Two JBLM Stryker Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan From IED's

(Editor's note: This is from Joint Base Lewis-McChord)

According to the Dept. of Defense, First Lieutenant Sean R. Jacobs, 23, Redding, Calif., and Sergeant John E. Hansen, 41, Austin, Texas, died July 26, near Khakrez, Tsagay Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when they were attacked by an enemy improvised explosive device.

They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. 

1st Lt. Sean R. Jacobs

According to unit records, 1st Lt. Jacobs entered the active Army in May 2010 after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point. 1st Lt. Jacobs’ military branch was 13A, Field Artillery. Follow USMA graduation he received is artillery officer training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before reporting to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in February 2011. Upon arrival he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

He deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in April. This was his first deployment.

1st Lt. Jacob’s education includes U.S. Military Academy, West Point (2010) and 13A: Field Artillery Officer training (2011).

His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Air Assault Badge. 

Sgt. John E. Hansen

Sgt. Hansen entered the U.S. Air Force in October 1999 (no further information). In September 2006 he joined the U.S. Army and reported to Fort Sill, Okla., for Initial Army Training and Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 13D (Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist). Sgt. Hansen had assignments at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., Fort Carson, Colo., and Fort Bragg, N.C., before reporting to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Dec. 2011, where he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

He deployed with this unit to Afghanistan in April. This was his second deployment. He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from Dec. 2007 to Feb. 2009.

Sgt. Hansen’s civilian and military education includes a high school diploma (1989) and Military Occupational Specialty 13D (Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist), Warrior Leader Course (2007), Combat Lifesaver Course (2008), and U.S. Army Airborne School (2010).

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation, Army Achievement Medal (two awards), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Basic Supply-Fuels Qualification Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver – Wheeled Vehicles.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of 1st Lt. Jacobs and Sgt. Hansen.