Jackie L. Diener II
Private First Class, United States Army
December 30, 1990 – November 21, 2011
Age – 20
Boyne City, MI
Operation Enduring Freedom
3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY
Died of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire
An adventurous, gentle man of only 20, Jack packed more life into his young years than most do in their entire lifetimes. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him and remembered by many more than that. Although he willingly admitted to not being a scholar, he did enjoy the social activities and sports that come with school. In his years leading up to junior year in high school, Jack enjoyed being on many teams, including football, basketball, Little League baseball, 4-H soccer, and wrestling and track to name a few.
Outside of athletics he enjoyed playing in the school band, science fairs and volunteer projects in the community. During his junior year of high school, Jack took part in the foreign exchange program that took him to faraway places like Denmark, Italy and France. Even thousands of miles away from home, his high morals and zeal for life made him many friends and helped him to touch many lives. Jack was also very active with his family, where he enjoyed camping in all seasons, swimming, hiking, building (and tearing apart), ice skating, snowmobiling, Boy Scouts and blackberry picking On his own and with friends he enjoyed paintball, computers and gaming, reading, Frisbee golf, going to local (and professional) football games, and just enjoying all of the things life had to offer him.
After high school, Jack spent a year working and going to college before enlisting in the United States Army in January 2011. Jack trained in the second-to-last graduating class at Fort Knox, KY., before moving on in his field at Fort Drum in New York. Jack proudly served his country and fought hard for what he believed in. Jack will always be remembered for his vivacious spirit, quick wit, mischievous smirk, laughing eyes, warm hugs and generous heart. He made many friends and memories wherever he went; touching and changing lives that will stretch on into the years to come.
Among his awards and ribbons are the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Army Combat Action Badge.