SSgt Jacob L. Frazier Memorial:
Military Warriors Remembrance Fund

"A man dies twice: once when the breath leaves his body and again when his name is spoken for the last time."

Help us Remember SSgt Jacob (Jake) L. Frazier

In memory of SSgt Jacob L. Frazier and in support of the Illinois warriors, past and present, the Airmen of the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron have created this fund. The fund was started by Major E. Paul Hauter (169th ASOS Director of Operations)

SSgt Jacob L. Frazier Memorial Fund

Background

SSgt Jacob L. Frazier, known as Jake, was an Illinois warrior who tragically lost his life on March 29, 2003, in Southern Afghanistan during an ambush on his Special Operations team. Jake was a dedicated member of the Air National Guard, having joined the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron in Peoria, Illinois, in 1997 as a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) member. The TACP training is renowned for its difficulty, with only approximately 30% of trainees successfully completing the program to become TACP qualified.

Purpose of the Fund

The SSgt Jacob L. Frazier Memorial Fund aims to honor Jake's memory by supporting causes that were close to his heart. This fund will pay tribute to his unwavering commitment to his fellow TACP brothers, his deep devotion to his family, and his remarkable sense of humor that prevailed in any circumstance.

Priorities

The fund will prioritize the following objectives:
1. Fund the $1,000 Scholarship at Central High School, Burlington, IL: The fund will ensure the continuation of the existing $1,000 scholarship established in SSgt Jacob L. Frazier's name. This scholarship will support students at Central High School, Burlington, IL, providing them with educational opportunities and encouraging their pursuit of excellence.
2. Support Illinois Combat Warriors and Their Families: A significant focus of the fund will be to assist Illinois Guardsmen who are deployed overseas. The fund will help address the often overlooked financial challenges faced by their families, including situations such as home repairs, vehicle emergencies, medical expenses, and other similar issues. By providing financial support, we aim to alleviate some of the burdens these families face and express our gratitude for their loved ones' service.
3. Assist the TACP Foundation/Association: In the event that residual funds remain after fulfilling the above priorities, the fund will provide support to the TACP Foundation/Association. This assistance will contribute to the well-being and support of TACPs and their families worldwide, ensuring they have the necessary resources to navigate the challenges they may encounter.

Take Action

We invite you to join us in remembrance of SSgt Jacob L. Frazier and in solidarity with the Illinois warriors, both past and present. Your contribution to the SSgt Jacob L. Frazier Memorial Fund will make a tangible impact in honoring Jake

DONATE

“Continue to honor your brothers, continue to honor them, it never ever gets old, it keeps that spirit alive.” Jim Frazier (Jacob Frazier’s dad, 2021 TACP Foundation Memorial Toast)

The Bronze Star

…medal (Posthumous) is awarded to: JACOB L. FRAZIER

Staff Sergeant Jacob L. Frazier distinguished himself by meritorious achievement as an Enlisted Terminal Air Controller, Operational Detachment Alpha – 744, while engaged in ground operations against the enemy in Afghanistan from 24 January 2003 to 29 March 2003. During this period, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Sergeant Frazier accompanied Special Forces teams in the conduct of numerous high-risk combat missions in remote areas of central and southern Afghanistan. He supervised the Close Air Support planning and execution of these missions and expertly controlled manned surveillance platforms, strike aircraft, gun ships and helicopters. Most notable among these was his participation in s Direct Action Mission on a suspected Al Qaida and Taliban planning cell. As part of that mission, Sergeant Frazier participated in three armed reconnaissance visits to remote Afghan villages suspected of planning attacks on United States Forces at Firebase Gereshk. The mission led to recovery and detention of numerous documents and personnel. Sergeant Frazier was directly responsible for Close Air Support during five round-trip ground convoys from Firebase Gereshk to Kandahar. These convoys successfully transported ammunition and supplies to another Special Forces firebase. By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty in the service of his country, Sergeant Frazier has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.