Stories - Nebraska Troop Support

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This page is dedicated to Jacob S. Schmuecker.

Jacob Schmueker
Sgt. Jacob Schmuecker, 27, of Norfolk, died last weekend when a roadside bomb exploded next to his vehicle in Balad, Iraq.
He was remembered by family and friends in Norfolk on Monday morning. Members of his unit were on leave from Iraq, and 125 Patriot Guard riders looked on as Schmueker was carried from the service at Community Bible Church.

Schmuecker was killed by a roadside bomb earlier this month.

Thousands turned out to memorialize the soldier, and many lined the streets of Norfolk as his procession went from the church to the cemetery.

"He's from our neck of the woods and we take care of our people," said Diane Maloney, who lined the route.

Family spokesman Todd Crosby said he was surprised by the crowd.

"Never in my wildest dreams had I ever thought that the outpouring of support would be that great. It is magnificent to see, to come from a town like Norfolk," Crosby said.

At Prospect Hill Cemetery, the avid sports fan, decorated soldier, husband and father of three was laid to rest. His wife, Lisa, and his mother, Patty, received military flags from Maj. Gen. Roger Lempke, head of the Nebraska National Guard.

"It is with great pride, honor and respect that we say, 'Thank you,'" Crosby said. "Sgt. Schmueker, you paid the ultimate price so that all who live in the United States of America could continue to enjoy the freedoms and liberties that you so believed in and fought for."

At the church service, Schmueker was awarded eight medals, including a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a Combat Action Badge.

Blog from Chuck McWilliams.....

Memorial For Sergeant Jacob Schmuecker
As you may already be aware... our unit lost another friend and fellow soldier just under a week ago. Sergeant Jacob Schmuecker wasn't in my platoon... so I didn't have the opportunity to get to know him as well as I did Specialist Bill Bailey. But he did stop by and speak to me on several occasions... usually it was about the weather... or our families... and I liked him instantly. He was a truly genuine person and an honorable man.

I included some pictures from Sergeant Schmuecker's memorial service that was held yesterday here in Iraq. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

Sgt.Schmuecker
Atkinson, Nebraska October 25, 1979
July 21, 2007 Balad, Iraq

Sgt Jacob Schmuecker age 27 leaves behind a wife Lisa, and 3 children. A mother Patricia, and a father, Rodney, both of Atkinson Ne. Jacob served with the 755th Recon/Decon Co with the O’Neill National Guard.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members and loved ones of Jacob S. Schmuecker, who gave his life to fight for our country. May God give you peace in your heart and strength to carry on... He proudly served his country.. Now he proudly serves with angels wings...

Psalm 91

"The Soldier's Psalm"

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

*will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will Say of the Lord. "He is my refuge and

my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge: his

faithfulness will be your shield and rampart,

You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you make the Most High your dwelling--

Even the Lord, who is my refuge—

Then no harm will befall you,

No disaster will come near your tent,

For he will command his angels concerning you

To guard you in all your ways;

They will lift you up in their hands,

So that you will not strike your foot

against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;

You will trample the great lion and the serpent.

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord,

“I will rescuer him: I will protect him,

for he acknowledges my name.

He will call upon me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him

And show him my salvation.”

This was created to honor Jacob S. Schmuecker by Bonny O'Connell.

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