When reflecting on the significance of 20 years in the military, most service members equate it to the amount of years needed for retirement. For the Jacobson family it's the amount of time that has passed since the death of a loved one. U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson was a member of the 17th SFS from 2003-2005. In 2005 she was deployed as part of the 586th Expeditionary SFS stationed at Camp Bucca, Iraq where she died September 28th, 2005. She was the first female Airman killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the first Air Force SF member killed in conflict since the Vietnam War. The 17th Training Wing along with the 17th SFS hosted the 2025 Jacobson Ruck at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, on Sept. 26. “Today we gather to remember, to honor and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of A1C Jacobson” said Col. Matthew Norton, 17th TRW commander. “Im deeply humbled to stand alongside to stand alongside the Gold star family, friends and fellow airmen as we mark the 20th anniversary of her passing with the annual Jacobson memorial ruck.”
Jacobson’s family was in attendance at the ruck in honor of the 20th anniversary of Elizabeth’s death. Allowing the Gold-Star family to be able to remember and honor her, along with the hundreds of service members in attendance. The ruck began at the 17 SFS squadron and spanned four miles, with participants wearing 25-pound rucksacks, some containing canned goods for the canned food drive that also took place. a controlled destination from Explosive Ordnance Disposal in recognition of the environment Jacobson was in when she lost her life 20 years ago. “Thank you all so much for coming out,” said Dr. David Jacobson, A1C Elizabeth Jacobson’s father. “I've been meaning to come here for 20 years, and finally, with my family, all my daughters, in tow, we made our way back out.” As members completed the route, they shared stories about the meaning of Jacobson’s service and legacy, ensuring newer generations of Airmen understand her contribution. Jacobson’s family expressed their gratitude for the continued remembrance of their daughter’s life. “We don’t just carry weight in our packs,” said Senior Airman Davis, 17 SFS defender. “We carry the memory of her courage, dedication and ultimate sacrifice. The family being here with us makes this remembrance even more powerful.”