Schoolcraft III, Jon M.

Jon M. Schoolcraft III

Wapakoneta, Ohio

Feather Location: Row Q, #09

ByLance Mihm  / reporter3@wapakwdn.com / July 12, 2012

 …“One of the last texts to me was, ‘Mom, if something happens, just don’t ever forget me,’” Hooker said with tears falling down her face. Pride in her son’s sacrifice mixed with the conflicting pain of losing a child as she spoke. It was obvious he would never be forgotten.

The soldier’s last words to his mother will ring true for other residents of Wapakoneta for generations to come, as Schoolcraft was honored for all-time with a memorial dedicated in his honor, along with all other veterans who have gave the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan. The memorial was unveiled Wednesday at Veterans Memorial Park. “It’s a beautiful tribute to an honorable man,” Hooker said. “He was such a good guy and he was my little peacekeeper. And that is how he died,  as a peacekeeper.”

Schoolcraft also is the son of Jon Schoolcraft and is survived by a wife, Amber Leigh Schoolcraft. Schoolcraft was born Dec. 27, 1981, and entered active service in June of 2001. Upon completion of training in Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 18th Infantry Regiment, in Germany. In June of 2005, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 27th Infantry, in Hawaii. He died from injuries suffered after his vehicle struck an explosive device. Army officials said Schoolcraft was surrounded by other soldiers when he died and was the only casualty of the incident. He was buried in Buckland on Feb. 2, 2008….

Carver:  Jon Wassmeth carves with Charlie’s Chippers in Lancaster Ohio

Wood:  Cedar