I had the great pleasure of serving with Hutch in Afghanistan. He was always upbeat and positive and he was fun to go on long runs with. He always made me forget we were away from our families because he was family. RIP brother. We got this.

CW2 Wade Gettle
April 23, 2014

Sela and Maya, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Prayers to you all as you go through this difficult time.

Amy Botine and family
April 23, 2014

To Jacob's family-I am so sorry for your loss, this comes a huge shock to me because I just talked to him the other day. He helped me decide to join the military and was a great friend. R.I.P Jacob you will be truly missed.

Nick Simmons
April 23, 2014

Sela and Maya, You are in our thoughts and prayers during your difficult time. Hoping you focus on your happy joyous times with Jacob. Please let us know if we can help. Danielle Wangsness, Ryan Beck and family

Danielle Wangsness
April 23, 2014

My thoughts and prayers to family and friends. I knew Jacob for a short time, but saw the kind and caring man. Thank you for your service.

Nan Brokaw
April 23, 2014

Oh Sela ~ I FB'd Jacob a couple of weeks ago, telling him of my fun memories of him at SF2 Bible School at St. Stephen's. God kept putting him on my heart for all these years since. I am so sorry darling. Praying for you and Maya and all the others that loved Jacob! May you feel God's hand upholding you in this most difficult time. God's Peace ~

Emily Gibson
April 23, 2014

I had the pleasure of working with Jacob in my previous unit before our deployment to Afghanistan. He was a good friend to have around and we would just hang out around town sometimes. He seemed to have a smile on his face most of the time and he was a motivated and competent medic. We have lost a great man to soon and I hope he knew how much we cared about him.

Corporal Eli Shultz
April 23, 2014

I had the great pleasure of serving with Jacob . He was well known as hutch or as "DOC " he was an awesome solider and a awesome, sweet person out of uniform. He was always there if anyone needed anything...

Laura Seagren
April 24, 2014

I had the great pleasure of serving overseas with hutch, this is just so sad. He is such a great man I can't believe this. It was an honor knowing him you will be truly missed my brother. Prayers to his family and friends

William Wessely
April 24, 2014

It was good serving with you brother. Dogs of War! See you on the flip my friend.

matthew landon
April 24, 2014

Linn County has lost a true patriot. I first got to know Jacob and his family when he was injured in Afghanistan. My prayers go out to his family, especially his mother Sela and sister Maya. I wish I could have done more for Jacob. Donald Tyne, Linn County Veteran Affairs Director

Donald Tyne
April 24, 2014

Jake was my son Luke's best friend while he lived here in Bloomington. They were like brothers. We welcomed Jake into our home and he spent several holidays with my family and friends. He was well liked by everyone. We will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He is at peace now.

Mike Paskash
April 24, 2014

Thank you for your service to our country. RIP. To the family ~ sorry for your loss. He was a true American Hero!!

Jill
April 24, 2014

Jake was one of the best friends I ever had. He was the best roommate I could have asked for. He got me interested in biking and taught me a lot. It's hard to believe he's gone. He is still very loved and will never be forgotten.

Sheldon Albertson
April 24, 2014

Sela and Maya, I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved son and brother. I remember when I was Maya's kindergarten teacher, and she spoke so lovingly of her adored big brother. Please know that you are in my thoughts. Lisa Flaherty

Lisa Flaherty
April 24, 2014

Hutch... I'm so sorry. You were one of the most genuine people I've known, and it was a privilege to have you as a friend... as a brother medic. We need more people like you in life. Sure wish I had said that to you sooner.

Stacy E. Dickey, US Army
April 24, 2014

I got the news yesterday, of the sudden loss and tragic passing of Jacob. So many unanswered questions. We wonder why, how did this happen to such a memorable guy as "Jake." I didn't know Jacob personally, but I knew of him, about him, with much care and concern through my soldier son who served with yours with admiration while in Afghanistan. We are a family of prayer and faith. When we got the call of Jake's injury as the result of an IED, we were contacted immediately to pray for him. We did pray. Then I was introduced to Alexandria, his girlfriend, who was preparing to embark on her journey to Texas to be by Jake's side. Such a brave young girl entering into a world of hurt, because of her love for Jacob. Sacrificial human love. I followed them on Facebook from time to time, because I'm a Mom who loves God and and cares about people, just as I believe God does too. Don't believe that God does not care or that God is dead. God is not dead … He is surely alive. I'm am speaking from the position of one who was raised by a father who was atheist, but in the end of his life, God changed his mind. Today, I woke up mourning the life and death of Jacob. Asking the same questions as everyone would ask. Why? In life we have many battles. We have battle scars and wounds that never heal. They remain hidden below the surface and come out every now and then, because we can't control the darkness that wraps around our minds in a vice grip of no escape. Now many of us are asking ourselves "What if I had kept in touch with Jake more often? What if I could have spent more time with him? Or we have the regrets of "I should have done this for Jake … I should have done that for Jake. I shoulda - coulda … but I didn't. It's my fault." No, it's not your fault. Don't believe that for a moment. Don't even believe that for another second of your life anymore! As I have been feeling the pain and the remorse of many this morning, with uncontrollable weeping, while watching the rain fall, listening to Jesus Culture, sitting with my morning cup of coffee … As the wife of a soldier who served 14 months in Iraq, as a mother of 2 sons serving in the military at present, YES, I feel what you are all feeling right now. As I was about to ASK God the question … I heard God's whisper … "Jake is with Me." Then I was reminded of the Word where God says, "I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you." Somewhere, someway, somehow, sometime long ago, Jake must have asked Jesus to be his Savior. Iin a sincere moment … in his heart Jacob asked … Jacob believed … and God took him at his word … AND God kept His Word: "I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you." Jake didn't realize that before, but he knows it now. I pray God's peace over all of us who remain behind. I pray God's love and forgiveness, healing and restoration, reconciliation for us through His Son Jesus who died once for all, paying full price for our sins and shortsightedness. Then Jesus arose from the grave DEFEATING death, now seated with God the Father of all creation. Jesus praying on behalf of us all and sent to us the Holy Spirit to draw all men to the Truth that God Our Father is surely alive and available to you and to me for eternity. Salvation is God's gift to us through Jesus. Amen.

Teresa Lydon
April 24, 2014

There is nothing we can say to take away the hurt you and Maya are feeling right now. Please know you're in our prayers and we wish for you some peace. Jacob is a hero. Thank you for sharing him with the world. Much love, Sabrina, Todd, Gabriella and Noah

Sabrina Thalblum
April 24, 2014

Thank you for your family member's service to our country and bless you always.

Anonymous
April 24, 2014

Hutch, your smile and positive outlook always brightened our day. You're a damn good doc, and a good man. Words can't do you justice-everyone who met you knows that you're the real thing. Every one of us will miss you.

Rob Hill
April 25, 2014

God bless you and your family at this difficult time. I did not know you but I am grateful for your service and sacrifice and just wanted to pay my respects. May God bless and keep your family and shower them with His mercy and comfort.

Karen Fadely
April 25, 2014

I'm so sad to hear of the loss of Jake. I had the honor of working with him during his recovery at the CFI. He was an such, genuine, strong, and courageous man with a contagious laugh that lit up a room. I'm saddened that he is no longer with us. He will remain in spirit and always be there walking beside those he left behind. He and his family gave great service and sacrifice to this country and I thank all of you. May he rest in peace.

Lisa Smurr
April 25, 2014

Hutch, I never got to ask you to stand with me at my wedding celebration. You will be there in my thoughts. I love you, man! I will always carry your memory with me.

Nate Miller
April 26, 2014

We are very sorry and saddened to hear about Jacob. We are in Miss. and unable to be in Cedar Rapids today. Sela and Maya, we are thinking of you, and Jacob today. George and Joyce

George Ackermann
April 26, 2014

I am so very saddened at the great loss of Jake and the family has my deepest sympathies. I was honored to have been one of Jake's teachers during his time in Waverly, IA and I have nothing but fond memories of him. Jake was a great student and voluntarily came to school early to work with me on a video project for our school. He and I talked frequently about his desire to go into medicine and he later returned to the school to tell me about his future with the National Guard. He will be greatly missed.

Amanda Sanderman
April 27, 2014

Maya, I cannot express the sadness I feel for you and your family on the death of your beloved brother. You were a shining light in his life, and his memory will continue to live on within you. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Jake when he visited Franklin. From the moment I met you in my sixth grade classroom, I realized you were and are a compassionate, tender, and caring person. My deepest apologies for not being there for you yesterday. Should there be anything I can do know that I am here for you.

Kelle Kolkmeier
April 27, 2014

My Dear Sela and Maya, word cannot express how sad we are at the loss of your dear and brave Jacob. Though we did not know Jacob, he obviously was a true and faithful servant! A HERO! We cannot image the pain you must endure. Please know we are with you and will carry you in our hearts. Hugs, Sandy and Jim

Jim and Sandy Boddicker
April 27, 2014

I got acquainted with Jake when he moved into Northwoods Estates in Jan 2013. Despite the injuries he sustained he was very inspirtional in his determination to enjoy a quality in life that included dedication to his dogs, learning to play the guitar, riding his segway in the neighborhood, participating in disc golf, hosting parties, and detemination to go back to school and get his nursing degree. I talked to him several times and it's too bad the VA was too slow in processing his request to have his leg removed so he could have enjoyed an even better quality of life. FAMILY AND FRIENDS -- JAKE IS MY HERO AND I AM SORRY FOR YOU LOSS. I will miss too.

a neighbor
May 4, 2014

Sela, Maya and family- I am deeply saddened to hear about Jacob's passing. Please know you are in my prayers. He was a hero.

Signe
May 7, 2014

Jacob was brave young soldier that left the world much too soon, and that is a loss for society. My condolences to his family.

Mike from NYC
May 12, 2014