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Iowa VFW Helps Parents of Fallen Sailor Before Jamie Jaenke left for Iraq, she got her affairs in order. She’d just started a new horse stable business, but more than anything else, she wanted to make sure her nine-year-old daughter Kayla would be taken care of. Tragically, in June 2006, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jamie Jaenke became the first female Iowan to die in the Iraq War. Months later, her parents were struggling to raise Kayla on their limited income. Dubuque Navy Reserve Ombudsman, Nancy Trimpe, decided to make a call on behalf of the Jaenke’s. She contacted Patrick (Pat) Stark of Monticello VFW Post 1683, who serves as the Military Assistance Program (MAP) chairman for Iowa, to ask if the VFW could lend a hand. No sooner said than done. “After getting approval from National Headquarters, state commander Richard (George) Goebel of Dubuque, and Third District Commander Darrell Blasberg of Waverly Post 2208, we organized a nice Christmas surprise for the Jaenke’s,” said Stark. A few weeks before Christmas, commander Goebel presented a Target gift card in the amount of $1,000 to the Jaenke family. “I couldn’t believe the amount,” exclaimed Susan Jaenke. “We’ve been having a hard time.” Pat Stark also delivered a message to the Jaenke family on behalf of the VFW, saying, “All of us in the VFW gave to our country, and Kayla, your mother was among those who gave all. We are thankful for her sacrifice and yours, and we’re very proud of both you and your grandparents.” |
Pat Stark, Military Assistance |
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