg at wcoil dot com. P. O. Box 6 45862"
Pastor Dean Bruce of Mendon, Ohio

"CPL Palmatier,
Just wanted you and your family to know that I was thinking of you this Holiday Season. I will never forget you or your family's sacrifice. Because of you and others like you I'm able to live free. We didn't know each other well when we both served in 1-30 IN but you were always there when called and a great soldier.
CPT Kevin McCullen (1LT when CPL Plamatier knew me).
PS. I'll never forget"
Kevin McCullen of Plainsboro, NJ

"Just know you haven't been forgotten. Your service and bravery haven't been forgotten. Your family hasn't been forgotten. You're a hero and I pray that that gives some sort of peace to the loved ones you left behind."
Someone of Somewhere

"May God Bless you all. I am so sorry for your loss."
Leila Shipman of Texas

""Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers" is an organization of over 235 knitting groups throughout the country. Since October of 2007, over 2,900 prayer shawls have been sent to the families of our fallen soldiers. If you or a member of your family would like to receive a hand knit prayer shawl, please contact me at barbconway@comcast.net or 774 487-8618.
Sincerely, Barbara"
Barbara Conway of Cape Cod MA

"February 4, 2009
To the family of Spc. Jacob C. Palmatier:
Jacob 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

"I met Jacob when we were stationed at Fort Benning. He came to my office numerous times to handle business for the Soldiers in his battalion. I will never forget walking out of the gym, in Iraq, and hearing of Jacob's passing. My heart did and still does hurt for Jacob and those who lost a wonderful young man. Rest assured, Jacob was, and always will be, well honored."
Eddie Evans of Toccoa, Georgia, The United States of America

"Palmatier Family, God bless you all for your sacrifice. Jacob was someone I still thought of and felt his passing deeply. I, along with the rest of LHS class of 1993, was lucky to have known him."
Sarah Blakley-Weider, LHS '93 of St. Peters, MO

"To sacrifice oneself for the good of another -- There is NOTHING in this world more noble. May he be always remembered."
SGT Nuckoles, Ray of 1-9 Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade, 3d Infantry Division - Fort Stewart, GA

"Palmatier Family, I am very grateful to have grown up with your son at Immanuel and at Lutheran High. He was a great friend, very intelligent and very personable. I just enlisted in the Air Force and am currently serving over seas in Iraq. I want you to know that I think about him everyday and pray for him and his family. He is MY HERO!! Be proud!!"
SRA Aaron D. Rath of Springfield, Illinois

"To the family of:Jacob C. Palmatier I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all 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 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"I would like the family of SPC Palmatier to know that I remember Jacob. He helped me in many ways in the S1 Shop and was the "Go-to" guy. I remember waiving to him just before he left on his final mission. He will always be my hero. He was an outstanding soldier and now joins the ranks of those who have paid for our freedom."
SSG Charles K. McElhannon of Sherwood, AR

"My name is Cameron Schilling and I have started “Portrait of a Soldier” which donates a portrait sketch of every Illinois soldier who has fallen in Iraq or Afghanistan. All 122 sketches will be on display for a Memorial Day Presentation in Chicago, Illinois on May 26-31 at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. After the ceremony the sketches will be given to the immediate families of the Illinois soldiers. I would invite any friends or family members to come and honor these men and women from Illinois who have given their lives to our country. For more information please contact OperationHomeFront.org at 866-417-8889 which is an organization headed by the Lt. Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who is in charge of the Memorial Day Presentation. Thank You.

Please check out www.portraitofasoldier.org
To contact Cameron email cameronschilling84@hotmail.com
To contact Operation Home Front call 866-417-8889"
Cameron Schilling of Charleston, Illinois

"Harold At Hal1950@aol.com"
Harold Palmatier of Erie

"To the family of Jacob may God Speed and look down upon you."
Harold A. Palmatier of Erie,Pa Usa

"CPL Palmatier, You were one of the hard working clerks for 3BDE. When we heard about your death, we were all crushed and couldn't believe the news. My deepest condolances for you and your family.. you will always be remembered!"
SPC Dahle, Kelly M. of Fort Stewart, GA, USA

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

"To the Family of SPC Jacob Palmatier:

My friends and I have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 7/12/05, 112 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put Jacob's name on one of them.
We have called our display "Arlington Midwest" and it is located in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

If you would like us to do this, please email me at ArlingtonMidwest@yahoo.com.

We invite you to visit Arlington Midwest. I can send you directions and some pictures by email.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them."
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"Palmatier was one of the greatest soldiers and hardest workings guys I have ever met. We will always think of you in the Battle Boars and I will pray for your family daily. Thank you for you service. You have proven to us the true meaning of "Our Country and Not Ourselves" May God watch over you and your family"
lloyd Pegues of Fob Normandy, Iraq

"My deepest condolences to his widow, family and friends. I knew him only in passing as a fellow 1998 IC grad in history, but I assure you that he will never, never be forgotten. God bless his memory."
Kevin Sadaj of Hamtramck, Michigan

"Jake, it's been several years since we last spoke, I thought at least we would be able to again at the first college reunion. You will be greatly missed. Bridget, for what good it does, I am very sorry."
Joseph Friedman of Tinley Park, IL

"I will not forget you. I was HONORED to work with you every day. Everyone here at home, 1-30 Infantry, misses you and they hold heavy hearts. Godspeed."
SGT Gregg Campbell of Fort Benning, GA

"You are in our thoughts and our prayers. Jacob's sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Joy and Adam Raskin of Richmond, VA

"GOD BLESS THE WIFE AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF JACOB PALMATIER. MY SON SCOTT SERVED WITH HIM IN IRAQ IN THE 1/30TH. SCOTT TELLS US JACOB WAS A WONDERFUL FRIEND AND A GREAT PERSON. SCOTT ENJOYED HIS COMPANY AND WILL NEVER FORGET HIM OR THE ULTIMATE PRICE HE PAID FOR THE FREEDOM OF GENERATIONS TO COME. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS."
EDDIE RAWLINS of CONYERS, GEORGIA

"May you have peace in knowing that Jacob is with the Lord. Keeping your family in my thoughts and Prayers."
Martha (Toberman) Larson of Grayslake, IL

"To the family and friends of Jacob, Jacob will be missed dearly. I was lucky enough to have a chance to work with him in 1-30th before he deployed and I left army. He was very helpful, kind, and had a big heart. I'm sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace."
Formerly SPC David Bean of Auburn, AL

"Jacob was one of the funniest, smartest, kindest and warmest guys we knew. He was a good friend.

Jacob, we love and miss you more than we will ever be able to say."
Kevin & Gail Wasmer of Springfield, Illinois

"This is Nancy, Eleanor Briggs's granddaughter. I just returned to California from Navy pre-mobilization training to the news. We love you so much and wish we could be out there with you right now. Love from Nancy Nebeker IS3, US Navy, and Daughters Emma and Samantha."
Nancy Noelle of Newcastle, CA USA

"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

"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, Jacob, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To the Family and Friends of Jacob C. Palmatier, may the memories you have of Jacob be a source of strength to you at this time. Your son's ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. He is truly a HERO! Prayerfully Yours, The Sibert Family"
Kathleen Sibert of Torrance, California

"My thoughts and Prayers go out to your family and friends. You gave the ultimate sacrafice and will never be forgotten, you are truely a hero, Thank you!"
Debby Marshall of San Bernardino, CA

"Thank you Jacob Palmatier, 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 Spc. Jacob Palmatier:
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 Jacob 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 Spc. Jacob Palmatier:
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 Jacob, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on