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 LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. – The engine exploded, and
projectiles scattered into the air, hitting individuals nearby. As
the young soldier looked on, he knew only one thing: he had to help
them.
The unexpected explosion gave Christian Jacobs, a
former helicopter flight engineer, the final push in finding his
calling of helping others.
Jacobs' motivation to help others
not only allowed him the opportunity to serve his country, but also
helped him find his passion and the chance to educate people and
mold the nation's future.
“Firefighting was something that
always interested me,” said Jacobs. “When I was stationed in Korea,
the explosion hurt a few people. I was on scene and was able to help
out; I got hooked from there.”
Now 16 years later, the former
soldier's journey has come full circle. Jacobs, once assigned as a
student at the 1st Battalion, 222nd Aviation Regiment at Fort Eustis
in 1990, found himself back in familiar territory when he was
stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
At Langley, Jacobs
serves as a 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector, a job that
requires him to work in public fire education and fire code
compliance. Jacobs oversees the base fire inspection program and
serves as the fire department's accreditation program manager and
base fire prevention program manager. His responsibilities also
include reviewing construction and renovation projects.
Jacobs' career in firefighting began when he started as a volunteer
firefighter, working his way up the chain and gaining life
experience and education.
After finishing his enlistment in
1994, Jacobs began volunteering with the fire department in Fort
Carson, Colo., and was hired as a firefighter in 2000 at nearby
Schriever Air Force Base.
While in Colorado, Jacobs said he
was given the opportunity to gain experiences rarely acquired by
“the average Joe.”
“I was the incident commander for a
multi-jurisdictional search and rescue operation for two missing
people,” said Jacobs, “an experience I would've never had while on
base.”
Jacobs described the opportunity to rescue two
individuals successfully on a cold night as “rewarding” and “a
privilege.”
“It was very fulfilling,” said Jacobs. “Search
and rescue missions don't always end well. Fortunately, we were able
to find them.”
While serving as a full-time and volunteer
firefighter from 1994 to 2009, Jacobs earned an associate degree in
2005, a Bachelor of Science in 2003 and a Master of Public
Administration in 2008.
Though Jacobs is thankful for the
opportunities offered to him, he admitted balancing, work,
education, volunteerism and a supporting family did not come without
its struggles.
“One of the biggest challenges was making time
for it all,” said Jacobs. “There were plenty of missed meals, lost
sleep and absences from significant events. There were times where
my wife wasn't always happy with me.”
Jacobs said his passion
for helping others began with his dedication to work. His commitment
to making sure he gives his best is recognized by those who work
with him.
“[Jacobs] embodies what it is to be a fire
inspector, and instills his strong values in those around him,” said
Richard Pettyjohn, 633rd CES assistant fire prevention chief. “His
drive gives those who work with him the inspiration to perform at
their best.”
Apart from ensuring the safety of the JBLE
community, Jacobs volunteers in the Civil Air Patrol, the civilian
auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Jacobs has been able to merge both
his passion for volunteering and educating future generations in
leadership guidance, aerospace education and emergency services
training.
The commander of CAP's Langley Composite Squadron,
Jacobs is responsible for the professional development of 16 senior
members and more than 50 cadets. He ensures everyone meets their
annual training and education requirements, and keeps his unit ready
if called upon to support local civil authorities or the federal
government in the event of an emergency.
“Through CAP I am
able to I am able to change someone's life,” said Jacobs. “I get the
opportunity to help shape them for a better future.”
In the
end, Jacobs said he is fortunate for the experience he has gained
over the years, the opportunity to serve others and the ability to
shape future generations.
Though finding the time to perform
all of these activities was difficult, he proved perseverance and
hard work pays off.
“Though balancing it all can be trying at
times, in the end it has its benefits.” said Jacobs. “I get the
opportunity to serve others and to watch young people come into the
[CAP] program, then go off into new, interesting and inspiring
things. Helping others is not about what you get out of it, I think
it's the right thing to do.”
Article and photo by USAF Airman Areca T. Wilson
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2013
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