Army Spc. Jacob J. Fairbanks
Death: Apr 09, 2008
of St. Paul Minn.; assigned to the 1st Battalion 320th Field Artillery Regiment 2nd Brigade Combat Team 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Fort Campbell Ky.; Died April 9 in Baghdad of injuries sustained in a non-combat-related incident. Minnesota soldier killed in Iraq The Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS — An Army specialist from St. Paul Died of injuries suffered in Iraq the Defense Department reported Friday. He is the 73rd person with strong Minnesota ties to die in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Spc. Jacob J. Fairbanks22 of St. Paul Died Wednesday in Baghdad of injuries the military described as non-combat-related. Fairbanks was a member of the 1st Battalion 320th Field Artillery Regiment in the 101st Airborne out of Fort Campbell Ky. He had joined the Army in 2004 and was about six months into his second tour in Iraq. Fairbanks’ family issued a statement that described Fairbanks as a “proud member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.” It said he was a 2004 graduate of St. Paul Johnson Senior High School where he was active in Junior ROTC wrestling and tennis. Fairbanks is survived by his wife Dwan of St. Paul; daughter Kayla 1; stepchildren Alexander 11; Katelin 9; and David 5; and his parents. Army Spc. Jacob J. Fairbanks remembered The Associated Press Mike Wallman recalled becoming a new pastor and walking into a rowdy youth group meeting where Jacob J. Fairbanks then in high school was present. Fairbanks called out to the group: “Listen up” the pastor recalled Fairbanks telling the kids. “This is our new pastor. Listen to him and show him the respect he deserves.” The group quieted down instantly. Fairbanks “could command respect” Wallman said. Fairbanks22 of St. Paul Minn. Died April 9 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was a 2004 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Campbell. Two of his best friends 22-year-old Caleb Champeau and 21-year-old Robby Dodge painted a picture of Fairbanks as a resourceful guy with a need to help others. “He was the kind of guy who’d give you the shirt off his back which happened quite a bit” Champeau said. “He was selfless.” Dodge said Fairbanks “made it a priority to solve issues for friends.” Fairbanks a wrestler and tennis player who was voted “most outgoing” by his classmates is survived by his wife Dawn daughter Kayla 1 and stepchildren Alexander 11 Katelin 9 and David5Operation Iraqi freedom