In our heartbroken sadness, we want to tell you that our oldest son, Jacob Samuel Siefert, was killed 10-20-2005 in a terrible accident in Colorado. As many of you might have known or suspected. My family and I are believers in a higher power and it has been the strength that we have drawn on in an effort to live lives that we could not have lived if we hadn't had faith in something bigger than us. While we are saddened, moments beyond what we think we can handle, and Bob, his earthly father, suffers from the images of holding his son, incapable of helping him as he died, we again turn to our faith. Most importantly, as a family we have discussed many things, things not about faith and spirituality, things of this world, but we also talked a great deal about our purpose on earth. It is our heartfelt knowledge that we have a certainty of something bigger than us that is true and where faith resides. This power has guided our family though many troubles, is doing so now, and will continue. We will miss Jake more than it seem reasonable to bear, but we take great comfort in having known his heart and mind in matters such as death and faith. He openly talked about them, especially before his duty in Iraq. He was one of God's men, striving to be honest and loyal and trustworthy in the name of God. He led quietly, influenced in ways that we are only now seeing the fruits. Even though he was with us too short of a time, we have no regrets for things unsaid, love not given fully, sharing of our hearts and dreams and fears, and the knowledge of the kind of man he was. We know that the power and strength he gained from God is where his soul lies now. Some of you reading this may not know him personally, but I ask you to remember my family as people of God, if you pray please do, we welcome them; if you don't, love never fails and it is my hope and prayer that you know the love that we know.

When you remember Jake, remember that he all you knew of him, the good, the bad, all of him, was because of his love for God, his Father. Packed in his backpack on this last hunting trip was his little green New Testament. He carried it every where, so quietly he carried it, you might never known how much it meant to him unless you happened upon it on his beside or caught him with it, his head bowed. It spent many daily moments with God, to read and recieve God's direction. peace, and love.

Jake always wanted to give to other people. He was always thinking of ways to be the one to give someone a start and then back away and let them run with the opportunity. We have prayed and diligently considered the best way to honor his life that would be in keeping with what he thought would be valuable to others on this earth. In lieu of flowers we are asking that any rememberances be sent to the Jacob Siefert Memorial Fund, which will be used to fund a scholarship in his name, at his alma mater, Texas A&M. The Aggie Spirit was one of the things that played an important role in Jake's life. There were many things, but this scholarship seems to be one way we might accomplish for him, the goal of helping others. These funds will be used to support a student scholarship. Jake was the Chaplain for A-1, and its our intention that as we work through the red tape of these kinds of efforts, the scholarship will provide for both physical and a spiritual aid to a young student chaplain. Contributions should be sent to Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840-2811. In the memo line write, Jacob Samuel Siefert. Other questions you may contact Johnathan Siefert, 832-606-2934.

A few last things need to be said concerning this time in our life. Death makes you consider existance after death. There are those that ask why. And as many people that might read this, there will be that many different thoughts and doubts or beliefs or answers to those questions. But this one thing if for certain, no matter what your philosophy might be, people who have a relationship with God, a higher power, a creator, are not just thinking about what life is after death or why bad things happen.. God's kingdom is on this earth as well, and Jake, as well as us, know, KNOW, how strong that power is. If you see any merit in our lives, if you saw any merit in Jake's, if you see merit in my other two sons who are also God's men, you must attribute it to a daily walk with Him who provided power and wisdom and direction. This grace and love that comes only from God has been exemplified by the enourmous outpouring of support and help from a community of friends and family that can only be described as wonderous. Later, we will thank them individually, but right now we will only thank God for His Kingdom on earth.

God, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot chance, the courage to change the things that we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Amen