Army Cpl. Jacob R. Carver

Remember Our Heroes

Army Cpl. Jacob R. Carver, 20, of Freeman, Mo.

Cpl. Carver was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 13, 2010 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, when an insurgent suicide bomber detonated a vest bomb and struck his unit. Also killed were Spc. Jacob C. Carroll and Staff Sgt. Juan L. Rivadeneira.

Corporal Jacob R. Carver, 20, of Freeman, Mo. joined the Army in September 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell February 2009. His awards and decorations include: National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and Army Service Ribbon.

Jacob graduated from Cass Midway High School in 2008, joined the Army in September 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell February 2009. He was on his first deployment.

Jake's high school football coach, Larry Burchett said he remembered Jake "as a kid who was very fun loving and outgoing". Coach added that "you read about it in the paper and see it in the news, but until it hits home; it's kind of like it's one of yours. You never really understand it".

Jacob was due home to visit for two weeks in late December. He leaves behind an extended family and many many friends in Freeman.

The Patriot Guard Riders have Jacob on their confirmed mission list.

FREEMAN, Missouri - A Cass County soldier killed last weekend in Afghanistan died what he wanted to do, his football coach said Wednesday.

Cpl. Jacob R. Carver, 20, of Freeman, Missouri was one of three American soldiers killed Saturday in Kandahar province when a suicide bomber detonated a vest bomb in southern Afghanistan.

Carver went to high school in the Cass-Midway R-1 School District, where he played football and ran track.

Larry Burchett coached him in football. He called him a “good guy” who loved life.

Burchett says he last spoke with Carver a few months ago, just before he shipped out. He says Jake really wanted to be deployed.

In the November 5th issue of Cass County Democrat Missourian, Carver was honored for his military service. Seven days later Carver was killed along with two other soldiers by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.

“I think everybody feels the same way,” said Burchett.

“It’s a terrible thing and a tragedy and trying to understand why,” Burchett added.

Townspeople who knew Carver are crushed; but proud.

Debra Kruse said, “Very proud, yes, he’s going to be missed.”

Melinda Eads said, “He served our country and you know just an amazing man.”

Carver joined the Army in September 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2009. He is survived by his mother, Rosa M. Carver, and father, Arthur F. Carver, of Freeman.

A candlelight memorial will be held honoring Carver on Friday, November 19th, 6:30 p.m. on the square in front of the old Harrisonville Courthouse.

Army Cpl. Jacob R. Carver was killed in action on 11/13/10.