‘Bobcat’ Soldiers say goodbye to fallen comrade

Capt. John Sheridan, the commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, gives his remarks during the memorial service for Spc. Kedith Jacobs. Jacobs was a multichannel transmissions system operator and maintainer assigned to HHC. Photo by Sgt. Victor Everhart, 3rd BCT, 1st AD Public Affairs.

Sgt. Victor Everhart,
3rd BCT, 1st AD Public Affairs:

WARDAK PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, also known as the “Bobcat” Battalion, said goodbye to a brother and comrade during a memorial ceremony earlier this month for Spc. Kedith L. Jacobs.

He was a multichannel transmissions system operator and maintainer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company.

“Specialist Jacobs’ dedication to his section and their well-being set a standard for communication operations matched by few others in his specialty,” said 1st Lt. Jeremy Purcell, the assistant operations officer. “His eagerness and willingness to continually perform whatever tasks were put in front of him were exemplary of his relentless dedication to whom he provided service.

“All that were blessed to have known Jacobs will undoubtedly feel the void created by the passing of such a great man,” continued Purcell. “He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”

The loss of the Soldier was felt throughout the ranks, to the highest level of battalion leadership.

“Specialist Jacobs had earned the admiration and confidence of his leaders,” said Lt. Col. Robert Horney, the battalion’s commanding officer. “He was technically savvy and a quick learner; he was a Soldier that the communications section could send to any combat outpost without any supervision to upgrade or repair any critical communication equipment.

“Additionally, he was known for his positive and caring attitude, not just with the communications section, but across his company and the battalion,” continued Horney. “Serving the communications section, this man provided valuable support to all of the companies as well as to the battalion. He was proud of his profession and extremely proficient at his assigned duties.”

“Specialist Kedith Jacobs gave his life for this country and for us,” said Capt. John Sheridan, the Headquarters and Headquarters Company commanding officer. “The debt that we owe him cannot and will not ever be repaid; all we can do is honor his sacrifice and remember the legacy he left behind.

“Kedith focused on working on the network computers and communication issues on Combat Outpost Sultan Kheyl, yet he was always willing to put that aside to help a fellow Soldier, whether it was fixing a computer or just being an ear to talk to,” continued Sheridan. “Independent drive, quiet humor distinguished him as a competent and capable Soldier.

“His talents with computers and networks was such that the need for them extended beyond the walls of COP Sultan Kheyl,” added Sheridan. “Kedith, it was an honor to serve beside you. I know you’ll be watching over the men of the communication, counter-IED, and Headquarters Company, and I know they will continue to honor you through their service to our country and to each other.”

Jacobs’ awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis and his daughter Alora Jacobs.