Private First Class. Jacob H. Wykstra enlisted in the Army in May of 2013 and deployed to Afghanistan in January of 2014. He was chosen to be part of an Aerial Reaction Force Team. 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.

Jake was friendly, accepting, artistic, athletic, and charitable. He was a comedian and a Christian. He had a love for all people and dogs.

Jake made raising the spirits of those around him his calling. He had an extraordinary love for life, and an extremely funny personality. He had a unique gift for sensing other people’s emotions, and was always thrilled to make others laugh when they were down or in difficult circumstances. His platoon brothers said it was this trait that got them through the struggles that came with deployment.