Honoree: Jacob H. Wykstra


Jacob H. Wykstra
Dates: Died May 28, 2014
Hometown: Thornton, CO
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: Private First Class
Player: Justin Biwer

Private First Class Jacob Wykstra, 21, from Thornton, Colorado died May 28, 2014, in an aircraft accident in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan. He was chosen to be part of an Aerial Reaction Force Team – soldiers who fly into battle on helicopters to rapidly repel enemy moves. His last mission was attempting to rescue a wounded Afghani Soldier. During this mission, his Blackhawk helicopter crashed, wounding twelve and killing only him. Wykstra was awarded The Bronze Star.

PFC Wykstra was assigned as a rifleman to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO. He had joined the Army in 2013 and was deployed to Afghanistan the following January.

PFC Wykstra was known by his platoon mates as a laid-back guy, a skateboarder in uniform who seemed to like everyone.

His family recalled him as a faithful and loving husband, son, brother and friend. “Jake always lit up a room with his smile and goofy sense of humor. Those he served with have said that no matter how difficult the situation, he had the ability to find the humor and good in it.”

PFC Wykstra is survived by his wife, Katherine.