Jacob Carroll Memorial 5K " Run The Jake"

Jake's Story
As a young man, Jake was taught the importance of being a “good man”, one to be respected and admired by others.  With a sense of duty and responsibility, he joined the Army in January 2009.  While in Basic Training in Ft. Benning, GA, he was selected to attend Airborne School and was also placed in the top 30 of his class.  When speaking of running with family members, he would always say “that he would walk the dog” on us.  Upon completion of his training, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Ft. Campbell, KY.  There he became a member of Bravo Company (The Renegades), 2nd Battalion 502 Infantry Regiment.  Due to his expert marksmanship, he was assigned as the assistant gunner to Jacob Carver, also a 20 year old from Kansas City, Missouri.  Although they were the youngest machine gun team, they were considered the best and received special recognition while training in Ft. Polk, LA.

In June 2010, Jake’s unit was deployed to Afghanistan. During a mission on November 13, 2010, both Jake and Jacob Carver lost their lives while providing security for their unit.  Both showed great courage and strength as they gave their lives while protecting our rights and freedoms.   

Jake was well known for his smile, his loving heart, an endless sense of humor, loyalty to his friends and family., and a great love and compassion for animals.  Jake never met a stray he did not love nor bring home. Jake’s life will forever be defined by loyalty and dedication to others and the amazing manner in which he touched and affected so many lives.  

Thomas Campbell, a Revolutionary War era poet, paid tribute to the soldiers who fought in the American Revolutionary War with these words, “The Patriot’s Blood is the Seed of Freedom’s Tree”.  His words serve to remind us today that we would not have the freedoms we hold dear if it were not for the sacrifice of our country’s patriots.